PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX Review
- Price: $1199
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 700C X 32 PUNCTURE-RESISTANT TIRES
- Gear: GATES CARBON DRIVE BELT
What we like about it: Lightweight at only 31lbs, even with pedals, fenders, lights, and a rack.
What we don’t like about it: Some external cable routing, is not as clean.
Rating: (4.6/5)
The PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX is designed to handle long-distance rides and perform well in various weather conditions, making it a versatile choice for year-round commuting. Its wide range of gears allows it to adapt to various temperatures, regardless of the season. Additionally, the hub-powered lights provide excellent nighttime illumination, ideal for early-morning commuters.
Now, let’s delve into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other variants of the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other top bicycle models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, please follow our updates.
Riding Experience
Morning Commute
As I set out in the morning, riding the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX with its 700C X 32 PUNCTURE-RESISTANT TIRES, I felt the exhilaration of the wheels connecting with the road beneath. This was my first time riding this bike; previously, I had been a regular commuter on crowded subways.
The bike features a robust and durable aluminum alloy frame that provides me with a stable and sturdy platform for navigating city streets with confidence. The high-quality brakes on this bike were a crucial safety feature for me, as they consistently brought me to a stable stop whenever needed, allowing me to remain calm and secure even in heavy traffic.
The GATES CARBON DRIVE BELT transmission system proved to be a valuable companion during my commute, allowing me to easily adjust resistance and speed according to road conditions. The handlebars and saddle of the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX were outstanding as well. The comfortable grip of the handlebars ensured I didn’t experience fatigue even during extended rides, while the saddle’s design provided a comfortable seat, allowing me to relax on my busy commute.
Evening Commute
After work, I once again mounted the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX. During evening rides, the lighting system becomes particularly important. My PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX is equipped with bright and efficient hub-powered lights, ensuring I have clear visibility on dimly lit streets. Additionally, the reflective sidewalls of the tires serve as a visual reminder to other vehicles and pedestrians, enhancing my safety.
Safety is paramount when riding on inclines and declines during nighttime commutes. Fortunately, the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX allows for an easy handlebar twist to fine-tune the resistance using the gear shifter. This enables smooth and controlled rides on both uphill and downhill routes, with the ability to brake promptly for added safety.
Upon returning home, I securely locked the bike in the garage. The Continuum Onyx’s X-locking system makes it effortless to secure the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX, ensuring its safety without concerns of theft. This is the confidence that the Continuum Onyx’s X-locking system provides me.
Specifications
The PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX is an outstanding commuter bicycle equipped with Enviolo CVT. This intuitive and sealed hub is suitable for all conditions. The Gates Carbon Drive belt doesn’t rust, making maintenance a breeze. The entire bicycle is equivalent to a 21-speed bike, without preset gears, providing impressive versatility. Furthermore, this bike features hub-powered lights, composite fenders, reflective sidewall tires, and disc brakes. Despite these components, it maintains a very user-friendly geometry.
It comes with the Enviolo CVT hub and shifter, offering a wide range of gears that work quietly in all temperatures and conditions. Notably, the Continuum Onyx with the X-locking system can prevent bike loss.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Lightweight at only 31 lbs, even with pedals, fenders, lights, and a rack.
- Assembling all included tools takes only a few minutes.
- Very low maintenance costs.
- Adaptable to extremely harsh environments, capable of running below-freezing temperatures.
What don’t we like about it?
- Some external cable routing, is not as clean.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- What is the weight of this bike?
It weighs 31lbs.
- What is the gear range of this bike?
