Priority Bicycles Apollo 11 Comprehensive Review

[@stevederr4927]

Just to add my 6-month review. I bought an Apollo (size XL) in Oct of 2021 based on review from you, Ryan Van Duzer, Buses Bikes & Beer and The Gravelist. Everything you've said is spot on. Pros are it is well built and oh so quiet when riding. Tires and saddle are great. A very comfortable bike! Biggest thing is its hassle free with no maintenance! I love I can just rinse the bike off with a garden hose when I'm done and put it up. No need for chain lube or cleaning off the dirty greasy mess from the chain after riding. Never have to buy new chains, cassettes, lube, etc. I like being able to shift gears while stopped (and as many gears as I want at one time). One the things I wish came standard on the bike is a 46/26 front/rear cog setup vs the 50/24T that was standard prior to the 2022 model. I swapped out my rear 24T cog for a 26T, but that's additional cost. To handle grades >4%, one will really want at least the 26T rear cog and a 46/26T standard setup would be ideal. Since it is a 1 x 11 speed setup (vs a 2x11), there is a large jump from one gear to the next (but a big overall range). If you are a cyclist that tends to average a certain cadence (80/85 rpm for me) then switching gears will cause your cadence to jump or drop a good bit. Just need to be aware of this. You might have to shift 2 gears at a time. I wish the Apollo had the 16-gear setup of the Priority 600, while keeping the Apollo overall range the same or tighter. Probably the biggest thing to get use to is that one needs to stop pedaling to shift gears (just a split second) which is totally different for those of us that ride conventional bikes where you pedal (with no/little load) when shifting gears as the derailleur moves the chain from one sprocket to another. This isn't a problem on the Apollo on descents, flats and at stops, but when climbing it takes some getting use to as one loses momentum to quit pedaling. I'd really like to be able to keep pedaling when I shift gears on climbs. The work around on climbs is to shift 2 or 3 gears at a time when you momentarily stop pedaling in order to maintain your momentum and your cadence. The last thing I noticed is that the single right shifter paddles are backwards from my road bike. On the Apollo the small forward paddle moves you to a harder gear and the larger rear paddle moves you to an easier gear (opposite of my Di2 road bike). The new 2022 model comes with the 26T rear cog and hydraulic brakes, which is an improvement. The manual brakes that came with my 2021 model are good but I would have loved the hydraulic brakes. I set my tires up tubeless, added a kickstand, SKS Speedrocker fenders, a Top Peak rear rack and bag to complete my build (along with lights and computer mounts). It's a great gravel bike, touring and bike packing bike. Speed isn't its strong point as with all my add-ons it comes in around 38 lbs. If you want a fast gravel bike consider another bike but if you want a rock solid, no maintenance, comfortable bike at a fair price point then this is the bike for you.

[@KayakCliff]

Excellent insights Steve! Thank you for watching and commenting. I actually learned some things from your very extensive review. I think I’m going to look at the 46 tooth front set up, I like you I upgraded to the 26 tooth rear cog not long after getting the bike. I agree, it is a rocksolid, low maintenance bike. Safe riding and adventuring out there!

[@tjrioux3059]

You really shine on bike reviews!

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks TJ! I really love my Apollo!

[@cbenn93308]

Outstanding video, Cliff! Got my eye on this bike and you did an awesome job covering the all the features. Thanks!

[@KayakCliff]

Hi Chris, thank you for watching the video and thank you for your comments! You will definitely enjoy the bike if you get it. At the end of the day any bike is enjoyable!

[@co7013]

Interesting bike. Perfect for most riding and for winter.

[@Kathy-xy2sr]

Nice bike! And a very informative video! Thank you

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks Ed! Safe riding out there!

[@EricHorchuck]

Hi, Cliff! Just curious if you mind saying how much you weigh? I'm 272lbs so I'm .....worried.... about the bike staying together on the road. Thanks!

