Road-legal gentleman. Off-road beast. Your choice.
The CYC Photon Gen 2 represents something genuinely rare in the ebike conversion world: uncompromising quality that doesn’t force you to choose between legality and performance. At 250W, it’s perfectly road-legal across the UK and EU. But here’s the genius – switch modes via the sophisticated Ride Control app, and you’re unlocking 2000W of unrestricted power for private land adventures. This isn’t about breaking rules; it’s about having legitimate capability when and where it’s legal to use it.
Most conversion kits force a binary choice: stay legal and underpowered, or go full outlaw and hope you don’t get caught. The Photon Gen 2 refuses that compromise through intelligent software engineering and modular design that puts power delivery entirely in your control. Commute legally Monday to Friday, then unleash the beast on private trails at weekends. Same motor, same bike, completely different personalities.
Engineering Quality That Actually Matters
The Photon Gen 2 isn’t just marketing specs – it’s genuinely sophisticated hardware wrapped in software that transforms how a mid-drive conversion should work. The in-runner motor delivers over 30% efficiency gains under high loading conditions while generating 60% less heat than the previous generation. That’s not incremental improvement; that’s fundamental redesign creating tangible real-world benefits.
The internal clutch handles over three times the load of Gen 1, addressing the reliability concerns that plagued earlier conversion kits. This isn’t a motor that’ll grenade itself on the first steep climb – it’s engineered for sustained punishment. The modular construction means serviceable components rather than throw-away-when-broken design, while the 36-72V compatibility future-proofs your investment as battery technology evolves.
At 3.5kg, the Photon Gen 2 stays remarkably light for a motor delivering 135Nm of maximum torque. That torque figure is genuinely impressive – many premium factory ebikes barely exceed 90Nm. The peak power hits 1200W in standard mode, jumping to 2000W when unrestricted. That’s motorcycle-territory power delivery from something that fits a bicycle bottom bracket.
Torque Sensor Sophistication: Natural Power Delivery
Here’s where the Photon Gen 2 separates itself from crude conversion kits. The advanced torque sensor doesn’t just detect whether you’re pedaling – it measures how hard you’re pushing and responds proportionally. Light pressure through flat sections gets gentle assistance. Lean into a steep climb, and the motor scales power delivery to match your effort.
This creates the natural, connected feel that makes premium factory ebikes feel alive rather than mechanical. Most budget conversion kits use basic cadence sensors that dump power crudely based on pedal rotation. The Photon Gen 2’s torque sensing creates assistance that feels like you’ve suddenly developed superhuman legs rather than a motor doing the work.
The refined torque sensor keeps power delivery smooth and controlled even when you’re hammering up technical climbs or powering out of corners. There’s no on-off jerkiness, no sudden surges that unsettle the bike. Just seamless, responsive power that amplifies your effort proportionally.
Software That Changes Everything
The Ride Control App isn’t token smartphone connectivity – it’s fundamental to what makes the Photon Gen 2 special. Available on iOS and Android, it connects via Bluetooth for complete control over motor behavior, power modes, and the revolutionary Smart Assist system.
Smart Assist is genuinely intelligent. Using real-time heart rate data and the torque sensor’s measurement of your human power output, it automatically adjusts pedal assist for optimal efficiency and comfort. Push harder and your heart rate climbs? Smart Assist backs off slightly, extending range while keeping you in your target effort zone. Cruising comfortably? It increases assistance to maintain speed efficiently.
This isn’t just clever software – it’s technology that transforms how ebikes should work. The app lets you customize power delivery curves, set maximum speeds for legal compliance, monitor real-time ride data, and receive over-the-air updates that improve performance without touching hardware. Fine-tune assistance levels, adjust torque response, or let Smart Assist handle everything automatically.
The Intuition Display integrates seamlessly with the Photon Gen 2, providing trail-ready controls and essential data at your fingertips. Switch between power modes, monitor battery status, track speed and cadence – all without pulling out your phone. The integration feels native rather than aftermarket because it’s designed specifically for CYC systems.
The Road-Legal / Off-Road Genius
This is where the Photon Gen 2’s design philosophy becomes brilliant. At 250W rated power with appropriate speed limiting enabled, it’s completely road-legal across the UK and EU. Commute on public roads, ride cycle paths, use it exactly like any legal ebike without concerns about enforcement or insurance complications.
But when you’re on private land – your own property, designated off-road parks, private trails where unrestricted ebikes are permitted – the Ride Control app unlocks the full 2000W unrestricted mode. Suddenly you’re riding something that climbs like a motorbike, accelerates with genuine punch, and handles technical terrain that would defeat road-legal power levels.
