Name: Surface 604 Rook Review
Item: Surface 604 Rook
Author: Court Rye

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Surface 604 Rook Review

2022 Surface 604 Rook Electric Bike Review

2022 Surface 604 Rook Bafang Planetary Geared Hub Motor 500 To 750 Watt

2022 Surface 604 Rook Standard Battery Pack 48v 14ah 672wh

2022 Surface 604 Rook Swept Back Handlebar Ergonomic Grips Adjustable Angle Stem

2022 Surface 604 Rook Large Color Lcd With Usb Charging Below

2022 Surface 604 Rook Sr Suntour Xct 80mm Spring Suspension

2022 Surface 604 Rook Front View Stem Mounted Headlight

2022 Surface 604 Rook Tektro Auriga Hydraulic Disc Brakes 180mm Rotors

2022 Surface 604 Rook Selle Royal Essenza Plus Saddle

2022 Surface 604 Rook 9 Speed Shimano Alivio 11 32t

2022 Surface 604 Rook Bottom Bracket 170mm Crank Arms Bottle Cage Bosses

2022 Surface 604 Rook Left Grip Trigger Throttle Button Pad

2022 Surface 604 Rook Right Grip Trigger Shifters Flick Bell

2022 Surface 604 Rook Battery Lock Key Lever Left Side

2022 Surface 604 Rook Standard 2 Amp Charger

2022 Surface 604 Rook Optional Large Battery Pack 48v 20ah 960wh

2022 Surface 604 Rook Optional Fast Charger 4 Amp

An approachable step-through that comes in two frame sizes and two colors! This hybrid electric bike offers fenders, deluxe rear rack, integrated lights, and two battery options for long range. Relaxed handlebar, adjustable angle stem, high volume 27.5" tires, and ergonomic touch points offer comfort.
Unique combination of torque sensing pedal assist with trigger throttle that overrides for added power. Settings menu provides adjustable top speed, adjustable assist levels, and adjustable brightness. Two integrated USB charging ports (one on the display and one on the battery pack) to maintain portable electronics.
Excellent stopping power thanks to Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes with large 180mm rotors and motor inhibitors and brake blinking activation. Mid-level derailleur and nine-speed cassette provides plenty of options for urban riding. Excellent safety features including bright headlight with side windows that is mounted up high on the stem, and reflective tires.
The battery charge port is next to the left crank arm which could make it vulnerable. No slap guard on the right chain stay, pedal assist can activate unexpectedly if the chain is bouncing excessively. Limited 11-32 tooth cassette vs. 34 or 42 on some comparable models. Price has risen a bit in recent years, the optional battery upgrade sticks out on the left side a bit vs. being symmetrical.

Make:

Surface 604

Model:

Rook

Price:

$2,499 ($2,499 USD for 672wh Battery, $2,799 CAD for 960wh Battery)

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:

2022

Total Weight:

61.2 lbs (27.75 kg) (Medium-Large Frame Size)

Battery Weight:

7.7 lbs (3.49 kg) (672wh Battery, 10lb for 960wh Battery)

Motor Weight:

7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

17.5 in (44.45 cm)19.5 in (49.53 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Medium-Large Frame: 19.5" Seat Tube Length, 24.25" Simulated Top Tube Length, 17" Reach, 19.5" Stand Over Height, 34" Minimum Saddle Height, 42" Maximum Saddle Height, 27.75" Width, 73.5" Length, 45.5" Wheelbase

Frame Types:

Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

White, Black

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour XCT Spring Suspension, 80mm Travel, 28mm Steel Stanchions, Lockout Adjust, Preload Adjust, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

138mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Threaded Axle with Keyed 10mm Flats, 18mm Nuts

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack, Fender Bosses, Bottle Bosses Below Downtube

Gearing Details:

9 Speed 1x9 SRAM X5 or Shimano Alivio Derailleur, Shimano CS-HG201-9 Cassette 11-32 Tooth

Shifter Details:

SRAM X5 or Shimano Alivio Triggers on Right

Cranks:

Samox, Forged Alloy, 170mm Length, Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Hollow Spindle, 42 Tooth Steel Chainring

