2019 Surface604 Rook Review

Video Review

Written Review

The Surface 604 Rook electric bike is a high quality step thru electric bike with tons of features like hydraulic disc brakes, front suspension and our favorite, a torque sensor!

Power — 500 nominal watts, 750 peak watts

The Surface 604 Rook electric bike has a powerful Bafang hub motor with an output of 500 nominal watts and 750 peak watts with 65 Newton meters of torque. This motor is the perfect blend between sheer power and efficiency, offering the best of both worlds. It’s got more than enough pep to be used with the throttle only for more of a moped feel, or to be unleashed on steep hills.

Speed  — 20 mph

The Surface 604 Rook electric bike has a top speed 20 mph, which can be reached by using the pedal assist or the throttle, making this a class 2 electric bike.

Battery and Range — 48 volt 14 ah, 45 miles

The Surface 604 Rook electric bike runs on a 48 volt system and comes stock with a 10.4 amp hour battery, with the option to upgrade to a 14 amp hour battery, offering an estimated max range of 35 miles and 45 miles, respectively. The battery is located low on the down tube keeping the center of gravity low and the balance true. The battery is also locking and removable so it can be charged separately from the bike.

Pedal assist sensor — Torque sensor

The Surface 604 Rook electric bike is equipped with a torque sensor that measures the torque placed on the cranks. This is wonderful to see on a bike at this price point, and helps to give a truly responsive feel when riding. Unlike cadence sensors, torque sensors allow for near instant activation and deactivation of the motor when the rider starts and stops pedaling.

Display — Surface 604, LCD

The Surface 604 Rook electric bike is equipped with a Surface 604 branded LCD display located on the center of the handlebars. However, this is almost certainly a rebranded Bafang display, and it’s one of our favorite ones too. The display is color and very easy to read in direct sunlight. It offers plenty of feedback, including speed, distance, battery level and much more.

Frame and weight — 6061 Aluminum alloy, 55 pounds

The Surface 604 Rook electric bike has one color option — black — and two different frame sizes, small/medium and medium/large. The Rook is made from 6061 aluminum alloy and weighs in a relatively light 55 pounds. This is a pretty light curb weight considering it has suspension, a pretty powerful motor and an integrated rear rack.

Suspension —  Suntour XCT spring suspension, 80 mm of travel, 

The Surface 604 Rook electric bike has a Suntour XCT spring suspension that offers 80 mm of travel. It also has a compression clicker, rebound adjust and lockout. Since the suspension can be finely tuned.

Gearing — Shimano, 9 speed

The Surface 604 Rook electric bike uses a Shimano Alivio derailleur with a 9 speed cassette. It also has Shimano trigger shifters on the right side of the handlebars. 

Brakes — Hydraulic disc, 180 mm rotor

The Surface 604 Rook electric bike has Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors in the front and rear. These brakes are exactly what we want to see on a bike that goes this fast. They offer more than enough stopping power, even in wet and muddy conditions, and are perfectly capable of controlling even the steepest descents. They also have motor inhibitors built into the brake levers, which instantly cut power to the motor whenever they are depressed, ensuring the shortest possible stopping distance.

Warranty — 1 year comprehensive.

The Surface 604 Rook electric bike has a 7 day money back guarantee and a 1 year comprehensive warranty. 

Price — Starting at $1,999

Starting at $1,999 the Surface 604 Rook is very competitively priced and offers some incredible value. You can also upgrade the battery from a 10.4 ah to a 14 ah for an additional $200.

Who’s it for — Serious commuters on a budget

The Surface 604 Rook electric bike feels like a good choice for those riders who need a serious commuting machine that is capable of going the distance, but aren’t looking to spend an arm and a leg. While the Rook isn’t exactly affordable, it’s also not priced too high, and ends up being an incredible value buy considering the components it offers. The Rook is going to excel at commuting thanks to the optional upgraded battery, integrated lighting, front suspension and integrated rear rack. And the Shimano Alivio derailleur is going to ensure you can quickly shift through the cassette without fear of derailment. For those that need an electric bike designed from the ground up for commuting, the Rook is a hard deal to pass up.