[@KayakCliff]

Priority Apollo 11 - Road, Gravel, Touring, fitness: bit.ly/3fJLERE Hi Eric, thanks for asking! I weigh 185 pounds. I think you will probably be fine, but call priority customer service. They have excellent customer service and they will give you all of the data and feedback that you need. Here is their phone number [phone]

[@EricHorchuck]

@@KayakCliff Wow. Thanks, Cliff! I Really appreciate you getting back to me. Fingers crossed. I'm really torn between the Priority 600 and the Apollo. I guess what I REALLY want is the Apollo with the Pinion drive. Oh well. You can't always get what you want. Thank you again, Cliff. Take care, -Eric

[@peetfj]

Good review, thanks. Unfortunately not enough gravel trails here in the DFW area.

[@KayakCliff]

Hey 👋 FJ - thanks for watching and commenting! A Lotta good mountain bike trails here though :-)

[@philipgeorge8101]

Excellent video. Very thorough review and thanks for including the assembly of the bicycle, that took some of the intimidation factor of ordering online out👍👍👍

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks Philip! Enjoy your priority!

[@davidramirez199]

Considering buying the Apollo,among other things, for it’s claimed low maintenance.But are you having to stop every 100 miles or so to adjust the rear drive,as they show on their website?

[@KayakCliff]

Hi 👋 there David, thank you so much for watching, and commenting! Not sure what you were referring to. Are you talking about belt tension? In my two bikes that I have from Priority, I have never had a problem with belt tensioning at all. On the Apollo, in the initial miles, there may be a need for minor adjustment in the gearing positioning. As I recall, you need to put the gears in gear six, then confirm that two lines, lineup to indicate proper gear positioning. I never experienced any problems at all, even after the first 2000 miles. I hope this helps, I no longer have the Apollo, I now have the priority 600 X. I just wanted something a little bit more robust for Hardtail, single track mountain bike trails. As a road and gravel bike, I was extremely impressed with the Apollo. A very capable bike, and the low maintenance with the internal gearing & the carbon belt drive, the Apollo is a true game changer for me. From now on, I only want internal geared and belt driven bikes. Priority is awesome to deal with!!! Below are my affiliate links to the pages on the bikes, I’m referring to. Safe, adventuring out there, let me know if you have any other questions, I’m happy to help! Priority all bikes landing page: bit.ly/368ykRO Priority Apollo 11 - Road, Gravel, Touring, fitness: bit.ly/3fJLERE Priority 600 - Top of the line commuter, touring, fitness (everything bike) bit.ly/3AnYxKw Priority 600X - The do everything mountain / adventure bike with 600% (30 speed equiv.) gear range bit.ly/3tLHyAP

[@thetacticaltildo1139]

I just backordered one! Only have to wait 2 months before I get it lol

[@nicholasoberlies7468]

Very informative review. I’m curious about the pedals. Are those clip on or what I would just call, old school, regular pedals that you can pedal with regular shoes. Thanks

[@KayakCliff]

Hi Nicholas - Thanks so much for watching! The Apollo comes with a decent set of platform pedals. These, you can wear any type of athletic shoe with and get excellent grip to the pedals through the small (dull) spikes that stick out from the platform. I have since changed the pedals to SPD click-in pedals that I use my cycling shoes with. If you would rather wear athletic shoes while cycling, the stock platform pedals that come with the Apollo are great!

[@markperrin5940]

Great video, great bike and great weather. My only complaint: I cringe whenever somebody clamps their frame in a repair stand. Please clamp your seatpost. Your paint will thank you. Happy trails

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks, Mark, point well taken. Never really thought of that. I've never had a problem with it chipping the paint, but I can see where that compression might eventually do something to the paint job. Have a great week!

[@michaelvladimirsky3402]

Hi there...Many thanks for this in-depth review - much appreciated...I placed an order about a month ago and anxiously waiting for my bike being shipped to me in June...I am really pumped...What handlebar bag do you use?

[@KayakCliff]

I Love road Runner bags. roadrunnerbags.us/ The burrito supreme bag is what is in my video. I have many other bags from them to suit whatever my touring is going to be at that moment.

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Thanks Cliff. 🚴‍♂️

[@lancecrawley9542]

Can you go with a bigger cog in the back? Bigger than the 26 to avoid switching front chainring and belt? Thx!

