Surface 604 Shred Review

2020 Surface 604 Shred Electric Bike Review
2020 Surface 604 Shred
2020 Surface 604 Shred 500 Watt Bafang Geared Hub Motor
2020 Surface 604 Shred 48 Volt Downtube Battery
2020 Surface 604 Shred Color Lcd Display Panel
2020 Surface 604 Shred Trigger Throttle Control Pad Velo Locking Grips
2020 Surface 604 Shred 100mm Suntour Suspension Fork Cst Plus Sized Tires
Surface 604 Shred Spanninga Axendo Headlight
2020 Surface 604 Shred 180mm Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes
2020 Surface 604 Shred 38 Tooth Chainring Hollow Spindle
2020 Surface 604 Shred 9 Speed Sram X5 Drivetrain
2020 Surface 604 Shred Optional Rear Rack Wired For Lights
2020 Surface 604 Shred Rear Mount Kickstand
2020 Surface 604 Shred 2 Amp Ebike Charger
2020 Surface 604 Shred Stock High Step Black
2020 Surface 604 Shred Electric Bike Review
2020 Surface 604 Shred
2020 Surface 604 Shred 500 Watt Bafang Geared Hub Motor
2020 Surface 604 Shred 48 Volt Downtube Battery
2020 Surface 604 Shred Color Lcd Display Panel
2020 Surface 604 Shred Trigger Throttle Control Pad Velo Locking Grips
2020 Surface 604 Shred 100mm Suntour Suspension Fork Cst Plus Sized Tires
Surface 604 Shred Spanninga Axendo Headlight
2020 Surface 604 Shred 180mm Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes
2020 Surface 604 Shred 38 Tooth Chainring Hollow Spindle
2020 Surface 604 Shred 9 Speed Sram X5 Drivetrain
2020 Surface 604 Shred Optional Rear Rack Wired For Lights
2020 Surface 604 Shred Rear Mount Kickstand
2020 Surface 604 Shred 2 Amp Ebike Charger
2020 Surface 604 Shred Stock High Step Black

Summary

  • A value-priced hardtail cross country style electric mountain bike with 9-speed SRAM 11-34 tooth cassette, plus sized tires, higher top speed of 28 mph, super-responsive torque + cadence sensing bottom bracket, quiet motor, and trigger throttle that overrides assist for full power
  • Available in two frame sizes for improved fit and comfort, optional 14 amp hour battery upgrade to extend range, optional rear rack, optional fenders, optional suspension seat post, and the bike is pre-wired for an optional rear light
  • Good sized 180mm hydraulic disc brakes with motor inhibitors on both levers, rear-rack bosses, bright integrated headlight, an adjustable-length kickstand, and decent 100mm spring suspension fork with preload and lockout adjust
  • More expensive than the prior-year model, stand-over height has been lowered and the paint is updated, charging port on the battery pack is a little vulnerable near the left crank arm, no chain guide or narrow-wide chainring to prevent chain drops, basic 2-amp charger, standard axle diameters and widths vs. boost hub spacing and thru-axles

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Surface 604

Model:

Shred

Price:

$2,090

Body Position:

Forward, Upright

Suggested Use:

Urban, Trail, Mountain

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1), Throttle on Demand (Class 2), Speed Pedelec (Class 3)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive, 3 Year Frame

Availability:

United States, Canada

Model Year:

2020

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

57.3 lbs (25.99 kg) (61.2lbs With Rack, Suspension Seat Post, and Battery Upgrade)

Battery Weight:

7.1 lbs (3.22 kg)

Motor Weight:

9 lbs (4.08 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

17.5 in (44.45 cm)19 in (48.26 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Medium / Large: 19.5" Seat Tube Length, 23.75" Reach, 27.5" Stand Over Height, 33.75" Minimum Saddle Height, 28" Width, 74" Length

Frame Types:

High-Step

Frame Colors:

