Great build! The Box Prime 9 "2" groupset is a great groupset for an ebike. Sturdy and a single shift lever. 8-10 gears is more than enough on an ebike. Plus, the chains and the cassette tends to be much more durable for the higher torque loads.
I built a Photon hardtail almost 2 years ago, when the Photon was first released. It far exceeds anything available OTS, both in terms of power, but also frame geometry and components. You will really enjoy this bike.
What a cool idea! I have a slackline with a 120mm 29er fork to preserve the geo and I run it mullet with dissectors. So fast and climbs like a billy goat. Thanks for turning me on to Stanton.
I've run 3.0 27.5 back and 2.6 29 front mullet on a hardtail, BUT it was a super fast rolling 3.0 in the rear, and a super aggressive soft compound 2.6 in the front, worked pretty great actually, the 2.6 really carved through the trails, and the 3.0 made it super compliant, comfy, and let me just sit and tractor up the uphills.
The X1 allows you to mount the motor as far away from the BB as you want. The only thing that changes is the primary chain length. You could possibly mount the motor in the triangle so you have no dangling motor housing. Although you would probably want an ISCG tab bash ring to protect the unique torque sensing BB from strikes. As a guy who likes to do trialsy moves on the trail I really don't like losing the clearance under the BB.
Man, I'm thinking this would be an awesome setup for a fat bike... Is this is the same setup you had on your Wildcat? The other benefit of a motor is to help keep your heartrate in the target zone, which is so hard on a mountain bike ride... Thanks for sharing Steve!
@2020EBK agree. Even on my Trance the rivnuts were loose just from a water bottle. Would definitely a could of velcro straps around the battery and frame. At least this is a steel frame so yhe rivnuts might last ok.
@zethjugos1250 CYC have had at least 3 different battery configurations over the past 3 years, and I think they have still got it wrong. Also missing is any certification which makes the batteries problematic in many environments. Including public infrastructure and transport. Something that really hugged and wrapped around the downtube would be much better. Many bikes don't have a lot of room in the front triangle.
FYI the cyc mobile website didn’t work very well for me. Photon order links stall out on a bundle offer coupon when clicked it goes nowhere. The Bundle I could access the pricing page on was the stealth and it costs about $1,000 plus a $500 battery (not included in the bundle and must be added separately). Pretty decent value for converting a bike.
Looking forward to hearing what you think of this system on a steel HT. I'd also like to see a "lite" version of this setup... smaller battery and a lightweight motor...😁
...most Ebikes are horrible stiff things, mainly due to the internal battery... with extra weight hung from a steel frame, maybe the compliance will shine through even more? 🤔
@visualpun650 real MTB is low speed and even lower miles. 44T won't fit on modern MTB frames. 34T is fine, and in fact helps with higher cadence and hence motor efficiency.
@@philhunt1442 that's a toy compared to this. Totally different design philosophy and use case. Very low sales and quite expensive, and quite a few compromises.
@@hindesite Do you know this first hand? The specifications state 1200 watts of power with 120 nm of torque at 1.6 kg, while the photon is listed with max 750 watts, lower torque and twice the weight. They're the same price as well, what exactly do you mean?
In my opinion, it makes more sense to put the battery under the downtube, not inside the triangle. You wouldn't normally hit it anyway. And even if you do, it has a sturdy case. It'll be alright. As for the CYC system itself, I want to see the review first, but it seems extremely overpriced for what it is. Bafang systems offer way better value.
The torque sensing on the CYC systems is the only argument needed for me to pay that money. I’m not a fan at all of Bafang cadence, no matter how many people say, “oh, just get used to it.” I looked at Bafangs for a few years and tried several of them out, then promptly bought an X1 Pro Gen 4 kit with battery. No regrets at all.
Better value for who? Bafang just will not fit on modern 1x Boost MTBs at all. CYC will fit almost anything; and then there is the torque sensing, which makes them not even in the same league. I've ridden both and there is no way I'd bother with Bafang for the riding I do. Commuting or road use, Bafang probably OK. Proper MTBing? Not even close.
The low position under the BB is a deal breaker. If it's a steel frame just cut the down tube and rotate the motor up then scab in some metal from the hardware store. You should be good 😅
@@hardtailparty Your health situation is what ebikes are meant for. How many mountain bikers are not going to dial in unrestricted power and go? Seriously.
