Surface 604 Colt Electric Bike Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs
The new Surface 604 Colt electric bike has arrived for testing and review!
This Class 2 eBike features torque sensor pedal assist and throttle assist up to 20 mph along with two battery capacity options.
Spec highlights include a 500 watt Bafang geared rear hub motor, a stock battery of 48V 10.4ah (14ah optional), Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Alivio 9 speed drivetrain, and a full assortment of accessories.
The $1,999 base price includes free shipping.
In this first part of the review you will get a detailed look at this bike with a BUNCH of pictures and the specifications.
Part 2 of the Surface 604 Colt review will give you info on the ride characteristics, results from the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts on this eBike.
Alright, let’s take a closer look at the Surface 604 Colt.
The Surface 604 Colt is packed with features which together make the $1,999 price a good value.
The 6061 aluminum frame uses hydroformed tubing to produce a distinctive, angular design which mirrors the shape of the battery and integrates it visually with the downtube.
In this view you can also see how the top tube has been sloped to create more standover height, which is part of the redesign of the frame on the 2020 version of the Colt model.
There are 2 frame sizes offered:
S/M with a 17.5″ frame for riders in height: 5′-2″ to 5′-7″
M/L with a 19.5″ frame for riders in height: 5′-8″ to 6′-6″
The top tube and down tube connection has a large weld attachment to the tapered head tube.
There is internal cable routing through the downtube for cable protection and a clean look.
Here is a closer look at the top & down tube connection to the head tube. The aluminum welds have a clean and solid look.
The top tube has a trapezoidal look to it and the down tube is somewhat square with a rounded lower profile at the head tube area. These tubes add a bit of style and structure to the Colt’s look.
There are 2 battery options available for the Colt. The stock battery is a 48V 10.4ah (500Wh) lithium with Samsung 18650 cells.
There is an upgrade option for a high capacity pack that is a 48V 14ah (672WH) and it uses the same Samsung 18650 cells. This upgrade adds $200 to the $1,999 base price.This is the battery being used in this testing & review.
The downtube location of the battery is good for overall balance and handling of the bike. It also has a clean look that blends in well with the overall look of the bike.
A somewhat rare feature on e-bikes and regular bikes alike is a rear rack that forms part of the frame. Not only does this give extra strength and rigidity to the rack itself but it means it is virtually zero maintenance in use, with no bolts to work loose.
The lower rails are thin gauge and the upper rails are larger gauge tubing to accommodate a range of basket, bag, and pannier designs. The platform of the rack also looks sturdy and there is a loop at the bottom for bungee hooks and the like.
This is the Samox crankset with a 42 tooth chainring. It features a hollow axle design for lower weight. The chainguard along the upper length of the chain and around the whole of the chainring is designed to prevent clothing from getting dirty or catching in the chain.
The Wellgo pedals have a wide aluminum platform and a rubber edge for extra grip.Also reflectors on both ends of the pedals.
A Shimano Alivio derailleur shifts through the 9 speed cogset that has a 11 tooth to 34 tooth range.
The 500 watt (750 watt peak power)Bafang geared rear hub motor provides pedal assist or throttle assist up to 20 mph making the Colt a Class 2 eBike. It fits discretely behind the cogset, in fact it’s not at all obvious at first glance there is a motor here.
The 180mm rear disc brake rotor is attached to the left side of the Bafang rear hub motor.
One of the more unique aspects of the Surface 604 Colt is that it uses a torque sensor for the pedal assist system.
This measures your pedal power and provides the proportional amount of assist based on the pedal assist level you are using.
Now let’s take a closer look at the 48V 14ah lithium battery (upgraded option) that powers the motor and front and rear LED lights.
The charge port is on the lower left side of the battery and has a rubber cover for weather protection.
On the upper right side of the battery is a USB charge port that can charge a smartphone or other USB chargeable device.
On the upper left side of the battery is the lock that is opened with one of the supplied keys (2 supplied).
The battery rotates to left side of the bike for removal once it has been unlocked.
You can check the battery capacity when the battery is off the bike using the rubber button you can see in the photo above.
This is a look at the square-ish downtube after the battery pack has been removed.
And a closer look at the lock and the upper battery connection point.
This is the lower battery connection point in the downtube.
The bike weighs 49.5 pounds with the battery removed and the total weight of the bike (with the 7.6 pound battery) is 57.1 pounds.
Here is a look at the battery removed from the bike with the charger plugged in to the lower left side.
The battery can be charged on or off the bike. It takes 4 to 5 hours to fully charge an empty battery for the stock battery 48V 10.4ah and 7 to 8 hours for the 48V 14ah battery.
The Surface 604 Colt is equipped with the SR Suntour XCT suspension fork that provides 3″ (80mm) of travel and has a quick release style axle.
On the upper left side of the fork is a preload dial that adjusts the spring rate of the fork to fit your riding weight and ride style.
On the upper right side of the fork is a lockout dial that prevents the fork from moving for an efficient ride on smoother roads.
A quick turn of the dial unlocks the fork for active suspension on rougher roads.