Pedals:

Wellgo Aluminum Alloy Platform, Wide with Integrated Pins, Black

Headset:

Surface 604 Branded, Integrated, Sealed Cartridge, Straight 1-1/8"

Stem:

Surface 604 Branded, Adjustable Angle 0° to 90°, 70mm Base Height, 110mm Length, One 20mm Tapered Spacer, Two 10mm Spacers, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy, 30mm Low-Rise, 710mm Length, 45° 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, Locking

Saddle:

Selle Royal Essenza Plus

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy with Forged Single-Bolt Clamp

Seat Post Length:

300 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.4 mm

Rims:

Double Wall, 6061 Aluminum Alloy, 35mm Outer Width, 36 Hole, Black

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge, Black

Tire Brand:

Custom Panaracer, 27.5" x 2.40" (60-584)

Wheel Sizes:

27.5 in (69.85cm)

Tire Details:

Moped Rated, 30 to 55 PSI, 2.0 to 4.0 BAR, Reflective Sidewall Stripes

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Aluminum Alloy Fenders (65mm Width), Plastic Chain Cover with Reflective Side, 5 Volt 1 Amp USB Type A Charging Port at Top Right Side of Battery, Flick Bell Near Right Grip, Integrated Büchel Secu Forte E-Bike LED Headlight (70 LUX), Integrated Büchel Tivoli 2-LED Rear Light, Welded-On Rear Rack with Standard Gauge Pannier Hangers and Bungee Loops, Rear Mounted Adjustable Length Kickstand (40mm Tab), Optional SR Suntour Suspension Seatpost, Optional Ergotec Handlebar Mirror, Optional Leather Panniers

Other:

Locking Removable Semi-Integrated Downtube Battery Pack (Reention Dorado), 1.4lb 2 Amp Charger, Optional 4 Amp Fast Charger

Motor Brand:

Bafang RM G020.500.DC

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

500 watts

Motor Peak Output:

750 watts

Motor Torque:

45 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung 18650 or 21700 (3,500mAh or 5,000mAh Cells), Reention Dorado Casing or Custom Casing

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

14 ah (Optional 20ah)

Battery Watt Hours:

672 wh (Optional 960wh)

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

5 hours (2 Hours for ~80%)

Estimated Min Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Estimated Max Range:

80 miles (129 km)

Display Type:

Surface 604 Branded, Fixed, Adjustable Angle, 3.5" Color, Backlit LCD, USB Type A Charging Port

Readouts:

Battery Percentage, Current Speed (With Infographic), Power Meter, Trip Distance, Odometer, Max Speed, Avg Speed, Trip Time, Assist Level (0-5)

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad near Left Grip, Buttons: +, -, Information, Lights, On/Off, (Hold - for Walk Mode, Hold + and - for Settings Menu, Settings Password 1212, Speed Limit Password 0510)

Drive Mode:

Torque Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle (Measures Pedal Torque at Rear Dropout)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)(Can Unlock ~26mph Top Speed)

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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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This review was provided for free, but Surface 604 did provide a temporary demo bike and accessories for me to test. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of S604 products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the Surface 604 electric bike forums.

Observations:

In case you were wondering, the Surface 604 Rook and Colt are basically the same ebike (using most of the same components, battery, and motor systems). The Rook is built on an approachable step-thru frame, and the Colt is built on a stiffer high-step frame. Both models come in two frame sizes and the Rook comes in two colors (black and white).
Surface 604 dates all the way back to 2013. I was lucky enough to review their first product, the Element electric fat bike! S604 products are designed to be affordable, but capable on a wide variety of terrain and conditions. Their designers frequently choose parts that are above average in terms of quality and reliability because they come from the mountain bike world. Surface 604 is based in British Columbia, Canada. Their name denotes the 604 phone area code for the Vancouver region, which is home to ocean, city, and mountain conditions. The brand is sold in the US and Canada.
The big differences that I noticed going from 2021 to 2022 versions of the Rook and Colt models include refined lighting design (headlight is mounted to the stem vs. suspension arch), a custom relaxed swept-back handlebar, and updated comfort saddle. The battery pack still comes in 14ah as a base (672wh) and optional 20ah (960wh) for extended rides, and the rear light still activates blinking mode when the brakes are pulled. Other continuing highlights include the hollow spindle bottom bracket, TMM4 torque sensor, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes with motor inhibitors, and powerful 45nm 750 watt motor output (up to 500 watt output in Canada). I tested the medium/large Colt and small/medium Rook for these reviews.