This isn’t about skirting regulations or taking illegal power onto public roads. It’s about recognizing that legitimate off-road use exists and shouldn’t require owning two separate bikes. Keep it legal where legality matters. Unleash capability where you’re allowed. The software enforcement means you can’t accidentally ride unrestricted on public roads – you actively choose when and where to use full power.
The 135Nm maximum torque handles steep technical climbs that would stall lesser motors. The advanced thermal management keeps performance consistent even during sustained high-power use. You’re not getting brief bursts of power followed by thermal limiting – you’re getting sustained output that maintains performance throughout long climbs and aggressive riding.
Installation and Compatibility
The Photon Gen 2 fits 95% of modern frames via multiple bottom bracket standards: BSA 68-83mm, BB92, BSA 100mm, and BSA 120mm. This broad compatibility means most quality bikes can be converted without custom machining or frame modifications. The installation uses standard tools and doesn’t require specialized technical knowledge beyond basic mechanical competence.
Chainring options from 36T to 50T let you optimize gearing for your riding style and terrain. The sealed electronics and premium materials minimize maintenance requirements, keeping you riding rather than wrenching. The modular design means components can be serviced or replaced individually rather than requiring complete motor replacement when something eventually wears.
The VTON controller peaks at 1200W in standard mode (2000W unrestricted), managing power delivery with sophisticated algorithms that protect the motor while maximizing performance. Multiple display options including the Intuition Display and SW102T provide flexibility for different rider preferences and cockpit setups.
Build Quality You Can See and Feel
Every detail of the Photon Gen 2 screams serious engineering. The compact mid-drive housing feels solid rather than hollow. The internal components are machined rather than cast, with tolerances that speak to manufacturing precision. The wiring is cleanly routed and properly sealed, not the spaghetti mess that plagues budget conversions.
The motor runs noticeably quieter than competing systems, with none of the gear whine or grinding that reveals cheap internals. Even under full power, it delivers smooth, controlled acceleration without mechanical harshness. The clutch engagement feels refined, allowing natural coasting without drag while providing instant power when you need it.
This is hardware built to last rather than disposable electronics. The over-engineered clutch, efficient thermal management, and modular construction create a system that handles abuse rather than requiring kid-glove treatment. This is a motor you install once and ride for years, not replace after a season.
Key Specs
- Rated Power: 250W (road-legal) / 750W / 2000W (unrestricted mode)
- Max Torque: 135Nm – SERIOUSLY IMPRESSIVE
- Rated Voltage: 36-72V (future-proof battery compatibility)
- Max RPM: >300 RPM at crank
- Weight: 3.5kg (remarkably light for this power)
- Peak Power: 1200W standard / 2000W unrestricted
- Chainring Options: 36T, 38T, 40T, 42T, 50T
- Bottom Bracket Compatibility: BSA 68-83mm, BB92, BSA 100mm, BSA 120mm (95% frame compatibility)
- Motor Type: In-runner design (30% efficiency gain, 60% less heat)
- Clutch: 3x stronger than Gen 1
- Display Options: Intuition Display, SW102T
- Smart Features: Ride Control App (iOS/Android), Smart Assist, OTA updates
- Thermal Management: Advanced cooling for sustained peak power
- Construction: Modular, serviceable design
What Sets It Apart
Road-Legal with Off-Road Power in Your Pocket – 250W mode for legal public road use, 2000W unrestricted mode for private land. Software-controlled power means legitimate capability when and where it’s legal to use it.
Advanced Torque Sensor with Smart Assist – Measures your human power output and responds proportionally. Smart Assist uses heart rate data for intelligent, automatic power optimization. This is premium factory ebike technology in conversion form.
Genuine Engineering Quality – 30% efficiency gains, 60% less heat, 3x stronger clutch, modular serviceable construction. This isn’t compromised hardware; it’s serious engineering built for sustained abuse.
CYC Photon Gen 2 Review: The Final Word
The ultimate ebike conversion kit for riders who refuse compromise. Road-legal 250W compliance for public roads, 2000W unrestricted power for private land – controlled entirely via sophisticated software that puts capability in your pocket. The advanced torque sensor creates natural, responsive assistance that outclasses most factory ebikes, while Smart Assist automatically optimizes power delivery using heart rate data and pedal effort. The 135Nm torque, advanced thermal management, and over-engineered components deliver sustained performance that handles genuine abuse. At 3.5kg, it’s remarkably light for this capability. The modular, serviceable construction means long-term reliability rather than disposable electronics. If you want the best mid-drive conversion available – something with genuine quality, sophisticated software, and the flexibility to be both a legal commuter and off-road beast – the Photon Gen 2 is definitively the conversion kit to beat.