Total Weight:
56.8 lbs (25.76 kg)
Battery Weight:
7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Frame Material:
6061 Aluminum Alloy
Frame Sizes:
17.5 in (44.45 cm)19 in (48.26 cm)Geometry Measurements:
Medium-Large Frame: 19.5" Seat Tube Length, 27" Reach, 19" Stand Over Height, 34" Minimum Saddle Height, 25" Width, 71" Length
Frame Types:
Step-Thru
Frame Colors:
Satin White, Satin Black
Frame Fork Details:
SR Suntour XCT Spring Suspension, 80mm Travel, 28mm Steel Stanchions, Lockout Adjust, Compression Adjust, Preload Adjust, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Skewer with Quick Release
Frame Rear Details:
135mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Threaded Axle with Keyed 10mm Flats, 18mm Nuts
Attachment Points:
Rear Rack, Fender Bosses
Gearing Details:
9
Speed 1x9 Shimano Alivio Derailleur, Shimano CS-HG201-9 Cassette 11-34 ToothShifter Details:
Shimano Alivio Triggers on Right (Two-Way High Lever, Three-Shift Low Lever), Shift Display Readout
Cranks:
Samox, Forged Alloy, Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Hollow Spindle, 42 Tooth Steel Chainring
Pedals:
Wellgo Aluminum Alloy Platform with Rubber Tread
Headset:
Integrated, Sealed Cartridge, Straight 1-1/8"
Stem:
Satori UP2+, Adjustable Angle 0° to 90°, 70mm Base Height, 110mm Length, 20mm Stack Height, Two 10 mm Risers, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter
Handlebar:
Aluminum Alloy, 20mm Low-Rise, 630 mm Length, 6° Backsweep
Brake Details:
Tektro Auriga Hydraulic Disc with 180mm Rotors, Dual-Piston Calipers, Three-Finger Tektro Levers Motor Inhibitors and Adjustable Reach
Grips:
Stitched Faux Leather, Ergonomic, Black
Saddle:
Selle Royal FreeWay, Gel
Seat Post:
Aluminum Alloy with Forged Single-Bolt Clamp
Seat Post Length:
300 mm
Seat Post Diameter:
30.4 mm
Rims:
Double Wall, Aluminum Alloy, 25mm Outer Width, 36 Hole, Black
Spokes:
Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge, Black
Tire Brand:
Kenda Kranium, 26" x 2.10" (54-559)
Wheel Sizes:
26 in (66.04cm)Tire Details:
40 to 65 PSI, 2.8 to 4.5 BAR, 280 to 450 KPa
Tube Details:
Schrader Valve
Accessories:
Plastic Fenders (70mm Width), Plastic Chain Cover with Reflective Side, 5 Volt 1 Amp USB Type A 1 amp Charging Port at Top Right Side of Battery, Integrated Spanninga Kendo+ LED Headlight, Integrated Spanninga DUXE LED Rear Light, Welded-On Rear Rack with Standard Gauge Pannier Hangers and Bungee Loops, Rear Mounted Adjustable Length Kickstand, Optional $99 SR Suntour NCX Suspension Post with Shim
Other:
Locking Removable Semi-Integrated Downtube Battery Pack, 1.6lb 2 Amp Charger
Mike
5 years agoFirst off, GREAT REVIEWER. Not too wordy on the written part, and no personal biases on nit picky things. (though the comments about the lack of a ‘slap guard’ just continues to be goofy – its such a simple and cheap item to add later, and many people want to personalize the color or style of what is there – and dont usually see too many ebikes that come with them anyway.)