It has a gear range of 380%.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are just a general guide; the best way to find your size is to try it out in person. Size suitability may vary from person to person.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2 – 5’8 | 17 inches. |
| 5’6 – 5’11 | 19 inches |
| 5’10 – 6’3 | 21 inches. |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| BMC Alpenchallenge AL FOUR | Click View | Vittoria Randonneur – 37mm | 1 x 11 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore, FSA |
| CUBE TRAVEL PRO | Click View | Schwalbe Marathon Almotion | Belt Drive, Internally Geared Hub | Aluminum | Shimano Alfine, Gates CDN |
| Trek Domane AL 4 Disc | Click View | Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite 700x32mm | 2 x 10 | Aluminum | Shimano Tiagra |
| Canyon Commuter 5 | Click View | Schwalbe G-One Allround 40mm | Belt Drive, Internally Geared Hub | Aluminum | Shimano Nexus, Gates CDN |
PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX vs. BMC Alpenchallenge AL FOUR
The BMC Alpenchallenge AL FOUR comes equipped with 37mm tires, while the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX features 32mm tires. Not only that, but the BMC Alpenchallenge AL FOUR also has a 42mm tire clearance, allowing it to be fitted with wider tires for better support on soft road surfaces. Additionally, the BMC Alpenchallenge AL FOUR features a 1×11 drivetrain. In contrast, the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX is equipped with the GATES CARBON DRIVE BELT, offering seamless and noiseless continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Furthermore, the BMC Alpenchallenge AL FOUR has a head tube angle of 70°, whereas the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX has a head tube angle of 69°. A larger head tube angle provides enhanced flexibility and excellent maneuverability. The BMC Alpenchallenge AL FOUR is priced $100 higher than the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX. The choice between mechanical and hub-based transmission ultimately depends on the buyer’s preference.
Learn More: Is BMC Alpenchallenge AMP AL CITY ONE Worth Buying? [2022 BMC Alpenchallenge AMP AL CITY ONE Review]
PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX vs. CUBE TRAVEL PRO
The PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX features a 585mm top tube length, while the CUBE TRAVEL PRO has a top tube length of 565mm. A longer top tube length means the rider will have a more stretched-out position, resulting in increased comfort during the ride. The PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX is equipped with hub-powered lights, composite fenders, reflective sidewall tires, and disc brakes. When combined, these components contribute to a very comfortable geometry.
Furthermore, the CUBE TRAVEL PRO has an aluminum frame, fork, and wheels. It weighs 34.0 lbs and comes with hydraulic disc brakes for excellent braking performance. However, both of these bikes feature a Belt Drive, Internally Geared Hub transmission system, which is very quiet, efficient, and offers excellent performance, allowing riders to tackle various road conditions.
PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX vs. Trek Domane AL 4 Disc
The Trek Domane AL 4 Disc boasts impressive performance with a weight of only 23.0lbs. It features an aluminum frame, carbon fork, and 700c aluminum wheels, making it relatively lightweight. It also comes with 32mm wide tires, matching the tire width of the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX. However, the Trek Domane AL 4 Disc has 35c tire clearance, allowing for wider tires to be installed, and providing better support on softer road surfaces.
The top tube length of the Trek Domane AL 4 Disc is relatively shorter at just 542mm. On the other hand, the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX’s longer 585mm top tube length allows the rider to stretch out more, maintaining an upright posture. This enables smoother breathing during the ride, making it more comfortable for the rider. However, the Trek Domane AL 4 Disc has a slightly larger head tube angle, making the ride more agile.
Learn More: Is Trek Domane AL 4 Disc A Good Bike? [Trek Domane AL 4 Disc Review]
PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX vs. Canyon Commuter 5
The Canyon Commuter 5 offers two wheel size options, 650b and 700c. The 650b wheels are highly maneuverable, while the 700c wheels provide better stability and traction. Additionally, the Canyon Commuter 5 features 40mm-wide tires, making it suitable for riding on soft surfaces like sand or snow. These wider tires should offer good support on such terrains, preventing them from sinking in as narrower tires might.
Furthermore, the Canyon Commuter 5 has a longer top tube length of 588mm, allowing riders to stretch their bodies and maintain an upright posture, providing a more comfortable experience during commuting. Moreover, the bike has a head tube angle of 71.5°, which is slightly larger than that of the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX. This enhances the rider’s agility and maneuverability during cycling.
Summary
This is our review of the PRIORITY CONTINUUM ONYX. It is an excellent city bike, and considering all factors, we’ve awarded it a high score of 4.6. If you’re interested in more bicycle information, feel free to check out our related tests.
Lastly, if you find our content enjoyable, please share it with your friends. If our content has been helpful to you, you can subscribe via email by clicking the button below. Thank you for your support!
