Name: 2017 Surface 604 Colt Review
Item: 2017 Surface 604 Colt
Author: Court Rye

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2017 Surface 604 Colt Review

Surface 604 Colt Bafang 500 Watt Geared Hub Motor

Surface 604 Colt 48 Volt Samsung Battery Pack Lithium Ion

Surface 604 Colt Backlit Bafang Display Panel Ergonomic Grips

Surface 604 Colt 80 Mm Sr Suntour Xct Suspension Fork

Surface 604 Colt 10 Speed Sram X5 Reflective Chain Cover

Surface 604 Colt Metal Rack With Supports And Pannier Rods Spanninga Led Tail Light

A sturdy, purpose-built electric bike that would be great for neighborhood cruising, urban commuting or rentals, featuring an upgraded fork, SRAM X5 10 speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes
I love the integrated LED lights, both run off the main battery pack and there's a USB charging port for portable electronics, you get five levels of torque sensing pedal assist and a trigger throttle drive mode
In my opinion the bike is priced very well considering the 48 volt Samsung battery pack, 500 watt hub motor and all of the creature comfort extras like ergonomic grips, adjustable angle stem, quality kickstand, fenders and chain guard
The bike weighs more due to the sturdy frame, integrated rack and larger battery, throttle mode doesn't work at zero (for safety) but also doesn't override assist at full power, charging port is near the left crank arm - a bit in harms way

Make:

Surface 604

Model:

Colt

Price:

$1,899 USD

Body Position:

Upright, Upright Relaxed

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive, 3 Year Frame

Availability:

United States, Canada

Model Year:

20162017

Total Weight:

57.5 lbs (26.08 kg)

Battery Weight:

7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

17.5 in (44.45 cm)19 in (48.26 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Small/ Medium 17.5" (), Medium/ Large 19" (19" Seat Tube, 23.25" Top Tube, 27" Stand Over Height, 71" Wheel Base)

Frame Types:

High-Step

Frame Colors:

Gloss White with Taupe, Gloss Gray with Taupe

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour XCT with 80 mm Travel, Preload and Lockout, 11 mm Skewer with Quick Release

Frame Rear Details:

11 mm Axle with Bolts

Attachment Points:

Fender Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

10 Speed 1x10 SRAM X5, PowerGlide™ 1070 11-36T Cassette

Shifter Details:

SRAM X5 on Right Handle Bar

Cranks:

Samox Aluminum Alloy, 186 Q-Factor, MTB Sealed Cartridge BB,ISIS Spindle, 42T

Pedals:

Wellgo Aluminum Alloy Platform with Rubber Tread

Headset:

Samox Integrated 1-1/8"

Stem:

Promax Tool-Free Adjustable Angle and Rotation

Handlebar:

Zoom Aluminum Alloy, Low-Rise, 580 mm Wide, 15° Backsweep

Brake Details:

Tektro Auriga Hydraulic Disc with 160 mm Rotors, Tektro Levers

Grips:

Rubber Ergonomic

Saddle:

Selle Royal Free Way

Seat Post:

Promax, 6061 Aluminum Alloy

Seat Post Length:

300 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.4 mm

Rims:

Single Wall Aluminum Alloy

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14G Front and 13G Rear, Silver

Tire Brand:

Kenda Kranium, 26" x 2.1"

Wheel Sizes:

26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

40-65 PSI

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Plastic Fenders, Plastic Chain Guard with Reflective Side, USB Charging Port at Top of Battery, Spanninga Integrated LED Lights, Welded-On Rear Rack with Pannier Rods, Rear Mounted Adjustable Kickstand

Other:

Waterproof Grade IP65 Display Panel, Locking Removable Battery Pack, 1.8 lb 2 Amp Charger, Enter Settings on the Display Panel by Double Pressing the i Button

Motor Brand:

Bafang

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

500 watts

Motor Peak Output:

