Maximum Utility, Minimum Grease: The Apollo Flat Bar
The Priority Apollo Flat Bar ditches the drop bars and the chain grease. Here is why the belt-drive commuter might be the most efficient tool in your shed.
Most cyclists spend too much time serving their machines rather than riding them. A dirty chain is a tax on your free time, and for the rider squeezing in miles between school drop-offs and conference calls, that tax is too high. Priority Bicycles just released the Apollo Flat Bar, and it looks like a direct answer to the "high maintenance" problem.
Geometry as a Feature
This isn't just a drop-bar frame with the horns sawed off. Priority tweaked the geometry for the flat cockpit, putting you in a position that prioritizes situational awareness over aerodynamics. It’s about control. In urban traffic or loose gravel, the upright posture allows for faster reaction times, which is arguably more critical than saving three watts of drag.
The Spec That Matters
The headline here is the Gates CDX Carbon Belt Drive paired with the Shimano Alfine 11-speed hub. Chains stretch; belts don't. Derailleurs snap; internal hubs are sealed vaults. With a 409% gear range, you have the spread to climb without the fragility of an exposed drivetrain. At 24 lbs, it’s not a featherweight, but it’s a tank that doesn’t ride like one.
Why It Matters
- Zero "Friction" Commuting: No grease on your pants, no lube required after a rain ride. You just get on and go. 🧠
- Volume Wins: Clearance for 700x53mm tires means this is a legitimate gravel rig, not just a fragile hybrid.
- The Economy of Time: The $1,799 price tag is reasonable, but the real value is the hours you won't spend adjusting a derailleur. ⚡️
Priority Bicycles
