The Surface lineup is re-designed and engineered in Canada. High-performance electric bicycles with hydroformed frames, entirely custom-designed and constructed for a premium riding experience.
Surface 604: custom-designed e-bikes for a premium experience.
ROOK
All the features of the Rook V-Shape, plus an aggressively-sloped top tube that provides extra stability without compromising the low standover height.
Rook is built for daily commuters looking for some extra momentum to get them to work quickly or cruise easily and in comfort. The Rook is also loaded with features. Having a step-thru frame allows for easy mounting of the bike.
COLT
A comprehensive do-it-all commuter that offers slick, agile riding in a comfortable position. It comes with Suntour XCT front suspension and a super-strong hydroformed aluminum frame.
The Colt is a comprehensive do-it all commuter that comes loaded with features. This slick, agile bike lets you ride in a comfortable position without breaking a sweat. Its’ highly technical, sleek, and super strong hydroformed aluminum frame will give you a feeling of a luxurious and smooth riding experience.
Powerful 500W Motor to tackle steep hills
Large capacity 48V14Ah Samsung Lithium Ion battery for long range of 72 km (45mi) per charge
Upgrade available from 14Ah 18650mah cells to 20Ah 21700mah cells for increased range of 105 km (65mi) per charge
Beautifully designed step-thru design that provides a lower standover height
Fully integrated, bright BÜCHEL LED front light and brake lights
Adjustable stem to seat in an upright position
SR Suntour XCT front suspension for a smooth ride
Features easy-to-use thumb throttle
Whisper smooth, intelligent torque sensing system
Fully decked out with front/back fenders, a rear rack, and a chainguard
It comes in Small/Med and Med/Large for riders of different heights
Surface 604: custom-designed e-bikes for a premium experience.
WERK
Generous rear and front luggage racks make this an ideal commuter bike for picking up groceries, delivering items, or bringing your things back and forth from the office.
The Werk is a comprehensive do it all commuter that comes with extended rear rack and extra-large front rack. This slick, agile bike lets you ride at a comfortable position without breaking a sweat. Its highly technical, sleek and super strong hydroformed aluminum frame will give you a feeling of a luxurious and smooth riding experience.
Powerful 500W Motor to tackle steep hills
Large capacity Samsung batteries for long range
Beautifully designed step-thru design that provides a lower standover height
Fully integrated, bright BÜCHEL LED front light and brake lights
Adjustable stem to seat in an upright position
SR Suntour XCT front suspension
Whisper smooth intelligent torque sensing system
Fully decked out with fenders, rear and front racks, and a chainguard
SHRED
Balanced and versatile, with a rider-friendly layout and upright frame geometry that gives you control and confidence in a huge range of different conditions.
The Shred is a climbing machine made for mountain and light trail riding. Featured plus-sized tires allow for additional stability and provide a confidence-inducing ride.
Powerful 500W Motor to tackle steep hills
Large capacity 48V14Ah Samsung Lithium Ion battery for long range of 72 km (45mi) per charge
Upgrade available from 14Ah 18650mah cells to 20Ah 21700mah cells for increased range of 105 km (65mi) per charge
Fully integrated, bright BÜCHEL LED front light
MTB Specific Hydraulic disc brakes
Plus size CST Patrol 27.5” x 2.8” tires
SR Suntour XCM front suspension
Features easy-to-use thumb throttle
Whisper smooth, intelligent torque sensing system
It comes in Small/Med and Med/Large for riders of different heights
THE QUAD
A streamlined, ergonomic design with robust tires and a comfortable saddle—venture off the beaten path and look great doing it.
Designed to stand alone and unafraid to tackle any terrain, you can now experience the spirit of the ride whilst blasting further than you ever imagined possible. Beautiful new frame design draws the eye of any stander by. Whether you’re the grand explorer, the trail lover or the cruiser who wants to stand out Quad will set you apart. Powerful 500W Motor to tackle steep hills
Large capacity 48V14Ah Samsung Lithium Ion battery for long range of 72 km (45mi) per charge
Upgrade available from 14Ah 18650mah cells to 20Ah 21700mah cells for increased range of 105 km (65mi) per charge
Fully integrated, bright BÜCHEL LED front light
Aggressive trail Maxxis Rekon Skinwall 27.5″ x 2.8″ tires
SR Suntour XCM front suspension
Features easy-to-use thumb throttle
Comes in Small/Med and Med/Large for riders of different heights
BOAR HUNTER
Travel safely and silently through the backwoods for your next hunting or fishing adventure. Comes with 180mm hydraulic disc brakes for stopping power, plus front and rear gear racks.