750 watts

Motor Torque:

65 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung 18650

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

10.4 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

499.2 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

7 hours (2 Hours for ~80%)

Estimated Min Range:

20 miles (32 km)

Estimated Max Range:

60 miles (97 km)

Display Type:

Bafang, Fixed Backlit Monochrome LCD

Readouts:

Battery Level (10 Bars), Speed, Assist Mode (0-5), Trip Distance, Total Distance, Average Speed, Max Speed, (Includes 5 Brightness Settings, Walk Mode)

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad near Left Grip with Light Button

Drive Mode:

Torque Sensing Pedal Assist (TMM4 Strain Sensor)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

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The Surface 604 Colt is a feature rich electric bike that would perform well as a neighborhood cruiser due to it’s comfortable geometry and ergonomic upgrades (gel saddle, curved handle bar and adjustable stem) or shine as a commuter platform because it has fenders, a chain cover, integrated lights and a sturdy rear rack with special pannier clip rods. Much attention was paid to the little details on this ebike and to me it really shows. The most impressive part is the relatively low price at $1,899 because you get mid-level name brand components, a one year warranty and two size options as well as two color options! The bike looks sturdy and handsome but compromises on stand over height thanks to a sloping top tube. Despite it’s heftier footprint, weighing in around 57.5 lbs, it’s well balanced and features quick release systems for both wheels and a removable battery pack. In my opinion, this bike would work well as a rental unit because some of the hardware is upgraded and there are several intuitive drive modes (assist and throttle). The suspension fork, sealed bottom bracket and ten speed drivetrain are overkill compared to many other urban models I see and ride and it’s true, some of them cost a $100 to $200 less but they also skip some of the nice extras seen here.

I love the rear-mounted kickstand, the USB charging port on the battery (and where it’s located), the lockout on the suspension fork, the fact that the rear light is wired through the rack vs. having a mess of sharp zip ties exposed, the sturdy swiveling display panel and independent light button on the control pad, the ergonomic grips and variable speed trigger throttle. It all works together adding utility without overwhelming or becoming too cluttered. The complaints I have are mostly minor or relating to my own ride preferences. For example, I prefer a throttle mode that overrides assist at full power while the Surface 604 Colt keeps it limited by the drive mode you’re in. This means that if you’re using a lower level of assist for efficiency and power savings but want to zip quickly past an obstacle or get more power to ascend a hill you have to press the plus button on the button pad and then use the throttle. The flip side to this complaint is that the bike uses an advanced TMM4 torque sensor that measures strain as you push on the pedals and turn the cranks. If you just leave the bike at the highest level of assist at all times but don’t push hard, you still won’t go super fast and THEN you can use the trigger throttle for more juice :)

In terms of bike control and ride quality, I was impressed. One of the complaints I sometimes hear about cheap cruisers is that they use cadence sensors that feel jerky. That is, when you move the cranks it sends a signal to power on or power off the motor… it’s not variable like a torque sensor used on the Colt. It means that you don’t have to push hard to get the bike to respond but you usually end up responding to the bike vs. riding with it. Every system feels a little different in the world of electric bikes, each bike is setup different and sometimes even the firmware and software are changed. I feel like that must be the case here because the TMM4 sensor was more responsive and comfortable than on some of the other bikes I’ve tested with it. I didn’t feel like I was having to work especially hard to make the bike go (which is usually a complaint I lodge with torque sensors) but I also didn’t feel like it was so touchy that I couldn’t rest my foot on the pedals at standstill. It’s just a well setup bike… The highlight for me was seeing bottle cage bosses below the downtube. They were put there instead of on the seat tube due to the battery design and even though I’m not sure I’d use them, it’s a nice option for adding a mini pump or folding lock and the front fender looks like it would mostly protect those kinds of accessories from dirt and water.

