CYC Photon reliability Electricbike.com Ebike Forum (2024)

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• Downunderebikerz

  Newbie

  • Join Date: Jun 2023
  • Posts: 4
  • Location: Aus

  #1

  CYC Photon reliability

  06-02-2023, 02:59 PM

  Keen to hear reports on the CYC Photon mid drive reliability from those who have them?
  What rating are you running it at?
  Does the software allow changes?
  Programming mods to help?

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  CYC Photon Set-KonfiguratorCyc Photon Vorstellung/Einbau/ErfahrungenCYCMOTOR CYC PHOTON BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG Pdf-HerunterladenCYC Photon mid-drive e-bike conversion kit opens for orders

  ncmired

  Giga Member

  • Join Date: Sep 2016
  • Posts: 1725
  • Location: U.S.

  #2

  06-03-2023, 03:44 AM

  I'm running mine unrestricted at 2000 watts maximum (settings here). The Apple/Android Bluetooth app allows a few changes, and there are standard and sport ranges. I don't think there are any aftermarket or othr open-source efforts underway (the controller runs a VESC variant).

  The controller firmware has both motor core and controller case temperature awareness.

  AFAIK, there aren't any Photon internal mechanical parts separately available at this time, other than the spindle. CYC seems to be self-managing parts sparing and support (along with their resellers) - unlike Bafang and Tongsheng, who appear to have no support involvement and leave it up to the aftermarket. I've not come across any long-term/high-mileage reviews..

  CYC is starting to release details on long-term maintenance requirements (like regreasing), and their willingness to create detailed documentation is relatively good..

  Last edited by ncmired; 06-03-2023, 05:24 AM.

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• Downunderebikerz

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  #3

  06-04-2023, 03:16 PM

  Thanks for sharing.
  I didn’t realise they can run 2000 watts, thats gotta be pretty awesome to ride?
  You mention the motor and controller temp monitoring, does it give you a reading/alarm on your display screen or does it restrict power if hot?
  Whats the general bike setup you have the Photon in?
  What drivetrain are you putting all that power through?
  Regards.

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• ncmired

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  #4

  06-04-2023, 04:40 PM

  Short bursts of 2000 watts via the throttle come in handy, especially riding on public roads as I do. But pushing that hard hurts the battery's range. And the battery has to be capable of putting out at least 40 amps continuously. I also doubt the Photon can dissipate the heat generated at full power for very long. The motor's controller does monitor both the core and the controller temperature, and it's part of the display (and app) data (no alarm though that I've noticed/heard), and is reported to cut back power when needed, though I've yet to trip it - I don't push my motors hard when riding slow.

  Oddly, the Bafang BBS motors also have, at least, a core temperature sensor, that's AFAIK not monitored via the stock controller firmware. The open-source bbs-fw firmware does monitor it, as do some of the aftermarket controllers.

  My first Photon build is here (8-speed IGH), the second will be to this bike, eventually (9-speed derailleur). For more owner experiences, there's this thread over on the Endless Sphere site. There are not yet a large number of talking/typing owners it seems, perhaps related to the comparatively high purchase price and the extended delivery time.

  Last edited by ncmired; 06-05-2023, 04:50 AM.

  See Also

  Once Around the Block: A FYXO Surly e-Big Dummy with CYC Photon Motor Review

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• Downunderebikerz

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  • Join Date: Jun 2023
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  • Location: Aus

  #5

  06-09-2023, 02:09 PM

  Thanks for the info.
  I will be interested to hear how the ongoing reliability is with the motor over time.
  Hopefully they got the design right and it proves to be a good purchase.

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• Rodney Bush

  Guru

  • Join Date: Mar 2020
  • Posts: 103
  • Location: union bridge, md

  #6

  06-28-2023, 06:12 PM

  i am a satisfied cyc owner having a 1st generation X1 Stealth with the original BAC855 controller running with default settings. it has about 1500 trouble free miles on the motor even after being completely submerged for a short bit.
  anyways, i am really interested in the new photon for an off road touring type bike. my only concern is the noise level. i have read somewhat conflicting posts elsewhere. having my first build with BBS02 and another with a BBSHD and another with the Stealth.....the silence of the BBS's would be more welcome and satisfying while meandering thru the wilderness. really, the possible noise issue is all that is holding me back at the moment.

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  1 - 3

  3 comments

  • #6.1

    Retrorockitcommented

    06-29-2023, 05:06 AM

    Editing a comment

    So you're saying the BBSHD is stealthier than the Stealth? Nice to know the CYC is reliable. As a CYC owner and BBSHD user, what do you find attractive about the CYC over the BBSHD?

  • #6.2

    Rodney Bushcommented

    06-29-2023, 10:28 AM

    Editing a comment

    i would indeed say the HD is stealthier if only judging by sound. size wise...not so much.
    for the CYC I really appreciate the responsiveness of the torque sensing. it is really great for single track ass kickin fun. it is currently on a large full rigid Surly Krampus.
    for BBSHD I really appreciate if i am far from home and tired. just increase assist level and maintain some cadence. have it on a cheap bike i use for errands and riding to town to hang out.

  • #6.3

    Retrorockitcommented

    06-29-2023, 12:28 PM

    Editing a comment

    I agree about the BBSHD lacking finesse. But in urban South FL that's not what's needed. Getting form town to town in the suburban sprawl it's great.

• ncmired

  Giga Member

  • Join Date: Sep 2016
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  • Location: U.S.

  #7

  06-29-2023, 06:41 AM

  Originally posted by Rodney BushView Post

  i am a satisfied cyc owner having a 1st generation X1 Stealth with the original BAC855 controller running with default settings. it has about 1500 trouble free miles on the motor even after being completely submerged for a short bit.
  anyways, i am really interested in the new photon for an off road touring type bike. my only concern is the noise level. i have read somewhat conflicting posts elsewhere. having my first build with BBS02 and another with a BBSHD and another with the Stealth.....the silence of the BBS's would be more welcome and satisfying while meandering thru the wilderness. really, the possible noise issue is all that is holding me back at the moment.

  I own a CYC Photon, along with several Bafang BBS02 and BBSHD motors. I'd say, at full throttle, the CYC is quieter than the BBS02 and slightly louder than the BBSHD - louder mostly being a more noticeable and higher frequency component. The BBSHD motors are well broken in and the Photon is not - dunno if the Photon will break in and quiet down over time.

  The Photon is the first motor I've had with torque sensing, and I much prefer it to Bafang's cadence operation - YMMV. The Photon is very quiet in TS mode as well. However, at full throttle, it spins faster than the BBS motors. I've decided to optimize the bike's gearing range into usable low and high groups, suitable for either 75-85 cadence pedal torque-sensing riding versus full-on fast riding in traffic via just throttle operation. I've done the same (in preparation) for my second Photon build.

  Last edited by ncmired; 06-29-2023, 08:07 AM.

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  • #7.1

    Rodney Bushcommented

    06-29-2023, 10:38 AM

    Editing a comment

    thank you ncmired. actually, I thought my HD was quieter than my 02 so it is sounding (no pun intended) pretty positive! THANKS

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