The Colt features 26″ x 2.1″ Kenda Kranium semi-slick tires front and rear.
Semi-slicks are designed for paved roads along with some gravel roads and similar unsealed surfaces.
Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes are found on both front and rear with 180mm rotors. This is highlight for the Colt at the $1,999 price point.
Let’s take a look at the ride position and handlebar controls.
The Surface 604 Colt has a comfortable ride position with handlebars that feature a 20mm rise and a 6 degree sweep back towards the rider.
The Sartori UP2+ adjustable stem helps to dial in the handlebar position for your riding style.
On the left side of the handlebar is a leather style ergonomic grip, Tektro Auriga front hydraulic brake lever, thumb throttle, and control pad.
The thumb throttle can be used as a boost for the pedal assist or it can be used as a pure throttle without pedaling.
The 5 pedal assist levels are changed using the + and – buttons on the left side of the control pad.
There is also a walk mode that will help you walk the bike up a hill or stairs at a few mph. It is activated by holding the minus button on the control pad for a few seconds.
The “i” button cycles through information on the display like trip distance, odometer, max speed, etc. And the light button turns on the front and rear light.
The Tektro Auriga brake levers are reach adjutable so they will fit the size of your hand. There are sensors in each brake lever to stop the motor assist when either brake lever is engaged.
The right side of the handlebar features the ergonomic grip, Tektro Auriga hydraulic rear disc brake lever, Shimano Alivio 9 speed shifter, and a bell.
On the right side of the handlebar you will find the Shimano Alivio 9 speed trigger shifters with a display showing what gear you have selected.
In the center of the handlebar is the color LCD display that provides information on:
- Time
- Battery level
- Speed, average speed, max speed
- Odometer, trip distance
- Pedal assist mode
There is a way to set a passcode so that the bike won’t start without it.
Under the display is a USB charge port for charging a smartphone or other USB powered device.
The Selle Royal saddle is wide and gel-filled for a comfortable ride.
Surface 604 offers an optional suspension seatpost to smooth out rougher roads.
The Axendo LED headlight is powered by the eBike battery meaning you don’t have to worry about separate batteries for the light.
The rear LED light is also powered by the main battery and is attached to the rear of the rack.
The front and rear wide and lengthy fenders also give plenty of protection from water and mud for all weather riding.
The kickstand is bolted to the left side of the frame and the length is adjustable so that you can adjust the tilt of the bike when it is parked.
Surface 604 Colt Electric Bike Specifications
Frame: 6061 aluminum frame.
Fork: Suntour XCT 3″ (80mm) of travel
Motor: Bafang 500 Watt (750 watt peak power) geared rear hub motor rated at 65Nm of torque
Battery: 48V 10.4Ah lithium stock battery. Optional 48V 14ah high capacity battery (+$200). Both batteries use Samsung 18650 cells. The 48V 14Ah is used in this testing & review: battery weight 7.6 pounds.
Assist Options: 5 pedal assist levels (plus walk mode) and thumb throttle. Torque sensor for the pedal assist.
Speed: Pedal assist and/or throttle up to 20 mph which makes this a Class 2 eBike.
Display: LCD color display that provides information on the time, battery level, speed, average speed, max speed, odometer, trip distance, pedal assist mode. USB charge port under the display.
Drivetrain: Shimnao Alivio 9 speed with 42t chainring and 11t to 34t cogset, Shimano Alivio shifter
Brakeset: Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors and motor cut-off sensors
Tires: 26″ x 2.1″ Kenda Kranium
Seat: Selle Royal comfort gel saddle
Accessories: Axendo LED headlight, rear light, rack, chainguard, bell, and, kickstand
Options: 48V 14ah lithium battery, Suntour NCX suspension seat post, Ergotec adjustable stem, rear rack.
Sizes: 2 frame sizes fitting riders between 5′-2″ to 6′-6″
Colors: Black
Weight: 57.1 pounds. 49.5 pounds with the 7.6 pound battery removed.
Price: $1,999 USD with free shipping. +$200 for upgraded 48V 14ah battery.
Offers: 7 day in home trial
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Now checkout Part 2 of the Surface 604 Colt review with info on the ride characteristics, the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts!
-Pete
Review Note: Each company pays a fee for a review on Electric Bike Report because of the considerable amount of time that it takes to provide an in-depth review of each eBike. A lot of time is spent on the full range test with distance & elevation profile, the wide variety of detailed pictures, in-depth video, and the write up with the specifications, ride characteristics, pros, cons, and overall thoughts. The reviews on Electric Bike Report are focused on providing you with a detailed “virtual” look at each eBike to help you determine if it is the eBike for you.
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[…] Make sure you check out part 1 of this review with large pictures and specifications to get a detailed look at this e-bike. […]
Keith Klug says
If I wanted a 1 tonne vehicle I would buy one. Weight and range is the name of the E-Bike genre. I’m turning (Churning) 75 and to my critics, I don’t dye my hair. Pedelec is a dead idea if you want an older green crowd AOC is just the newest opportunist. If you think e-technology is the future, save the money you’re making now. The damage to the environment is just starting.