The Boar Hunter is what we call the SUV of electric bikes. It hauls, has cargo capacity and will provide you with the biggest of smiles. Best option for an avid hunter, fishermen or a tough outdoorsman. Powerful 500W Motor to tackle steep hills
Large capacity 48V14Ah Samsung Lithium Ion battery for long range of 72 km (45mi) per charge
Upgrade available from 14Ah 18650mah cells to 20Ah 21700mah cells for increased range of 105 km (65mi) per charge
Fully integrated, bright BÜCHEL LED front light and brake lights
Heavy duty front/back racks to haul heavy cargo, come stock
Hydraulic disc brakes with motor inhibitors 26” x 4.5” fat tires to smoothen any terrain
Features easy to use thumb throttle
Whisper smooth intelligent torque sensing system
Comes in Small/Med and Med/Large for riders of different heights
TWIST
A one-size-fits-all fat tire folding bike that sports a 500W Bafang motor, full front fenders, a rear luggage rack, and more—all in a package that fits in your trunk.
Twist is built for daily commuters looking for some extra momentum to get them to work quickly or cruise easily and in comfort. The twist is loaded with extra features specific to a folding bike. Having a step-thru frame allows for easy mounting of the bike. Easy to transport in the back of your trunk. Powerful 500W Motor to tackle steep hills
Large capacity 48V14Ah Samsung Lithium Ion battery for long range of 72 km (45mi) per charge
Beautifully designed step-thru design that provides the lowest standover height
Fully integrated, bright BÜCHEL LED front light and brake lights
Adjustable stem to seat in an upright position for riders of different heights
Features easy to use thumb throttle
Whisper smooth intelligent torque sensing system
Fully decked out with front fenders and a rear rack
Comes in “one size fits all”
SURFACE 604 Shred XS
BIKE STYLE: OFF-ROAD FRAME SHAPE: STEP-OVER
| FRAME | ALUMINUM 6061 STEP-OVER |
| FRAME SIZE | 16″FOR RIDERS 4’7″- 5’6″ |
| COLOR | BLACK |
| MOTOR | 500 WATS |
| BATTERY | 48V 14AH |
| RANGE PER CHARGE | UP TO 45 MILES / 72 KM |
| CHARGING TIME | 3-4 HOURS FULL CHARGE FROM EMPTY |
| TOTAL WEIGHT | 50 LB / 22.7 KG |
| BATTERY WEIGHT | 7.5 LB / 3.45 KG |
| TOP SPEED | 20 MPH/ 32 KMH (LOCKED) – 28MPH/ 45 KMH (UNLOCKED) |
| DRIVE MODES | PEDAL-ASSIST, TRIGGER THROTTLE, WALK MODE |
| LEVELS OF PEDAL ASSIST | 5 |
| CONNECTIVITY | COLOR LED DISPLAY WITH USB PLUG |
| BREAKS | TEKTRO E500 EMTB HYDRAULIC DISC BREAKS |
| LIGHTS | BÜCHEL SHINY 120 LED Headlight |
| SHIFTER | SRAM X5 9 SPEED |
| TIRES/ WHEELS | INOVA DIRT 26″X 2.8″ |
| CLASSIFICATION CA | CLASS 2 (LOCKED)/ CLASS 3 (UNLOCKED) |
| OTHER IMPORTANT | TORQUE SENSOR, SUSPENSION FORK, ADJUSTABLE KICKSTAND |
| OPTIONAL UPGRADES | 48V20AH BATTERY, CHAIN GUIDE, SUSPENSION SEAT POST, REAR RACK, REAR LED LIGHT |
| WARRANTY | 3 YEARS FRAME AND 1 YEAR (800KM) ON MAJOR PARTS |
All specifications are subject to change without notice. Battery sizes and frame colors are subject to availability. Contact us for colors and sizes availability.
