This Weekend
Photo via Priority Bicycles
Happy Friday! Any big plans this weekend? It seems Tyler and I have been on the go a lot lately, so I'm looking forward to a slower weekend around the house. I purchased a new bike a few weeks ago and have yet to go for a spin, so that's at the top of my to-do list.
I've had the same bicycle since I was probably 10 years old. It's been a great bike, but it is very heavy and difficult to lug around. Plus, Tyler bought a fancy road bike a few years ago, so he can fly down the road while I'm huffing and puffing just trying to keep within a reasonable distance. I'm not interested in professional biking, but I don't think a quality bike for a reasonable price is too much to ask. Right? Oh, and I want it to be good looking! Easy peasy.
I stumbled upon Priority Bicycles which is a company started by Dave Weiner in New York City, and I knew I had to give it a try. The company launched it's first Kickstarter campaign in July 2014 with a goal to raise $30,000. By the time it was all said and done, they ended up raising over $565,000! Just over a year later, they are fully operational and offering a "cheap, light, 'maintenance free' bike with quality components".
Photo via Priority Bicycles
The design itself is very slick. You get two options - step-thru (matte black or gloss white) or diamond frame (matte black or gloss blue). The fewer the options the better in my opinion, so this was perfect for me. They're made with aluminum frames to keep them lightweight and easy to carry up stairs. They have three speeds via an internal hub, and instead of a chain and gears they use a belt drive system, which you typically only see on higher-end setups.
Photo via Priority Bicycles
I bought the step-thru frame in gloss white for $399 + $30 shipping - a heck of a lot cheaper than what I've looked at in the past. The one thing I'm a little nervous about? The brakes. Do you remember foot brakes? You know, pedal forward to go and backwards to stop? Yeah, I haven't ridden a bike like that in YEARS. We'll see how it goes!
I have 30 days to decide if it's a perfect fit, so I'll report back next week and let you know what I think. Have a great weekend!