The Good-Looking, Tough, Affordable Bike You Need This Winter Is Here

Klunkerz. It’s not only a fantastic 2006 documentary about the birth of mountain biking in Marin County in the ’60s and ’70s.

It’s also what those wild, tradition-bucking pioneers called their actual rides — modified paperboy bikes with hefty frames, knobby tires and flat moto-style handlebars. 

Priority Bicycles

Drawing on that proud, mud-spattered heritage is Priority’s new Hot Sauce: Scotch Bonnet, which is just as tough and off-road capable but, thanks to a number of smoothly integrated modern features, anything but clunky.

I dare say this new release in eye-popping yellow and red might now be the best bike you can get for just under $1,000. Here’s why.

Uncommon feature set

What draws us to the new Hot Sauce is a pretty rare combo of qualities. Highlights include a weather-proof belt drive, an over-performing frame, off-road-ready rims and tires and a major upgrade over its big bro, the original Sauce, in the form of an 8-speed Shimano hub.

Let’s take a closer look at those elements.

1. Gates Carbon Drive belt

Priority Bicycles

Central to every bike NYC-based Priority makes, including the new Hot Sauce, is a component so much better than a chain, I don’t understand why more bike brands don’t try it. (I guess maybe Big Chain has them over a barrel?)

I could buy a whole other bike with the chains I’ve busted over the years. Meanwhile, the Gates Carbon Drive belt never rusts, gets loose or needs lube. It is basically as durable and low maintenance as you can get, which is huge during the harsh winter months.

I know from experience. The Priority Ace I’ve ridden hard in fixed gear mode since 2021 is still going strong on the original belt.

2. Over-performing frame

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Don’t let that sweet retro silhouette fool you. The Hot Sauce’s modern geometry makes for a smooth, nimble handling, accented by an integrated handlebar stem that ups the old-school vibes while simplifying and lightening your ride.

The frame itself is made of rust-resistant aluminum, with a rigid fork that admittedly does demand a bit more “human suspension” when the trail gets rough. (Note: It is dropper post-ready, if you are looking to get sendy on downhills.)

However, going shock-free also significantly reduces the price and the weight. With pedals and kickstand this Hot Sauce comes in around 27 pounds. Not exactly feather light, but with these features and at this price, it’s won’t weigh you down.

3. Off-road-ready rims and tires

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Even if you stick to the streets, you may encounter obstacles — such as potholes, broken glass and snow — that aren’t for the faint of heart (or skinny of rubber).

Thankfully, the new Hot Sauce boasts tubeless-ready Sun Ringle 27.5-inch rims with WTB Intersector 2.4-inch tires.

That beefy combo, augmented by grippy lugs, ensure you’ll maintain your traction even when the path is sketchy. Bonus: When you do need to stop, hydraulic disc brakes should keep you out of trouble. 

4. 8-speed Shimano hub

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Rounding out this package is the biggest distinguishing factor from the original Sauce. Whereas that bike is a single speed, this Hot Sauce boasts an internally geared Shimano Nexus 8-speed rear hub.

Shifting is smooth via the handlebar-mounted Rapid Fire Trigger shifter, opening up a 307% gear range. That means even if your town or local MTB trail is hella hilly, you’ll be able to summit any peak.  

Among others, that feature speaks to the bike’s overall versatility. Even if you have no interest in leaving the pavement, the Hot Sauce: Scotch Bonnet is as steady and reliable a commuter as a crossover SUV — and hey, much easier to park!

Availability and pricing

The Priority Hot Sauce: Scotch Bonnet is available now for $999. The single-speed Sauce goes for $799. Use code NEWBIKE25 for free shipping.

Priority Hot Sauce (8 Speed)

• $999 at Priority Bicycles

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