2021 Surface604 Shred Review

Video Review

Written Review

Power — Bafang hub drive, 500 nominal watts, 750 peak watts, 65 Newton meters of torque

Speed  — 20 mph stock, 30+ mph unlocked

Battery and Range — 48 volt 14 ah, 45 miles or 20 ah, 65 miles, Samsung cells

Pedal assist sensor — Torque sensor

Display — Surface604 Color LCD, micro USB port

Frame and weight — 6061 Aluminum alloy, 65 pound curb weight, 285 pound weight capacity

Suspension —  SR Suntour XCM 32 29er, 100 mm with thru axle

Gearing — Sram X5, 9 speed

Brakes — Tektro Dorado, hydraulic disc

Warranty — 1 year comprehensive, 7-day money back guarantee

Price — Starting at 2,399 USD

The Surface604 Shred is without a doubt a best-in-class electric mountain bike. Starting at $2,399 USD, the Shred comes in two frame sizes that can accommodate a range of riders from 5’2” up to 6’6” and comes with a 1 year comprehensive warranty and 7-day money-back guarantee. This machine is an absolutely superb e-mtb with component upgrades in all the right places. Let’s dive into the specs.

Bringing the Shred up to a top speed of over 30 mph is a Bafang 500 nominal watt hub motor in the rear wheel, with 750 peak watts and 65 Newton meters of torque (The Shred comes limited at 20 mph and has to be unlocked to reach 30+ mph). This motor is an excellent blend of power of and efficiency, and is strong enough to chug through a mud pit and climb some considerably steep hills as well. 

The torque sensor on the Shred is exactly what you need for a serious electric mountain bike. Torque sensors measure the pressure placed on the cranks when pedaling, and give you a corresponding amount of power from the motor. They also have virtually zero latency with motor activation and deactivation. Put those two things together and you’ve got a lean, mean trail blazing machine. 

The Shred comes stock with a 48 volt, 14 amp hour battery with a max estimated range of 45 miles. For an additional $300 USD you can upgrade to a 20 amp hour battery that will extend the max estimated range to 65 miles. Both batteries use Samsung cells, and are locking and removable. And the battery’s location on the downtube keep the center of gravity low, another necessity for any serious e-mtb. 

Surface604 is known for going above and beyond with component selection. We’ve seen that already with the Torque sensor instead of a cadence sensor, the high quality Samsung cells and a controller that can handle 30+ mph speeds. So it’s not a big surprise that these guys opted for a Sram X5 derailleur with a 9-speed cassette because go big or go home right? Again, this is exactly what you want for a true e-mtb. The Sram X5 is a great derailleur for rifling through gears at high speed as you climb and descend through the trail. 

To bring the Shred to a screeching halt are Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors in the front and the rear. Hydraulic brakes offer substantially more stopping power over mechanical brakes, which is exactly what you need for wet and muddy trails. And because these brakes are hydraulic, that means you can adjust the reach of the brake levers. Oh ya, they also have motor inhibitors built in to ensure the shortest possible stopping distance. Nice.

The Shred is a hardtail with a Suntour XCM 32 29er suspension fork that has 100 mm of travel and comes with preload and compression clickers. This fork is a solid performer and is designed specifically for electric mountain bikes. It also has a thru axle, which again, is exactly what you want for a true e-mtb. Downhill single tracks? No problem. Big air? Bring it on. This suspension can handle just about anything you throw at it.

The Shred’s frame is made from 6061 aluminum alloy and has a curb weight of nearly 65 pounds, with a max load capacity of 285 pounds. That swooping top tube means you get a lower standover height, which makes it easier to stand with your feet flat on the ground when at a stop. It also looks pretty dope. The wire management here is great and most of them are internally routed. This keeps things looking clean and organized and also helps to actually protect the wires as well. Speaking of wires, the Shred comes stock with an integrated Buchel headlight and tail light, which can be easily swapped out with the plug and play connectors.

Surface604 also did a good job with their tire selection, giving the Shred a pair of 27.5 inch by 2.8 inch CST Patrols. These tires have a very good bite and are wide enough to not sink too deep into the mud, but not so wide that they feel unwieldy. They also have a puncture-resistant layer which is great because let’s be honest — there’s nothing worse than having to change a flat in the middle of a ride.

Overall, Surface604 hit it out of the park once again with the Shred. There’s a lot to love with this ebike, but maybe most of all is the incredible value. This is without question a best-in-class electric mountain bike and it not only looks the part, but it rides it too.