2,599.00
| FRAME | ALUMINUM 6061 STEP-OVER |
| FRAME SIZE | 16″FOR RIDERS 4’7″- 5’6″ |
| COLOR | BLACK |
| MOTOR | 500 WATS |
| BATTERY | 48V 20AH |
| RANGE PER CHARGE | UP TO 65 MILES / 105 KM |
| CHARGING TIME | 3-4 HOURS FULL CHARGE FROM EMPTY |
| TOTAL WEIGHT | 55.6 LB / 25.2 KG |
| BATTERY WEIGHT | 7.5 LB / 3.45 KG |
| TOP SPEED | 20 MPH/ 32 KMH (LOCKED) – 28MPH/ 45 KMH (UNLOCKED) |
| DRIVE MODES | PEDAL-ASSIST, TRIGGER THROTTLE, WALK MODE |
| LEVELS OF PEDAL ASSIST | 5 |
| CONNECTIVITY | COLOR LED DISPLAY WITH USB PLUG |
| BREAKS | TEKTRO E500 EMTB HYDRAULIC DISC BREAKS |
| LIGHTS | BÜCHEL SHINY 120 LED Headlight |
| SHIFTER | SRAM X5 9 SPEED |
| TIRES/ WHEELS | INOVA DIRT 26″X 2.8″ |
| CLASSIFICATION CA | CLASS 2 (LOCKED)/ CLASS 3 (UNLOCKED) |
| OTHER IMPORTANT | TORQUE SENSOR, SUSPENSION FORK, ADJUSTABLE KICKSTAND |
| OPTIONAL UPGRADES | CHAIN GUIDE, SUSPENSION SEAT POST, REAR RACK, REAR LED LIGHT |
| WARRANTY | 3 YEARS FRAME AND 1 YEAR (800KM) ON MAJOR PARTS |
All specifications are subject to change without notice. Battery sizes and frame colors are subject to availability. Contact us for colors and sizes availability.
SURFACE 604 Sunny Day
BIKE STYLE: BEACH CRUISER FRAME SHAPE: STEP-THROUGH
| FRAME | ALUMINUM 6061 STEP-THROUGH |
| FRAME SIZE | 17,5″FRAME FOR RIDERS 5’2″- 6’1″ |
| COLOR | WHITE |
| MOTOR | 500 WATS |
| BATTERY | 48V 14AH |
| RANGE PER CHARGE | UP TO 45 MILES / 72 KM |
| CHARGING TIME | 3-4 HOURS FULL CHARGE FROM EMPTY |
| TOTAL WEIGHT | 56 LB / 25.6 KG |
| BATTERY WEIGHT | 7.5 LB / 3.45 KG |
| WEIGHT CAPACITY | 285 LB / 130 KG |
| TOP SPEED | 20 MPH/ 32 KMH (LOCKED) – 28MPH/ 45 KMH (UNLOCKED) |
| DRIVE MODES | PEDAL-ASSIST, TRIGGER THROTTLE, WALK MODE |
| LEVELS OF PEDAL ASSIST | 5 |
| CONNECTIVITY | COLOR LED DISPLAY WITH USB PLUG |
| BREAKS | TEKTRO AURIGA HYDRAULIC DISC BREAKS |
| LIGHTS | FRONT |
| SHIFTER | SHIMANO ALIVIO 9 SPEED |
| WHEELS/TIRES | CUSTOM S604 INNOVA DIRT 26″X 2.8″ |
| CLASSIFICATION CA | CLASS 2 (LOCKED)/ CLASS 3 (UNLOCKED) |
| OTHER IMPORTANT | TORQUE SENSOR, SELLE ROYALE GIPSY SADDLE, CHAIN GARDE, ADJUSTABLE KICKSTAND, WATER BOTTLE BOSSES |
| OPTIONAL UPGRADES | 48V20AH BATTERY, SUSPENSION SEAT POST, CHAIN GUIDE, NCX SUSPENSION, REAR RACK, REAR LED LIGHT, WREN INVERTED FORK |
| WARRANTY | 3 YEARS FRAME AND 1 YEAR (800KM) ON MAJOR PARTS |
All specifications are subject to change without notice. Battery sizes and frame colors are subject to availability. Contact us for colors and sizes availability.
