SUPER73 TLC

When the Road Hits Back
We can’t always see what lies ahead, be it a flat tire, a suspicious sound, an errant brake pad…but we can do our best to safeguard ourselves and our SUPERs against any pesky bumps in the road. 

We polled our most adept riders, (our Super-Star-Super-Squad members), to see what tips they had for keeping your bike in the best shape possible. 

Give Us a Brake!
We’re kicking things off with one of the most critical safety components to check on your SUPER73: your brakes! Our buddies over at Last Mile in New York recommend checking your brakes every 4-6 months or 500-750 miles, (more aggressive riders should probably check them even sooner). 

Before you roll your eyes and ignore this sage wisdom, hear us out! Worn-out brake pads not only reduce stopping power but can also cause damage to the rotors and brake assemblies, leading to costly repairs. Save that money for the jacuzzi you’ve been wanting to build! 

Last Mile’s resident safety expert Aidan says that you should watch out for red flags like decreased braking performance, unusual noises, or visual signs of wear. 

Any of the above are clear indicators that it’s time to swap out those brakes ASAP! We even make it easy for you with our ceramic 4-piston brake pads. 

Don’t Get Deflated 
Your bike’s tires are another key factor in having a safe and successful ride. Super Squad Aficionado Jimmy Veras says, “I always recommend checking tire pressure before every ride—low pressure can affect handling, and overinflation reduces traction!”

Here are some red flags to keep an eye on:

• Tread pattern-if the tread appears to be becoming faint, your tire is reaching the end of its lifespan (RIP). If the treads are worn down to the bead of the tire, you’ll need to get a replacement ASAP!

• Major punctures or slits- do NOT pass go! Replace immediately! 

• Cracking between treads-this means that the rubber of your tires may be weakening. 

If you’re looking to go the distance, consider shopping for our resilient inner tubes or one of our favorite pumps!

Clean Up Your Act
We know cleaning isn’t all that exciting. In fact, we don’t necessarily trust anyone who gets revved up about it. But it’s not all about aesthetics, making sure your bike is squeaky clean is an important part of protecting yourself on the road. 

Jimmy hails from rainy Seattle, so he knows a thing or two about cleaning up your bike in the wake of a rainy ride. ““If you ride in the rain, take a minute to wipe your bike down afterward. Water and grime can cause rust and wear, especially on the drivetrain and electrical components.”

Aidan from Last Mile adds that your bike’s longevity depends on getting rid of dirt buildup after muddy rides, and paying special attention to your chain which should be kept clean and dry to prevent “rust, breakage, and/or weakening”.

We teamed up with Chemical Guys to offer you hassle-free cleaning products that’ll give your bike that fresh-out-of-the-box look and feel. 

Additional Tweaks and Tips
There’s no such thing as being too cautious. If you want to go the extra mile when it comes to bike maintenance, here are some extra steps you can take:

• Inspect the rotors for grooves or uneven wear

• Check and tighten your pedals, handlebars, and brake levers regularly

• Monitor tire pressure weekly, especially in colder months when air loss is more common

We also recommend getting your SUPER73 serviced 2-3 times a year at an authorized service center. The experts there will help you keep your bike running for years to come, and can keep an eye out for any problem areas. 

We want you to make the most out of every ride, and to have endless adventures with your bike. Taking the time to properly care for your SUPER ensures that the fun never stops, and neither do you!