Surface 604 Rook Electric Bike Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs
The new Surface 604 Rook step-thru eCommuter bike has arrived for testing and review!
With its easy get on and ride step-thru design and upright ride position the Rook is a comfortable eBike for zipping around town.
Some of the feature highlights are a torque sensor pedal assist system in addition to throttle assisting up to 20 mph along with two battery options.
Component highlights include a 500 watt (750 watt peak) Bafang geared rear hub motor, 48V 10.4ah battery (+optional 14ah extended range battery), Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Alivio 9 speed drivetrain, and a full assortment of accessories.
The $1,999 base price includes free shipping and the optional extended range battery adds $200.
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 Rook 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 Rook.
The Surface 604 Rook is a well equipped step-thru eCommuter bike with impressive features and components for the price of $1,999.
The Rook frame has a step-thru design to make getting on and off the bike easier compared to throwing your leg over the top tube of a traditional triangle frame design.
The lowest point of the step-thru area is about 19″ above the ground.
6061 aluminum hydroformed tubing is used to shape the frame to create features like the step-thru area and integrate the battery in the downtube.
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″
In addition to the Black/White color in this testing there is also a White frame color option.
Here is a closer look at the headtube area with the connection of the top and down tubes.
There is substantial weld area for a sold looking connection at this high stress area of the frame.
The top tube has a trapezoidal look to it and the down tube is somewhat square with a rounded lower profile.
These tube shapes add a bit of functional style to the Rook’s look with the battery integrated into the downtube.
There is internal cable routing through underside of the downtube for cable protection and a clean look.
Here is a closer look at the weld details of the seat tube, seat stays, and rear rack attachment points.
Also in this view is the seat post quick release for quick adjustments of the seat height.
There are 2 battery options available for the Rook. The stock battery is a 48V 10.4ah (500Wh) lithium with Samsung 18650 cells.
There is an upgrade option for an extended range battery 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 ideal for the balance and handling of the bike because it is low and centered. It also has a clean look that blends in well with the overall look of the bike.
The Surface 604 ebikes are designed in Canada.
A highlight of the Rook frame is the rear rack that is welded to the frame for a sturdy cargo carrier.
The main structure has large aluminum tubing while the smaller tubes are built for the attachment of bags and panniers.
Not only does the welded connection give extra strength and rigidity to the rack but it also is zero maintenance in use, with no bolts to work loose.
Here is a closer look at the smaller tubing to accommodate a range of baskets, bags, and pannier attachments.
A feature highlight for a bike in this price range is the Samox crankset with a 42 tooth chainring. It features a hollow axle design for lower weight.
The full coverage chain guard is a nice stock accessory for keeping your pant legs clean and out of the chainring.
The Wellgo pedals have a wide aluminum platform and a rubber edge for extra grip. There are 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.
Providing the pedal assist and throttle up to 20 mph is the 500 watt (750 watt peak power) Bafang geared rear hub motor. The Rook is a Class 2 electric bike.
In this view you can see that the motor is fairly compact in size and blends in well with the size of the cogset and disc brake rotor.
This is the left side view of the Bafang motor with the 180mm rear disc brake rotor and Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brake caliper.
A feature highlight of all Surface 604 eBikes is that they use a torque sensor system for the pedal assist.
The torque sensor measures your pedal power and provides the proportional amount of assist based on the pedal assist level you are using. More on this in the ride characteristics section in Part 2 of this testing and review.
Now let’s take a closer look at the 48V 14ah lithium battery (extended range option, stock is 48V 10.4ah) that powers the motor and front and rear LED lights.
On the upper right side of the battery is a USB charge port that can charge a smartphone or other USB chargeable device. In this view the weather cover has been moved to the side.
There is also a battery level display at the top of the battery that is activated by pushing the button.
On the left side of the battery is the lock at the top and the charge port at the bottom of the battery pack.
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.
Here is a look at the square-ish downtube after the battery pack has been removed.
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.
This is 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.
A SR Suntour XCT suspension fork smooths out the ride with ~3″ (80mm) of travel.
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 Rook 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.
This the Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brake with 180mm at the Suntour XCT suspension fork.
And the Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brake at the Bafang motor with 180mm rotor. These hydraulic disc brakes are a highlight for the Rook at the $1,999 price point.
Let’s take a look at the ride position and handlebar controls.
The Surface 604 Rook 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 angle stem helps to dial in the handlebar position for your riding style.
Adjusting the angle of the stem has a wide spectrum of handlebar positions between upright and close to lower and further out.
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 to the left of the control pad 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 have a reach adjustment to fit various hand sizes. 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.
Here is a closer look at the Shimano Alivio 9 speed trigger shifters with a display showing the current gear selection.
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 so 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.
Full coverage plastic fenders are found front and rear.
Here is a look at the rear fender and the rear rack.
Rounding out the stock accessory package is the kickstand that is bolted to the left side of the frame. The length is adjustable so that you can adjust the tilt of the bike when it is parked.
Surface 604 Rook Electric Bike Specifications
Frame: 6061 aluminum frame with step-thru design
Fork: Suntour XCT 3″ (80mm) of travel with preload and lockout dials
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: Shimano 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, kickstand
Options: 48V 14ah lithium battery. Suntour NCX suspension seat post
Sizes: 2 frame sizes fitting riders between 5′-2″ to 6′-6″
Colors: Black/White and White
Weight: 57.1 pounds total. 49.5 pound bike with the 7.6 pound battery.
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 Rook 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.
P.S. Don’t forget to join the Electric Bike Report community for updates from the electric bike world, plus ebike riding and maintenance tips!
[…] Make sure you check out part 1 of this review with large pictures and specifications to get a detailed look at this e-bike. […]