2,399.00
| FRAME | ALUMINUM 6061 STEP-THROUGH |
| FRAME SIZE | 17,5″FRAME FOR RIDERS 5’2″- 6’1″ |
| COLOR | WHITE |
| MOTOR | 500 WATS |
| BATTERY | 48V 20AH |
| RANGE PER CHARGE | UP TO 65 MILES / 105 KM |
| CHARGING TIME | 3-4 HOURS FULL CHARGE FROM EMPTY |
| TOTAL WEIGHT | 59 LB / 26.7 KG |
| BATTERY WEIGHT | 7.5 LB / 3.45 KG |
| WEIGHT CAPACITY | 285 LB / 130 KG |
| TOP SPEED | 20 MPH/ 32 KMH (LOCKED) – 28MPH/ 45 KMH (UNLOCKED) |
| DRIVE MODES | PEDAL-ASSIST, TRIGGER THROTTLE, WALK MODE |
| LEVELS OF PEDAL ASSIST | 5 |
| CONNECTIVITY | COLOR LED DISPLAY WITH USB PLUG |
| BREAKS | TEKTRO AURIGA HYDRAULIC DISC BREAKS |
| LIGHTS | FRONT |
| WHEELS/ TIRES | CUSTOM S604 INNOVA DIRT 26″X 2.8″ |
| SHIFTER | SHIMANO ALIVIO 9 SPEED |
| CLASSIFICATION CA | CLASS 2 (LOCKED)/ CLASS 3 (UNLOCKED) |
| OTHER IMPORTANT | TORQUE SENSOR, SELLE ROYALE SADDLE, CHAIN GARDE, ADJUSTABLE KICKSTAND, WATER BOTTLE BOSSE |
| OPTIONAL UPGRADES | 48V20AH BATTERY, SUSPENSION SEAT POST, CHAIN GUIDE, NCX SUSPENSION, REAR RACK, REAR LED LIGHT WREN INVERTED FORK |
| WARRANTY | 3 YEARS FRAME AND 1 YEAR (800KM) ON MAJOR PARTS |
All specifications are subject to change without notice. Battery sizes and frame colors are subject to availability. Contact us for colors and sizes availability.
That everybody loves an e-bike is common sense, but which e-bike technology is better for me? Hub-drive or Mid-drive?
Both technologies are very good and reliable, but this question has no easy answer because it all depends on what you plan to do with your e-bike. So let’s dig a bit into both:
Position of the motor: Back wheel
Delivers the power to: The back wheel
Feeling: Pushing sensation that can be minimized with the torque sensor that delivers the power when needed.
Assistance: Pedal assistance (while pedaling) and throttle (direct power from the motor, no need to pedal).
Indicated to: weekend recreational rides and city commuters for short distances (up to 40 miles). This technology is perfect for people who want to cruise around town, commute to work, the grocery store, or school, or explore some low-elevation trails.
Position of the motor: directly between the pedals at the bike’s bottom bracket.
Delivers the power to: the cranks and sends force through the drivetrain.
Feeling: a more natural riding feeling, like a regular bike.
Assistance: Pedal assistance, multiplying your effort while pedaling and also better taking advantage of the bike’s existing gears.
Indicated to: They are highly recommended for e-mountain or electric road bikes for long rides or steep elevated terrains.
Always remember that electric e-bikes made for riding on the weekends across town occasionally can have a different level of performance and efficiency than mountain or electric road e-bikes made for long rides or steep elevated terrains. This choice will also impact the price of your next electric bike because mid-drives are usually more expensive than hub drives.
Still not sure? We invite you to come to e-Bikery and try both!
SURFACE 604 Big Sky
BIKE STYLE: BEACH CRUISER FRAME SHAPE: STEP-OVER
SURFACE 604 SHRED TRAIL BIKE
Surface is an early-adapter e-bike company based in Vancouver, Canada, and their bikes tend to have a burlier look and feel about them. It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a bike from the consumer-direct brand, so we ordered up their new Shred mountain bike to see how it worked south of the border.
THE BIKE
The Shred has an interesting diamond-shaped frame with a really high head tube that tapers down to a fairly low stand-over height near the seat tube. The aluminum frame has a battery that is semi-integrated into the downtube. The stock 10Ah battery sticks up a little out of the top of the downtube; ours came with a bigger, more obvious 14Ah battery for extra range. It has a USB Type-A port on the top for those who like to plug in their phone while riding.
The SR Suntour XCM spring fork offers a lockout switch and adjustable preload and 120mm of travel. It’s definitely good for the bumps in the road, but not likely good for more serious dirt trails.
There are bosses for a rear rack, something that would be likely quite useful on a bike like this, and the bike is pre-wired for a rear light. There are also bosses on the bottom of the downtube for a bottle cage.
THE PARTS
The 27.5-inch wheels are mounted with balloon-like 2.8-inch CST Patrol tires that are a good starting point for grip. The SRAM X5 drivetrain keeps things simple with a 1×9 configuration and X5 trigger shifters. The 700mm handlebars are wide enough for good control, and the overall layout of instruments and controls is very rider-friendly.
“The head angle is 70 degrees, which is significantly sharper than most of the slack mountain bikes (64-66 degrees) we see today.”
To help slow you down from the 28-mph top speed, Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brakes are fitted front and rear with ample-sized 180mm rotors.
The included Spanninga Axendo 60 LED headlight is a blinding 60 lux (300 lumens) and comes on automatically in the dark. As the light works off the internal battery, it has a dimmable feature via the keypad to tone it down and make it last longer, as well as increase your range.
The bike comes stock with a beefy kickstand mounted towards the back of the chainstay, so it stays out of the way of the pedals when you’re maneuvering it around your garage.
