Priority Skyline Smart.Shift E-Bike Review | Smart & Savvy

The goal of our range test was to determine how far the Priority Skyline could travel on a single charge. We powered up the bike’s 720 watt-hour (Wh) battery and rode on paved paths until its charge was depleted; we performed one test in PAS 5 to find its minimum range and another in PAS 1 to determine its maximum.

Priority advertises 20 to 60 miles on the bike, while our testers covered 40.4 and 63.1 miles. As such, the brand’s top end estimate seems reasonable, but our results show that some riders could exceed the low end figure under the right conditions.

Similar commuter e-bikes we’ve tested averaged 35.1 and 65 miles from batteries averaging 662 Wh. This places the Skyline in line with (potentially slightly ahead) of its peers with its relatively large battery.

While it’s reasonable to expect higher results with a larger-than-average battery, our speed test showed that its lowest assist level delivered a relatively high amount of output. Additionally, the Range Test results of e-bikes with Pinion systems have suggested that the transmission may draw some extra power that reduces the bike’s range.

Still, our results show that the Skyline is well-specced, capable of long-rides, and suitable for its role as a daily commuter. Most riders we interact with who use their e-bikes for commuting have round trips between 10 and 20 miles, so our results show that the Skyline should be capable of multiple round trips from a single charge.

We appreciate that Priority ships the bike with a relatively fast 2.8-amp charger; Skyline owners can expect it to charge a fully depleted battery in around 5.5 hours.

When testing the Priority Skyline’s hill-climbing potential at the Devil’s Backbone (see the graphic above), the bike performed well when compared to its peers. When using only the bike’s throttle, our test rider reached the top of the hill in 2:06 at 14.4 mph. When pedaling, he completed our test slightly faster, with a time of 1:58 and an average speed of 15.4 mph.

Similar models we’ve tested, including the best commuter e-bikes, averaged 2:00 on throttle and 2:06 when pedaling. In comparison with this group, which includes e-bikes with both 500W and 750W hub motors, the Skyline’s results were roughly average, while its motor output was slightly above average.

Other bikes in our comparison group averaged 983W of peak motor output and 74 Nm of torque. The Skyline’s rear-hub motor produces 1056W and 90 Nm of torque, which is well in line with similar 750W nominal motors.

Outside of our formal test, the bike’s results lined up well with my personal experience at our secondary test location, Pilot Hill. There, I conducted a similar test using the Skyline’s throttle and highest level of pedal assist. On throttle power, the bike climbed confidently and steadily, but not remarkably speedily. When pedaling, it felt much more spirited.

All in all, our formal and informal testing shows that the Skyline is effective at conquering even challenging hills. Once again, the bike is well-specced in comparison to its peers, and its overall performance matched our expectations for its category and specs.

The Skyline is equipped with a familiar, e-bike specific hydraulic brake system from Tektro. We tested its performance using the above process; the bike’s average stopping distance was 21’ 6”.

Compared to similar e-bikes, this result places the Skyline above average for the commuter category. For context, other models in our comparison group averaged 22’ 2”.

These results are not unexpected; Tektro’s HD-E3520 brake system has proved reliable and effective in our testing. It combines two-piston calipers with 180mm front and rear rotors, which provide consistent, strong stopping power that is well-matched for the Skyline’s size and weight of around 68 lbs.

In my time on the bike, I noted that its brakes provided excellent modulation over my speed, as well as quick, controlled stopping power. When applying the brakes, the bike remained true to its line of travel and did not skid or fishtail.

With these details in mind, the Skyline gets an enthusiastic two thumbs up!

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.

Commuter e-bikes are intended to be practical, reliable methods of daily transport. When done right, they can be much more than utilitarian machines. Those that are as well put together as the Priority Skyline are comfortable to ride, easy to enjoy on long trips, and ideally, something that you don’t want to put down.

We were highly impressed with the Skyline’s ride feel and performance. It scored well in all areas of our testing, proving itself able to keep pace with its peers, and in some cases, outshine them. It delivered intuitive programming with a fun and engaging ride, along with great range, plentiful power for tackling hills, and excellent braking performance.

The bike’s long-lasting, low-maintenance, and convenience-enhancing drivetrain adds an extra dimension to the Skyline’s user experience. With its semi-automatic modes and ability to shift under load, the Pinion gearbox elevates the bike’s operation and ease to a premium level. Its price point of around $4,000 makes this technology more accessible than most similarly-equipped bikes.

Our testing identified only a couple of relatively minor areas of critique. Faster throttle engagement from a standstill and the ability to reach 28 mph in all assist levels when in Class 3 mode would make the Skyline even more functional and commuter-friendly.

Otherwise, we happily recommend this e-bike to riders seeking a cool, high-tech daily-use e-bike with low maintenance requirements and an active, natural ride. Whether used for long-distance leisure rides, daily travel to work or school, an enjoyable means of exercise, or something else, we can confidently say that this commuter can deliver.

In short, with the Priority Skyline, the sky is the limit.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Priority Skyline Smart.Shift E-Bike down in our comments section.