Why I Picked Up Another Super73 Z1 (And How I Set Up Both Bikes)
November 15, 2020
I didn’t buy a second Super73 Z1 because I needed “more e-bike.” I bought it because our Z1 evolved into a very specific kind of ride after the 48V upgrade… and that isn’t everyone’s vibe.
Once I had one Z1 that was quicker and more aggressive, it made total sense to add another Z1 that would stay closer to stock. The result: two bikes that look similar at a glance, but feel totally different on real streets.
Unboxing and first impressions
The updated packaging immediately felt more secure than what I remember from our first Z1. Nothing about this bike tries to be complicated, which is still a big part of the appeal. It’s straightforward to get out of the box, assemble, and start riding without turning it into a full project.
And yes… the Astro Orange is loud in the best way. In person it pops.
Two Z1s, two ride styles
Here’s the real reason I wanted a second one: our 48V Z1 became a little too torquey for the kind of relaxed cruising some riders prefer.
I personally love the “fast and punchy” feel of the upgraded setup because it matches how I ride. But in our house, not everyone wants that. Having a second Z1 that rides more like the original, stock experience means we can both enjoy the platform without compromising.
That’s the underrated beauty of the Z1: it’s easy to tailor. You can keep one mellow and simple, or you can build it into something that better fits your personal style.
Small physical differences I noticed
Putting the two bikes side-by-side, I noticed a couple subtle changes in the wheels and reflectors:
One set of rims has small cutouts/holes, while the other doesn’t.
The reflectors are mounted a little differently between the two.
On the road, the stock bike still rides very similarly to how our upgraded Z1 used to feel before the conversion.
Accessories that made the biggest difference
I’m always chasing the “use it every day” setup. These are the add-ons that actually changed how practical and comfortable the Z1 is for my riding.
Hafny mirrors (visibility upgrade)
Mirrors are one of those things that feel optional until you ride with them. Then it’s hard to go back.
I swapped mirrors between bikes and ended up running the Hafny mirrors because they give me the situational awareness I want without adding a bunch of fuss.
DIY headlight (cleaner night riding)
I added my DIY moto-style headlight to the stock Z1. It fits the personality of the bike and makes night cruising feel a lot more confident.
A basket that actually works on a Z1
The Z1’s frame makes accessory mounting a little non-traditional, but that’s also what makes it fun.
I used a Wald basket that’s typically considered a front basket, but I mounted it on the rear of the Z1 instead. The mounting takes some creativity, but the payoff is huge: I can toss in real-world stuff (runs to the store, small gear, whatever) without wearing a backpack.
To make it more secure, I:
Added straps for another layer of protection so things don’t bounce out.
Used zip ties and foam along the basket to keep smaller items from slipping through.
Used matching bungee straps to hold loads down.
Relocating the rear light so the basket doesn’t block it
Once you put cargo on the back of a Z1, lighting can get obscured fast.
I relocated the rear LED light so it stays visible and isn’t blocked by the basket. That meant extending the wiring and mounting it where it could be seen clearly. It’s a small mod, but it’s the kind of detail that makes the bike feel “finished.”
The digital pump that improved comfort
One of the most surprisingly useful things I added was a digital bike pump.
The killer feature for me: I can set the PSI I want and let the pump handle it. That’s handy for tires, but what really sold me was how well it works with the air fork.
Using a traditional bike pump, I had a hard time getting a clean connection, and I’d lose air during removal. With the digital pump and the right attachment, I can dial in the exact pressure for my weight and actually keep it there. Once I got the fork pressure set correctly, rough terrain felt noticeably more comfortable.
What We Like
Having two Z1s lets me keep one stock and one upgraded, so the ride can match the rider
The Z1 platform is easy to customize without turning every change into a major ordeal
Mirrors make everyday riding feel safer and more relaxed
Rear basket setup adds real utility (especially when paired with straps/bungees)
Digital pump makes it much easier to dial in air fork pressure for comfort
Things To Consider
A 48V-upgraded Z1 can feel “torquey,” which isn’t everyone’s preferred ride feel
Adding a rear basket may require relocating lights so you don’t lose visibility
Basket mounting on a Z1 isn’t always plug-and-play; expect a little DIY mindset
Digital pumps are incredibly convenient, but using them on car tires can drain the battery and take longer
Final Thoughts
Grabbing another Super73 Z1 was less about collecting bikes and more about making the Z1 lifestyle work better day-to-day. Now I’ve got one Z1 that’s set up for my faster, more spirited riding style, and another that stays closer to the stock feel for smoother, easier cruising.
If you’re debating whether to modify your only bike, consider this: the Z1 is fun because it’s flexible. You can build it into your ideal ride… but it’s also perfectly okay to keep one simple.
Links
Super73 discount promo: https://www.talkable.com/x/fqj0WT
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/