Introducing The CYC Photon
Introducing The CYC Photon e-bike motor. Ruby’s has made a reputation for custom e-bike builds that are light weight, great handling and high mileage, using The TSDZ2 (on sale for $1095 installed for a limited time). For a unique few, this may be the heavy-duty alternative we’ve always wanted to offer.
The TSDZ2 is still the best motor for most. There have though been applications where we wanted something we could not do with The TSDZ2. Easily customized programming is one example and heavy-duty cargo bike applications, without internal modifications. Hunters need additional torque for hauling game across fields and then there are heavier riders. Bafang was a rugged and reliable alternative, but not very sophisticated. Range, power modulation, weight and free pedaling were major concerns. They still use square taper cranks as well.
Bafang and other cadence based systems are hard to get started without a throttle. They need extra sensors and both impact reliability. (Yes, I realize that until you try these features you don’t really miss them).
The CYC Photon is comparable to the most powerful Bafang, but is still legal. It can be programmed for use even in The E.U. while set-up for use on U.S. private property! It has a splined bottom bracket so even the heaviest riders can pound on the pedals, yet it is the same weight as The TSDZ2 (no legal factory motor comes close) and like The TSDZ2, it requires no extra wires for brake or shift sensors (much cleaner, simpler install).
No motor, kit or integrated, is quieter than The Photon. None run as cool or offer as much ground clearance. Their smaller final gear reduction allows for the best chain alignment even with tiny 34 tooth chain rings on mtb’s (chain grabbing narrow/wide tooth spacing is standard). One motor handles bottom bracket widths from 68 to 110mm’s with no sketchy extensions or Q factor compromises. Need to move to a different bike, with a different width bottom bracket? Just change the axle.
The CYC comes with a Bluetooth app that allows you to control your motor settings on the fly. It can even replace your display (great for security when you park your bike). The Photon can record all your ride data like the most expensive integrated factory motors while delivering the most precise torque sensing in the industry (having thoroughly enjoyed the benefits of The TSDZ, I’ll have to see if it to believe it).
Yes, The Photon is more expensive at $1695 installed. Still less than almost all factory mid-drives and dramatically more powerful (20-40% greater even than The TSDZ2). You’ll likely buy a new e-bike once or twice in your life. Spread out over that time, is $500 really that much more? Stop in to speak with Mark about what would be best for your application.