Priority Continuum Onyx Review: All-Season, Belt Drive Commuter

Prepare yourself for a ride on the wild side with the Priority Continuum Onyx – the epitome of an urban jungle adventurer. This beauty is a well-rounded steed, ready to conquer the concrete labyrinth of your daily commute. It’s like a trusty sidekick, only better.

What makes it stand out in the bike crowd? The new upgrades from the good old Continuum, of course! Sporting a flashy new paint job that reflects headlights with the glamour of a disco ball, it sure knows how to get heads turning.

But wait, there’s more! It now comes with built-in lights, juiced up by the sheer power of your pedaling, thanks to a cheeky little thing called a rear hub dynamo. How’s that for green energy? And yes, you’ve got it right – it’s pedal power all the way!

This isn’t just a bike – it’s a lifestyle. Join the adventure and feel the value of this dashing Priority Continuum Onyx!

Priority is a well-respected bicycle company that started in 2014 after it hit its crowdfunding goal on Kickstarter in a matter of hours to ship out its first line of bikes. Since then they’ve seen many positive reviews from Inc. Magazine, Gizmodo, and plenty of others.

The Continuum Onyx offers a lot in comparison to the other commuter bikes out there, like the GT Grand Elite or Evil Chamois Hagar, with all kinds of features that are well thought out and applicable to a daily ride.

Here are a few pros and cons to think about when comparing the Continuum Onyx to other commuter bikes.

Pros

• Integrated lights, fenders, and kickstand
• Has dynamo powered lights so you are always visible when riding at night
• Features a smooth, maintenance-free, drivetrain
• Gates carbon belt drive perfectly compliments the continuous variable transmission (CVT)

Cons

• Is heavy, and can be tough to carry around
• No suspension system, so it can be damaged if ridden over bumpy terrain

Things to Consider Before Buying a Commuter Bike 

If you want to cut down on driving in city traffic or get some gentle exercise during your commute, buying a bike like this one would be a great idea.

However, this bike is made mostly for urban riding, and if you plan on taking it on bumpy roads or trails, you should consider a hybrid or mountain bike instead. 

Before buying a bike like the Continuum Onyx you should think about what terrain you’re riding it on, and if you plan on using it near every day. While it is fairly priced, it is not cheap, and will not be a good investment if you only plan on riding it once in a while. 

Features and Benefits 

There are 5 particular features that are important to this bike, with their own various benefits and drawbacks. Some are more important than others, and I will be going fairly in-depth with how they make the Continuum Onyx a quite unique bicycle.

The Frame

The frame for this bike uses 6061 T6 Aluminum. Aluminum is commonly used for bike frames and forks and is a great material to use because of its lightness and durability. 

Some people have expressed some qualms with the frame, and it is certainly the feature that stands out the least on this bike.

This part of the bike is probably the most similar to most others out there, and it doesn’t try to show off anything special from a design standpoint. Although, it is proven to be high quality, and by no means does this bike cut corners by making a fairly standard frame. 

There is also a 5-year warranty on the frame and fork if they get damaged. However, keep in mind that any damage due to improper assembly, modifications, or use beyond the intended conditions will not be covered by the warranty. Also, warranty claims due to product defects must be confirmed via photograph or diagnosis by a professional bicycle mechanic.

The Suspension System

The Continuum Onyx is made specifically for urban and city riding only, so it does not have a suspension system. Although, it really doesn’t need one, and like I said earlier if you plan on biking off-road you should consider a mountain bike rather than this one for this exact reason.

While this feature (or lack thereof) may seem like a limitation there are plenty of good reasons to not have a suspension system in place on a commuter bike. 

For one, it makes the bike heavier and more expensive. Adding a suspension system requires a good bit more manufacturing work and this will drive up the price. Plus, putting the mechanisms necessary for a suspension system will make the bike bulkier, and in general, just make it more awkward to ride through the tight traffic you’ll see on city streets.

More: Best priority bicycles review: Are Priority Bicycles Good Quality?

Bikes with suspension systems will also be slower when climbing up hills. There were many years, when I was young, where I was riding my mountain bike up a hill to get to school and wondered why I was covered in sweat every time I walked in.

When a bike does not have a suspension system, weight loss makes a big difference when riding up inclines. So if you’re worried about keeping those sweat stains off your work shirt, it is really just up to the weather in your area.  