All things considered, I really enjoyed this bike and love that Surface 604 has produced a near identical step-thru version as well. I feel like the bike offers great utility for a reasonable price and this is a company that I have seen grow and maintain its commitments for the past few years. They are based in Vancouver Canada and have a number of dealer partners there and in the USA. Final thoughts here: the hydraulic disc brakes are a wonderful little upgrade that makes stopping less difficult if you’ve got limited hand strength… either way the 160 mm rotors are good for slowing the heavier weight of the bike. I like the saddle and appreciate the thicker seat post for strength (along with the thicker rear spokes). The option for a white frame appeals to me because it might be more visible when riding at night and I love that the rear rack features plates for mounting some child seats, thick tubes for wrapping trunk bags and thinner bars for hanging panniers as well as a bungee clasp point. The adjustable stem is also nice but do be careful not to bang it around off-road or it could get loose and ultimately break. I wouldn’t say it’s especially fragile, just a part that’s meant more for urban riding that can go bad if you really abuse it. Big thanks to Surface 604 for partnering with me for this review.

Pros:

There’s a real emphasis on safety here with front and rear LED lights both running off the main battery pack (I love that the wire for the rear light is run through the rack vs. tacked on), you get standard pedal reflectors and a reflective chain guard… to maximize your visual footprint consider the white color vs. gray
It’s extremely comfortable to ride thanks to an 80 mm suspension fork, larger Kenda tires, a Selle Royal gel saddle, swept back bars with ergonomic grips and a tool-free adjustable stem. Plus, the bike comes in two frame sizes so you’re working with a platform that can really fit your body (it’s also available in a step-thru style called the Rook)
The fork offers rebound adjust and lockout so if you mostly ride on flat smooth surfaces you can reduce bob and stiffen up the frame, I also like that it’s color matched to the bike
Quick release skewers on both wheels ensures faster flat fixes, easier maintenance and less hassle trying to fit the bike into the back of a car (reduced weight and size even if you just remove the front wheel and turn the bars sideways)
If you’re someone who lives where it rains or just want an ebike that could commute on wet days as well as shine, this bike is setup to keep you dry and cleaner with fenders and that chain guard, I also like the sturdy kickstand that’s mounted far back – clear of the crank arm if you walk the bike backwards or want to spin and lube the chain without a stand
Some of the parts used on this bike like the hollow spindle, SRAM X5 drivetrain, Suntour fork and hydraulic disc brakes seem like overkill compared with other cruiser/commuters but certainly don’t hurt… To me they echo the Surface 604 origins as their first electric bike was a fat style off-road model called the Element
Good wire management and overall clean aesthetic, while there are extra wires up front for shifting and powering they are tucked up into the frame and mostly hidden past the downtube
The battery pack is mounted low and center on the frame for improved balance and handling, it slides out from the left side which allowed them to design a sloping top tube (lowering stand over height)
I like that the battery has a USB charging port built in so you can top off portable electronics or use your phone for GPS while riding and the port is located high up on the battery so it won’t snag as easily as you pedal and move your legs/feet, consider a right angle usb adapter or extension cable for even cleaner integration
Solid one year comprehensive warranty with three years on the frame, this is a company that has been around now for several years and is expanding so I trust them, they are headquartered in Vancouver Canada
There weren’t very many missed opportunities with this bike, it has a torque sensor that’s programmed well (it responded great during my rides), name brand battery cells by Samsung, upgraded components mentioned earlier and I feel like the price point is solid at ~$1,900
One area that cruisers and urban or city bikes sometimes cut corners to save costs is with brakes, some have disc brakes but usually only offer mechanical activation so I was delighted that the Colt has hydraulic brakes because they’re much easier to use and tend to activate more smoothly
To further improve strength on this bike (past the frame and thick spokes) they chose a thicker seat tube size to support more weight, if you’re looking for comfort consider changing this for a Thudbuster seat post suspension with a 30.4 mm shim adapter or if you want some convenience you could swap it out for a dropper seat post (which lets you adjust saddle height using a button to slide up and down)
One of my favorite things about this bike is that it offers both pedal assist and throttle on demand, this means you get smooth responsive feedback while riding but can take a break or add power any time
The display is large, backlit and solid feeling… it swivels forward and back to improve your view or reduce glare and I feel like the button pad is intuitive and easy to use near the left grip, it’s nice that there’s a light button and you don’t have to memorize some trick like holding a button for two seconds or something like on many other bikes. The button pad is a bit larger and further back from the grip because of the trigger throttle but I still feel like everything is easy enough to reach and use
I like that the battery infographic on the display shows 10 bars instead of just four or five, this lets you gauge more closely how much capacity is left so you don’t get stranded… and if you do still end up without power it’s great to have wide range of gears to pedal with comfortably (the Colt has a 10 speed cassette)

