Photon Gen 2: DIY Redefined – Why the New CYC Photon is Your Next Mid-Drive Motor

Introducing the game-changing mid-drive for discerning riders.

Embark on a journey where power meets precision and every ride becomes an adventure. The Photon Gen 2 is not just another eBike conversion kit; it's a meticulously engineered mid-drive system designed from the ground up to revolutionize your riding experience. Crafted for mountain bikers, commuters, and DIY builders who demand uncompromised performance, durability, and total control, the Photon Gen 2 promises a natural riding feel with the muscle and accuracy to take you further than ever before. Let's dive into the innovative features that set this system apart and redefine what's possible for your eBike.

Revolutionary Motor Design

At the heart of the Photon Gen 2 lies a fundamental shift in motor technology: the transition from an outrunner to an inrunner motor design. This significant leap brings forth a host of benefits that directly translate into superior ride quality and longevity. While the previous generation prioritized a compact size, the Gen 2 takes a different approach, resulting in 20% more efficiency and superior heat management, which is particularly ideal for steep climbs and demanding rides.

The innovative design means the Photon Gen 2 can manage heat more effectively, ensuring consistent performance even under heavy loads. This enhanced cooling capability is further bolstered by the completely potted motor core with thermally conductive epoxy. This not only aids in dissipating heat evenly across the entire motor but also serves a crucial role in dampening vibrations, leading to a notably quieter operation. Furthermore, the stator itself features custom windings using flat wire instead of traditional round wire, a detail that significantly increases coil density and overall motor efficiency. Despite a slight alteration in size compared to its predecessor, these improvements, combined with an increased gear reduction ratio and advanced motor technology, have successfully amplified the overall system output torque and efficiency.

Unrivaled Durability and Reliability

Addressing direct feedback from riders, the Photon Gen 2 introduces one of its most significant reliability upgrades: a completely redesigned sprag clutch. This component was a known pain point for users, especially those engaged in heavy loading and off-road activities with the Gen 1. For the Gen 2, the clutch size has been substantially increased from 12x20mm to a massive 20x28mm, effectively tripling its torque capacity.

This monumental improvement in clutch robustness was made possible by accommodating the larger sprag clutch through an increased gear size in the first stage and an enhanced reduction ratio. To further fortify the system, the first stage shaft has been reinforced with a keyway and an adapter sleeve, increasing its diameter to securely fit the larger, more robust sprag clutch. These enhancements create a "bulletproof reliability", ensuring your drive unit can withstand the most challenging terrains and intense demands without compromise.

Unprecedented User Serviceability

A core philosophy behind the Photon Gen 2's design is true user serviceability. Recognizing the frustrations riders face with systems that require specialized tools or have glued-in components, CYC Motor has rethought the entire drive unit for easier maintenance and parts replacement. The Gen 2 can be opened with just four M5 bolts, a stark contrast to the specialized tools and patience often needed for previous generations.

This commitment to accessibility extends to specific components:

• The chainring adapter removal has been made easier by radial screws, which prevent the retaining cap from overtightening with prolonged use.

• This design makes access to the torque sensor and motor internals a breeze.

• Crucially, the controller can be replaced along with the torque sensor, motor, and first stage assembly. This means you have access to all major internal components without requiring specialized tools, empowering riders to repair, replace, and rebuild their systems with confidence. The Photon Gen 2 is designed as a modular, serviceable, and future-proof ecosystem, allowing for easy repair, upgrade, and maintenance. This also means an upgrade path to the Proton motor will require only a motor core replacement, highlighting the system's forward-thinking design.

Dynamic Power and Performance

The Photon Gen 2 delivers a compelling blend of power and compliance, catering to a wide range of riding preferences and legal requirements. With a rated power of 750W and a peak power of 1200W, it ensures compliance within legal limits while still offering significant off-road-ready torque. For those seeking maximum performance off-road, the system can deliver over 2000W in unrestricted mode, with continuous 1200W operation achievable without firmware limiting. Even though it's been tested up to 3000 watts, settings will be peaked at 2000W for motor longevity.

The motor boasts a peak torque of 110 N.m., providing robust assistance for challenging climbs and accelerations. It is designed to be compatible with a broad range of battery configurations, supporting a rated voltage from 36V to 72V. This wide voltage compatibility gives you even more flexibility in your eBike build. The system's ability to achieve over 300 RPM at the crank ensures responsive and powerful pedaling assistance.

The Photon Gen 2 also offers a versatile range of chainring options, including 36T, 38T, 40T, 42T, and 50T. These standard options are designed to maintain a perfect 52mm chainline, suitable for most mountain bike (MTB) setups. Furthermore, 32T and 34T chainrings with a 7mm offset are planned for release, expanding compatibility for riders who require smaller gearing options.

Intuitive Control and Advanced Displays

The user experience is paramount with the Photon Gen 2, offering sophisticated display options that provide comprehensive information and control at your fingertips. The system can be paired with either the SW102T display or the Intuition Display.