@@runswithdogs6892 Unsure. I'm concerned that ebikes will lead to the closure of many mtb trails. We have the same issue with side x side riders on jeep trails, running off trail, riding illegal trails, and getting things shut down. Ultimately it's in our best interest to work with the land managers, not against. I have a video on this exact topic over on BBP.
@@hardtailparty You know it's going to happen. Too easy to go too fast on multi-use trails. BTW I live in Prescott Valley and ride weekly past that rock you broke your finger on in a video. Think of you every time, yank it straight and keep riding.
Thinking about getting one of these ebike conversion kits? Use discount code: "BBP5OFF" at cycmotor.com for your 5% discount on your order
The shop looks good. The bike looks good, and you look good. Congrats on starting to get settled in. Thanks for sharing your videos!
thank you my friend!
Those tires look monster sized. Great video as always.
Great build! The Box Prime 9 "2" groupset is a great groupset for an ebike. Sturdy and a single shift lever. 8-10 gears is more than enough on an ebike. Plus, the chains and the cassette tends to be much more durable for the higher torque loads.
Love that you are putting out so much content! I hope your health cooperates!
@@William.N thank you, me too. Hopefully i can pace myself enough to not burn th candle at both ends
I built a Photon hardtail almost 2 years ago, when the Photon was first released. It far exceeds anything available OTS, both in terms of power, but also frame geometry and components. You will really enjoy this bike.
I do over 100 miles of work commuting every week on my road bike.... Buying one of these motors is VERY tempting.
@@qualm43 it makes a lot of sense for a commuter/car replacement.
you wont regret it. you wont get to work all sweaty
What a cool idea! I have a slackline with a 120mm 29er fork to preserve the geo and I run it mullet with dissectors. So fast and climbs like a billy goat. Thanks for turning me on to Stanton.
I love the new videos! Party on Wayne! Ps. Hope you're feeling better these days.
Why not forego the water bottle and use backpack hydration? I know some don't like them but its all ive ever used so don't even notice it on my back
I've run 3.0 27.5 back and 2.6 29 front mullet on a hardtail, BUT it was a super fast rolling 3.0 in the rear, and a super aggressive soft compound 2.6 in the front, worked pretty great actually, the 2.6 really carved through the trails, and the 3.0 made it super compliant, comfy, and let me just sit and tractor up the uphills.
The X1 allows you to mount the motor as far away from the BB as you want. The only thing that changes is the primary chain length. You could possibly mount the motor in the triangle so you have no dangling motor housing. Although you would probably want an ISCG tab bash ring to protect the unique torque sensing BB from strikes. As a guy who likes to do trialsy moves on the trail I really don't like losing the clearance under the BB.
I run a 2.6-27.5 rear and a 2.35-29 front. Feels so good.
Man, I'm thinking this would be an awesome setup for a fat bike... Is this is the same setup you had on your Wildcat? The other benefit of a motor is to help keep your heartrate in the target zone, which is so hard on a mountain bike ride... Thanks for sharing Steve!
This will make my Rosco lots funner.
Hi Steve, the frame water bottle inserts are not specked to > 4kg of battery. Not sure this is a good idea…
We'll see what happens... I could always toss on a zip tie or hose clamp, but I feel like these will hold it just fine. fingers crossed.
@2020EBK agree. Even on my Trance the rivnuts were loose just from a water bottle. Would definitely a could of velcro straps around the battery and frame. At least this is a steel frame so yhe rivnuts might last ok.
@hindesite I don't think stanton uses rivnuts on this. Most steel frames I've seen have the bings either welded in or brazed
These conversion kits are the best way to have power assist...i think it will appeal more if they can somehow design the batt pack to hug the downtube
They can be run under the downtube, I just chose not to
@zethjugos1250 CYC have had at least 3 different battery configurations over the past 3 years, and I think they have still got it wrong. Also missing is any certification which makes the batteries problematic in many environments. Including public infrastructure and transport. Something that really hugged and wrapped around the downtube would be much better. Many bikes don't have a lot of room in the front triangle.
