CYC Photon Gen2
CYC X1 Pro Gen4
CYC X1 Stealth Gen3
Bafang BBSHD
E-Bike motors BESTSELLER
Update 04/2023:
The following blog post was written in February 2022. Nothing has changed with the Bafang motors, but the CYC motors have: Instead of the BAC855 controller, the CYC’s own X6 controller is now used. In addition, the new CYC PHOTON motor has been released (01/2023). The current table can be found here.
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We have presented a clear comparison of these motors in the table below. In addition to the performance and technical aspects, we have also compared the noise level. This was measured using a smartphone app and should be sufficient as a comparative value. The “Bluetooth” point for the Bafang motor depends on the display used – the motor/controller itself is not Bluetooth-compatible, whereas the BAC855 controller of the CYC motor is.
Bafang and CYC also differ in their drive concept: With Bafang, the chainring is driven by various gear wheels, whereas with CYC the power is transmitted between the motor and chainring by means of a separate drive chain.
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| Manufacturer | Bafang | Bafang | Bafang | CYC | CYC |
| Motor designation | BBS01 (M215) | BBS02 (M315) | BBSHD (M615) | X1 Stealth | X1 Pro |
| Specified performance of the manufacturer | 250 W | 500 W | 1000 W | 1500 W | up to 5000 W |
| Motor volume (dB) | 58 | 65 | 61 | 80 | 94 |
| Optics | +/- | +/- | +/- | + | + |
| Torque sensor | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Control | Cadence (PAS) | Cadence (PAS) | Cadence (PAS) | Torque + cadence | Torque + cadence |
| Throttle lever | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Programmable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes (depending on display) | Yes (depending on display) | Yes (depending on display) | Yes | Yes |
| Recuperation | No | No | No | No | No |
| Coaster brake can be used | No | No | No | No | No |
| Gearbox | Gear drive | Gear drive | Gear drive | Planetary gearbox | Planetary gearbox |
| Max. Ampere* | 15 A | 20 A | 30 A | 70-90 A | 70-90 A |
| Weight of the motor incl. controller* | 3.9 kg | 4.2 kg | 5.8 kg | 2.7 kg | 3.7 kg |
| Compatible nominal battery voltage* | 36V | 48V, 52V | 48V, 52V | 36V – 72V | 36V – 72V |
| max. torque* | 80 Nm | 90-100 Nm | 160 Nm | 150 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Suitable bottom bracket widths | BSA 68-75 mm, | BSA 68-75 mm, with axle extension also for BB92 (92 mm) | BSA 68 – 120 mm, BB92 (92 mm) | BSA 68-83 mm, BB92 (92 mm) | BSA 68-83 mm, BB92 (92 mm), BSA 100-120 mm |
| Advantages | Quiet, lightweight, suitable for light support | Quiet, light weight, also suitable for easy uphill rides | Quiet, robust, proven, suitable for uphill riding and heavy loads, available for almost all bottom bracket widths | Very light, lots of power, very compact, modern look and beautiful design, good chain line, alternative mounting for more ground clearance | Lightweight, lots of power, modern look and beautiful design, good chain line, alternative mounting for more ground clearance |
| Disadvantages | Standard version only suitable up to 75 mm bottom bracket width, low ground clearance on bikes with a flat down tube | Standard version only suitable up to 75 mm bottom bracket width, low ground clearance on bikes with a flat down tube | Low ground clearance on bikes with a flat down tube | Louder than Bafang motors, additional drive chain | Louder than Bafang motors, additional drive chain |
| Set price** | approx. 1,400 EUR | approx. 1,600 EUR | approx. 1,800 EUR | approx. 2,100 EUR | approx. 2,400 EUR |
* When using the Bafang stock controller or BAC 855 controller for CYC motors
** Price may vary depending on bottom bracket, controller and accessories