[@KayakCliff]

I’m not sure, great question though! I know I swapped out my rear cog to make hill climbing even easier. Priority has awesome customer service. Here is their phone number, give them a call and they will be able to give you the correct answer. 917-819-1665 Priority Apollo 11 - Road, Gravel, Touring, fitness: bit.ly/3fJLERE

[@stoutdog56]

Good informative video and great choice. I like the Priority lineup with this one, the 600 and 600X. I opted for and spent a little more for the 600 which arrives next week. Yahoo!

[@KayakCliff]

Oh wow! You will love the 600, that’s a great bike! Especially the pinion gear system. Did you order it a while ago and have to wait, or did you just order? My next bike is the priority 600 X.

[@brucedavis1744]

I enjoy your videos. More bike please.

[@KayakCliff]

Hi 👋 Bruce, thank you for watching and thank you for your comments! I definitely plan on getting more biking videos out. Again, I appreciate your input! Safe adventuring out there!

[@frankducett9]

This was an excellent review. Would you reccommend the Apollo 11 as a suitable choice for the Hotter than Hell Hundred? I was considering doing my third HHH this year but was hit by a car, setting me back with a concussion and broken ankle. Love your work. Thanks. Frank

[@KayakCliff]

Hi Frank - I ride the HHH - 100k every year and this year I rode my Apollo. Wonderful bike. You’re not going to win any races, but I averaged 16.5 mph. Very comfortable ride the whole way! I think the results would be the same on 100 mile ride as well. It gets too hot in the afternoon for me to do 100 miles at the HHH. Safe riding!

[@jasonchadney7850]

Great review. You seem like a good dude!

[@tomallen6073]

Have one coming. Seems like an honest review.

[@KayakCliff]

Congratulations Tom! I absolutely love my Apollo! I will have more videos coming out showcasing the Apollo and how I use it, plus some adventures.

[@ventures1]

One quick question on this drivetrain. Are you able to shift while peddling? I know it was stated that with the pinion setup on the priority MTB it requires a shift only when not peddling. Thanks in advance. I’m always looking for more recent vids on the Apollo and this was an outstanding review.

[@KayakCliff]

You do need to stop pedaling for a split second to shift. You can shift 2 to 3 gears in rapid succession if you need to.... not a big deal for my riding, as I’m not trying to win the Tour de France 😂

[@privatemale27]

Just bought one and I was surprised how fast and smooth it is while shifting.

[@KayakCliff]

It truly is smooth, enjoy your new Apollo!

[@BooLee01]

Nice review, Cliff. I am seriously considering this bike but with no chance of taking one for a test ride, I am relying on this type of review. Thanks for making it. I hope you make more, such as climbing, bikepacking, and long distance comfort. So far, the reviews have all been highly positive. By the way, what is that mirror? I recently bought the cat eye mirror but it's much smaller than I imagined and it's really difficult to get the right angle or to even see anything in it.

[@KayakCliff]

Hi Billy - I actually returned the mirror, still looking for a good one..... I’ll have more videos coming out through the year. In two weeks, I will be heading to the N Carolina mountains for two weeks of hiking, biking & kayaking. I’m definitely going to do a video showing the bikes performance for me on varying grades up to where I’m maxed out and can’t go any further. If you have any other questions about the bike contact me anytime. On my website is my contact info - kayakcliff.com

[@BooLee01]

@@KayakCliff Great. I'm looking forward to it.

[@BooLee01]

@@KayakCliff Hey, just wondering if you brought the Apollo with you to North Carolina and how it did for you. I watched your Lake Mineral Wells video hoping to get a glimpse of it, but it turns out, you were on the Brompton.

[@stevenbaker7025]

Take it on some CO gravel and you'll see a difference in how 'quiet' the Alfine 11 is. This system is good for smoother gravel and obviously pavement, but hates any terrain that pushes beyond your typical comfort levels.

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks Steven! I have never had it on anything other than small crushed gravel / granite trails. That’s good enough for my writing. Anything beyond that I would use a mountain bike. Thanks for watching and have a great summer!