THE MOTOR
The Shred is powered by a Bafang 500W, 48V geared rear-hub motor that peaks at 750W output and 50 N/m of torque. It’s a Class 3, so you get pedal assistance up to 28 mph and throttle-only assistance to 20 mph. The bike comes with a torque sensor, not just a cadence sensor, which is a huge deal with a bike with a hub motor and at this price point. We much prefer a torque sensor for the natural feel and for the fact that it generally uses less battery power, since the system matches your leg output to its power output.
The stock 10Ah battery, which at 48V offers 480Wh, is less expensive than the 14Ah (about 672Wh). We’d recommend spending the extra 200 for the optional bigger battery, because you’ll want the extra range.
The full-color LCD screen elegantly starts up with a moving Surface 604 logo, then shows off the power-assist mode, speed, power level in use, trip and odometer. The latter two can cycle through other information, including miles traveled and trip time.
WHO IT’S MADE FOR
While the bike is aimed at those who ride fairly non-technical dirt and gravel trails, it’s not a good choice for more serious mountain biking. The bike is made for riders up to 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds.
THE RIDE
The first thing we noticed was how high the bars were in relation to the rest of the bike. It definitely doesn’t look like a modern mountain bike. The head angle is 70 degrees, which is significantly sharper than most of the slack mountain bikes (64–66 degrees) we see today. Couple that with the 14.5cm head tube length, it’s taller than the Pivot Shuttle’s (for example) 12cm, giving you a more upright riding position.
The CST Patrol Plus tires offer great grip for both on and off riding, offering confident cornering on every surface we tried it on.
Hub motors are notorious for overheating on long climbs. We wanted to test this bike on some of the steeper residential streets in the Santa Monica Mountains and take it up to a trailhead, then get in some trail rides there. We had it in level 5, the highest setting, for much of the steep climb. The range definitely took a hit, and soon we were at 43 percent according to the display. As we closed in on the trailhead, the motor started cutting in and out. When we finally stopped riding, the range was suddenly 29 percent. Carefully feeling the motor, it was barely warm.
Well, we figured, that did it, there was no way to ride the trail and be able to make it home with battery left. Looking down at the display, it showed 43 percent again. Keep in mind that isn’t regeneration of power; this motor setup isn’t made for that. We had plenty to get home, so we took the scenic route through the urban jungle, and it was a nice ride. From that point on the range dropped at a far more reasonable level.
THE VERDICT
Despite the Shred’s home in Surface 604’s mountain bike category, we felt the bike is definitely more akin to a beefier-than-average commuter bike. While it is capable of off-road use, for the conditions where we (and our friends at sister zine Mountain Bike Action) ride, the Shred falls on the light-duty side of off-road use. Of course, price is always a consideration. For just over 2000, both the hydraulic disc brakes and big tires would rate as featured attractions.
It’s suitable as a bike for trails, but not technical terrain or steep climbs. If you’re in the Midwest, the Surface 604 could be worth checking out. If you’re going to do serious mountain bike rides, the fork, hub motor and overall weight of this bike are not optimized for that kind of riding.
SURFACE 604 SHRED
Price: 2099 (2299 as tested)
Motor: Bafang 48V 500W rear hub
Battery: 48V 10Ah or optional 48V 14Ah (as tested)
Charge time: 3-6 hours
Top speed: 20 mph (Class 2)
Brakes: Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brakes with motor cutoff switches
Controls: Surface 604
Fork: SR Suntour XCM, 120mm travel
Frame: 6061 aluminum with a tapered head tube
Rims: Aluminum alloy double-wall rim, 27.5”x13Gx36H
Front hub: 1-piece forged CNC with two sealed bearings, chromoly axle and alloy QR
Tires: CST Patrol, 27.5×2.8”
Color choice: Matte black
Sizes: S/M (5’2”-5’7”), M/L (5’8”-6’6”)
ELECTRIC BIKE ACTION MAGAZINE
For more subscription information contact (800) 767-0345
Review: Surface604 Rook e-bike — the trusty steed
Surface604 has made the Rook and the Colt, which are wonderfully balanced electric bikes. They’re reliable and stable, and you can count on them for everyday use.
The Rook has a step-through frame, and the Colt has a step-over frame. Other than that, they’re virtually identical. Both bikes come in two sizes and have two color schemes: black with white, or white with black.
Vancouver, Canada-based Surface604 (604 is Vancouver’s area code) got their start making the Boar model, and their next feat was to make the value-oriented commuter, the Rook, that we’re reviewing today.