Satin Black with Grey

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour XCM 30 Spring Suspension, 120 mm Travel, Compression Adjust with Lockout, Preload Adjust, 100 mm Hub Spacing, 30 mm Stanchions, 9 mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

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

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

9 Speed 1x9 SRAM X5 Derailleur, 11-34 Tooth Cassette

Shifter Details:

SRAM Triggers on Right (One-Way High Lever, Three-Shift Low Lever)

Cranks:

Samox, Forged Alloy, Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Hollow Spindle, 170mm Length, 38 Tooth Steel Chainring

Pedals:

Wellgo Aluminum Alloy Platform with Fixed Pins

Headset:

Integrated, Sealed Cartridge, Straight 1-1/8"

Stem:

UNO, Aluminum Alloy, 45° Angle, 90 mm Length, 20mm Stack Height, Two 10mm Spacers, One 5mm Spacer

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy, Flat, 700mm Length

Brake Details:

Tektro Dorado HD-E715 Hydraulic Disc with 180mm Rotors, Dual-Piston Calipers, Four-Finger Tektro Levers with Adjustable Reach and Motor Inhibitors

Grips:

Velo, Flat Rubber, Locking, Black

Saddle:

Selle Royal, Royalgel Nebula

Seat Post:

Alloy, Forged Head

Seat Post Length:

300 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.4 mm

Rims:

Double Wall, Aluminum Alloy, 35.5mm Outer Width, 36 Hole, Black

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge Front and 12 Gauge Rear, Black with Nipples

Tire Brand:

CST Patrol, 27.5" x 2.8" (71-584)

Wheel Sizes:

27.5 in (69.85cm)

Tire Details:

20 to 35 PSI, 1.4 to 2.4 BAR, 140 to 240 KPa

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

5 Volt 1 Amp USB Type A Charging Port at Top Right Side of Battery, Integrated Spanninga Axendo LED Headlight (60 LUX), Flick Bell on Right, Rear Mount Adjustable Kickstand, Optional SR Suntour NCX Suspension Post ($99), Optional 14 Amp Hour Battery Upgrade ($199), Free Shipping in Canada and US

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube Mounted Battery Pack, Waterproof Grade IP65 Display Panel, 1.8lb 2 Amp Charger

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Bafang RM G360.500.DC

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

500 watts

Motor Peak Output:

750 watts

Motor Torque:

65 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung 18650

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

10.4 ah (Optional 14 ah)

Battery Watt Hours:

499.2 wh (Optional 672wh)

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

6 hours (2 Hours for ~80%)

Estimated Min Range:

20 miles (32 km)

Estimated Max Range:

45 miles (72 km)

Display Type:

Fixed, Adjustable Angle, 3.25" Color, Backlit LCD

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, Default Password 0510 or 1212), USB Type A Charging Port on Right Edge of Display

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle (Measures Pedal Torque and Pedal Speed)

Top Speed:

28 mph (45 kph)


Written Review

To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This in-depth review was sponsored by Surface 604 Bikes. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Surface 604 products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comment section below and the Surface 604 electric bike forums.

Observations:

  • The price increased from $1,890 to $2,099 for the latest version of the Surface 604 Shred. The paint design was updated with new decals and the steering tube got slimmer while the top tube got more angular in design. The top tube has been lowered a bit more to make the bike easier to approach and stand over and they’ve moved to a rigid stem with steep 45° angle for a more upright body position
  • The torque sensor was relocated from the bottom bracket to the rear wheel, which performed just as good if not better than before, and they added wiring for an optional rear light to be powered by the main battery vs. being independent
  • Surface 604 offers a bunch of great add-on accessories that are optional and add to the price including custom fitted fenders, a rear rack with pannier hangers as well as slats to support a trunk bag, and an optional suspension seat post with shim (adapts 30.4mm to 27.2mm)

Pros:

  • Given the $2.1k price point, Surface 604 hasn’t skimped on quality or durability too much, the headset and bottom bracket still use sealed bearings that won’t rust or creek as easily, they chose great pedals, a solid drivetrain with wide 11-34 tooth cassette, and Velo branded locking grips
  • Given the higher potential top speed and heavier build of this ebike (especially with suspension seat post and rear rack options) the 180mm hydraulic disc brakes with long four-finger levers and motor inhibitors are perfect
  • I like that Surface 604 is offering two battery size options for this bike, you can spend a bit more money to extend range if you like riding faster or plan on carrying heavier loads, both packs are positioned low and center on the frame for balance and look pretty good
  • It’s rare to see an integrated headlight on cross country / trail mountain bike like this, but I like the light that they chose because it’s bright and feels solid, it could come in handy if you add a rear rack and use the bike around town during the week (I love that the frame has rear rack bosses and that they pre-wired it for an optional rear light)
  • The suspension fork on this ebike looks good and has some decent adjustability (lockout and preload), but weighs more because it uses springs vs. air and has steel stanchions vs. anodized alloy
  • I love that Surface 604 decided to include a kickstand on this e-bike! This will come in handy for those who like to ride around the city or just need an easier way to stand the bike up in their garage or apartment… it’s easy to remove the stand for off-road use to reduce bounce and jitter, they positioned it at the rear of the frame so you won’t get pedal lock
  • I like that the battery can be charged on or off the frame and has a full sized USB charging port built into the right side (which can be used whether the pack is mounted to the frame or not), there’s a second USB port on the right side of the display panel that’s perfect for use with a smartphone or secondary headlight
  • The Shred is unique in that it can reach higher top speeds of ~28 mph (45 km/h) and has a trigger throttle, these are features not commonly found on trail and mountain bikes but they might restrict where it can be used legally because it’s a Class 3 vs. Class 1 in this configuration. You can adjust the top speed in the display settings and remove the trigger throttle easily with the quick release connector if you want to ride as Class 1 instead
  • I’m glad that Surface 604 chose to use a trigger throttle here vs. half-grip twist throttle, because those can be accidentally activated much easier when riding on bumpy terrain, triggers seem to be safer for off-road use because they don’t compromise your grip and stay out of the way
  • The torque and cadence sensing rear dropout hardware worked very well during my test rides, I never felt like there was a delay or that I had to work extra hard (which can sometimes be the case with pure torque-only sensors)
  • Minor pro here, I like the large, sturdy, grippy Wellgo aluminum alloy platform pedals that Surface 604 chose, they match the colors and design, and provide a stable surface to ride from compared to plastic or alloy cages
  • Surface 604 products can be found at dealers in Canada and the USA, but they also sell direct online and offer free shipping, there will still be some setup involved but at least it doesn’t cost a lot extra
  • Both wheels are built with thicker spokes and 36 hole vs. 32 hole to add strength for the higher speeds, off-road use, and optional rear rack. I like that the spokes and rims are black vs. silver but would have liked black nipples as well
  • The hub motor performs very quietly, I could hardly hear it activating in the frame shots from the video review above, some competing hub motors produce much louder zipping sounds, especially under full power
  • The new color display is awesome! It’s slim but very easy to read, it has battery percentage readout vs. infographic 5-bars like many others, the control pad has dedicated buttons for lights and information, it even dims the display when you turn the headlight on… it’s one of my favorite displays out there right now
  • Unlike the prior-year version of the bike, the trigger throttle now overrides all levels of assist (including 0) with full power, so you can zip up hills or catch up to friends without having to click any extra buttons, great job on that!