Cons:

I didn’t see bottle cage bosses on the seat tube but figured that maybe the mid-frame battery design was taking up too much space… consider a bar mounted cup holder or add a trunk bag with a bottle holster like this or get creative with their under-mounted bosses below the downtube! technically they are there but it might feel inconvenient to reach that low or expose your bottle to dirt and mud
As much as I like the adjustable stem, it can get damaged if you crash the bike or really crank down on it and then it will become loose and could be dangerous, just be careful with it and note it’s not meant for mountain biking type applications
The bike is fairly heavy at 57.5 lbs but that’s due mostly to the sturdy frame and rack design which can support more weight, the spokes are also thicker with 13 gauge in the rear. The battery capacity is also fairly large and that adds some weight too
The charging port is located at the lower left side of the battery pack which is right where the left crank arm passes by so if you’re charging the pack on the bike be extra careful not to snag and bend this, especially if you’re walking the bike backwards because the crank arm will rotate on its own… also, the rubber cover for the charging port isn’t easy to fit in
It was also a little disappointing that the throttle doesn’t override assist at full power event though you could modulate power output by only pressing it half way… instead, your power and speed are limited by the level of assist you’re in, for some this could feel more safe and under control, it might also limit your thumb fatigue but for others it might mean reaching over to those buttons more frequently to up the power

Resources:

Official Site: https://surface604bikes.com/
More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/7xDB9jHVcKyAu9DB6

January 29, 2024 (11 months ago)

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Jessy

8 years ago

Hey, I think there is a typo on the specs. The battery should be 500Wh instead of 374.4, just thought I should mention this!

BTW I love this site and the reviews. Very well done, professional, clean and very informative. Your reviews on soo many different E-bikes showed me how cool E-bikes could be, pushing me towards my first MTB E-bike buy! Thanks a lot!

Court Rye

Good catch Jessy! Thanks, I just fixed it but the site may take a day to update because we cache content for faster loading. I’m really glad you’ve decided to try a bike out, which one did you end up purchasing?

I haven’t bought a bike yet actually, I discovered e-bikes 2 months ago and I’m looking to buy one this spring because snow is already around the corner up here northern Canada! I’m hesitating if I want a fat bike for some winter rides or staying with a mountain bike style, but right now my choices would turn round:

Juiced Crosscurrent
Magnum Mi5
Veco Hybrid
Voltbike Yukon
Veco Chunk-V1
Daymak Wild goose

Daniel

Hi Court, Good review on the bike. What is interesting to me on this bike is the display. It appears to be the display that comes with the Bafang max drive, so it may appear that the max drive and other bafang displays are backward compatible.

I would love to see your review on the Volton bafang max drive bike. Bafang max drive runs standard as a 250 watt but looks like Volton have upped the voltage to get more power. Keep up the good work.