Minimal risk, calculable reward
If I had to find one word to describe the Surface604 Rook, it would be balance. But I’m not talking about the actual way you sit on the bike; what I mean is that the bike has a great balance of mechanical parts, electrical parts, serviceability, and value. It doesn’t overextend in any way, and there’s really not a lot to criticize on this bike.
For about 2,000 you get a pretty good bike, available in over 100 stores across North America. Considering you can get service performed locally, that’s not a bad deal, really.
Decent ride
The gearing is alright; a Shimano Alivio is a decent set for this kind of bike. The brakes are wonderful, 180 tektro hydraulics have great stopping power, gotta love that. The bike is overall pretty comfortable with nice grips, a plush seat, and an adjustable stem to go into cruiser mode if you so desire. The Rook features a solid rear rack, fenders, and integrated lights to cover the commuting side adequately. The bike has a decent front shock for road riding, but I would consider a different bike for off-road.
Surface604 has adventure-oriented bikes, like the Shred and the Boar, made for off-road and hunting, respectively. I’ll be trying those out in the future, so stay tuned for updates on those.
Decent electrics
The battery is on par, a 48V 10Ah pack mounted on the downtube. With this I’d commit to a 25- to 35-mile ride, no problem. The bike features a torque-based pedal assist, which is really smooth and natural. That’s a nice plus right there. The throttle is great when you want to take it easy.
Overall, the bike rides very much the way you would expect an electric bike to be: fast, fun, a bit heavy, and easy to understand.
Small faults
Let’s get into some of the negatives. The bike is using a hub motor, which is often seen as out of date by some. The plastic fenders may break or bend over time, and same with the mount for the headlight. The manual states that the bike comes by default with a 25 km/h speed limit, so I didn’t bother to ride it until I changed that. Or rather, I fixed it.
I like that it is pretty comfortable from the get-go, but a few more bucks put into a suspension seat post would really make comfort a main part of the ride. Most of these complaints are not a big deal; they’re easy to resolve with a trip to the bike shop.
Electrek’s Take
The Rook is a solid pick if you want this kind of bike and it fits your budget. This isn’t the bike for brand-new tech, an entry-level kids’ bike, brand-name bragging rights, or fancy colors. This is the daily driver, the reliable steed, the commuter-ready, comfortable, tried-and-true electric bike.
So if you’re ready to settle down, find a nice Rook or Colt.
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Surface 604 Shred eMTB Review: 2021 Model
The Surface 604 Shred has been in the market for some time and now comes with exciting improvements in 2021.
It was built to navigate most terrains, including gravel roads and low to medium challenging trails.
What makes it stand out from similar e-bikes is its 2.8″ thick tires. So, it will handle mud or loose ground better than usual.
As for its classification, this hard-tail e-mountain bike model is a Class 2 throttle on demand and Class 3 speed pedelec.
To make things better, It comes with a one (1) year comprehensive warranty and three (3) years warranty on the frame (directly with the manufacturer).
In terms of how it fits with regulations, it could not be accepted in some countries.
Bike’s Main Benefits and Limitations
This electric bicycle has many benefits but also limitations. From all of them (discussed further in the review), these are the main ones:
Affordable compared to other electric bikes with front suspension.
The motor has good torque and power, which is great for hills.
WHAT CAN BE IMPROVED?
It is a heavy bike, but this mainly comes from the battery.
The front suspension is only 100mm travel, so not really great for tackling challenging trails.
The Technical Part
This Shred 2020 version has a total weight of 64.4 lbs (or 29.21 kgs), where the battery weight accounts for 7.1 lbs (or 3.22 kgs).
The high-step frame is an aluminum alloy finished in satin black and grey. In addition, it has two (2) possible frame sizes of 17.5″ and 19″ (rider from 5’2″ to 5’7″ and 5’8″ to 6’6″ respectively).
The handlebar is an alloy low-rise, 650 mm length, with a 6 degrees back sweep and black rubber grips for control.
It also has attachment points for a rear rack and bottle cage bosses, and a sturdy forged alloy seat post.
This bike’s stem is fully adjustable up to 40 degrees, 50 mm long, with a 20 mm stack height (or two 10 mm spacers).
The nine (9) speed drive-train will give you enough cadence to reach the top speed faster.
It is important to note that the two (2) 180 mm hydraulic disc brakes will do the job, but a wider surface would have been better.
The cranks are alloy-based with sealed bearings, tapered spindle, and a 38-teeth chain ring.
The frame fork has a 30 spring front suspension (old-style though), a lockout and preload adjusting compression system, and 100 mm travel.
