Patent Patrol: Priority's 1st Serious MTB is High Pivot, Belt Drive, Gearbox Vanth Enduro Bike

"Today, the belt and gearbox bike brand teased the release of the Priority Vanth (officially launching on Halloween), their first stab at a modern full-suspension mountain bike. As a part of the tease, Priority introduced the Stillpoint platform, a high-pivot suspension system designed to work with belt-driven bikes. Additionally, the Stillpoint suspension system comes with two new patents from the brand."

"Currently, two new patents can be found regarding the Priority Vanth, and both appear to pertain to a tensioner pulley present in the design. The first patent relates to the use of the tensioner pulley, specifically in conjunction with a belt-drive system. While a tensioner pulley isn't necessarily new to high-pivot designs, Priority's tensioner pivots during travel to accommodate for chain belt growth. As the bike returns to SAG, a spring in the tensioner pulley allows it to move back to its original position."

"Staying within a precise tension range is especially important considering the Vanth operates with a Gates Belt-Drive system. To maintain appropriate tension while mitigating the effects of chain growth, the tension pulley appears to be the solution, as the upper pulley is not concentric around the main high pivot. The second patent from Priority is similarly related to the first, but with a traditional chain-driven drivetrain in mind. In both cases, the effects of chain growth and appropriate chain tension are the concern."

Priority Bicycles revealed the Vanth, a modern full-suspension mountain bike built around the Stillpoint high-pivot suspension tailored for belt-driven systems. The Stillpoint platform integrates a tensioner pulley that pivots during travel to accommodate belt growth and uses a spring to return to position as the bike returns to SAG. Two patents cover the tensioner concept: one specifically for Gates belt-drive applications and another adapted for traditional chain-driven drivetrains. Maintaining precise belt or chain tension is central to the design because the upper pulley is not concentric with the main high pivot. The system aims to mitigate chain growth while preserving tension.

Read at Bikerumor