Photon Gen 2: The Ultimate Mid-Drive Evolution – Power, Reliability, and Smarter Engineering

At CYC Motor, we’ve always believed in pushing the boundaries of e-bike performance. With the launch of the Photon Gen 2, we’ve taken everything we learned from the first generation and engineered a system that’s more powerful, more reliable, and easier to maintain—all while keeping the flexibility and open ecosystem that our community loves.

Whether you're a seasoned e-bike builder or new to mid-drive conversions, the Photon Gen 2 brings game-changing upgrades that make it the most advanced and user-friendly system we’ve ever built. Let’s dive into the details.

1. Motor Upgrade: More Torque, Better Cooling, Smoother Operation

The heart of any mid-drive system is its motor, and the Photon Gen 2 introduces a **completely redesigned inrunner motor**, replacing the Gen 1’s outrunner design. Why the change?

• Higher Efficiency & Better Cooling – The Gen 1’s outrunner motor excelled in compactness but faced challenges with heat dissipation. The Gen 2’s inrunner design, combined with custom flat-wire windings, increases coil density for greater efficiency and torque output.

• Thermal Management Reinvented – We’ve fully potted the motor core with thermally conductive epoxy, ensuring even heat distribution and quieter operation. This means better cooling under heavy loads—perfect for off-road riders and heavy cargo bikes.

• Optimised Gear Reduction – A refined gear ratio ensures smoother power delivery while maximising torque where it matters most.

2. Sprag Clutch: Built to Handle Extreme Abuse

One of the most common pain points with Gen 1 was the sprag clutch—especially for heavier riders and aggressive off-road use. For Gen 2, we didn’t just tweak it; we reinvented it.

• Tripled Torque Capacity – The clutch has grown from 12x20mm to a massive 20x28mm, dramatically increasing durability.

• Stronger 1st Stage Shaft – A keyway and adapter sleeve reinforce the shaft, ensuring it can handle the increased forces from the higher reduction ratio.

• Built for Reliability – Whether you’re climbing steep hills or hammering through trails, the new clutch is engineered to last.

3. Drive Unit: Easier Maintenance, No Special Tools Needed

Gen 1 was a solid performer, but servicing it required patience and specialized tools. With Gen 2, we’ve radically simplified maintenance.

• Tool-Free Access – The entire drive unit can now be opened with just four M5 bolts—no more wrestling with glued-in controllers.

• Quick Chainring Removal – The redesigned chainring adapter uses radial screws, preventing over-tightening and making disassembly a breeze.

• Modular Repairs – The controller, torque sensor, motor, and 1st stage assembly are now easily replaceable—no specialised tools required.

4. Chainring Compatibility: More Options, No Compromises

We know riders love customisation, so we’ve ensured backward compatibility with Gen 1 chainrings while expanding options:

• Standard 36T–50T chainrings maintain a perfect 52mm chainline for most mountain bikes.

• New 32T & 34T options (coming Q3) feature a 7mm offset for better compatibility with compact setups.

5. CANBUS: Faster, More Reliable, Still Open

Electronics play a huge role in e-bike performance, and Gen 2 takes a major leap forward with CANBUS communication.

• Higher Data Rates – Real-time performance data is more accurate and responsive.

• Superior Noise Resistance – More stable than UART, reducing electrical gremlins.

• Open Ecosystem – Unlike some brands, we **don’t lock you into proprietary batteries**. The Photon Gen 2 supports up to 72V packs, giving you ultimate flexibility.

6. Wiring & Connectors: No More Frustration

Small details make a big difference, especially when it comes to wiring.

• Asymmetrical Connectors – No more misaligned pins; they only fit the right way.

• Redesigned Harness – Cleaner, more robust connections mean fewer electrical issues.

7. Intuition Display: Smarter, More Secure Riding

The Photon Gen 2 introduces two new display options.

• SW102t – A refined version of the classic, now with a color screen and updated UI.

• Intuition Display (New!) – A 2.1” HD LCD with:

  • Heart rate monitoring

  • "Find My Bike" anti-theft feature

  • Training mode

  • 36V–72V compatibility

Final Thoughts: Built by Riders, for Riders

The Photon Gen 2 isn’t just a list of spec upgrades—it’s a direct response to real-world feedback from our incredible community. Every improvement, from the reinforced sprag clutch to the open CANBUS system, was designed to make your ride more powerful, reliable, and enjoyable.

We’re proud of what we’ve built, and we can’t wait for you to experience it.

Ready to upgrade? Check out the Photon Gen 2 on our website and join the next evolution of mid-drive e-bikes.

Pre-order now at www.cycmotor.com

Have questions? Drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!