As mentioned at the start, we can all agree that great bike tires are essential for optimum riding performance.
The rims are made of double-walled aluminum alloy with a black finish.
The stainless steel spokes have 13 and 12 gauges for the front and rear respectively, and each wheel size measures 27.5 inches in diameter and 2.8 inches in width.
These plus-sized tires are built to contain between 20 to 31 PSI (or 140 to 240 KPa) for the steady handling of rugged terrains.
Lastly, we love that the brand added some accessories, including a headlight and a kickstand; however for a fully eMTB, these accessories should not be fitted.
The above statement confirms that using it as a downhill bike won’t be ideal, just easy off-road terrains.
Electronic Power Specs
500watts Motor
The 604 model has a hub gear motor with 500w output power and the potential to max out at 750 watts.
As you see, this power output won’t be ideal for Australia and most European countries.
This motor also has 50Nm of torque for incredible response.
Considering the power performance, it is a shame that the motor doesn’t give more torque.
Top speed
The motor will get you approximately 28 mph (or 45 kph) for the adrenaline lovers.
The throttle system can reach that speed quickly, but remember that the battery will die sooner than expected.
48V battery and extended
As with any other e-bike in the market, it’s essential to consider the battery life and charging speed.
The lithium-ion Samsung battery consists of 48 volts and 14 amp hours, with the capacity to store almost 500-watt hours.
The total charging time is six (6) hours to reach maximum capacity.
There is an alternative if you require more battery power. You can upgrade to a 700watts, which is 48V and 20amps.
This standard battery yields between 20 to 45 miles (or 32 to 72 km), whereas the extended option will give an average range of 65 miles (105 km).
LCD Bafang controller
The highly interactive backlit monochrome display gives updates on the battery level, current speed, and assistance mode.
Y ou will also be able to track your trip and total distance, as well as your average and maximum speeds – which are great for bragging rights afterward.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The initial review depicts a mix of advantages and disadvantages. However, let’s first consider the cons.
Things to improve on!
– The display panel can be a bit bright for night riding and is not removable – although it has some degree of tilt.
– The adjustable handlebar is comparatively shorter than exclusive mountain bikes, and its flexibility can reduce the degree of control on rugged terrains.
– This is a heavy electric bike, and most of its weight comes from the front suspension and battery.
– The battery position is a bit low, which could hinder access for charging.
– The location of the headlight and the kickstand means that they will likely bounce around a lot on rough surfaces.
– A bit of finesse is also required for maintenance, as the shifting and motor power cables are closely placed.
We know there is a lot to consider with the cons however, there are essential pros that can provide the answers you need.
Good stuff!
– Looking at other models with similar characteristics, it is relatively affordable.
– It has a good weight distribution throughout, with cables integrated into the frame and motor inhibitors in place for safety.
– The motor exhibits a sufficient torque with very responsive top and bottom cadence sensors, and there is no resistance or mashing when shifting.
– The headlight has intense beams, so should be no issues at night.
– The hard-tail, the add-on rear rack, and bottle cage make it a good alternative for urban use too.
– The battery can be removed for separate charging, lasting long enough to sustain long trips between full cycles.
– This electric bike supports multiple upgrades to critical areas, such as the suspension fork.
– This model has excellent support for its large tires, as its rims and spokes are also larger than usual to accommodate them.
– The weight capacity of 285 lbs also makes it a good option for all riders.
Last but not least, you can adjust the top speed on this electric bike to suit the particular trail requirements.
Purchasing Considerations
The flexibility of this bike across various terrains makes it a great value for riders who bike-commute and ride for fun.
It is also affordable relative to other exclusive mountaineering bicycles such as the Savadeck Knight 9.0.
The adjustable frame heights make it suitable for riders from 170 cm to 190 cm.
Overall, we believe this Surface 604 Shred electric mountain bike with a throttle could be a good option for most off-road and city-type rides.
Images courtesy of Surface604 bikes.
The Surface 604 Rook Is A Beautiful Efficient Commuter E-bike
Surface 604 is expanding its lineup of e-bikes for 2021 and we’re getting a first look at all of them as they come out of the factory. Its impressive line of bikes includes premium components that set the bikes apart from the masses at very reasonable for what you get.
The Surface 604 Rook takes the efficient Surface 604 electric powertrain and optimizes it for a slick, efficient commuter e-bike. Disclaimer: Surface 604 provided the Rook free of charge for us to use for the purposes of this review.