Cons:

  • The SRAM X5 drivetrain is pretty snappy but the trigger shifter for high gears is one-way vs. two way and there’s not clutch system like Shimano offers on some of their derailleurs
  • The headlight will bounce more on bumpy terrain because it’s mounted to the fork arch vs. the head tube or handlebar, it feels solid enough and I like the beam pattern (it helps you actually see terrain vs. just being seen)
  • Minor consideration, despite the larger 27.5″ x 2.8″ plus sized tires, the hub spacing isn’t boost and the axles are more traditional 9mm front and 11mm rear vs. thru-axles at 15 mm front and 12 mm rear which would provide more stiffness and strength
  • Weighing in at ~57.3 lbs (for the 19″ frame with the smaller 10.4 amp hour battery), this ebike is a bit heavy for a hardtail and I think that comes back to the spring fork, plus sized tires, and more powerful hub motor
  • The prior-year version of this ebike had an adjustable angle stem that was pretty nice! I guess they dropped that part to help save money and because most people put it in the high 45-degree position anyway, I think they still sell that part separately for people who like adjustability
  • Because the battery pack is positioned so low on the downtube, the charging port is located in the path of the left crank arm, and as a result, if you’re charging the pack on the bike, the plug and wire could get snagged or bent more easily
  • The demo model I reviewed did not have a slap guard. I’d probably add a basic sticker slap guard and some cable sticker guards like this just to keep it looking beautiful, but the team told me that future models should have this included so maybe it’s a non-issue? I was also told that future models would have bottle cage bosses along the base of the downtube and a low-rise handlebar vs. straight
  • There’s a little bit of crowding at the right rear dropout because the shifter cable and motor power cable both connect here, try not to let these cables get snagged or bent (like if the bike tips over), there’s no derailleur guard or other protection hardware in place but you could add one aftermarket for under $10 if you wanted, I was told that future versions of the bike should have a derailleur guard included
  • The display seems tough and is easy to read because it swivels a bit, you can interact with it easily thanks to the independent button pad (mounted near the left grip) but you cannot easily remove the display… so it could take sun and rain damage over time or get scratched at a bike rack
  • The control pad is mounted behind the trigger throttle on the left, and I found that it took a bit more flexibility and effort to reach in this configuration, you could always change the order, but then the throttle would be tricky to reach, you could also try to put the throttle on the right portion of the handlebar but then it will interfere with the trigger shifters, maybe a future throttle mount will be narrower so the buttons can move closer… also, I prefer to have the throttle on the right, but it wouldn’t fit there because of the trigger shifters
  • There’s no chain guide in place and the chainring uses standard teeth vs. narrow-wide which would improve chain retention, though I didn’t experience any chain drops during my test rides

Resources:

More Surface 604 Reviews

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Comments (32) YouTube Comments

Steve Mercier
5 years ago

Looks like a fun bike at a good price. Welcome to Coquitlam Court. I recognize your location in my neck of the woods. If I see you while riding I will honk my Air Z horn at you!

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hey Steve! I have super sensitive ears, so please just say hi and we can have a chat. Yeah, I love walking to that park and riding around Mundy Park. I’d love to be friends. Feel free to email me using the contact form here on the site or give me a call :D

  Reply
Stephen Mercier
5 years ago

If you ride down into Colony farms through Riverview Hospital grounds you can make a nice loop on the Treboulay trail or even cross over the Pitt River bridge and make a bigger loop around Pitt Meadows dikes.

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

That sounds awesome! We should go sometime, thanks for the tip, Stephen :)

  Reply
larry Waggoner
5 years ago

Do you have any dealers in the North Texas area? Interested in buying a bike and have limited it down to three different models. Please let me know if there is any in the local area.

Thanks
Larry

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Larry, good question! I’ve passed it along to the folks at Surface 604 so they can help you get an answer ;)

  Reply
Tom Franklin
5 years ago

Court, I’ve been reading a lot of your reviews. I am in an area that does not have a lot of bike shops or selection to choose from. I am just a recreational rider, nothing to serious but want the ability to ride on a trail if I want to. Here is the main part of it though. Probably like most I do not want to break the bank for an e-bike until I really know if I am going to enjoy it. I have looked at Trek, Giant, and the Surface 605 Shred. I did speak with Rad bikes and they were very honest with me which I appreciated that their bikes would probably not be the best for me. Here is why, I am an x-athlete that played basketball for most of his life. I am 6’10” and weigh 285lbs. I am pretty much equal from torso to legs. Which bike would you possibly point me towards. Not sure if the mid-drive or the hub-drive makes a difference with my size.