The torque sensing is awesome on this ebike, and also it is TUNABLE, meaning you can adjust the sensitivity. Not mentioned in the written part. Torque sensing also really extends the range if tuned properly, and with 14 AH, riding in level 1 and 2, 70 to 75 miles of range is very doable. This is very different than cadence sensing where the cadence sensing can actually cause more motor power to be drawn more frequently, and drain the battery faster as just detecting your crank arm rotation, does not take into account or respond to the effort you are putting into the ride. Since the motor now responds to your effort, it will operate at less wattage potentially, especially if you are wanting the exercise, and /or wanting greater range. The beauty of torque sensing really shows itself on these hub drives. (while inherent to mid drives, but those can add easily $600 to $1000 to the cost of the otherwise equal ebike). Just a few years ago, torque sensing on hub drives used to be a little problematic in terms of tuning, or reliability, but Surface has definitely resolved this with their manufacturer and engineers. I’m honestly surprised that more hub drive oriented ebike OEM’s haven’t already converted their ebikes to having torque sensing too. They’d really give the mid drive ebike OEMS a run for their money, and many more options for consumers that are price sensitive but still wanting the performance feel of torque sensing, or that ‘natural bike’ feel while pedaling.
Not emphasized in the Pro’s – The rear light has a BUILT IN BRAKE LIGHT ! (yes !)
The new supports holding the front fenders are a BIG UPGRADE. They don’t slip like the old ones did. (yeah it should have been this way from the start, but hey they were trying to be price conscious I suppose.)
Greatly improved torque sensor in terms of where it mounts too (versus last year – so glad its now out of the bottom bracket), and the reliability is supposed to be improved as well.
All in all, this ebike gives you the performance ‘FEEL’ of a mid drive, in terms of smooth pedaling, but also the rear acceleration capability, more power, and simplicity of a hub drive, all at a much lower price point than mid drives. Honestly, you’d be hard pressed to make a case for a mid drive that can cost upwards of $3000 against these S604 Rooks and Colts. Also, the display does allow for changing the upper speed limit a few miles higher so you don’t have that awkward, or irritating ‘wall at 20 mph’. I have had the ebike up to 24 mph no problem. the 48 Volt, 14 AH battery is truly the best way to go, and again the price is very reasonable for it.
Another upgrade is the very improved adjustable stem, and more robust, and more secure once its tightened than the prior years stems.
Lastly, the Alivio derailleur is super smooth shifting, and seems every bit as smooth as the SRAM X5, which has been a winner for years ! You will notice a big difference in shifting over the Altus, the Acera, and other models below this in the Shimano line up. So many new upgrades and with how many ebike models have increased in price due to tariffs, with everything S604 has built into this, its excellent value.
If you were to want to upgrade from the value priced Aventon Pace 500, THIS would certainly be the ebike that I would go to, if desiring front suspension, torque sensing, color display, even higher end hydraulic brakes, integrated front lights and rear lights, with brake light, integrated rack and fenders, more speeds, better derailleur. There are so many other ebikes that are priced between the $1399 price point of the Pace 500, and the $2199 price point of this Surface Rook (or Colt), that simply do not have all of these nice upgrades and are often fitted with the Altus derailleur or other little things that are no better than whats on the Pace 500. Even the shocks are better than most ebikes with shocks where the ebike is priced below $2500.
The past year has had some hiccups for Surface, but got to give them loads of credit for really make some valuable improvements, keeping a good price point, and delivering an even better product for what was actually a really good seller before despite some of the little flaws that irritated some consumers and dealers alike.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoGreat comment, Mike! Thanks, and yes… Tyson did an amazing job with this review and we are excited to add more bikes in the coming months. I’d respond more but am in a hurry here and wanted to get your comment published quickly. Cheers!
ReplyTyson Roehrkasse
5 years agoHi Mike! Thanks for the awesome comment, I’ve made some updates to the written review based on your recommendations. Super cool to hear about the rear taillight functioning as a brake light too, I had no idea!
ReplyCynthia
4 years agoHi guys! I have watched many of your reviews and read countless posts from members. I have been able to test a variety of models from different brands (Aventon, Magnum, Gazelle, Blix and S604) at a somewhat local ebike shop. I initially thought a lower priced bike would be sufficient and I bought a 350W, cadence sensor bike. After a few rides, I’ve decided I want to upgrade and am leaning toward the Rook.
