2019 Surface604 Shred Review

Video Review

Written Review

The Surface 604 Shred electric bike offers some truly incredible value at a reasonable price point, for an enticing e-mtb package that is ready to quite literally shred the trails.

Power — 500 nominal watts, 750 peak watts

The Surface 604 Shred 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 the trails.

Speed  — 28 mph

The Surface 604 Shred electric bike has a top speed 28 mph, which can be reached by using the pedal assist, and a top speed of 20 mph that can be reached using the throttle. This makes the Shred a class 3 electric bike, which might be restricted in some places. 

Battery and Range — 48 volt 14 ah, 45 miles

The Surface 604 Shred 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 Shred 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. This is especially important for an electric bike geared towards tackling serious off-road trails.

Display — Surface 604, LCD

The Surface 604 Shred 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 Shred electric bike has one color option — black — and two different frame sizes, small/medium and medium/large. The Shred is made from 6061 aluminum alloy and weighs in a relatively light 55 pounds. Again, this low curb weight is particular important for those technical sections, as it helps improve the handling of the bike.

Suspension —  Suntour XCM spring suspension, 100 mm of travel, 

The Surface 604 Shred electric bike has a Suntour XCM spring suspension that offers 100 mm of travel. It also has a compression clicker, rebound adjust and lockout. Since the suspension can be finely tuned, the Shred is able to tackle just about any trail. It excels at steep climbs and descents too.

Gearing — Sram, 9 speed

The Surface 604 Shred electric bike uses a Sram X5 derailleur with a 9 speed cassette. It also has Sram X5 trigger shifters on the right side of the handlebars. 

Brakes — Hydraulic disc, 180 mm rotor

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

Price — Starting at $2,099

Starting at $2,099, the Surface 604 Shred is very competitively priced and offers some incredible value.

Who’s it for — Serious E-Mtb riders on a budget

The Surface 604 Shred electric bike feels like a good choice for those riders who are serious about their trails but don’t want to spend a small fortune on an electric mtb. The Shred offers quite a bit more than many competitors at a similar price point, including hydraulic disc brakes, a torque sensor, a Sram X5 derailleur and trigger shifters and a headlight you can actually use to illuminate your path. The Shred is going to work for all but the most hardcore downhill racers, but as long as you’re not planning on jumping over the Grand Canyon, the Shred will get you to the end of the trail and have plenty of juice leftover for the ride home.