The folks designing the Continuum Onyx did even think about the white button-downs everyone wears to work when designing this bike, didn’t they? 

(Seatpost with a parallelogram and shock absorber)

The Wheels/Tires

The Platinum Continuum Onyx features a pair of puncture-resistant WTB 700C wheels. These wheels are built for speed and can get a great grip on both road and gravel.

These tires are made for pavement, hardpack, dirt, and gravel terrains. They offer a smooth ride even on wet pavement and do well at keeping your bike from sliding out from under you.

Some bikes can use these tires for off-road excursions, and if not for the Continuum Onyx’s lack of suspension, I feel as if you could certainly take this bike on the trails with these wheels.

The puncture resistance is a great feature for city commuting as well. There will be plenty of times where you may run into some broken glass or sharp rocks on the road and these tires have the durability to shake these off, which will save you a lot of money on replacements. 

However, one downside is their bulk, which will make it difficult to get the bike moving at times. Once you get going, you will notice the great speed these wheels will give you, but stopping and going may get cumbersome.

More: Trek Madone Sl 6 Review: Is It A Good Road Bike?  

The Gear System

Arguably the most unique and defining aspect of Continuum Onyx is the NuVinci N380 CVT drivetrain. Those who don’t know what a drivetrain is are all the bits you use to push the bike along. 

What you get out of this bike’s drivetrain is roughly the same gear range as a common 7-speed chain-driven bike but without distinct gears. The belt drive and CVT gearing Priority used on the Continuum Onyx is honestly one of a kind. 

A typical-chain-driven bike with gears doesn’t respond well if you change gears at a stop and then try to ride up a hill when you start pedaling. The NuVinci system is different, in that it doesn’t need to be moving to change gearing. 

Say you are pulling up to stop at a light, if you want easier pedaling to get going again, twist the gear grip while stopped. Then, once you start riding, the gearing and rear wheel will change with only a small delay and no complaints.

I typically handle changing gears for hills with my bike because if I’m in the middle of a steep hill, my strategy is to pedal a bit harder and not even bother shifting when the end of the hill is close. 

Really I’m just trying to lessen the unavoidable ‘clunk’ you hear when gears change, but when you’ve got a system as the Continuum Onyx does, there’s no need to consider if it’s worth changing gears.

On this bike, you will never have to pre-plan gearing when you’re coming to a stop. Everything is quiet and smooth and it really is a well-thought-out design for riding in the city, where you will certainly have to deal with frequent stops and a few hills. 

The Brake System 

The Continuum Onyx features a Tektro braking system, with dual piston-hydraulic discs and 160mm rotors. 

These hydraulic disc brakes provide more braking power than caliper brakes and are more reliable in rainy or snowy weather compared to mechanical disc brakes. The brakes are perfectly suited for the WTB 700C tires mentioned above as well.

Considering the bike’s price, this is a surprising feature of the Continuum Onyx, as this is a very high-quality braking system. Their all-weather stopping power is perfect for an urban bike because if you’re an everyday commuter, you never know when you’ll be taking a wet ride back home from work.

From personal experience, I know that bikes with basic braking systems will hardly put up any resistance in stopping my bike on a rainy day. I’m not going to say I rammed into anyone’s car, but I certainly have had to do some action rolls to avoid collisions with a few fences.

The brakes on this system will hardly ever fail on you, and to me, this is easily one of the most important features on any bike. Riding your bike through city streets can be very dangerous, and without the ability to stop on a dime, it could easily lead to some gruesome injuries or worse. 

More: Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review: Is It A Good Bike To Have?

Key Features Table

Social Proof

The vast majority of the reviews for the Priority Continuum Onyx are highly positive. You’d be hard-pressed to find a non-5-star review from buyers, and most people tend to praise Priority’s customer service as well. 

Below are a few reviews from Priority’s website, and to be clear, people can say whatever they like about the product in these. As far as I know, no reviews get deleted, and for the most part, these are either people that have either purchased the bike or gifted it to a friend or family member.

Alternatives

While this is a great quality bike, there are alternatives for those looking for a different kind of bike. Like I said before, there are some drawbacks to this bike, and it is not meant to ride around anywhere and everywhere.

Priority 600

In comparison to the Priority 600, the Continuum Onyx is much less expensive. Both bikes have a similar brake system, frame, and double fender design, and it’s available in the same matte black color as well. 

