If there’s any bike brand that epitomizes ingenious simplicity, it’s Priority Bicycles. Since their start in 2014 we’ve checked out a few of their models including the Classic and Eight commuters and the Start kid’s bike. Each bike seems to strike that perfect balance of everything you need and nothing you don’t. That thinking definitely carries into The Coast, Priority’s new model designed specifically for cruising the beach.
There are plenty of bikes out there that call themselves beach cruisers, but this one’s got more to offer than a big cushy saddle and swoopy bars. The Coast was cleverly outfitted to handle sand and the salty sea breeze while remaining virtually maintenance free. Its aluminum frame and fork won’t rust, its sealed bearings resist the elements and a Gates belt drive system makes it ride smoother and quieter than chain-driven bikes.
Best of all, Priority’s ingenuity doesn’t come with a premium price. Their Kickstarter campaign is live, offering The Coast to early buyers for just $349…
Priority set out to make The Coast a reliable beach cruiser that wouldn’t wind up a creaky, rusted-out mess after a few years of riding. To put it to the test, a team of beta riders from areas including San Diego, Delaware, and Hawaii have been using the bikes for several months and providing feedback to ensure The Coast can handle long term seaside living.
The Coast’s frame and fork are both made from aluminum which of course doesn’t rust, but also keeps the weight much lower than steel-framed cruisers. Buyers can choose between a traditional men’s style frame and a step-through women’s frame (not pictured). Components like the alloy 26” rims with stainless steel spokes, weather-resistant grips and seat, sealed BB, front hub, headset and pedal bearings and a Gates Carbon Drive belt were chosen to fight against sand and salt damage and keep maintenance to a minimum. The grease-free belt setup couldn’t be more ideal for beach riding, as it won’t coat itself with sand like an oily chain would.
The Coast uses a simple coaster brake, and comes with color-matched stainless steel fenders. Frame color options will include few shades of Black, Grey and Blue plus White or Brown, accented with your choice of Gray or Denim logos. A line of accessory mounts will also be available for carrying your beach gear, the dog, and of course surf boards. The mounts will all be made of aluminum.
The beach-proof Coast will be offered at a pre-sale price from March 15-April 15th for just $349 USD, but will eventually sell for $449. Priority now ships bikes to anywhere in the USA plus the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands, and they expect to be sending out the first units in June or July.
As Kickstarter veterans, Priority has a few cool things happening during the campaign as well- One exclusive bike will be painted by artist Chris Willcox and auctioned off (with a share of the proceeds going to Hawaii’s Sustainable Coastlines organization), buyer rewards will include soft goods and apparel from Aloha Beach Club and Briny Beach Bags, and limited offers on other Priority Cycles gear will pop up throughout the month. Check out The Coast’s Kickstarter campaign here.