[@MrGZM90]

I like that bike do you think that bike can be good for bike tour?

[@KayakCliff]

Absolutely Rage Master! I ride centuries plus I plan to get into bike packing. These are the types of cycling where I believe this bike performs very well. I especially like the low, low, low maintenance of this bike!

[@newq]

Got mine the other day. So far, the only thing I haven't enjoyed about the experience is that Priority uses FedEx to ship things. I hate FedEx's service. But that's not really a problem with the bike, so no real complaints!

[@KayakCliff]

Glad to hear, I think you’ll love the bike! I absolutely love sealed internal gearing with a belt drive. Unbeatable combination!

[@newq]

@@KayakCliff It's just been absolutely phenomenal so far. I've taken it on some world class Kansas gravel and it dominates. I'm actually taking a break on a ride right now and the only thing I have to add from last night when I wrote my comment is that it's a little tough on steep slopes, but it's nothing I can't handle. I could potentially see me changing the gears on it someday like you talked about, but I guess it'll depend on how I end up using it. I might actually take it to the shop today to get it set up for tubeless, though.

[@KayakCliff]

Just contact priority customer service. They sell another rear cog, that you can put on and it does a great job giving you some lower gear ranges. I did it to mine, and it made a big difference on steep climbs.

[@Arfonfree]

NOTE: The Shimano user manual does not say to stop pedaling to shift, just to limit power.

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks a bunch for the clarification! I will try it out, although I am used to stopping now…. Safe riding!

[@MrQuay03]

Always stop half a second to ensure the hub lasts a long time

[@insightfulgirl]

Hey you said you get a lot of questions about gear ratio and you only mentioned the range. Ratios do not quite work with an internal hub because you are not dealing with a cassette. It is better to consider the transmission in terms of drive inches. Using a hub gear drive calculator, the Apollo set up with the 50T chain ring and 24T sprocket gives you 30" of drive per pedal stroke. (The shorter the drive inches the easier it is to climb.) When I compare this to my current gravel bike with a 34/50 compact and 11-34 cassette, in my lowest gear I travel 28.1". My 1x mountain bike with a 36T crank and 11-51T cassette, my lowest gear gives me a measly 18.35" of travel on my 26"x 2.1 tires, but this also means I can climb like a nanny goat. Unless you get the 26T sprocket, and a smaller crankset, then its use as a climbing gravel bike for anyone but the strongest riders is limited.

[@KayakCliff]

Wow! That is some interesting analytical data! Last summer I changed out my rear sprocket to the 26 tooth which works fine with the front sprocket and the existing belt. I estimate that this gives you about an extra 1 1/2 gears on the downside. Last summer I rode it in the North Carolina mountains and did fine on 8 to 10% grade.

[@baraka3800]

thx for this video i own this same bike in the other color and am very happy with it you upgraded your pedals but didnt mention that at all ....why didnt you talk about that??

[@KayakCliff]

Good catch! The reason for upgrading was purely sentimental. I have been using those pedals for 4 years on my previous bike and just wanted to keep the continuity from one bank to another. Enjoy your Apollo and safe riding!

[@tzarzinjo3766]

Is there a way to request road wheels instead of gravel?

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I would suggest that you call the customer service and ask. They have great customer service and possibly they could accommodate your request. [phone]

[@markperrin5940]

Change the tires

[@lazurm]

Actually, the brakes on the Apollo are a combination of mechanical AND hydraulic. The master cylinder is sealed and on the brake body while it's controlled by a cable. This way the brakes close on both sides and one never has to bleed the hydraulic part (because it's sealed) while it's easy to adjust the cable part as the brakes wear, so to limit the amount of angle when pulling on the brake paddles.

[@KayakCliff]

Hey 👋 Thanks for the clarification! I appreciate it!

[@dreimer2112]

The hybrid mech/hyd brakes were one of the changes for the 2022 model. The one Kayak is reviewing has the Spyre brakes which are fully mechanical.

[@johngury]

Which size and did it weigh in ~ 24 lbs like they claim? If so that is impressive for any internal geared bike much less one < $2000. Also, from having a 600, it's well worth getting the clikr gadget to really get the belt tension right. The phone app from Gates that uses audio where you strum the belt is ok but the gadget gets it much more accurately.

