My Priority 600X

Andrew Meunier
Jul 31
5 min read

Updated: Aug 4

This beast of a bike from Priority is my dream adventure steed. The comfortable geometry, numerous attachment points, and Pinion/Gates drivetrain make it great for overnight trips. That said, I've also enjoyed modifying, upgrading, and toying with various ways of carrying gear. Since I did a post about my other Priority, it was only fair that I put create one for its burlier cousin. Below is a breakdown of some of the changes I've made and some notes on how I've been carrying gear on my most recent trips.

Top tube bag

This is the Alamo top tube bag from Rogue Panda. It is bolted to the top tube. On an

overnight trip, I like to keep my small point-and-shoot camera here.

Feed bag

This bag is made by Revelate Designs. It has a bucket-like shape with several smaller pockets along the outside of the bag. I like to place my phone in the "bucket" because it is very easy to get at there if I need it. I usually keep a handkerchief stuffed in one of the outside pockets and, on many trips, a can of Halt! dog spray.

Bell

This one is from Spurcycle. It has a lovely, ringing tone.

Headset

This upgraded headset is from Wolf Tooth: ZS44/28.6 upper and EC49/40 lower. It's significantly lighter than the original and I like the blue color.

Carbon fork

I did several trips using the inverted Wren fork that originally came with the bike. I found the fork to be much more than I needed for the sort of routes I prefer (I like a mix of dirt roads, double track, and tame single track) and it weighed almost 5 pounds. I finally decided to swap out the Wren for this carbon fork from Whisky (No.9 MTN Fork - 29" Boost, 15X110mm, 1.5" Tapered). This fork has changed how the 600X rides, making feel much nimbler. I definitely notice the lighter weight on long climbs. I also love the ability to easily mount bottle cages to the fork.

1 liter bottle cage

I used to carry gear under my downtube but it would invariably get covered in mud. Still, it's a great place to store something heavier since it is so low on the bike. This large bottle cage from Velo Orange is great here as it allows me to tote a full liter of water in a very stable and secure manner.

Frame bag

This is a custom double decker bag from Rogue Panda. I typically store my tent poles/stakes, pump, rain jacket, and lunch/snacks in the top compartment. The bottom compartment just barely fits my full cook kit. The smaller sleeve pocket on the other side is good for my wallet and TP/trowel.

Gates and Pinion drivetrain

The 600X has a huge gear range thanks to the internal gearbox which is protected inside a bombproof magnesium casing. The Gates belt works well even in muddy conditions.

Bolt-on axle

I wasn't a fan of quick-release style axle that came with the bike. I upgraded to the Robert Axle Project Lightning bolt-on axle (rear 12 mm x 163 mm x 1.5 thread).

Right pannier

These are the same Ortlieb panniers I use on my 600 when doing trips on that bike. They are actually designed for a front rack, but I think they are just the right size for most trips. They are over ten years old and are basically indestructible.

I've used the Salsa Anything Cage bags on the rear rack instead of panniers for some trips with the 600X and those are definitely svelter and allow the bike to handle more normally. But they are quite compact and more difficult to keep organized. For this reason, I've gravitated towards the larger Ortlieb panniers on the last few trips I've done.

A typical load-out for this pannier would be a large compression drybag with my sleeping quilt, sleeping bag liner, and sleeping clothes/camp clothes.

Rear light mount

I might mount my Varia light here if my trip involves a fair amount of roads. I threaded a bolt through a quarter turn top cap mount I had and secured it with a bolt and some Loctite.

Tent

My old Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 1 Tent (2014) is usually stuffed into a Dyneema bag and strapped to the top of my rack with two Voile-type straps. I usually pull my cargo net over the tent too in case I want to stow a layer under it for easy access.

Rear rack

I use an Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack (tall) with a light mount. This rack has bottle cage mounts on the side which I can use Salsa Anything Cage bags if desired.

Tube and levers

I keep a tiny Tubolito tube in a Salsa Anything Bracket Pack strapped under my saddle.

Suspension dropper post

I got this PNW Coast dropper when I thought that I would be using the 600X for more everyday trail riding. Ultimately, I found this wasn't a great fit for the bike (hence my also switching out the front suspension). I've decided to keep this dropper because it provides a small amount of suspension which can save my back and butt if I hit big bumps. I also regularly use the dropper on descents and single track (I'll drop the saddle an inch or two).

Light

This is just a little rechargeable LED light that can add visibility on roads or even enough light to see by in a pinch.

Aero handlebar

This unique mountain bike handlebar is from RideFarr. It has an integrated, U-shaped handle in the center of the bar that is great for changing up hand positions or getting more aerodynamic in a headwind or when I'm trying to motor along a flat section. I've found that I get some speed wobble in the front fork if I have too much weight on the fork and I try to use the aerobars. But it's usually fine if the bottles on my fork are less than 2/3 full.

Top cap Garmin mount

This quarter mount keeps my bike computer front and center but also out of the way.

Saddle

This saddle is from Fabric and it's the same one I have on my road bike. Thanks to Grey Ghost Bicycles for letting me test out saddles to make sure I had the best fit.

Sit pad

I've started to bring this tiny pad from Thermarest along with me on trips because I find it has lots of uses beyond sitting (e.g., a place to stand when changing out of wet socks, extra padding under my head at night).

Left pannier

A typical load-out for this pannier would be a mix of items, including a large ditty bag with most of my camp essentials (e.g., Steripen, headlamp, gear repair/first aid), my air mattress, and my food bag.