Pros:

My favorite upgrade for the Rook and Colt models is headlight placement! Not only does S604 use a high quality light with side windows, making it visible from more angles, but they’ve also placed it up high on the stem vs. down on the suspension fork arch where it used to be. The rear light is also very good because it uses two LEDs, and flashes when the brakes are actuated.
I appreciate the adjustable spring suspension fork here, offering lockout and preload to support different loads. Surface 604 specced a taller 27.5″ tire that lowers the attack angle for comfort, and they use 2.4″ width for improved stability and vibration dampening. When you combine the fork with the tires and add in the name brand Selle Royal saddle, you end up with a very comfortable hybrid bike.
The handlebar has been refined a bit since the last generation and now sweeps back more. This pairs nicely with the adjustable angle stem, which is quite long. I feel like these bikes fit a very wide range of people because of the two sizes, adjustable stem, and the new handlebar. They’re almost setup as a blend of city and cruiser, which I like.
The bikes look beautiful, and all of the support hardware matches. Notice the black hubs, spokes, rims, and posts. It’s neat that the Rook comes in two color schemes (light and dark). I also appreciate how the wires and power cables are mostly hidden because they are internally routed through the frame.
This sense of control and response is above average here, because the bike uses a torque sensor vs. cadence. The downside is that it can be more sensitive to work on and occasionally activate due to chain bounce and not pedaling. It also requires a bit pedal effort to activate, but this improves range and feels more natural.
I love the large color LCD display panel used here! The 3.5″ color LCD screen is positioned high, so it’s easy to read, and includes brightness adjustability in the settings menu (hold + and – to access this menu). They set it up to stay bright even when the lights are activated, since many people like to ride with lights on during the day for added safety. I love that there’s a precise battery percentage readout, that the display has a full sized USB type A port at the base, and that you can adjust how many levels of assist are offered (0-3, 5, or 9) and even adjust top speed.
I appreciate the kickstand choice here, because it offers adjustable length. It’s mounted using a standard 40mm bolt spacing, which makes it easy to replace. They positioned it far enough back that it won’t cause pedal lock when backing the bike up, and it should support a loaded rear rack well.
I appreciate that Surface 604 has a higher weight rating for these ebikes at 300lbs + 50lbs on the rear rack! That means heavier riders can enjoy the bikes and still feel safe. Part of what makes this possible is the thicker 13 gauge spokes and 36 spoke setup here vs. 32 or 28 on some other electric bikes.
The step-thru Rook frame is very approachable, but still stiff and sturdy feeling. Sometimes I’ll test a step-thru that has a flexing frame, other times the double tube frame has a high standover because of how the battery mounts. I feel like Surface 604 found a sweet spot between stiffness and battery access… and I appreciate that they added bottle cage bosses below the downtube in case you want to mount a folding lock, mini pump, or water bottle (even though it wouldn’t be that easy to reach).
Given the larger heavier wheel and tire combination here, I was impressed by the motor power and torque. Surface 604 reps told me that the motor can produce up to 45 newton meters of torque and peak out well above 500 watts. My experience riding was quite satisfying, and I think part of this has to do with the torque sensor. Keep in mind that I’m 5’9″ tall and weigh about 135lbs (61kg).
This ebike has powerful hydraulic disc brakes with large 180mm rotors. This provides a strong mechanical advantage and cooling benefits. Both brake levers also send a signal to cut motor power, for added safety and efficiency. I appreciate that the brake levers offer adjustable reach to work well with different sized hands as well, it’s an added bonus given the two frame size options.
This ebike is a hybrid, meaning that it blends city and mountain components. You can see that with the suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and hollow spindle. The larger aluminum pedals gave me a sense of confidence when pedaling and standing while riding off curbs.
I love that the company offers two battery pack sizes! The standard 672 watt hour is already above average, in terms of capacity. If you want to go even higher, the 960 watt hour pack is a great option and only adds a few pounds. Both packs also have USB ports built into the right side, so you can use them as spare power banks when off the bike!
My understanding is that many of the Surface 604 bikes now use the same Reention Dorado battery interface, so the pack can be shared between friends or family members! This is a more open battery standard, which means you can have the batteries repacked or purchase them from generic suppliers someday if S604 changes their design or stops selling them.
This is a little thing, but I like how the suspension forks match the frame colors. They chose a black one for the dark gray color scheme and a white one for the light color scheme :).
In addition to the full length fenders, this ebike also comes with a plastic chain cover to keep your right pant leg or dress end from getting greasy and snagged on the chain and chainring. The cover has a reflective section as well, which adds to the visual footprint created by the reflective tires and side-visible lights.
Surface 604 has some cool optional accessories including a sturdy Ergotec handlebar mirror for spotting traffic, a suspension seat post from SR Suntour, and some saddle bag panniers that are guaranteed to fit the bike. I’m a big fan of the comfortable suspension seat post, and it’s nice to know that it’s guaranteed to fit if you buy from them.
There’s an emphasis on ease of use and modular repairs with these ebikes. For example, the controller uses standard XT60 connectors and is much easier to reach for diagnostics and repairs than some of the older ones. Notice the quick disconnect for the motor, headlight, display, brake motor inhibitors, and trigger throttle. The controller produces 25 amps of power output, which creates a zippy powerful feel. Many cheaper ebikes use 18 amp controllers.
The company has been around since 2013 and earned my trust. I feel like they produce a quality product and offer good support. I try to communicate this whenever I have covered multiple generations of products.

