What do you get when a bikepacker challenges a brand to develop a versatile rig with a reasonable price tag? Apparently, you get Priority Bicycles’ Bruzer, a low-maintenance bike that’s meant to cruise over rough terrain as easily as pavement.
It’s the brainchild of Priority and bikepacker-filmmaker Ruan Van Duzer, who tapped his YouTube audience to help create what Priority calls a “socially developed” bike. Duzer has previously consulted on several Priority bike models, riding them on bike tours around the country. That includes the upcoming Tour de Duzer in Boulder this October.
The resulting Priority 600 Bruzer is a multi-terrain gear hauler outfitted with a Pinion gearbox and Gates Carbon belt drive, lots of braze-ons, and no suspension.
“It’s a bike that takes the best of both worlds — road and trail — without the hassle of constant maintenance, inviting more people to enjoy the freedom of bikepacking,” Duzer said in a release. “We’ve created a bike that offers exceptional value at a great price point, ensuring a smoother, more reliable ride for every adventurer.”
The 600 Bruzer: Dual Terrain Hauler
The Bruzer is the sixth addition to Priority’s Adventure bike portfolio, positioned as an “out-of-the-box adventure rig” with a Pinion and Gates Belt Drive. Make no mistake: This all-terrain hauler is intended for bikepacking gear.
A major design choice behind this bike was the rigid fork. That choice foregoes the maintenance and cost of a front suspension and allows for more storage up front. The design also favors pedal efficiency, making it better on less-technical trails and pavement.
The 600 Bruzer ($2,500) has 23 braze-on mounts for a big cargo capacity and options for different bikepacking setups. On overnight trips, go with a frame bag. For longer adventures, mount panniers over both wheels and a few tube bags.
A sealed C1.12 gearbox has an evenly spaced 12-speed system that’s the equivalent to a traditional 30-speed (minus the gear overlap). The Bruzer uses a new, single-speed, Boost-spaced rear hub for more responsive pedal input. It’s made to withstand the heavy pressures from loaded bikes riding up steep slopes.
Value is part of the design equation, too. After all, even a $2,500 “do-it-all” bike is cheaper than buying two specialized bikes. The Bruzer costs roughly $1,000 less than the more performance-oriented 600 ADX, which has a front suspension and a bevy of trail-proven components. Conversely, the Apollo Gravel ($2,000) is cheaper, but designed for fast rides over rough terrain or commutes — not gear hauling.
Key Specs
- Fork: Chrome-moly rigid 29er fork, tapered steerer, cargo mounts
- Brakes: Tektro HB-M745 Hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotor front, 160mm rotor rear
- Stem: 60mm length, 6-degree rise
- Tires: Kenda Booster Pro 29″ x 2.6″
- Weight: 35 lbs.
Pinion & Gates for Backpacking
Priority has built a reputation as a belt-drive bicycle brand, and in large part, that is tied to the Pinion and Gates combo. The closed hubs and smooth drivetrains remove many of the hassles of riding in weather and off-road.
For years, the combination of a Pinion gearbox and Gates belt drive has challenged the traditional derailleur-based setups in the commuter world. Increasingly, the belt drive duo has moved into more aggressive arenas like gravel riding and even downhill racing.
The argument for using the dynamic duo on adventure-oriented bikes is reliability. The Pinion is a sealed transmission, and that means fewer exposed parts to rain, mud, and random brush. Similarly, the Gates carbon belt drive lasts longer than a chain, doesn’t need lube, and doesn’t rattle or slap against the frame.
Priority’s Adventure Bikes
The Bruzer joins the Priority Bicycles 600 Adventure line, all aimed at different riding styles like gravel and touring.
For a bike more dedicated to off-road performance, there’s Priority’s 600 ADX ($3,500), which Duzer also advised on. It’s a hardtail with trail-proven components to withstand the abuse of rugged terrain in the backcountry. See also the titanium version: the 600ADXTi.
The 600HXT is another off-roader with an agile ride aimed at tackling rugged trails and steep climbs. As its name suggests, the 600 All-Road is designed for long-haul road touring. This is the bike you want for comfort, pedal efficiency, and low maintenance during long road trips.
And lastly, there’s the Bruzer. According to Priority, it will meet your hauling needs for short- or long-term adventures over pavement, fire roads, and the occasional root. If you’ve been curious to venture into the world of bikepacking, this could be a great entry point.
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