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Tom! Well, I’m happy that Rad Power Bikes was honest with you. You’re a tall and heavy dude, which isn’t going to work as well for the “one size fits all” approach that most value priced ebikes go for. I think you’re right to look at Trek, Specialized, Giant and other major brands that offer a range of sizes. I like Bosch motors, but Shimano and Yamaha are good too. The thing is, most of these mainstream brands (which have sizes and shops) don’t offer throttle… just pedal assist. For me, that’s just fine! The highest level of assist is often zippy and fun, and you can go for a trail capable ebike for those occasional mountain rides. For my own very first electric bicycle, I opted for an affordable online product, which I couldn’t test ride or see before purchase… this was way back in 2012, and my experience was disappointing. The bike couldn’t handle trails, it was heavy, and the motor performance was lackluster. So, my buyer’s remorse was more around wishing I had spent more… because I loved riding so much and I knew I was missing out on an even better bike that would be so much more fun and performant. Since it sounds like you’re in an area with few shops, and you’re aiming for a value buy, I recommend reaching out to a shop called Crazy Lenny’s and ask specifically for Len (the owner). Tell him your details, mention EBR, and I’m sure they will be able to find a good product for you. Possibly a BH electric bike (since they have a big sale going). This company has different sizes for some models, they occasionally offer a throttle, and the value is good. However, I think the company is backing off of the North America market because they used to sell more bikes under the name Easy Motion (which I reviewed a bunch) but now are only called BH, and their headquarters moved. So yeah, you might get a great bike but end up with limited support at some point. This is just a possibility, as with any company, but they just aren’t as prevalent these days as Giant, Specialized, or Trek… with Specialized and Trek being my favorites ;) ps. there are many great shops, I don’t get a commission from Crazy Lenny’s and don’t always recommend them, just seemed like a decent fit here. You could also try Propel Bikes in Long Beach or NYC, but they are more premium.

  Reply
Heather
5 years ago

I am looking for a reliable trail-commuter that can handle single track and double track on the way to work. Looking for a class 1 (I think), but want at least decent-quality components that will work on the single track and the bike lanes. Would help to have the option to mount a rack or panier on the back. I’m new to this market and can’t tell whether I would do better on a Volt Enduro, Volt Outback, or something like this Shred. I am not looking to break the bank, I already have a great Mtn bik and fat bike. Any advice?

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Heather! I think you’ll get a slightly more dynamic experience with the Surface 604 Shred because it uses a torque sensor. Since you’re already an active rider, this type of ebike will feel more sporty and responsive. VoltBike has great value products, and Rad Power Bikes is a similar option, but Surface has historically taken things one step up with torque vs. cadence sensors. All of these products have twist throttles to help you get going, take a break from pedaling, or just cruise around for fun and catch up to friends without clicking on the button pad to change assist levels. Also, the Surface 604 Shred has rear rack bosses, so you could add your own rack aftermarket. This platform would be a great “dual sport” setup for you, and is the type of ebike I most enjoy. I hope this helps, and I’d love to hear back someday about how you like the bike. You can also ask around in the Surface 604 forums or the help choosing ebikes forum.

  Reply
Louis-Philippe Lalonde
5 years ago

Hi! Thanks for your great review. I wondering about the torque on this bike. You talk about 50 nM and the company says 65 nM. I have call a resaler and he told me that they choose a higher speed specific Bafang motor who do have 65 nM. Can you tell me what you think about that? Thank you!

