Our CYC Photon E-Bike Conversion Kit Review:

CYC Photon E-Bike Conversion Kit: A Game Changer for Electric Bike Enthusiasts

G’day everyone! Anthony here from Melbourne Powered, and today we’re taking a deep dive into the CYC Photon e-bike conversion kit. We were lucky enough to get our hands on one of these impressive units, and we’re excited to share our thoughts on what makes it a standout option for anyone considering an e-bike conversion.

Our Initial thoughts: Taking E-Bike Conversions to the Next Level

One of the coolest things we do at Melbourne Powered is converting traditional bikes into high-performance e-bikes. The ability to repurpose a standard bicycle into an electrified, adrenaline-pumping ride is something we’re passionate about. The CYC Photon truly takes e-bike conversions up a notch with its versatility and performance.

Compatibility & Flexibility

One of the standout features of the CYC Photon is its compatibility with a wide range of bikes. Whether you have a 68mm bottom bracket or a 120mm fat bike setup, this motor is designed to fit. It even works with press-fit 92mm bottom brackets. In our experience, we’ve seen plenty of unique and unconventional bike builds, and we’re confident this motor could be adapted to almost any frame out there.

Powering Your Ride

The CYC Photon offers flexibility in battery compatibility, allowing users to choose between 36V, 48V, or 52V battery options. No hardware modifications are required, making it easy to customise your bike based on your needs:

• 52V battery for maximum performance and power

• 48V battery for a balance of power and efficiency

• 36V battery for a budget-friendly and reliable ride

This freedom of choice means you can tailor your setup to your riding style and budget without being locked into a specific battery type.

A Deeper Look: Compact, Lightweight & Powerful

Right out of the box, the CYC Photon impresses with its compact and lightweight design, weighing in at just 3.3 kg. This ensures a cleaner and more discreet conversion without adding excessive weight to your bike.

One feature we love is the top-exit cable routing, which enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Unlike bottom-exit cables, this design provides improved ground clearance and a neater overall look.

Performance & Power Options

The CYC Photon is available in 250W and 750W power options, making it suitable for various riders and regulatory environments. It also features torque sensing technology, similar to high-end Bosch and Shimano motors. Unlike cadence-based motors that apply power indiscriminately, torque sensing motors adjust power delivery based on your effort, offering a smoother and more natural ride.

Customisation & Control

CYC offers multiple chainring size options (34T, 38T, 42T, and 50T), which is rare for e-bike conversions. Additionally, all chainrings are narrow-wide, reducing the risk of chain drops and improving chain grip.

You can also choose between 165mm and 175mm crank arms, allowing for further customization based on your riding style and bike geometry.

Ride Control App

The CYC Ride Control app is another fantastic feature. It allows you to:

• Monitor ride stats and battery status

• Switch between Street Mode (limited to 25 kph) and Race Mode (unlocks full 750W power)

• Customize performance settings for a personalized riding experience

This user-friendly interface enhances the riding experience and ensures optimal control over your e-bike’s performance.

How Does it Ride? 

We took the CYC Photon out for a test ride along the beautiful Maribyrnong River, set up with a 48V battery in Street Mode. The power delivery was smooth and immediate, offering an enjoyable ride at 25 kph.

Switching to Race Mode unlocked the full 750W potential, and the difference was noticeable—powerful acceleration and even the ability to lift the front wheel with a little effort. Compared to other mid-drive conversion kits, the torque-sensing technology really sets the Photon apart, offering a more refined and responsive ride than traditional cadence-based systems.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Investment?

While the CYC Photon sits in the higher price bracket compared to other e-bike conversion kits, the quality, performance, and versatility more than justify the cost. If you’re looking for a premium conversion kit with top-tier technology, the CYC Photon is definitely worth considering.

If you’re thinking about converting your bike to electric, we highly recommend checking out the CYC Photon. You can visit us in-store at Melbourne Powered to test our demo bike, or order online!

Got questions or comments? Let us know—we’d love to help power your next ride!