Ride quality, an overall measure of how a bike feels to ride, involves many aspects of its design, construction, and user interface. In a word, the Priority Skyline’s ride quality was great, though like any e-bike, it is not without areas that could be improved.
Priority makes three frame sizes for the bike, with the Small intended for riders between 5’4” and 5’7”, the Medium accommodating those from 5’7” to 5’10”, and a Large with a height range of 5’10” to 6’3”. More specifically, Priority recommends that buyers focus on the three inseam ranges of 28”-31”, 30”-33”, and 32”-35”, respectively.
At 5’11”, I found the Large frame well suited for a rider of my height and proportions. The bike’s 8” of saddle height adjustment granted me full leg extension with room for both taller and shorter riders. The standard forward-leaning riding position felt sporty and moderately aggressive without feeling too stretched out or uncomfortable.
I found the bike’s geometry and contact points extremely comfortable, which is a testament to Priority’s ergonomic design. When testing most e-bikes with an adjustable stem, I tend to prefer a more upright riding position, but I enjoyed the Skyline’s feel with its wide handlebars set further down and forward.
The saddle felt supportive and accommodating without being too firm or restrictive. The wide ergonomic rubber grips provided a comfortable, wide platform for steering, and the 80mm travel Suntour suspension fork effectively smoothed bumps and absorbed vibrations before they could make it to my wrists and arms.
The Skyline handled extremely well, too; its 740mm handlebars and 27.5×2” Maxxis tires offered fantastic steering control and maneuverability. The bike felt more nimble than its size and weight would suggest, which is ideal for commuting on crowded streets or paths.
I’ve mentioned the pedal assist system’s responsive, natural feel, but this is worth reiterating. In my experience, many of the best electric bikes with torque sensors deliver power subtly and smoothly. This allows the rider to feel as though they are stronger than their muscles alone could possibly be; the Skyline gave me this sense.
In terms of operation, the bike’s user interface is relatively simple and straightforward. In contrast with many similar e-bikes on the market that require connections with mobile apps to access their full range of features and customization options, the Skyline is more streamlined.
Users can pair the bike’s Pinion gearbox with the Pinion Smart.Shift app to switch between its two semi-automatic shifting modes, but otherwise, what you see is generally what you get. The bike’s small and appealing color display offers a handful of customization options—mainly over its maximum speed—but once the bike is set up, changes should be infrequent for most riders.
As I touched on in the introduction, however, the Pinion gearbox is a standout feature. Not only does the system’s electronic shifting feel cool and high-tech, but it is also fast and crisp. The gearbox also allows riders to shift while stopped or when pedaling uphill, removing many of the restrictions of traditional chain-and-cassette drivetrains.
The Pinion’s two automatic shifting modes are titled Start.Select and Pre.Select. The former downshifts automatically upon coming to a stop to allow for easy starting up, while the latter also downshifts while coasting to match the rider’s preferred cadence. I preferred the Pre.Select mode, which worked extremely well after I found my ideal settings (a process that only took a few minutes on my first test ride).
Coupled with a Gates Carbon belt, the Pinion system is clean and extremely low maintenance. Owners should change the gearbox’s internal oil bath annually or after every 6,200 miles. The belt, which requires no lubrication, can last for thousands of miles before needing to be replaced—we’ve read reports of some lasting over 20k miles!
In my testing, I only had one hiccup with the Pinion system, where the gearbox seemed stuck between gears. Running through the calibration feature in the Pinion app solved the problem, allowing me to get back on the move in a short amount of time.
One minor area with room for improvement is the Skyline’s programming when unlocked to Class 3 speeds. I noticed that the motor’s output in PAS 1-4 was limited to 23 mph; only PAS 5 allowed me to reach the 28 mph maximum. To conserve power, I’d prefer this lower cap to be removed so that riders pedaling in lower assist levels could reach top speed.
Aside from this, the Skyline is sporty, comfortable, nimble, and well-equipped for its role as a commuter. The bike features integrated lights (including a brake light function), fenders, and a cargo rack able to carry around 49 lbs. Priority also sells a handful of compatible accessories, including a suspension seatpost, electronic horn, etc.
