Meet the Machines: Our Bikes for the East Coast Greenway

Gilbert’s Resort - Florida Keys

A great bikepacking adventure starts with the right bike. When you’re cycling 3,000 miles from Key West to Calais, Maine, across varying terrain and unpredictable weather, every component matters—comfort, durability, and reliability are key. That’s why we chose the Priority 600ADX, a bike designed for long-distance touring with minimal maintenance.

But what makes this bike so special? Let’s break it down in simple terms and explain why it’s the perfect ride for an epic adventure.

Why the Priority 600ADX?

When picking a bike for a journey like this, we needed something that could handle:

✅ Long days in the saddle without causing discomfort

✅ Smooth and reliable gear changes in all conditions

✅ Minimal maintenance, so we spend more time riding and less time fixing things

✅ The ability to tackle everything from city streets to rough trails

The Priority 600ADX ticks all these boxes. It’s built to keep moving—without the fuss of chains, greasy gears, and constant adjustments.

No More Chains:

Most bikes use a metal chain to transfer power from the pedals to the back wheel. Over time, chains stretch, rust, and need oiling to stay smooth. The Priority 600ADX, however, swaps out the traditional chain for a Carbon Belt Drive—a reinforced belt that lasts longer, stays clean, and doesn’t need oil.

Why this is a game-changer:

✔ No rust – Perfect for a trip along the humid East Coast

✔ No grease – No more dirty hands or stained clothes - this was a game-changer when we had to change two flat tyres on Suzy’s bike one morning.

✔ Super quiet – Just the sound of the tyres on the road

✔ Lasts longer – Belts typically outlive chains by thousands of miles

Gearing Without the Hassle:

One of the biggest frustrations for long-distance cyclists is a complicated gear system. Most bikes use a combination of metal cogs and a derailleur (the little mechanism that moves the chain between gears). These parts are exposed to dirt, rain, and wear over time, meaning they need constant cleaning and adjustments.

Instead of this traditional setup, the Priority 600ADX uses a Pinion gearbox—a fully sealed system inside the bike’s frame, much like the gears in a car.

What makes this so special?

✔ No external moving parts – Less chance of damage or getting clogged with dirt

✔ 12 evenly spaced gears – A smooth, effortless ride with all the range needed for hills or fast flats

✔ Easy shifting – Change gears anytime, even when standing still (unlike a traditional derailleur system)

✔ Built to last – No need to worry about it wearing out mid-trip

This means less time fixing and more time riding. Whether we’re climbing hills in New England or cruising along Florida’s coastal roads, we know our gears won’t let us down.

Comfort and Control for the Long Haul

A bikepacking trip like this isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about enjoying the journey. That’s why comfort and control are just as important as reliability.

✔ Wide tyres for stability – The 600ADX has grippy, all-terrain tyres that handle everything from smooth roads to gravel paths. More grip means more confidence on tricky terrain.

✔ Hydraulic disc brakes for safety – These brakes work even in wet conditions, so if we get caught in a downpour, we can still stop quickly and safely.

✔ Upright riding position – The design encourages a more relaxed posture, reducing strain on the back and shoulders during long days in the saddle.

Low Maintenance, More Riding

One of the best things about the Priority 600ADX is how little maintenance it needs.

On a standard touring bike, we’d have to regularly:

❌ Clean and oil the chain

❌ Adjust the gears

❌ Check for rust and worn-out parts

With the belt drive and Pinion gearbox, most of that hassle disappears. That’s a huge relief when we’re riding for months on end, carrying all our gear, and just wanting to enjoy the open road.

The Right Bike for an Epic Adventure

The Priority 600ADX isn’t just a bike—it’s a reliable partner for this journey. It lets us focus on the adventure, knowing that our bikes are built to handle whatever the East Coast Greenway throws at us.

From the sun-soaked paths of Florida to the rolling hills of New England, these bikes will be with us every mile of the way. And with the low-maintenance design, we can spend more time enjoying the ride and less time worrying about repairs.

Here’s to the road ahead—and the trusty machines carrying us there!