I really enjoyed the feel of the torque sensor and after riding this and then trying an Aventon Pace 500, I was convinced this was the way to go. Are there other bikes I should consider in this price range, should I wait for the 2021 version, and is it worth it to upgrade to the 14v battery? I initially didn’t think the extended range capability would matter, but now I’m wondering if there are other reasons to consider that. I’ve not ridden in years and am so excited to get back to riding. I will most likely be riding paved or gravel trails. I lost my job this year, so it’s a bit of a splurge and I want to make a “smart” purchase.
Thanks!
John
5 years agoGood review ! :) Reason why LCD display is not showing well is because there is protective plastic film covering it. It needed to be removed to see better. Camera is also making darker spots even darker as it’s metering against bright surroundings.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoThanks for the feedback, John! I noticed that during the video too. We can remove the film when I cover your other bikes but it’s great to have this feedback from you directly (John is the founder of Surface 604 for anyone who is wondering).
ReplyRobert G
5 years agoExcited to see the Colt 2020 review. Finally pot mine together and about to take it for a spin.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoSweet! Hope you have a blast out there, Robert :D
ReplyJustin
5 years agoI was curious of how you would compare the 2020 Rook against the Rad5 ebike. Looking for my wife who is about 5’4″ and 120lbs. She wants to ride on the roads most of the time, but wants the ability to take it on trails and off road. I ride the Surface 604 Shred but due to the Virus going on we can not get another Shred in her size for a couple months or more. So we would like to buy one of the two and would really like your opinion on this.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Justin, glad you’re enjoying the Surface 604 Shred! I love that bike… As for the Rook vs. the Rad bikes, which Rad Power Bikes model are you talking about? The RadRover Step-Thru or RadCity? Please be more specific and I’ll try to provide some insight. Here’s the full list of Rad models.
ReplyJustin
5 years agoSorry about that. We were looking at the Rad Rover comparing it to the surface Rook or Colt Is there much difference between the Rook or Colt besides the step through? Anyways we just want to make sure which one would give her the best trail or off road capabilities We would wait for the Shred but we have no idea how long it will be with the issues we are all facing. We waited a month already but now we were told it will be another month We know its not their fault but she wants to ride now. If none of those options are good and you have a better idea for the 2k or so price range with throttle please inform us. Thanks
Connie
4 years agoI’m interested in this answer also. I’m a 5″4′ woman and my husband is a great rider – me, not as much. He’d love it if I could keep up with him. I’m deciding between the Surface Rook and RadRover Step-Thru or Blix Aveny.
Nicycle
5 years agoI’m curious about the reviewer’s point about the accessibility of the controller for replacement. Is this a vulnerable component needing to be replaced very often? Is it more likely to be damaged due to its placement outside the frame — whereas some manufacturers put it inside, and is the latter placement problematic due to possibly reduced heat dissipation? How much does it cost to replace it, and is it user-replaceable?
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Nicycle, those are great points… I was not the person who reviewed this model (that was Tyson, I am Court), but I’ve seen this model and covered similar bikes from Surface 604. External controllers tend to be easier to replace but not as beautiful or protected as internal. They might dissipate heat easier, and they usually make the battery cheaper to replace since the pack is less complex. I don’t mind external controllers, and I have never had to replace a controller on an ebike before. I don’t think it should be an issue if you aren’t overworking the drive system (throttling up a hill without helping the bike in extreme heat). Some companies have separated the controller units from the batteries AND internalized them in unique places such as the bottom bracket… that’s the case with a recent iGO ebike that I covered. I thought it was a mid-drive at first, but the box at the bottom bracket is just for wires and a high powered controller, which will tend to heat up more than a basic controller. They were very excited about this design because the controller is much easier to access if/when there’s a replacement needed. I hope this gives you some perspective, even though it’s more of an indirect answer ;)
ReplyNicycle
5 years agoThanks for your response. I’m still a bit puzzled about controllers. You write about “a high powered controller, which will tend to heat up more than a basic controller.” I would think it were the opposite, much like a transistor audio amplifier — the higher the power, the less heat for a given load. What is the purpose of a high-powered controller (rated in Amps?) and how does it affect the performance of the motor — does it contribute to the available continuous (or sustained) power output? Does it need to be matched to the motor power and/or the weight capacity and/or intended user application? If this is an important component spec, why is it not included in the Electronic Details to be compared to other brands & models? Finally, is it an expensive component and does the placement outside the frame make it vulnerable to theft? Thanks, again.