Surface 604 Rook e-bike. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica
The Rook started with a 6061 aluminum mid-step frame that makes it easy to mount and dismount. This is especially nice when the bike is loaded up with cargo or a few bags of groceries on the rear rack. A set of smooth rolling Kenda Kwick 27.5″ X 2.4″ tires are efficient while also packing enough air volume to take the edge off bumps in the road.
Up top, a plush Selle Royale gel saddle makes for comfortable rides regardless of the distance. On rides of 15 or 50 miles, the saddle made it easy to balance aggressive pedaling and cruising. For those looking for a bit of extra comfort, a suspension seat post is a nice option. I personally picked up a Suntour NCX suspension seat post on ebay, but Surface 604 sells the same post for a very reasonable price.
The Rook is purpose-built for commuting and that goes more than skin deep. The included, color-matched rear rack includes pannier rails that make it easy to clip a back to or strap a basket or rack bag onto. We love how easy it was to clip a basket onto to haul our little pup around town in. The two-tone matte white paint on our review bike brings a touch of sophistication you just don’t see on many bikes.
The chain guard keeps the chain covered, making it easy to take the Rook to the office or social events without having to worry about picking up any chain grease. Up front and out back, a pair of SKS fenders prevent road grime and water from spraying up on the rider. Here in California, that’s rarely a concern, but it’s definitely nice to have in other parts of the world.
A removable 14Ah battery has been integrated into the middle of the frame and provides an impressive amount of range per charge. I continue to be impressed with the amount of range I can squeeze out of a single charge on all of Surface 604’s e-bikes, and the Rook is no exception. In fact, the street-friendly tires raised the bar even farther, easily delivering 50 miles of range per charge on a test ride, including more than 1900 feet of elevation gain.
That range by itself is class leading, but Surface 604 took it even farther with an even larger battery option. It’s an extra 300, but the massive 20Ah battery adds nearly 50% more range per charge, for a manufacturer rating of up to 65 miles / 105 kilometers of range per charge. On the Rook, I would personally expect more range than that and have asked to try the larger battery out on a future e-bike review.
As with the other Surface 604 e-bikes, the Rook packs a host of quality components that make it a great option for riders looking to put some serious miles on it on a regular basis. Hydraulic Tektro Auriga disc brakes paired with a set of 180mm rotors are well-equipped to shut down the party when it’s time to slow down.
Overall, the Rook is an impressive commuter e-bike designed with features and range that set it apart from the masses of value e-bikes on the market today. It is easy to imagine commuting to work or school on a value e-bike at a lower price point only to quickly realize the components are not up to the task. The Rook raises the bar with quality components that will last and range that supports almost any imaginable commute.
As mentioned, upgrading to a suspension seat post seems like a logical addition for those looking for more comfort. I would personally replace the stock pedals with something more robust, but that’s more of a personal preference than anything.
Surface 604 Rook e-bike Tech Specs
- Top Speed (as shipped): Class 2 — 20 mph / 32 kmh
- Top Speed (unlocked): Class 3 — 28 mph / 45 kmh
- Motor: Bafang Geared Hub Brushless Motor
- Motor Power: 500 watt average, 750 watt peak power
- Motor Torque: 65 Nm
- Standard Battery: 48 V 14 Ah / 672 Wh using Samsung 18650 cells
- Extended Range Battery: 48 V 20 Ah / 960 Wh using Samsung 2170 cells
- Range (Standard Battery): up to 45 Mi / 72 km
- Range (Extended Range Battery): up to 65 Mi / 105 km
- Assistance: Pedal assist via torque sensor or thumb throttle
- Seat: Selle Royale ergonomic gel saddle
- Drivetrain: Shimano Alivio 9 speed rear derailleur w/12-34T cassette
- Brakes: Tektro Auriga Hydraulic Disc Brakes w/180mm rotors
- Lights: Integrated front and rear Büchel lights
- Tires: Kenda Kwick 27.5″ X 2.4″ with Reflective Trim
- Weight: 58-61 lbs, depending on bike size
- Weight Capacity: 285 lbs / 130 kg
- Standover Height: Small-Medium: 28.5” (724mm), Medium-Large: 30” (762mm)
- Frame Size: Frame sizes: S/M – 17.5″, M/L – 19.5″ for riders: S/M 5’2”-5’7”, M/L 5’8” – 8’8”
- Colors: Two tone matte black or two tone matte white
All images credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica
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I’m a tech geek passionately in search of actionable ways to reduce the negative impact my life has on the planet, save money and reduce stress. Live intentionally, make conscious decisions, love more, act responsibly, play. The more you know, the less you need. As an activist investor, Kyle owns long term holdings in Tesla, Lightning eMotors, Arcimoto, and SolarEdge.
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