Hey Daniel! It’s like you read my mind… Just spoke with Joe the other day about reviewing one of their bikes with the new Max drive. I’m excited to see it and yeah, maybe the displays are interchangeable? In any case, I was also a fan of the Colt as you can probably tell from my review here ;)

Peter

Looking for a first time ebike. Will be using it for commuting, grocery store type hauling, carrying 2 dachshunds (< lbs total), and some credit card touring. I think this would be a good choice but wondering if the Felt Tote'm might be better (If we were living in a world where the price didn't matter. Would appreciate any thoughts.

Hi Peter! I haven’t reviewed the Felt Tote’m yet but it appears to use the Shimano mid-drive (the older one that requires you to take the battery off each time to charge). That wasn’t my favorite drive system to be honest AND you don’t get a throttle as you would with the Colt. The Felt might be more efficient but heavier overall and larger. Either might work but I was really impressed with the Surface 604 Colt just given the price point and all of the nice options… hope this helps!

Thanks, Court. I test drove the Colt and really like it. I’ll be able to load 100 lbs on the back. The components are really nice for the price. Thanks for the prompt reply!

7 years ago

We bought a Colt. It was faulty from the time we got it. Service is not part of their warranty so we have to pay that. Faulty part is torque sensor. Have been waiting for 2 weeks because we were told everyone at 604 is at a conference. NOT IMPRESSED!

Frank D

Specs on the Colt/Rook say the seat post is 31.6 mm. I ordered a longer seat post (31.6 mm) only to find the seat tube would not accommodate it. With my micrometer the new seat post measured exactly 31.6 mm but the existing seat post measured 30.4 mm. I’ve returned the 31.6 mm post and re-ordered a 30.8 mm as it was the next closest size. Hope it works. This seemed to be news to Sam at Surface 604. He was going to speak to his engineer and get back to me, but I haven’t heard back yet.
I can only speak for the two bikes I have received but I suggest that if you are looking to change the seat post you might want to make careful measurements first.

Wow, thank you so much Frank! This is one area I work very hard to get right… I even carry a digital caliper. Perhaps their manufacturer changed something. I’m glad to hear that Sam replied to you and is looking into this himself. So sorry for your extra hassle with the seat posts :(

Thanks for responding Court, and thanks for what you do. I am totally new to to the ebike concept. I used to ride my Specialized Allez about 150 miles per week, but now at 66 years old the experience is unpleasant and painful. Truly these ebikes, with comfort posture and power assist, allow Kathy and I to easily and enjoyably go where we otherwise could not.

We have a 3700 foot mountain which fills our front picture window. We are now riding out our driveway, up and around the mountain (1500 feet vertical) and coasting back home 2-3 times a week (weather permitting) I’m using level assit 1 or 2 and Kathy uses level three. It’s a great equalizer which allows us to ride together at the same speed. She really loves it.

I have watched about a hundred of your reviews which provided me a virtual experience and led me to insist upon the torque sensor system. Rarely is there a sense of the bike pushing when I don’t expect it or pushing too hard. I’m still playing with the assist levels.

Another update on the seat post subject: I have not heard back from Sam yet, but I did return the 31.6/350 mm seat post and ordered another 30.8/400 mm. It arrived today but it will not fit in the seat tube either. The next size down would be 27.2 mm which seems way too small as the stock seat post is 30.4 mm. So, I have no solution as yet because their stock post is too short for me which is surprising because at 6 feet tall with a 32″ inseam I’m guessing there will be many more like me, unless they do not care for optimal leg extension on the pedals. Also I am using all the vertical extension the handle bar system affords.

Brian B

Hi Frank, people seem to say that power assist is quite fast and powerful – do you find that you can still get a good work out or is the power assist too overpowering? I hope to try one soon, I definitely want an e-bike which feels like a bike and not a motor bike, Tks.

Hi Brian! Hopefully Frank will respond too, but I wanted to add my voice. The Surface 604 Colt (and most pedal assist ebikes) offer several levels of assist, and you can definitely get a workout by using the lowest levels or turning it completely off once you’re up to speed on flat ground. I will occasionally just use the throttle to get going and then pedal with little bursts to keep speed or climb. I have also learned in recent years that consistent cardio vascular exercise is more important for healthy heart and fat burning than strained muscles. In my experience, the elevated pulse of deeper breaths and the excitement and positive feeling of riding (even with assistance) is very healthy.