However, the cheaper price point is because the Continuum Onyx comes without the innovative gearbox or more rugged handling that is offered by the 600. 

In fact, while both are solid bike options, the 600 is a better bike for people looking for an all-terrain bike, while the Continuum Onyx is a good bike for commuters who are only looking to ride on roads.

If you have a good bit more money available, the Priority 600 is a great buy and a much more versatile bike with just as many great features as its road bike counterpart. Not to mention, you won’t have to look far, as it is right next to the Continuum Onyx on Priority’s website. You Can get the Priority 600 here

Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3 Speed

This bike comes from Brooklyn Bicycle Co., which is another bike company known for making good, affordable commuter bikes.  

This one is a quite popular bike and is sold out on their website with no projected restock until 2021. It is a very affordable bike and only about half the cost of the Continuum Onyx ($499.99)  

It does not have the same kind of high-tech drivetrain or braking system as the Continuum Onyx, but it’s still made of the same quality materials and has a wonderfully pretty design and color.

For those that are looking for a commuter bike with a smaller budget, this bike could be worth keeping an eye on when it gets restocked in 2021. However, be sure to hop on quickly, as this bike may sell out again quickly once it gets restocked.

More: Schwinn Phocus 1600 Review: Is It a Good Bike to Buy?

Conclusion

If you need a way to cut back on driving in the city while getting some exercise in the process, the Continuum Onyx is a great fit to solve this problem. 

Its smooth gear system allows for easy rides even if you plan on making frequent stops or going up sharp hills. Its non-puncture tires paired with its hydraulic brake system are perfect for riding safely even in dangerous commutes through the city. 

FAQ About Priority Bicycles’ Continuum Onyx

What are the key features of the Priority Continuum Onyx?

The Priority Continuum Onyx is a belt drive commuter and touring bicycle that offers hassle-free all-weather shifting with the Enviolo CVT hub. It features a Gates Carbon Drive belt that is rust-free and low maintenance. The bike also includes hub-powered lights, puncture-resistant tires, composite fenders, hydraulic disc brakes, and a comfortable geometry.

How does the Enviolo CVT hub work?

The Enviolo CVT hub is a continuously variable rear hub that provides a wide gear range (380%) in all temperatures and conditions. It allows you to adjust the resistance by twisting the gear shifter, offering smooth and seamless shifting without clicking, jamming, or skipping.

What are the advantages of the Gates Carbon Drive belt?

The Gates Carbon Drive belt is designed specifically for everyday cycling. It requires no maintenance, as it doesn’t rust, stretch, or need lubrication. The belt is strong and durable, offering a clean and quiet ride without the hassle of traditional chains.

What type of brakes does the Priority Continuum Onyx have?

The Priority Continuum Onyx is equipped with Promax hydraulic disc brakes, which provide confident stopping power in all weather conditions. They offer reliable and responsive braking for safe and controlled riding.

Does the bike have a dynamo hub?

The Priority Continuum Onyx does not come with a dynamo hub. However, it features hub-powered lights, which are powered by the front hub. This ensures that the lights are always ready to use without the need for separate batteries or charging.

Is the Priority Continuum Onyx suitable for city riding?

Yes, the Priority Continuum Onyx is designed to be a versatile city bike. It offers comfortable geometry, puncture-resistant tires, and features like fenders and reflective decals for urban commuting. The bike is well-suited for navigating city streets and providing a smooth, reliable ride.

Can the bike handle rough terrain and off-road riding?

While the Priority Continuum Onyx is primarily designed as a commuter and touring bike, it can handle some light off-road terrain. However, it may not be suitable for more challenging off-road trails or mountain biking. It excels in providing a comfortable and efficient ride for city and paved road cycling.

What type of wheels does the bike have?

The Priority Continuum Onyx features double-wall alloy wheels, which provide strength and durability. These wheels are designed to handle various road conditions and offer a smooth and stable ride.

What is the weight of the Priority Continuum Onyx?

The bike weighs approximately 31 pounds, including pedals, fenders, lights, and the kickstand. Its lightweight design contributes to agile and efficient riding.

Does the bike come fully assembled?

The Priority Continuum Onyx requires some assembly upon delivery. However, it comes with all the necessary tools for final assembly, and the process typically takes around 20 minutes. It is recommended to have a professional bicycle mechanic perform a safety check before riding.