Priority APOLLO GRAVEL Review
- Price: $1899
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Goodyear Connector Ultimate (Tanwall) 40mm
- Gear: Belt Drive and Internally Geared Hub
What we like about it: Exceptional all-terrain performance and outstanding durability.
What we didn’t like about it: Customizing to 650b wheels requires a separate wheelset purchase.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The Priority APOLLO GRAVEL is a one-of-a-kind gravel bike with drop bars, internal gearing, and a belt drive, offering riders exceptional all-terrain performance and durability with minimal maintenance required. The robust Alfine 11 system provides an outstanding riding experience.
In the following sections, we will delve into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other available versions of the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL. Later in this article, we’ll also compare it to a few other bicycles. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, be sure to follow us.
Riding Experience
Gravel Roads
I purchased my flight ticket, booked an IHG hotel, and arrived on the outskirts of New York, where I found a gravel road to put the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL to the test.
Embarking on the gravel road, I mounted the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL, ready for an exhilarating ride. The sturdy Goodyear Connector Ultimate (Tanwall) 40mm tires instilled confidence in me as we tackled the gravel terrain.
The gravel road started with uneven and bumpy stretches, but the powerful Custom Butted Ultralight 6061 T6 Aluminum frame and Full Carbon 1-1/2″ Tapered fork delivered comfort and stability. Every piece of gravel was effortlessly conquered, and I felt the ground’s vibrations and the wheels’ steadiness. I rode through a forest, where the winding gravel path meandered through the trees. The forest’s fresh aroma was invigorating, and the Custom Butted Ultralight 6061 T6 Aluminum frame allowed me to glide smoothly over the rugged terrain.
On the gravel road, I encountered some steep inclines. I pushed hard on the pedals, and the Belt Drive and Internally Geared Hub transmission made climbing easy, providing a sense of challenge and fulfillment. Continuing onward, I reached an expansive meadow. The wide 40mm wheels allowed me to effortlessly navigate the open grassland, feeling free and relaxed.
Pressing On
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, lifting dust from the gravel road. I lowered myself close to the frame, drawing on my extensive riding experience to maintain a steady pace. The Belt Drive and Internally Geared Hub offered remarkable adaptability. In such dusty conditions, it didn’t suffer from gravel jamming in the chain as traditional derailleurs might. So I was able to ride confidently in these conditions, all thanks to the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL.
Slowly, I descended a hill, where the gravel road’s downhill segment posed a significant test for the tires and my skills. Fortunately, the Goodyear Connector Ultimate (Tanwall) 40mm tires have robust puncture protection, and my experienced riding kept me safely descending without any mishaps.
Finally, I reached the end of the gravel road. I must admit that the sturdy performance of the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL allowed me to enjoy a fulfilling and delightful ride on the gravel road.
Specifications
The Priority APOLLO GRAVEL is an outstanding gravel bike. It features a Custom Butted Ultralight 6061 T6 Aluminum frame, which is lightweight yet robust. Additionally, its Full Carbon 1-1/2″ Tapered fork offers excellent cushioning capabilities. The 174HUDSON Semi-Hydraulic Disc Brakes provide outstanding braking performance, enhancing rider safety.
It’s worth noting that the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL comes equipped with Goodyear Connector Ultimate (Tanwall) 40mm tires. These tires offer exceptional rolling speed and are suitable for all terrains. With wide-spaced side knobs for cornering grip and tightly spaced, low-profile center treads for straight-line speed and efficiency, these tires strike an excellent balance. Furthermore, the tire casing includes multiple layers of puncture and cut protection, improving air retention.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Offers outstanding all-terrain performance and exceptional durability.
- Requires minimal maintenance and cleaning.
- Provides a 409% gear range for tackling steep climbs.
- Sturdy, durable, and quiet.
What don’t we like about it?
- Can be converted to 650b wheels, but the wheelset must be purchased separately.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- Where is this bike manufactured?
It’s manufactured in a Chinese factory.
- Is there a discount available for this bike?