[@KayakCliff]

Hi there John Gury! I am 6 foot tall and I purchased the large model. When I got it, it weighed in at just a little bit over 25 pounds. I believe the 24 pound weight is for the medium model. I agree, it’s unbelievable to have all this bike has in just 25 pounds. I have been writing it for a year and a half now and love it! Getting ready to put out a video of a bike trail that I rode in the Tampa Bay area. Thank you for watching and commenting and safe adventuring in 2022!

[@tpacalypse]

Isn't hydraulic suppose to be better than mechanical? I own the Priority Continuum and they have hydraulic brakes. It is such a comfortable ride.

[@KayakCliff]

From what I am told in the research that I did, the mechanical disc brakes on this bike are at the upper end of mechanical disc brakes. This is my second bike with mechanicals and I have never ever had a problem with them. Always stop on a dime! Plus, there’s not the hassle of having to regulate and maintain hydraulic fluid maintenance.

[@ongelofelijke]

Hydraulic brakes or mechanical brakes

[@KayakCliff]

@@ongelofelijke The Apollo has mechanical disk brakes, higher end too. TRP brakes really work well. I just got back from riding in the mountains of North Carolina. They stop on a dime, even down steep mountain descents.

[@GordoGambler]

I put this cable Spyre on my 120 lb tour bike, Rohloff14 203 mm disc. It absolutely stops INSTANTLY. No bedding in, no fancy cleaning either. Resin pads are for sure the best for stopping. I have SA 4 finger levers set to long pull.

[@lazurm]

@@KayakCliff Actually, the brakes on the Apollo are a combination of mechanical AND hydraulic. The master cylinder is sealed and on the brake body while it's controlled by a cable. This way the brakes close on both sides and one never has to bleed the hydraulic part (because it's sealed) while it's easy to adjust the cable part as the brakes wear, so to limit the amount of angle when pulling on the brake paddles.

[@alvingoh8469]

I just purchased the Priority Apollo and asked if they can swap the front hub for a dynamo (their other models do it, I'm willing to pay for it), and change the left brake lever to connect to the rear wheel. Got a "Sorry, we are not able to offer customizations on our bikes. This would need to be done aftermarket by a local shop." reply and am wondering if my request was unreasonable or perhaps I have a unrealistic definition of "unbelieveable customer service"...

[@KayakCliff]

Hi 👋 Alvin - priority customer service should be able to steer you in the right direction for a dynamo, especially if it is offered on their other bikes. I will try again with somebody else…

[@palmegranite1318]

Why not check out the Onyx Continuum if you're looking to ride at night?

[@alvingoh8469]

@@palmegranite1318 Yup. I did. Was seriously considering the Onyx as well then. But am definitely enjoying myself with riding the Apollo now.

[@Barefootjiggy]

how do you convert to tubeless? thinking about getting it and definitely dont want to deal with a tube

[@KayakCliff]

Best is to just have your bike shop do it. It’s about $100 US. If you want to try it yourself, you need an air compressor to do it.

[@stevenbaker7025]

Just get tubes with removable valve cores and fill with slime. The mtb byway 40s that come on this bike stock are not worth setting up tubeless.

[@stevederr4927]

There’s an MTB KZbin video on this that Priority recommended, but there are many general videos on how to do this. Also my LBS did it for ~$70 which included the Muc-Off tubeless valves ($28) and 4 oz of Stan’s sealant.($8) per tire.

[@roycampbell3433]

Can a Di2 shifter be fitted with the belt drive system?

[@KayakCliff]

Hi 👋 there Roy, thank you for watching and commenting! I’m not sure what that type of shifter is, priority has world class customer service and they could answer your question right away! Call / email them at [phone] [e-mail]

[@derekmueller1076]

No, you need a Di2 specific Alphine hub. There is a difference in the internals of the hub.

[@jacobcastle2741]

Great video!

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks Jacob!