Cons:

I noticed that the price of this model went up by $200 compared to years past. It’s still a good value for an above average value hybrid, in my opinion. Most ebikes have gone up in price, and I love the multiple frame styles, battery sizes, and colors (on the step-thru Rook).
The charger for this ebike is pretty basic, though I do appreciate the branding they did. It’s fairly compact, has a removable wall-side cord to reduce length, and it only weighs ~1.4lbs, but it only puts out 2 amps. Thankfully, they do sell an optional 4 amp fast charger now that is ideal if you get the high capacity 960wh battery pack… they just cost extra.
I appreciate how battery weight is kept low and center on the frame, and partially integrated into the downtube, but I noticed that the upgraded pack spills out on the left side and is not symmetrical. Functionally, the bike still handles well and I didn’t bump my leg or anything, it just looks a bit odd.
The charging port on the default sized 672wh battery pack is positioned low on the left side of the frame, directly in the path of the left crank arm. This could cause the cord to get snagged or cracked if the crank arms turn while the bike is plugged in. If you pay more for the larger upgraded 960wh pack, the charging port is up high near the battery lock core. Ideally, both the lock and charging port would be up high and on the right side of the bike to be less vulnerable and easier to reach.
The rear rack is welded to the frame, which means it cannot be removed and adds weight to the overall build. The upside is that it won’t rattle loose over time, it’s color matched and has the pannier hangers, bungee loops, and flat slats on top, and is rated to 50lbs (22.6kg). This rack would probably work well with child seats like the Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi, and is a sturdy mounting point for the included rear light.
The ergonomic grips are not locking, which means that if you bear down on them you can twist them forward and back (or even slip them off the ends if you really go for it). Fortunately, the relaxed position of the riser stem and handlebar mean that you won’t be bearing down on the grips the way you might with a mountain bike. Grips are pretty affordable to upgrade if you want locking, consider the Ergon GP1 for example.
I was surprised to see that there was no slap guard sticker on the right chain stay. This is a minor annoyance, but it does mean that the paint could get chipped off if the chain is bouncing up and down a lot while riding off-road. Consider using piece of clear box tape or aftermarket velcro slap guard like this if you plan to ride fast and on bumpy terrain.
The rear derailleur and motor power cable are not protected by a derailleur guard, which mean that they could get bent during shipping or if the bike tips over to the right. just be careful not to snag the wires, and consider using extra zip ties if your cable protrudes a lot. The demo bikes I rode had the cables pretty close to the frame so it didn’t seem like a major concern.
One drawback to torque sensing pedal assist is that the controller may think you’re pedaling when it’s really just the chain bouncing around. The strain plate (mounted on the inside of the right chain stay) can also be more sensitive to over-tightening the rear bolt and doing wheel maintenance. I guess it’s the trade-off for a more responsive system compared to a standard cadence sensor.
Hub motors are zippy, work well with throttles, aren’t as hard on the drivetrain, and cost less than mid-drives, but usually do not allow for quick release axles (which is the case here) so only the front wheel has that feature. It just adds time and requires tools to work on the rear wheel and motor. Also, given the high power of this motor and no torque arm system, be sure that the rear bolts stay tight so the axle doesn’t rock back and forth and chew into the aluminum alloy frame.
Due to supply chain uncertainty, this electric bicycle may come with a SRAM X5 or Shimano Alivio drivetrain and the shifters are slightly different… that’s not a huge deal to me, but you may care. The bike I tested used the Shimano Alivio but had a limited range 11 to 32 tooth cassette vs. 34 tooth in years past (and higher numbers that were shared by the team).
The trigger shifter has a multi-shift low lever, but the high lever is just one way, so you have to use your pointer finger. I like the upgraded shifters that allow for high and low shifting using your thumb, because this allows the pointer finger to stay on the brake lever if you wish.
I like how wide the metal fenders are, and they didn’t rattle much when going off the curb or down the steps… but the front fender is connected to the lowers of the suspension fork with plastic cuffs vs. threaded eyelets. It’s just a bit less sturdy and clean, but the stays don’t stick out on the back, so it’s a decent solution.

