My Priority 600

This isn't the bike I put the most miles on, but it's definitely the one I use the most. Since I purchased it in early 2022, it's been my trusty commuter bike. It's also been ideal for overnight trips. My 600 has cheerfully splashed through heavy rain, glissaded through spring slush, and carried me safely on winding bike paths and pothole-riddled roads these last few years.

I've always enjoyed tinkering with my bikes and tweaking the small details. Just for fun, I thought I'd break down some of the things I've changed and the original features I love.

1. Metal splashguard

This cheap, short fender from Wald is less fussy than the one that came with the bike (it always seemed to be rattling or rubbing something) and it works almost as well as a full fender.

2. Top cap Garmin mount

This quarter mount is great for trips but I like how it is simple and unobtrusive when not in use (which is most of the time). Red of course!

3. Wolf Tooth seat post clamp

Lighter and simpler than the quick release-style one that came with the bike. The red has faded quite a bit, but I don't mind the worn look.

4. WTB Volt saddle

This is the same one that came with the bike. I've been picky about saddles in the past, but for some reason this one has always worked well for me.

5. Varia radar mount

I don't use this much because it doesn't work well with the rack. But the radar is nice to have on those occasions when I don't have the rack installed.

6. Ortlieb pannier

These are actually designed for a front rack, but I think they are just the right size for touring and everyday cargo. They are over ten years old and are basically indestructible I stuff a cargo net in the bag to allow me to secure bulkier loads. I usually have just one on the rack for daily use.

7. Kickstand

An indispensable item for everyday use and bike touring. This is the original one that came with the bike. Everyone is secretly jealous of it.

8. Pinion gearbox and belt drive

This is the heart of the 600. It has performed excellently in all sorts of nasty conditions. I have changed the oil twice so far (once a year is recommended).

9. Carbon seat post

This is the original seat post. Brand-less and logo-less but seems to work fine.

10. Frame bag

This is a custom bag made by Rogue Panda, a small company based in New Mexico. The bag is attached to the seat post/downtube with bolts and to the top tube with paracord. There are two large sections and sleeve-like pocket on the non-drive side. The lower triangular section fits my 1.5 L Apidura water reservoir which is nice for trips. When I ride to work or around town, I keep my U-lock and a microfiber cloth in the top section (good for blowing my nose or drying off my saddle).

11. Redshift pedals

These fancy pedals stay on my bike most of the time. They have super bright lights that make me highly visible at night. They know which way they are facing and automatically switch between white and red light. They turn off by themselves. These have been an excellent addition to the bike and have been especially valuable in winter.

12. Rear fender with integrated hub-powered taillight

This is the original fender and taillight. The light is powered by the dynamo in the front wheel. It's useless in the daylight, but adds a little visibility at night and can fill in for my brighter taillight in a pinch.

13. Rear rack

This is a too-big rack from Axiom (maybe designed for fat bikes?). But it works fine.

14. USB-powered rear light

This "Flare R" light from Bontrager is super bright and lasts forever. I use it for day riding to make me more visible to vehicles. I have no idea where I got it. I will keep using it until it dies.

15. Bell

This simple, cheap bell is a cheerful way to try to get people to move out of my way on bike paths (although they usually can't hear me due to headphones). It's also a friendly way to get people's attention or say hello.

16. Moloko handlebars

I replaced the original handlebars because I wanted a more swept back hand position. These are made of steel and have some additional hand positions that I can use. The front bar is good for mounting my light, bell, and horn. I also replaced the grips that came with the bike with these from Ergon.

17. Horn

This electronic noise-maker is from Priority. It's loud and good for very occasional use in traffic (drivers can hear it). It's not so good for bike paths (scares the bejesus out of people).

18. Panaracer GravelKing slick 38mm tires

For the riding I do, these are a huge upgrade from the much wider tires that came on the 600. These are wide enough to make town riding comfortable but roll noticeably faster.

19. Hub-powered headlight

This is the headlight that came with the bike and is powered by the dynamo hub in the front wheel. I've found that it's bright enough for night riding and also makes me more visible during the day. I love that it's always on and never needs charging.