The original price is $1999, but it’s currently discounted to $1899.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are general guidelines, and the best way to find your ideal size is to test ride the bike.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’8″ | SM |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | MD |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | LG |
| 6’1″ – 6’7″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Custom Butted Ultralight 6061 T6 Aluminum |
| Fork | Full Carbon 1-1/2″ Tapered |
| Headset | Integrated Sealed Cartridge Bearings |
| Stem | Alloy, 90mm (S/M), 100mm (L/XL) |
| Saddle | WTB Volt |
| Seatpost | Carbon Fiber |
Groupset
| Crank | Gates S300 or 174HUDSON External Bearing BB |
| Shifters | Integrated into Right Brake, 11-Speed |
| Brakes | 174HUDSON Semi-Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
Wheels
| Rims | WTB i23 ST Tubeless Ready |
| Front Hub | 12mm Thru Axle, Sealed Cartridge Bearings |
| Rear Hub | Shimano Alfine 11 |
| Tires | Goodyear Connector Ultimate (Tanwall) 40mm |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 | Click View | Bontrager GR1 Team Issue 700x40mm | 2 x 11 | Aluminum | Shimano GRX 800,GRX 600 |
| Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5 | Click View | WTB Riddler TCS Light, 700x37c | 2 x 11 | Carbon | Shimano GRX 800, GRX 600 |
| Canyon Grail 7 | Click View | Continental Terra Trail 40mm | 2 x 11 | Aluminum | Shimano GRX 800, GRX 600 |
| Jamis RENEGADE S4 | Click View | WTB Riddler Comp 700CX37C | 2 x 9 | Steel | Shimano Sora, FSA |
Priority APOLLO GRAVEL vs. Trek Checkpoint ALR 5
The Priority APOLLO GRAVEL has 40mm wide tires. While the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 also comes with 40mm wide tires, the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 has 45C tire clearance, allowing for the installation of 45C tires. Wider tires provide greater stability on softer road surfaces.
The Priority APOLLO GRAVEL features a 70° head tube angle, whereas the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 has a 72.2° head tube angle. The Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 has a larger head tube angle, making the bike highly maneuverable with strong handling capabilities. It’s worth noting that the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 has a 2×11 drivetrain, while the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL is equipped with a Belt Drive and Internally Geared Hub. The latter works on smaller pulleys, offering good adaptability to variable loads, but it has a lower gear range and may be prone to slipping.
Learn More: Is Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 A Good Bike? [Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review]
Priority APOLLO GRAVEL vs. Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5
The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5 features a carbon frame, while the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL uses an aluminum frame. Carbon frames are lightweight and offer high rigidity, but they come at a higher cost and are more prone to breaking upon sharp impacts. Aluminum frames are slightly heavier but more affordable. However, the welding points on aluminum frames are fragile and can be prone to fracturing.
Additionally, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5 has narrower 37c tires, which provide more flexibility. On the other hand, the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL comes with wider 40c tires, delivering better support on softer road surfaces. However, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5 has a larger head tube angle, measuring 71.2°. A larger head tube angle enhances agility and offers excellent handling capabilities.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Topstone 4 Worth Buying? [Cannondale Topstone 4 Review]
Priority APOLLO GRAVEL vs. Canyon Grail 7
The Canyon Grail 7 comes with two wheel size options, namely 650b and 700c. 650b wheels are highly maneuverable, while 700c wheels offer better stability. This shows that the Canyon Grail 7 provides riders with more choices. However, the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL features a Belt Drive and Internally Geared Hub with the advantages of instant shifting capabilities and lower maintenance requirements. It is also less affected by weather and easier to clean.
The Canyon Grail 7 has a larger head tube angle at 72.25°, which provides exceptional agility and outstanding handling performance. Moreover, it is equipped with a 2×11 drivetrain, offering good shifting performance. It’s worth mentioning that the Canyon Grail 7 is $100 more expensive than the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL. Both of these bikes offer good value for their price and are worth considering.
Learn More: Is Canyon Grail 7 Worth Buying? [Canyon Grail 7 Review]
Priority APOLLO GRAVEL vs. Jamis RENEGADE S4
The Priority APOLLO GRAVEL features an aluminum frame, while the Jamis RENEGADE S4 uses a steel frame. Steel frames provide excellent shock absorption but are prone to rust. On the other hand, aluminum frames are more affordable, but the weld points are susceptible to breaking. The Jamis RENEGADE S4 is equipped with mechanical disc brakes, while the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL comes with hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes offer strong braking performance but are heavier and less convenient for maintenance and repairs. Mechanical disc brakes offer average braking performance but are easier to maintain.
It’s worth noting that the Jamis RENEGADE S4 has a 2×9 drivetrain, while the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL features a Belt Drive and Internally Geared Hub. A 2×9 drivetrain provides a wider range of gears, but the Belt Drive and Internally Geared Hub is easier to maintain and can shift while stationary, making it more suitable for urban riding.
Learn More: Is Jamis RENEGADE S3 Worth Buying?- [Jamis RENEGADE S3 Review]
Summary
This is our review of the Priority APOLLO GRAVEL. This is an excellent gravel bike that offers a superb riding experience on gravel roads. Taking everything into account, we have given it a high score of 4.7. If you’d like to access more information about bicycles, please check out our other reviews.
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