Useful Resources:

January 29, 2024 (11 months ago)

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Mark

3 years ago

Seems like yesterday that this ebike was only $1799.

With all the ebike brands and model choices in this price range, including some mid drives, its sort of putting S604 in a tough to buy and justify proposition.

Court

Yeah, it’s a big topic… House prices, food prices, lots of things have gone up recently. This trend combines with more companies entering the space, more manufacturers selling direct pushing prices down, some companies having big investors vs. others being more family run so-to-speak. I think that Surface is doing very well all things considered, and they still offer a bike that’s unique in a lot of ways. If you value their unique offerings (torque sensor, multiple sizes and frame styles, the cool brand and nice site with good customer support, the slightly nicer derailleur and spindle, the ability to adjust the speed a bit, the larger battery option, USB charging, even the headlight and adjustable angle stem…) all of that adds to the cost, but definitely stands out to me and would add up or not match as well doing it aftermarket.

Surface Guy

Yes indeed. Once upon a time S604 bikes were sold for $1799, back in 2016-2017. It feels like yesterday, doesn’t it?

Supply chain struggles in the cycling industry are widely known and accepted. Many reasons for price to be higher: 25% ebike tariff, container costs are on average 15k which is up from average of 2-3k pre-covid, RMB fluctuating exchange rate adds around 3-6% to cost, all components went up on average 15-20% (if you can get them at all), overall cost of transportation and doing business domestically went up by 5-15%.

Surface is using higher end components as Court pointed out torque sensor, Samsung/LG battery, Alivio group-set, bottom bracket/cranks, well designed geometry etc. Do you want your bike with Chinese lithium ion cells or with Samsung cells, do you want your bike with Walmart grade Tourney TX groupest sprinkled with unknown Chinese name components or you want Alivio and better, do you want torque sensor or cadence, etc. Every little “upgrade” adds to the cost.

Ride safe!

I hear you, and I think the offering is quite good for the price. The components are above average, there’s more choice here, and the company has been around for a long time… yes, time does fly :)

Thomas D Jaszewski

2 years ago

I’m a bit confused by the battery case spec. Is the basic battery a Reention Dorado?

Yes, I believe it is a Reention Dorado battery pack. Perhaps you could confirm this with Surface 604, but that’s my best guess ;)