{"id":22022,"date":"2023-06-05T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fasterbikes.eu\/retrofit-motor-comparison-photon-vs-bbshd\/"},"modified":"2025-03-27T11:34:04","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T11:34:04","slug":"retrofit-motor-comparison-photon-vs-bbshd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fasterbikes.eu\/en\/retrofit-motor-comparison-photon-vs-bbshd\/","title":{"rendered":"Retrofit motor comparison: Photon vs. BBSHD"},"content":{"rendered":"

E-bikes have become enormously popular in recent years, and more and more people are discovering the benefits of these environmentally friendly and efficient means of transportation. For those who want to convert their conventional bikes into e-bikes, there are various retrofit motors available. Two of the most popular retrofit motors on the market are the Bafang BBSHD<\/strong> and the CYC Photon<\/strong>. In this article, we will compare the two motors in different categories and look at their advantages and disadvantages. <\/span><\/p>\n

Design \/ Dimensions:<\/span><\/h2>\n

This is where the new CYC Photon motor clearly scores. The design is more modern and it is smaller than the Bafang BBSHD. This also means that the CYC Photon motor has more ground clearance. The gearbox behind the chainring is also more compact in the Photon – this means that smaller chainrings with offset can be used. Here you can find the dimensions of the CYC Photon<\/a> and Bafang BBSHD<\/a> motor. <\/span><\/p>\n

Weight:<\/span><\/h2>\n

Another significant difference between the two motors is their weight. The Bafang BBSHD weighs around 6 kg, while the CYC Photon is significantly lighter at just over 3 kg. Both weight specifications refer to the motor including controller – i.e. without chainring, cranks etc. The difference is therefore approx. 3 kg. <\/span><\/p>\n

Motor volume:<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both motors are on a par here – approx. 60-65 db, which is considered very quiet. You can find our video here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Version widths:<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both the BBSHD and the Photon motor are compatible with bicycle bottom brackets with a width between 68 and 120 mm. Adapters are available for both motors for larger bottom bracket diameters – e.g. Pressfit BB92. <\/span><\/p>\n

Connections:<\/span><\/h2>\n

The connections of the two motors differ slightly. Depending on the version, the Bafang controller offers additional connections, such as a light connection and a connection for a shift sensor, in addition to the battery, wiring harness and speed sensor connection. The Photon controller, on the other hand, comes with a battery connection, a wiring harness connection and a speed sensor connection. A positive feature of the Photon motor is the use of the XT90 connector, which is considered more robust and reliable than the Anderson connector on the Bafang motor. <\/span><\/p>\n

Crank offset \/ Q-factor:<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Q-factor, which measures the distance between the crank arms, is a measure of the stance width, which is similar to the stride width when walking: For the Bafang, this value is between 210 and 250 mm, while for the Photon it is between 200 and 230 mm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chainring sizes:<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Bafang BBSHD offers a wider selection of chainring sizes ex works (40, 42, 44 and 46 teeth) compared to the Photon (34, 38, 42 and 50 teeth). However, there are also third-party chainrings for the BBSHD that cover the range from 28 to 52 teeth. However, the Photon motor is still new on the market and could support other chainring sizes in the future. The manufacturer Lekkie, for example, already offers cranks for the Photon motor – it won’t be long before they also produce different chainrings for this motor. <\/span><\/p>\n

Displays:<\/span><\/h2>\n

The two engines have different display options. The BBSHD comes with the DPC-18 display as standard, while the CYC Photon is equipped with two display options from the factory: the small SW102 and the larger DS103. The Bafang motor benefits here from its longer time on the market, as there are a variety of third-party displays available. However, it is worth mentioning that CYC covers the basic preferences with these two displays – one small and one larger, depending on the user’s preference. <\/span><\/p>\n

Driving mode, driving profiles:<\/span><\/h2>\n

Riding modes or riding profiles are an important aspect when choosing an e-bike motor. A riding mode or riding profile is a motor setting with all possible data, such as power, speed, response behavior, assistance, etc. The CYC Photon offers two different riding modes: RACE and STREET. With the Bafang BBSHD, only one riding profile can be saved – unless an Eggrider display is used, which allows two profiles. The Photon motor also offers the advantage of a smartphone app to set the desired parameters, whereas with the Bafang motor the settings can be made either via a laptop or a third-party app. <\/span><\/p>\n

Data comparison:<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n\n

Photon<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

BBSHD<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Nominal voltage <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

36 – 52V <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

48 – 52V <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Rated power <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

750W <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1000W <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Max. power <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Approx. 2000W<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Approx. 1700W<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Max. Torque with crank <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

110 Nm <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

160 Nm <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Weight of the motor <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Approx. 3 kg <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

approx. 6 kg <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Control <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Torque <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Cadence <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Driving modes ex works<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2 driving modes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1 Driving modes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\n

The technical data of the motors show different characteristics. Both nominal power and torque are higher with the Bafang BBSHD motor, but so is the weight of the motor. The advantages of the CYC Photon motor, on the other hand, lie in the maximum power, compatibility with 36V batteries, 2 riding modes and above all in the torque control. What does this mean? <\/span><\/p>\n

– Torque control<\/strong>: Here, the motor provides support based on the force exerted on the pedal – more pressure means more motor support. This is also very practical when starting uphill. This type of control is available on most e-bikes on the market. <\/span><\/p>\n

– Cadence control:<\/strong> The motor provides assistance based on the crank movement. As soon as the crank arms are moved, the motor assists with the power set according to the selected assist level. <\/span><\/p>\n

Compatibility between Bafang BBS series and CYC Photon:<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are some similarities and differences in terms of the compatibility of the two motors. Both are compatible with 48V and 52V batteries, while 36V batteries can only be used with the Photon. The throttle and shift sensor are compatible with both systems, but the chainrings, wiring harness, speed sensor, cranks and displays are not compatible with each other. <\/span><\/p>\n

Conclusion:<\/span><\/h2>\n

The choice between the Bafang BBSHD and the CYC Photon depends on the individual needs and requirements of the user. The Bafang BBSHD offers more power and higher torque<\/strong> at a slightly lower price. The Photon motor<\/strong> scores points with its torque control, lower weight, modern design, two riding modes and practical smartphone app<\/strong>. Ultimately, personal preferences and the planned use of the e-bike should influence the decision. <\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, it is important to emphasize that both the Bafang BBSHD and the CYC Photon are high-quality retrofit motors that significantly increase e-bike riding enjoyment in practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

To the CYC Photon <\/a> To the Bafang BBSHD<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n