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Court
5 years ago

Hmm, that’s a great question and I apologize for the inconsistency. I work hard to get the best information here, when doing these reviews, and sometimes the bike manufacturer will say something slightly different from the motor, battery, wheel manufacturer. Sometimes they will actually get a custom version of a part and that will conflict with my research. Other times, they will use the same part, but exaggerate the spec or even have a different spec printed on it to appear better. There are lots of variables to consider, but my experience with Surface 604 is that they are honest, have good products, and I try to show the real world performance by creating videos. I’d take the company and dealer at their word in this case… even 50nM can be good if you have a range of gears to pedal with. I hope the bike works well for you, and apologize that I cannot provide a perfectly clear answer about the actual torque rating, I don’t actually have a way to test it myself independently… and even then, it could be highly variable depending on if it’s measured at the center of the hub, the wheel/tire, or pedal crank going from hub motors to mid-drive motors. For more feedback and insights on this topic, you could ask around in the Surface 604 forums here if you’d like.

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Cole
5 years ago

Thank you for the review, and all the hard work you have done over the years. I bought a Rad Rover gen 1 in 2015 because of your review, so it’s nice to see that you are now well-known as the best reviewer on the internet!

I’m wondering: does the throttle stop at 20mph on the shred? Is it wobbly compared to a Rad Rover? The first time I rode a mountain bike after the Rover, it just felt wobbly on thinner tires.

Also: I’m torn between this and the Rize blade. I noticed in the review of the blade that it looked somewhat awkward to pedal, but I love the style/speed/option to have someone on the back.

Are both of these bikes a big difference in ride quality from a Rad Rover? Which is faster, Blade vs Shred, and finally, does the throttle shut off on either the shred/blade at 20mph like most ebikes?

Thank you so much, hope you are well.
Cole

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

All great questions, Cole! I’ll do my best to provide some answers real quick, but it has been a while since I looked at the deeper settings and don’t want to guess and set a bad precedent here. I do believe that the default setup on the Shred is 20mph / 32km/h cutoff in throttle mode, and that’s the same for RadRover and most Class 2 and Class 3 ebikes in North America. Yeah, sometimes you can adjust the wheel size to make the bike go slightly faster than 20mph, but that also changes the speedometer readout, so it’s not easy to tell how fast you’re “actually” going. If you want to know more about these settings, I’d suggest calling Surface 604 directly to ask a customer support rep. I think they’re less shy about sharing unlock secrets for individuals and especially if you plan to ride in private settings or off-road.

Your definition of wobbly might be different than mine, but the Shred did NOT feel wobbly to me. I ride a specialized Stumpjumper with 27.5″ x 2.8″ plus sized tires… very similar to the Shred. My personal bike has thru-axles and boost hub spacing, but the actual ride feel and stability of the tires is similar… and the Shred is a LOT more affordable (which is why they didn’t go with boost, I think). Anyway, I prefer the “nimble” feel of plus sized tires vs. full fat tires, which produce more noise and add weight. I’m a sporty 5’9″ 135lb rider, so keep that in mind. Full 4″ fat tires might feel less wobbly in a way, and they will add cushion comfort, but they also create a weird steering feeling at times, like oversteer on a motorcycle where you have to push away from a turn as the bike starts to take a turn. I hope that makes sense, it just has its own trade-offs.

I really liked the RIZE Blade, but yes it can be awkward to pedal. That thing was powerful, had room for a second rider, looked cool, and the company is very responsive and easy to work with (at least for me). The downside is the wider frame and no saddle height adjustment. Rad Power Bikes nailed this with their RadRunner, and is worth considering also… but no suspension there.

My personal favorites are the full sized RadRover and Surface 604 Shred, followed by the RadRunner if you want to pedal, or the RIZE Blade if you are more into scooter throttle action and like the pegs setup. All great bikes! I hope this helps ;)

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Chris
4 years ago

Hi Court, Thanks for the your great, detailed reviews. I am putting my mountain bike aside and trying to decide on my first electric bike. I will be making a daily 20 mile urban round trip commute to work with it and will occasionally use it for casual off-road riding. I am looking at the Shred, Magnum Mi6, and the Aventon Level. I really just like the styling of the mountain bike better than the commuter bikes.

