BIKE REVIEW: SUPER73 Z MIAMI

Electric bicycle manufacturer Super73 knows how to have a good time. From its various videos going viral in 2017 to celebrity co-signs from Will Smith and Post Malone in 2018, the Irvine, California-based brand turned its little bike into big business. By 2020, Super73 bolstered its fun-loving and exhilarating energy identity with performance-based models, bringing forth  a new era in the company’s history.

Those up-spec variants may unlock extra capability and also appeal to a more budget-conscious crowd. Super73’s Z line favors minimalism over might. The mid-range Z Miami model masters the delicate  between bare bones and handsomely equipped, between bountiful and bargain basement. Before we can discuss how the pared-down package performs, we need to consider just how Super73 prepares the Z Miami.

THE POWER

A conventional chain drive boosts the power of the Z Miami, but the 18,650-cell, 615-watt-hour battery is the true star of the show. That moderately-sized power cell recharges in 6-7 hours on the provided 2A charger and Super73 claims it yields 30-50 miles between fill-ups. When in use, the battery hangs from the 6061/7005 aluminum frame’s top tube, but the removable unit quickly slides out of its docking station as an easy charging option, making the battery easy to use and pop back in, ready to use.

That power pack pairs to an internally-geared, brushless DC hub motor, which cranks out 750 watts (nominal)/1,200 watts (peak) in all four ride modes. The “Off-Road” mode removes all restrictions by reactivating the thumb throttle and boosting the top speed to 45kph. Four pedal assist modes (Eco, Tour, Sport, and Super) help users tailor the power profile to personal preferences and given circumstances. Riders can keep track of all the model’s modes and miles via the mini-LCD display mounted at the left hand grip and the Super73 mobile app. However, the Super73 Miami boasts many other luxuries.

Fox moto-style shocks and coil spring forks suspend many top-tier Super 73 models, but the Z Miami forges ahead in rigid form. The entry-level e-bike also arrives without a headlight, taillight, or horn, which can all come completely customisable separately. Still, Super73 doesn’t undercut on mission-critical components, arming the Z Miami with dual 180mm disc brakes. Those cost-cutting measures do ask several questions, though. Can the Z Miami still deliver the good times we’ve come to expect from Super73? Will the beginner-friendly model outpunch its spec sheet or does it border on basic? There’s only one way to answer these questions: riding the Z Miami, and we can tell you. It’s as easy and fun to drive as we say.

THE ACCESSIBILITY & DRIVE

Accessibility has long been Super73’s strong suit. That’s no different with the Z Miami. Thanks to its 28-inch seat height, 27kg weight, and 147kg weight limit, riders of various shapes, sizes, and inseams can take to the squat e-bike. It’s that nature that makes the Z Miami such an easy-going companion, and the ride quality upholds those mild manners.

Super73 may save its fine-tuned suspension for its flagship models, but Z Miami rolls smoothly on its wide-section trooper tires. However, the 20-inch rims belie those balloon tires, helping the e-bike slither through the tightest turns. Fortunately, the road-oriented tread pattern provides sufficient grip on both asphalt and concrete, even if all that agility sacrifices the model’s stability. With two hands on the bars, the Z glides along with barely a wiggle.

The model’s trapezoidal frame closely resembles a Coleman Mini-Bike, but the low-sitting ergonomics mimic that of a classic BMX (bicycle motocross). Riding the Z Miami as such returns the best results. After all, you’re never too old to jump curbs, skid to a stop, or drop back and chuck a wheelie.

When it’s time to grow up, the Z is happy to oblige. Commuters can count on the Super73 netting around 48 kilometers per charge. Most urban owners cover less distance during their daily commute. Long-distance riders can even recoup the Z’s full power over the course of the workday. As electric bikes go, the resulting range highly depends on the user’s riding habits. If you’re planning on going fast, don’t plan on going far. In “Off-Road” mode, the Z Miami can really only cover 37km. Mode 3 gained six additional kilometers, while Mode 2 easily exceeded 48 kilometers. Only Mode 1 delivers on the LCD display’s 59 kilometer estimate for a chilled easy ride. Whereas modes 3 and 4 prioritize performance, the two eco-minded modes do little more than ease the the Z’s short gearing.

OUR OVERALL THOUGHTS

The entry-level model is a ball of fun and good for eco-friendly practices and still reaches up to 45kph and nets between 48-64 kilometers per charge, all while capturing Super73’s playful demeanor. Most daytime riders won’t need the headlamp or taillight gracing other models, but buyers planning on pinning the throttle in “Off-Road” mode may want to add a horn for extra safety.

The Z Miami is one of the best bargains in Super73’s lineup. The model’s accessibility, both financially and physically, positions it as a supreme alternative to expensive flagship two-wheelers. When some electric bikes cost nearly as much as a small car, it’s refreshing to see Super73 bring e-bikes to the masses. Admittedly, the Z Miami exceeds many of our expectations and allows for an easy ride for commuting and even a bit of offroad fun.