If you've spent time comparing eBike conversion kits, you've probably seen these three names come up together: Photon 2, Photon Pro, and X1 Pro Gen 4. They're CYC's current mid-drive lineup, and each one is built for a different kind of rider. Picking the wrong one usually means one of two things — paying for power you'll never use, or showing up to a technical trail with a motor that can't keep up.

This guide compares the three kits using CYC's official specs, so you know exactly what you're buying before you spend the money.

Quick Answer: Which One Do You Need?

That's the short version. Here's why.

Side-by-Side Spec Comparison

These figures are pulled directly from CYC's official product pages. If you see different numbers listed anywhere else, treat CYC's own spec sheet as the accurate source.

CYC Photon 2 — The Lightweight, Everyday Option

The Photon 2 is the entry point into CYC's current lineup, built for riders who want an eBike that still rides like a bike. At 3.5 kg, it's the lightest of the three, and its 750W rated output with a 2000W peak keeps it inside power limits that are easier to work with in regions that cap legal output.

It uses the same VTON Gen 2 controller and torque-sensing pedal assist as the Photon Pro, so power comes in smooth rather than jumpy — a common complaint with cheaper mid-drive kits. With 135 N·m of peak torque, it handles steep driveways, loaded commutes, and moderate singletrack without trouble. It's not the kit you want for fast, technical descents or heavy cargo loads.

CYC Photon Pro — The Middle Ground With Real Trail Muscle

The Photon Pro sits between the other two, and for a lot of riders, it's the right call. Same 4.5 kg build, same bottom bracket range, same chainring options as the Photon 2, but power jumps to a 3000W rated / 4000W peak output with 180 N·m of peak torque — a real step up without going all the way to X1 Pro territory.

It runs a redesigned VTON Gen 2 controller, the same 2.1" Intuition color display, Bluetooth-enabled Ride Control app, and IP65 weatherproofing as the rest of the current CYC lineup. In practice, that means stronger, more consistent assistance on climbs and rough terrain, while keeping the natural, pedal-driven feel eMTB riders want.

CYC X1 Pro Gen 4 — The Most Power CYC Makes

The X1 Pro Gen 4 doesn't hide what it's built for. At 5000W rated and 6000W peak, with 280 N·m of peak torque, it's aimed at riders who want extreme power for technical terrain, heavier bikes and riders, or builds where the extra headroom actually gets used.

It runs on CYC's X12 controller with a redesigned rotor, which gives it higher output with better reliability than earlier X1 generations.

The tradeoff is weight and chainring flexibility. At 5.6 kg, it's the heaviest of the three, and the chainring setup comes in paired combinations (32T/53T, 38T/63T, 40T/72T) rather than freely selectable sizes, so it's worth checking your gearing needs before ordering. It still fits the same 68–120mm bottom bracket range as the other two kits, so frame compatibility isn't the limiting factor — managing that much power is.

How to Actually Decide

What terrain are you really riding — not what you're planning to ride someday?

Most riders overbuy power. If most of your riding is commuting or moderate trails, the Photon 2 or Photon Pro will feel better day to day than an X1 Pro Gen 4, simply because you're not hauling extra weight and battery drain for power you don't use.

What's your local legal power limit?

If your area has strict wattage or torque caps for road use, the Photon 2's 750W rated mode is the easiest to stay compliant with, though all three kits can be run at different power settings.

What's your full budget, not just the motor price?

The motor kit is only part of the cost. Battery, display, and installation parts add up. Moving from a Photon 2 to an X1 Pro Gen 4 isn't just a few hundred dollars more on the motor — it usually means a bigger battery too, since you're feeding a more powerful controller.

How much weight are you adding to the bike?

Frame stress, suspension tuning, and braking all need to match the added motor weight and power. A 5.6 kg X1 Pro Gen 4 on a light XC hardtail is a different build than putting it on a heavier enduro frame.

Installation & Compatibility

All three kits share the same bottom bracket range, 68mm to 120mm, which covers most modern mountain, gravel, and hybrid frames, including carbon. CYC states all three fit over 95% of frames on the market, and install or removal takes around 30 minutes once you've done it before. None of the kits lock you in permanently — pull the motor off and the bike pedals normally with zero drag.

Moving a kit to a different frame later? The Photon Bottom Bracket Conversion Kit and X1 Pro Gen 4 Bottom Bracket Conversion Kit let you switch bottom bracket standards without buying a whole new motor.

Frequently Asked Questions