I am 6’3″ so I do want a frame that will fit me. Any advise on these 3 or another that you really like? -Chris

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi Chris! I’m with you… I like the mountain bike style, and the comfort of their usually-larger tires. I also occasionally go off road, so it’s nice to be ready for that with sturdier hardware and treaded tires. Some people don’t love the buzzing sound, but I find that it wears down and isn’t so noticeable over time ;)

In any case, I like the order you ranked these in your list. Surface 604 is a favorite of mine, because of the style, torque sensor, and slightly upgraded parts. Magnum is tough to beat, especially in the US with all of their dealers. Aventon is awesome in terms of price, but if you’re ordering direct, I hear it can require more time and energy to build. They also have dealers, so it’s worth looking into in-person if you can. Given your height, it would be great to see and try all of these in person, but that could be difficult depending on your location. The Shred has a nice tall stem, and you could get a longer one if you wanted. You can also slide the saddle back to increase reach, and raise the seat post to the max recommended point (or get a longer seat post, like a Thudbuster ST long version). Honestly, I think all of these bikes are setup as “average size” and you’re towards the upper limit, but they should do alright. The alternative is to incease your budget and get a premium ebike from a big brand like Trek, Specialized, Giant etc. which usually have 4+ frame sizes for each bike model.

I hope this helps! I’d love to hear your thoughts once you choose one, and actually test ride it for a bit :D

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David
4 years ago

Hi Court. I have a new Surface 604 Shred from 2020. The screen is not showing advanced settings anymore. Surface is telling me that it had a hard program and went to the soft program. I told them that the manual is showing how to change the advanced setting. The advance settings were on the screen for about two days, and then gone. I would like to k now if anyone else with this ebike is having the same problems?

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hmm, that’s so interesting David! I wonder if the battery drained completely or something else triggered your display to revert back to a different base version of the software. I have not seen or experienced this sort of situation before, but perhaps someone else on here has and can give you some feedback. You can also post in the Surface 604 ebike forums about it :)

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Audrey
4 years ago

Hi Court,

You cost me some $$$ with this great review – I have a Shred on order!

I really like that Surface604 offers this somewhat more tame version of an eMTB – It seems most manufacturers push the envelope on the very best mechanicals that many of us will never take advantage of, nor really need.

I strongly believe that a bike built for rough use will also pay off with lasting durability for those of us who only ride the green and blue trails, and use it for everyday riding.

I especially liked your last “Pro” bullet point about the throttle allowing full speed in any assist level on the 2020 model. My current entry-level ebike’s pedal assist doesn’t work well and I’ve gotten used to riding without assist and augmenting my pedaling when needed with a blast from the throttle. I was worried I might lose that fun and battery-saving functionality!

Anyway, thanks for the honest appraisals of all the bikes you review. I thought you might want to know you helped me make a decision.

All the Best,
Audrey

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Aww, that’s awesome Audrey! Thanks for spending a few minutes to express what you like about the bike, and some appreciation for the site and me! I’m doing my best here, and it definitely feels good to get a comment like yours. Hope you’re having a great week :)

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Stacey Codlin
4 years ago

Hi Court, I’m looking for my first e-bike and I’d like a hard tail MTB mostly for trails but also some light mountain biking as well as flat paved surfaces – with hills. This bike seems to have most of the items on my wish list, but I’m put off a bit by the torque. Honestly, I don’t understand the mechanics very well, but 50 Nm seems low compared to other bikes I’ve been looking at. How does this affect the performance of the bike and is it something I should be concerned about? Thanks!