I never use the throttle. There is very good torque assist from a standing start at any level of assist. Level one will assist to about 10 mph and that is what I use mostly. Beyond that I am on my own pushing speeds of 12 to 25 mph depending on terrain. If the grade increases upwards I can feel the assist kick in again when my speed slows to 10 mph or less. On steeper hills I use a higher level of assist to maintain higher speed because the hub motor can take no advantage of the gearing system and will labor at slow rpm under high load. Level 2 is good to 12-13 mph, level 3 to 15 mph, level 4 to 17 mph and level 5 to 20 mph. Choose your speed, choose the appropriate level and then peddle as hard as you want to push a little beyond the assist max speed. You can get the same workout at any of these speeds and the bonus is this; steep up hill rides are made doable and pleasant with modest effort. Kathy and I are now 68 years old. We ride out our driveway and climb 1400 feet vertical over 5 miles and then coast back home again for a nice one hour ride with lovely mountain top views. We wouldn’t be able to make such a climb without the assist. The grade is not severe, but substantial. I exceed 30 mph on the downhill return to home and 9 to 13 mph uphill on the climb using assist 1 or 2. She weighs 50 pounds less, uses levels 2 and 3 and we easily ride together at the same speeds. I am working much harder (by choice) and she is truly having a Sunday drive. Works great for us.

Thanks Frank and Court, this feedback is exactly what I was looking for in helping me make the ebike jump. I’m 65 and have been a long time cyclist. Now that I’m retired I’ve slowed down but I still try to bike 40-50km / day. However, twice this past summer I’ve had to call my wife, asking her to pick me up as I had run out of steam after facing headwinds. An ebike will allow me to keep biking, my favourite activity, knowing that I have a helping hand whenever needed. I’ll have to get two as my wife said she’d start cycling if she had an ebike! Great site Court, keep up the excellent work!

Carl

I was told by Sam that the Gloss White with Taupe is no longer available. That’s too bad because I don’t like the gray (it looks blue to me) but I really like this bike a lot. I’ve been in the market now for about 18 months and had seriously considered something from Radpower until I read your review for the Colt.

Don

Frank D, I’m curious how your seat post problem was resolved as our dimensions are nearly identical and I’m considering the 604 Colt.

Mike

Demoed a Colt/Rook a week ago, and decided to purchase. Have to back-order as they didn’t have my frame size in the Colt. If you order a new one now, they are only available in Black. Handle-bar adjustment now requires tool, quick adjustment has been eliminated.

What sold me was a cruiser type bike with shocks, built-in lights, fenders and rack. Bike has aggressive enough stance that I can use on trails, paths not just paved. Not built for Mtn biking, but seems very strong/sturdy.

Power level seemed to only effect how much pedaling to get up to speed, and bike seems to want to get you at speed and fast. Didn’t try any hills. Tires are almost balloon and between gel seat, tires and shocks very comfy to ride.

Should be getting in about 2w, and can provide more info if anyone wants. Maybe some pic’s of what the new Black looks like… Battery life…

Sweet! I got to see one of the new black models during a trip to Vancouver Canada a week ago and liked it. The swap from adjustable stem to rigid might be a good thing if you plan on doing some off-road riding. I’d love to hear how it works for you and appreciate this update and comment you posted Mike. Well said about power, accessories, and comfort being a differentiator.

Linda D'Angelo

Is there a dealer in Victoria BC where I can purchase this bike?

Great question Linda, I’m not sure off the top of my head but will check with Surface 604. I know that they do sell direct sometimes and might have some more feedback for you if you reach out. I know that the company is based in or near Vancouver.