Steve Moore
5 years agoquestion, I know it has a 500 W motor and has ability to go 750 w. max
Replyhow does that differ from Rad Rover or others , that have a straight 750 w motor ❓
Tyson Roehrkasse
5 years agoHi Steve!
A 750-watt nominal motor will typically feel a bit more powerful especially for sustained use… but there are a lot of other variables too, such as the amps of the controller, specific motor type, and how the manufacturer has tuned the electronics. Rad Rovers also have gigantic tires and weigh more, so honestly, the Surface604 may feel more responsive and powerful due to the lighter weight, and another nice benefit to the lower wattage of the motor is increased range since it will use less of the battery.
ReplySteve
5 years agothanks for the quick response, and good information.
David Cook
4 years agoLooks like a really nice bike! Will the rear rack take a Thule Yepp seat as is or does it require an adapter? Any info on the weight rating? I’m carrying a growing grandson on my RadWagon and looking for something a little more nimble. Is there a front rack option? Will this take a larger tire (say 2.3″) or is 2.1″ the limit?
Thanks!
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi David! I do think that the Thule Yepp! Nexxt Maxi will work with this bike rack, but you could double check with their customer support before placing the order, it might even work with the standard Maxi (that fits into a rectangular opening “window” vs clamping to the sides of a rack). My guess is that the bike is rated to 250lbs and the rear rack can handle 50lbs (maybe 55lbs). Not sure about the front rack for this ebike, but Rad does make a RadCity model (and RadCity Step-Thru if you prefer) that offers a sturdy front rack that screws onto the head tube vs. the fork and stem. Also not sure about the tires on the Rook, my guess is that it could handle 2.3″ alright but the company could confirm :)
ReplyJim
4 years agoI liked the review and am interested in purchasing one. However, I don’t find any dealers in the state of Georgia. I’m sure that I can order one and have it shipped but I am concerned about having it serviced and any warranty work that may need to be done. I am 250 miles from the nearest dealer in Charlotte NC. Is there an alternative that I’m missing on having any needed work done without driving all day to a dealer location? thanks
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Jim! Great question. I think you’re probably better off than most people, even though that dealer is 250 miles away. My understanding is that Surface 604 is mostly direct to consumer now, and they rely on phone support and shipping parts if/when required. You could always take the bike to a non-ebike dealer and pay for their help installing or repairing, and that’s that’s big trade-off for getting a lower price. This is why some companies like Magnum have spent more money building a big dealer network, and other companies like Rad Power Bikes have started working with Velofix and even buying their own vans to provide service in major cities. I hope this helps, and whatever you choose, I hope it works well! I’d love to hear back from you about the bike someday :D
ReplyDeborah B.
4 years agoExcellent, informative review! My husband and I just bought this model and this review really helped us to understand all of the features on the bike and to appreciate what we have purchased! The reviewer was very clear and covered every bit of information. The video was interesting to watch and I gained more insight into the bikes we purchased. I would recommend this reviewer to anyone!!
ReplyTyson Roehrkasse
4 years agoHi Deborah, thank you so much for the positive feedback! I’m glad our site has been helpful for you, that’s what we’re here for :)
Reply