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi Stacey! That’s a great question, and one that I really have difficulty answering. Unfortunately, I don’t have a consistent way to measure torque and it seems like there is no set standard in the industry. Companies just tell me “yeah, 50Nm of torque here” but I think they are getting this from motor manufacturers in Asia. I think it’s wheel size and tire size dependent. The best way I try to demonstrate torque is explaining and showing in my videos, but the terrain is varied, so that’s somewhat misleading as well. In general, I felt that this ebike performed well and at least at the average but maybe even a bit above. Some companies, like Rad Power Bikes, have a controller that ramps into power vs. a real zippy torque feel. I think Surface is a bit more torque vs. the smooth start (specifically when in the higher levels of assist). I hope this helps, maybe watch the video again to see and listen to the motor.

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Stacey Codlin
4 years ago

Thanks so much for your reply Court, you have no idea how helpful it is to read these comments threads after your reviews!! You really had me sold on the Surface Shred after watching the video review… until I discovered the Biktrix Ultra 1000. Most of the specs seem equal (or better) and I can’t get over the mid drive motor, for not a significantly higher price tag. I put a lot of stock into the reviews here though and I can’t seem to find one (anywhere really) for this bike. What’s your opinion of this model? Have you, or anyone at EBR has a chance to ride the Ultra 1000? If not, what are your thoughts on the Biktrix bikes in general? Thanks again for all you do!!

Akbar A Khan
4 years ago

Terrible experience with Surface 604. I bought this bike based on the reviews on EBR and it cost me. The bike arrived without the battery and other parts I had ordered. Shipment was delayed by weeks. After I finally received all the parts to use my bike, I came to a quick realization that the pedal assist was NOT working. I took the bike to an ebike shop who requested I order new parts. Surface sent the parts and it didn’t work. Sent more parts and it didn’t work. I was asked to return this defective bike for a full refund of bike and service repair charges. Although I received the refund for the bike, the $350 charge from the repairs were never refunded. I contacted the Account Manager multiple times and called them multiple times. No response… terrible company to deal with. STAY AWAY!

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi Akbar, I’m so sorry to hear about this frustrating experience. I always feel bad when someone buys an ebike based on the good experiences I’ve had, or the general information I try to provide. Perhaps they are struggling with inventory or shipping due to the pandemic… but that doesn’t heal your lost time and money. Again, I am so sorry, and I appreciate your comment here to help others. I’d be happy to send you $350 of my own money via PayPal to help make up for this and provide a chance for a better experience with your next ebike. Just email me at [email protected] with the title “Hi Court, Surface 604 Help”.

  Reply
Akbar Khan
4 years ago

Court, I appreciate the generosity but I don’t think its fair for you to be refunding me the money. I would like the “company” Surface 604 that I spent over $2000 with to hold accountability. You simply provide your opinion which im sure helps many people make decisions on which bike to buy. But at the end of the day, the customer experience is delivered by the manufacturer.

Denise
4 years ago

Hi Court,

I am trying to decide between the Shred and Rook. I will mainly be riding roads, but would like the ability to do a little off road as well – dirt and gravel paths – not full on mountain biking. I am leaning towards the Rook (with addon suspension seat post) because of the step thru frame, but I don’t want to be limited to just roads if the Rook can’t handle anything more. Since you’ve ridden both in different environments, which would you recommend?

Thanks!
Denise

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi Denise! The S604 Rook is going to be more approachable than the Shred for sure. Depending on your balance, hip and leg flexibility, and inseam height… the Rook would be my choice, and I do think it would hold up well with some light off-road use. Both bikes use spring suspensions, so you aren’t getting the lighter and more adjustable air shock. Tires could make a difference for grip, and that should be easy enough to swap if needed for the Rook, but the suspension seatpost will go a long way for comfort and the higher volume stock hybrid tires should do alright if the trails are packed and the gravel isn’t too deep :)

  Reply
Denise
4 years ago

Awesome, thanks for getting back to me. I really had my heart set on the Rook and I have a local shop that sells them so they can advise on upgrading tires and anything else should I need to go that route. I’ve been watching your videos for a few years and although I don’t understand a lot of the nitty gritty details, I have really learned a lot about e-bikes from you. Keep up the good work!

Thanks again,
Denise

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