Bicycles

Priority updates its Classic commuter for the electric age

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Priority says that the e-Classic Plus "is the perfect choice for a relaxed, fuss-free commute, or a blissful and breezy spin around town"
Priority Bicycles
Priority says that the e-Classic Plus "is the perfect choice for a relaxed, fuss-free commute, or a blissful and breezy spin around town"
Priority Bicycles
The e-Classic Plus rolls with a "low-drag" 250-W front-hub motor for pedal-assist up to 20 mph
Priority Bicycles
The e-Classic Plus is powered by a 60-mile downtube battery
Priority Bicycles
The "step-through" frame can accommodate riders between 5ft2 and 5ft10
Priority Bicycles
The e-Classic Plus rides on 700x38c puncture-resistant tires
Priority Bicycles
The e-Classic Plus features a low-maintenance Gates Carbon Belt Drive and 3-speed Shimano hub
Priority Bicycles
View gallery - 6 images

New York's Priority Bicycles has launched a new model as an electric celebration of the first bike to sport Priority branding nine years ago. The e-Classic Plus keeps it light, keeps it simple and keeps it relatively affordable.

"From casual cruising to light commuting, the belt driven e-Classic Plus provides a subtle energy boost without the maintenance demands and heft of other ebikes," read the company's launch statement.

The Class 1 ebike bucks the usual trend for a rear-hub or mid-drive motor in favor of a 250-W front-hub motor because there's a Gates Carbon Belt Drive and 3-speed Shimano Nexus SG-3D55 hub to the back, with Priority promising "a very balanced, nimble riding experience" up to 20 mph (32 km/h).

The e-Classic Plus rolls with a "low-drag" 250-W front-hub motor for pedal-assist up to 20 mph
Priority Bicycles

A removable 374-Wh downtube battery offers up to 60 miles (96.5 km) of per-charge riding on 27.5-inch wheels wearing puncture-resistant tires, while stopping power is provided by hydraulic disc brakes with 180-mm rotors and motor cutoff.

The e-Classic Plus features a low-maintenance Gates Carbon Belt Drive and 3-speed Shimano hub
Priority Bicycles

The e-Classic Plus has the stealthy look of an unpowered commuter. The 6061 aluminum-alloy frame is available in mid-step or a step-over flavors, there's a dual-leg center kickstand for parking stability, proprietary lighting front and back for daytime visibility and after-dark riding, and full color-matched fenders. All in, the ebike tips the scales at 49 lb (22 kg).

The e-Classic Plus is priced at US$1,699, but there's a launch special discount of $300 available until August 14. Shipping is expected to start the day after. The video below has more.

Product page: Priority e-Classic Plus

View gallery - 6 images
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1 comment
A-A-Ron
Yes! This looks like a great solution for the average joe. Low maintenance belt drive, sure stopping disk breaks, some ebike oomph to cut hills, fenders so you don't get dirty, price range not out of reach. This is like the Accord or Camry or ebikes...which is a compliment. This is what the market needs for widespread adoption.