[@danstenis660]

How fast can you really go at a cadence of 90 at the highest gear? How steep can you climb at a reasonable cadence on the lowest gear?

[@KayakCliff]

Hi 👋there Dan - Down in Texas where I live, I rarely get to the highest gear since it’s so flat. When I’m up at our place in the North Carolina high country, thats different. If I have a long descent, I’ll throw it up in the highest gear and get up to about 34 mph. with pedaling. Steeper descents will get you higher, but I’m pretty puckered up at 34mph, that’s enough for me. For climbing, I replaced the rear 24 tooth sprocket with Priority’s 26 tooth sprocket and while in NC, I climb 8-10% grade with no problem. Now that’s in the lowest “granny” gear. I don’t have a cadence monitor on my bike, but I figure on flat(ish) earth riding at 90 cadence in the highest gear, you should get up around 22 mph. Let me know if I can help further!

[@edjefferson9175]

As of September 3 2021 their site indicates a medium frame ships a year from now.

[@KayakCliff]

I know, I was just looking at that the other day. The demand is crazy! On one hand, I love the fact that people are buying bikes and getting out in the great outdoors a lot more, on the other hand I wish there were bikes for people to buy now!

[@mennopieters3512]

Belt usually last about 50.000 km minimum of 30 if never cleaned dusty gritty conditions your rear cog will wear out faster then the belt ;)

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for watching and your comments. Those are some awesome statistics!

[@coinmarketswot3264]

I would like to support your channel, but they don't ship it to The Netherlands

[@Andrew-em2xe]

its called pantone black but doesnt it look dark blue in the sun?

[@KayakCliff]

Absolutely! I believe priority calls it deep space blue. But you are right, all colors originate from the Pantone palette 🎨 which might have another name.

[@amicussantana3794]

I would like this bike with a flat bar handlebars

[@KayakCliff]

Hey Amicus - Speak with the customer service team with Priority, they are awesome. They may be able to accommodate your request by installing a flat handlebar style from one of their other bike models. Thanks for the comments and watching!

[@luigidegobbi7888]

Molto bella la bici !!!

[@KayakCliff]

Grazie Luigi!

[@andrewa.3304]

How is it on some hills

[@KayakCliff]

Does great on hills for me, although my hills only max out at about 8-10% grade. Going up to the North Carolina mountains in a couple weeks to try some real Hills. Can’t wait to see.

[@BooLee01]

@@KayakCliff Please give us an update on that.

[@stevederr4927]

Just my two cents but I’ve had my Apollo about a month now and it’s a great gravel/touring bike but as setup it’s not a great climbing bike. If you will have grades greater than 10%, I’d recommend getting the 26T rear cog (vs the 24T). There are plenty of great things I like about my Apollo, but climbing isn’t a strength. At least three KZbin channel reviews have mentioned getting the larger rear cog. I’ll probably make the change soon. Taking a 13% grade is really tough. Also wish I didn’t have to stop pedaling to change gears, hate losing that momentum.

[@mikespringer7894]

Man just came across these bikes. They got me itchen for one now and a good bang for the $$

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for watching and commenting Mike! If you get one, I’m sure you will enjoy it!

[@bennetthasty7886]

I was deciding between this & a Canyon Grail I’m sad to sad I may have picked the wrong one but if anyone is interested in a Canyon I have one for sale

[@KayakCliff]

Hi there Bennett, if you don’t mind me asking, what is the reason that makes you think you made the wrong decision? Thanks for watching my video, have a great one!

[@bennetthasty7886]

@@KayakCliff sure I just don’t love the fit & I want to but it’s not quite right I’m trying new tires & handlebars to see if that helps

[@KayakCliff]

Good luck! I hope you find a good fit and something that works for you! Safe Riding!

[@IS-xk3iq]

Try a Moulton and experience the difference.

[@KayakCliff]

Those Moultons are cool bikes. My other bike is a pimped out Brompton 6 speed! I absolutely LOVE it and the folding bike 🚴 concept! Happy New Year!

[@PhantomDreamer_]

Brakes, not "breaks".

[@KayakCliff]

Lol, did I spell it that way? That’s too funny! Stay safe out there!