MAKERS // PRIORITY BICYCLES
Dave Weiner, founder of Priority Bicycles makes his debut in the biking industry with a new innovation of a bike that’s visually appealing yet comfortably affordable. After spending years as the CEO of a software company, he turned to helping brands to grow their business with new innovations. But later did Dave realize that there was a gap in the bicycling industry between price and quality.
For Dave, the seven principles of quality for the bike he devised was that it was appealing to eyes but not overly technical, lightweight, comfortable, easy to ride, easy to maintain, hard to steal and affordable. Making his unveiling on Kickstarter, with hopes of $30,000 in backing ended up over reaching his goal in two hours while making 550,000 in 30 days.
New York – based Priority Bicycles aims to deliver the best product for anyone interested in taking a day off of the stress of transportation for the simplicity of a bicycle that can offer more than a ride, but a tranquil experience for the body and mind.
What’s your earliest memory of riding a bike?
I grew up in small town in the Bay Area, Clayton. I rode my bike, everywhere. I don’t remember what age I started riding by bike, because all my earliest memories were with a bike, from the paper routes around my neighborhood to the rides to school.
How would you describe the visual aesthetic of the bike?
Modern classic. We base our designs off of the 60’s and 70’s look but add a more modern twist to what many people would remember from their childhood or their parents. Our bikes are designed to show that it’s not just a bike, but a revelation of the 60’s classic meets today’s urging of something new, reliable and cool.
Acknowledging that you launched on Kickstarter in July 2014, you reach so much success, over reaching your goal of 30,000 dollars and being featured in Fitness Magazine, Make, Uncrate as well as many other publications. Why do you think you’ve garnered so much success in so little time?
I wish we knew what we did. I feel we were addressing a problem prominent in the biking world, owning a good quality bike for a reasonable price. And people liked what we offered and it took off from there.
To many young minds today, who have ever existing dreams of starting their own businesses they feel is necessary in our society, what do you think would set them apart from others?
I would say that there is no substitute for hard work. I was real lucky to have the opportunity to learn the in’s and out’s of big businesses, but I believe that many young minds should face whatever obstacle knowing that failure is not an option. Work on your project night and day, and don’t show anybody until you have it right and make your dreams into reality. Be prepared to put in a lot of hours. Go out and get what you want. And remember that age is a number that is put on things, but has no real importance to achieving dreams and aspirations. You have to go out there and have the mindset that you’re just as good as anyone else, and make it seem like you own it, whatever you choose to do.
What do you think riding a bike does to a person that skateboarding, walking, running cannot do?
I think riding a bike is an easier way of getting around. It easier to bike to work rather than skateboarding or running. It takes less effort to bike to destinations rather than sitting in traffic, especially if the destination can be reached by a bike ride. As well as it being a physical benefit for the body, it can ease the body mentally. It is a great way to clear the head, because all that surrounds you is open air. You take in more creativity from your surroundings and it’s less frustrating. Not only can it connect you to the world, but to yourself and bettering your physical and mental health.
What are your hopes and dreams to do with Priority Bicycles in the future?
I want to keep bringing in more innovative products with unique features for a reasonable price. As I like to say, “ Life is too short to ride a bad bicycle.” There not a lot of quality bikes out there, that is also affordable. We designed a beautiful bike that would be ready to go and easy to ride. It’s a bike that we would want our customers to be proud of.
To learn more about Priority Bicycles, Dave Weiner, or to just purchase a bike, check it out here.
Photography by Tyrone Rhabb
Words by Megan Duenas