The SW102T version features a new user interface and a color screen, offering a refreshed visual experience. Stepping up, the Intuition Display is designed for seamless integration and offers advanced features. This 2.1-inch round LCD color display boasts a high-definition screen and a brand-new user interface. 

Beyond basic metrics, the Intuition Display includes:

• Heart Rate Monitor compatibility, allowing you to integrate your ride performance with your personal fitness goals.

• Find My™ Compatible capabilities, a truly innovative feature that allows you to locate your bike if it gets stolen or if someone else takes it for a ride, offering peace of mind and family monitoring.

• Both the SW102T and Intuition displays are compatible with 36V to 72V systems, ensuring broad compatibility across different battery setups.

These display options serve as your command center, providing real-time data and allowing you to fine-tune your ride settings effortlessly.

Seamless Connectivity and Customization

The Photon Gen 2 takes electronic communication to the next level by moving from UART to CANBUS communication. This is not merely a technical upgrade; it provides significant advantages for the rider.

CANBUS advantages:

• Higher data rates for better real-time data flow.

• Far greater resistance to electrical noise, resulting in a more stable and reliable connection. Critically, CYC Motor emphasizes that despite adopting CANBUS, their systems remain open. This means you are not compelled to purchase a specific branded battery pack; the Photon Gen 2 is compatible with third-party battery packs up to 72V, ensuring maximum flexibility for your eBike build.

• Further enhancing the user experience, the main wiring harness and display connectors have been completely redone. The new designs feature asymmetrical shapes that ensure connections only go together one way, effectively preventing misaligned pins. This might seem like a minor detail, but it dramatically reduces troubleshooting time and improves long-term reliability for both builders and riders, eliminating electrical gremlins and ensuring error-free installation. All wiring also features waterproof Julet connectors for added durability.

• The customization capabilities extend through the CYC Ride Control App, the official mobile application paired with CYC MOTOR technology. This app transforms your mobile device into a powerful secondary dashboard and settings hub, unleashing all the possibilities of eBike customization at your fingertips.

• Bluetooth connectivity allows wireless pairing with any CYC X-Series controller.

• A real-time dashboard provides all your motor and riding information.

• You can access fully customizable parameters for pedal assist, throttle, and gear preferences.

• The app allows you to adjust performance sensitivity, power, and torque.

Within the app, you can:

• Select power presets based on your region's legal limits (USA, Canada, EU) or choose an Unrestricted Mode for off-road use. This mode allows for peak power outputs up to 2000W.

• Independently set throttle and PAS output for both Race and Street modes. Race Mode offers closer to the system's full capabilities, while Street Mode can be configured to adhere to regional legal limits.

• Control throttle behavior by enabling or disabling it, adjusting ramping time (how gradually power engages), setting input deadband (sensitivity from zero position), and enabling soft start for smoother takeoffs. The app also facilitates throttle calibration for custom throttles.

• Customize pedal assist settings by adjusting torque sensor sensitivity (force required to activate assist), power ramp up time (motor responsiveness), and motor assist factor (how hard you need to pedal for full power). The system allows a cadence-free pull away where only torque is required to activate pedal assist. A "pedal backwards cutoff" feature can also be enabled.

• Perform torque sensor calibration to improve controller performance.

• Manage battery settings, including setting the series of cells, minimum voltage, and low battery power reduction level to protect your battery and extend range. The app clearly guides users to match the Maximum Power Level to their battery’s specifications to prevent damage.

• Update firmware directly through the app, ensuring your system always has the latest enhancements.

• Configure peripherals such as wheel magnets for accurate speed sensing and brake sensors. You can even set motor direction for specific uses.

Effortless Installation and Wide Compatibility

The Photon Gen 2 is designed with ease of installation and broad frame compatibility in mind, ensuring it can transform a wide variety of bicycles into high-performance eBikes. The kit includes an ISIS splined bottom bracket with options for BSA/English Threaded and Pressfit standards.

Regarding frame compatibility, the Photon Gen 2 supports:

• BSA Threaded bottom brackets with widths of 68mm-83mm, 100mm, and 120mm.

• Pressfit bottom brackets with 41mm, 42mm, and 46mm diameters (with adapter), and compatibility extends to greater than 121mm with an adapter.

• This comprehensive compatibility makes the Photon Gen 2 a versatile choice for DIY builders and those looking to upgrade their existing bicycles. The system also includes a Bluetooth sensor with magnet for speed sensing and an integrated torque and cadence sensor for a natural and responsive pedal assist experience.

A Commitment to the Rider

Every aspect of the Photon Gen 2 reflects extensive real-world rider feedback. This is not just a collection of spec sheet improvements; it's a system that has evolved into what riders have been dreaming of. From the massive sprag clutch to the open CANBUS implementation, every change stems from genuine riding experience and addresses the needs of serious e-MTB builders and commuters alike.

The Photon Gen 2 represents a significant leap forward in mid-drive conversion kits, offering unparalleled power, precision, reliability, and user-centric design. It’s a versatile, smart, and more robust system engineered for enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on their eBike performance. Unleash the true potential of your eBike with the Photon Gen 2, and experience adventure redefined.