Precedence Bicycles simply pulled the wraps off its most superior electrical bike but, and it’s obtained some severe {hardware} beneath the hood – or reasonably, within the backside bracket. Say hiya to the absurdly high-end for a direct-to-consumer (D2C) e-bike, the Precedence Skyline.
The newly launched Skyline combines the corporate’s signature low-maintenance design philosophy with one of the subtle drivetrains within the bike world: a Pinion C1.12i Sensible.Shift gearbox, paired with a Gates Carbon Drive belt and 750W torque-sensing rear hub motor.
And in case you’re pondering that seems like a US $6,000+ setup, you wouldn’t be unsuitable. That Pinion gearbox alone most likely prices half the worth of the bike or extra when bought as a standalone unit. However one way or the other, Precedence has managed to bundle all of it collectively, even together with built-in lighting, hydraulic disc brakes, a 720Wh battery, throttle, entrance suspension, and commuter-ready equipment. And all of that for simply $3,999 (or $3,699 with a limited-time launch low cost).
And referencing a $6,000 determine is smart once you take a look at different manufacturers. Excessive-end German e-bikes like Stadtfuchs and Waldwiesel.E that additionally use this drivetrain price between $5,600 to $6,500, to place issues in perspective. Are they the identical factor? In fact not. Don’t be insulting. These bikes are half as quick and with a 3rd the ability of the Skyline.
However none of this could actually come as a shock. This mix of bike-shop-level high quality and direct-to-consumer pricing is traditional Precedence, an organization that continues to carve out its personal area of interest within the e-bike world (in addition to the pedal bike world, for these with extra stamina than I).
Whereas most D2C manufacturers reduce corners on parts to hit finances worth factors, Precedence has constructed a fame round spec’ing top-shelf components like belt drives and internally geared hubs, and delivering them at costs that really feel like they snuck previous a spreadsheet someplace.
However this time, they’ve outdone themselves.
A drivetrain you’d anticipate on a high-dollar Euro e-bike
On the coronary heart of the Skyline is that Pinion C1.12i Sensible.Shift system. In the event you’re not acquainted, consider it like a automobile transmission on your bike. The sealed gearbox sits on the crank, providing 12 electronically actuated gears throughout an enormous 600% gear vary. It after all permits you to shift at a standstill, whereas coasting, and even beneath load, however there’s a lot extra to it than that.
What actually units it aside is the automated shifting expertise. With Pinion’s Pre-Choose characteristic, you set your excellent cadence and the bike handles the remaining, altering gears between pedal strokes to maintain you spinning at your candy spot. No extra gear mashing or looking for the suitable sprocket. There’s even a Begin-Choose mode that resets your gear once you come to a cease, so that you’re all the time able to speed up easily when the sunshine turns inexperienced. And it’s doing all this behind the scenes with out you ever figuring out it.
Plus, because it’s paired with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive, the entire system runs whisper-quiet, grease-free, and practically maintenance-free. This is identical tech you’ll discover on costly European trekking bikes, however right here it’s a part of a package deal that’s priced like a mid-tier commuter. Besides that this bike is something however mid-tier.
Actual energy, real-world rideability
Backing up the drivetrain is a 750W rear hub motor with each torque-sensing pedal help and a thumb throttle for once you simply wish to cruise. The system delivers easy, intuitive acceleration as much as 28 mph for full class 3 efficiency, with spectacular responsiveness due to the torque sensor and the gearbox’s finely spaced ratios.
The hub motor would possibly sound like a wierd alternative for a better finish e-bike, however they’re turning into extra frequent as larger finish motor makers create enticing fashions for bike corporations to select from. A lot of these subtle gearboxes like Pinion’s take up the standard mid-drive motor’s place within the backside bracket, leaving a rear hub motor as the most suitable choice. You pay for it in further rear weight, however you make up for it within the pleasurable trip really feel that the drivetrain supplies.
And the Skyline isn’t nearly energy, it’s about management. Which means hydraulic disc brakes with motor cutoff, broad 650x50c Maxxis tires, and a suspension fork with 80 mm of journey to take in potholes, curbs, and sudden detours.
Battery vary must be strong too, due to a 720Wh downtube-integrated battery, giving the bike a clear, streamlined look whereas providing ample juice for lengthy commutes or weekend rides.
And sure, all of the commuter-ready options are right here: full fenders, an built-in rear rack, built-in 500-lumen entrance mild, brake-sensing rear mild, and a snug sport saddle.
Whereas this definitely isn’t a trail-oriented bike, it ought to be capable of deal with reasonable trekking duties and gravel trails whereas nonetheless holding a robust place as an on a regular basis commuter e-bike. And whereas the throttle is clearly there to help the North American want for one, a motorbike with this type of lovely transmission expertise ought to actually have its throttle tapped sparingly. The pedal help on this factor goes to really feel so good that I can see the throttle going uncared for more often than not.
The Precedence Skyline is offered now for pre-order, with transport anticipated quickly. And in case you’re even remotely , that $300 launch low cost runs by August 18, so now’s most likely the time to cease gawking and begin clicking.
Electrek’s Take
Precedence is a captivating firm within the e-bike house. Not like a number of the flashier D2C manufacturers chasing viral hits, they’ve quietly constructed a loyal following by obsessing over the rider expertise, significantly for people who need a bike that simply works, with out the mess or trouble of conventional drivetrains. Low-maintenance is their fetish and so they don’t do the rest.
I purchased my first Precedence e-bike again in 2020 and I’ve ridden a number of fashions since. I’ve turn into an enormous fan of the model just because I haven’t discovered one other firm that does high-quality at cheap costs higher than them. In fact $3,699 isn’t low-cost, nevertheless it’s very low for what you’re getting with the Skyline. And Precedence has strong e-bikes for as little as $1,799 as effectively, if going this far up-shelf isn’t within the stars.
However the Skyline is their new top-end electrical bike and it feels just like the fruits of all the things they’ve been working towards: clear design, unimaginable parts, real-world efficiency, and a worth that makes you surprise how they pulled it off. Beforehand, Lectric eBikes was the one model that would get Pinion gear on an e-bike and make it inexpensive, but they solely went with the 6-speed, to not point out reduce a number of different corners. Don’t get me unsuitable, the Lectric One is an unimaginable bike, however the Skyline is a full-size, multi-terrain commuter with a real torque sensor, extra battery, and higher-end components.
Is it heavy? Certain. A whopping 68 kilos is so much. And the whole shade choices of… one, effectively that’s not precisely tickling my creativity bone. However hey, it is available in three sizes and simply what number of SKUs are you able to inventory at this worth? And the truth that this e-bike has an automated digital 12-speed Pinion gearbox, a Gates belt, plus a throttle-enabled and torque-sensing 750W motor – all for beneath $4K – is borderline absurd. It’s the type of factor you’d anticipate from a boutique European model with a a lot larger price ticket, not from a US firm promoting direct to customers.
Precedence says the Skyline is supposed to “blur the road between rider and bike,” and after trying on the spec sheet, I consider them. That is greater than a commuter, it’s a severe piece of drugs for anybody who values seamless efficiency, low upkeep, and a joy-to-ride expertise.
I’ll be reviewing this mannequin quickly and regardless of my expectations being sky excessive, I’m fairly darn positive Precedence goes to be there like they all the time are.
Till I’m again with a evaluation article and video on my expertise with the bike, let’s hear what you consider the Skyline. Hold forth within the feedback part under!
