The new Super73-ZX comes—literally—without any bells and whistles, but with a more powerful motor and a beefier battery. (Super73/)
Consumer commuting behavior changed dramatically during the pandemic, but one new habit that’s perhaps most visible on city streets is people’s rapid embrace of ebikes. Not only did the lockdown create a huge surge in the popularity of ebikes as a transportation mode, but it also amplified what new riders expect from them.
For lifestyle brand Super73, that meant going back to one of its first products, the Super73-Z1, and redesigning it for a new generation of riders. The result is the new, lighter, larger, and more powerful ZX, which joins the Z1 in the company’s entry-level category. As a refresher, Super73′s bikes slot into three categories: the top-of-the-line flagship R-series models, the midrange S-series, and the entry-level Z-series, which eschews the latest tech and goes more for fun factor.
The new frame is larger and the tall handlebars are also adjustable, to better fit taller riders. (Super73/)
The new ZX bike is the next step up from the more basic Z1 model, bringing a lighter and rangier 6061-T6 aluminum frame (versus steel), which means it can squeeze greater range from the larger 615 Watt-hour battery (which is also now removable, unlike the Z1′s smaller 418Wh unit). According to Super73 the new ZX frame and redesigned, longer seat can better accommodate taller and heavier riders than the Z1′s more compact unit.
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The ZX’s motor is also beefier, with a claimed peak power output of up to 1,350 watts, or 750 watts nominally, and unlike the Z1, the ZX brings pedal-assist modes, with Eco, Tour, Sport, and Super available so the bike can be in Class 1 and 2 (up to 20 mph) or Class 3 and Unlimited operation (up to 28 mph and more). The ZX comes preprogrammed for the Class 2 riding mode, which allows for throttle operation and pedal-assist riding up to 20 mph. You can tap into those modes via the Super73 smartphone app (iOS and Android) and confirmed on the compact ZX transflective monochrome LCD display.
In sum, Super73 claims the ZX can crank 25–50 miles of range out of the battery depending on the pedal-assist mode, and other usual variables like rider weight, speed, wind, tire pressure, terrain, incline, etc.
Additional (and optional) accessories include lights, fenders, suspension, and other stuff. It’ll cost extra. (Super73/)
So who’s it for? According to the marketing spin it seems like all casual riders, “from weekday commuters to weekend warriors, urban adventurers, and even parents with young families.” With that in mind, it made sense for Super73 to keep the price reasonable; the ZX retails for $1,995, or $600 more than the Z1. For that price you get the standard 615Wh battery pack, four riding modes, smartphone connectivity, the extended, 31-inch-tall comfort seat, and 180mm disc brakes, but truthfully, not that much more. The headlight, taillight, and turn signals for instance, are all optional (sold separately) as are the fenders and even the suspension. Want a rear derailleur? The 10-speed Shimano Zee will be available at the end of the year. A 5A fast charger will also cost you extra, but then that’s how Super73 managed to get this bike in under $2K.
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The ZX is available now, and Super73 is sweetening the pot for early adopters; the Moon Rock Launch Edition will have red wheel liners on the 20-inch wheels, while the Storm Gray models will have white liners inside the wheel rims. The Launch Edition will also come with wide 20 x 4.5-inch LZRD Street tires with a street-bias tread pattern.
Of course you can beef up the ZX with additional accessories like a Saddlemen seat, Crank Brothers bags and pedals, 1Up car rack, Oury grips, and Super73 custom handlebars and MOLLE panels. Us? We’d probably get the optional suspension over any of that other stuff.