FYI the cyc mobile website didn’t work very well for me. Photon order links stall out on a bundle offer coupon when clicked it goes nowhere. The Bundle I could access the pricing page on was the stealth and it costs about $1,000 plus a $500 battery (not included in the bundle and must be added separately). Pretty decent value for converting a bike.
Very interesting build. I don`t think it will win any awards for best looking bike 😅. I`m really looking forward to your ride review.
Looking forward to hearing what you think of this system on a steel HT. I'd also like to see a "lite" version of this setup... smaller battery and a lightweight motor...😁
...most Ebikes are horrible stiff things, mainly due to the internal battery... with extra weight hung from a steel frame, maybe the compliance will shine through even more? 🤔
This looks like a great option for NWA trails. Can you give a total cost analysis for this build? Thanks!
Nice work🔥🔥
What’s your opinion on the Orbea Alma h20? There is only one review on it. I’m considering it for a commuter but this is my first bike.
Have you checked to see if Suntour or another 3rd party brand offers an aluminum 8spd cassette in the range you want?
Not yet.
Does it get to spinny with an MTB chainring? My only e-bike I am usually using 44t on most city riding.
@visualpun650 real MTB is low speed and even lower miles. 44T won't fit on modern MTB frames. 34T is fine, and in fact helps with higher cadence and hence motor efficiency.
sweet frame
Great Video, what are your thoughts on putting this motor on a Salsa Fargo?
RIde review on a hardtail coming soon...
Yo! Amazing video! Have you heard of the "lightest ebike kit?"
@@philhunt1442 nope.
@@philhunt1442 that's a toy compared to this. Totally different design philosophy and use case. Very low sales and quite expensive, and quite a few compromises.
@@hindesite Do you know this first hand? The specifications state 1200 watts of power with 120 nm of torque at 1.6 kg, while the photon is listed with max 750 watts, lower torque and twice the weight. They're the same price as well, what exactly do you mean?
Coupon Codes for those CYC Motors yet? 👍👍🇺🇸
Ahh in the description….got it. Thanks 🤘
I'm hoping that the more I watch these videos I'll begin to understand the tech terms you use 😂
Stick with it long enough and it will, or jumpstart your learning with my geometry course
In my opinion, it makes more sense to put the battery under the downtube, not inside the triangle. You wouldn't normally hit it anyway. And even if you do, it has a sturdy case. It'll be alright.
As for the CYC system itself, I want to see the review first, but it seems extremely overpriced for what it is. Bafang systems offer way better value.
Bafang is much lower quality
The torque sensing on the CYC systems is the only argument needed for me to pay that money. I’m not a fan at all of Bafang cadence, no matter how many people say, “oh, just get used to it.” I looked at Bafangs for a few years and tried several of them out, then promptly bought an X1 Pro Gen 4 kit with battery. No regrets at all.
Better value for who? Bafang just will not fit on modern 1x Boost MTBs at all. CYC will fit almost anything; and then there is the torque sensing, which makes them not even in the same league. I've ridden both and there is no way I'd bother with Bafang for the riding I do. Commuting or road use, Bafang probably OK. Proper MTBing? Not even close.
27.5x3.0 isn't very different in diameter from 29x2.5 tires.
The low position under the BB is a deal breaker. If it's a steel frame just cut the down tube and rotate the motor up then scab in some metal from the hardware store. You should be good 😅
I like the way you think!
@hardtailparty sending you a Chinese hacksaw and some JB weld
Ill be doing an electric bike this 2025 👽👍🏻✨
🔥🔥🔥🔥👊👊👊👊
Didn't realize you're so deep into the dark side.
I've got quite a few videos on this channel and my other channel talking about how emtbs are often my only option with my chronic health issues.
@@hardtailparty Your health situation is what ebikes are meant for. How many mountain bikers are not going to dial in unrestricted power and go? Seriously.
@@runswithdogs6892 Unsure. I'm concerned that ebikes will lead to the closure of many mtb trails. We have the same issue with side x side riders on jeep trails, running off trail, riding illegal trails, and getting things shut down. Ultimately it's in our best interest to work with the land managers, not against. I have a video on this exact topic over on BBP.
@@hardtailparty You know it's going to happen. Too easy to go too fast on multi-use trails. BTW I live in Prescott Valley and ride weekly past that rock you broke your finger on in a video. Think of you every time, yank it straight and keep riding.
Ebikes are for the lazy