One problem they face is the cheap torque sense competition. I also have a TSDZ2 and honestly it rides very similarly and compares favorably in operation to the Photon, especially on OSF... at least pedaling. The TSDs don't have the high unrestricted/race throttle power of the Photon, but with Gen 1 Photon that is mostly just a novelty since heat management is so limiting.
Now, the Photon is made from much better hardware and has a nice Bluetooth app right out of the box. But it is at least 2x the cost of the TSDZxs. Some of us are willing to pay the premium, but many aren't. I would welcome the better heat management of the Gen 2 so it could run higher continuous power, whether on pedal or throttle, even if it is slightly larger. That would make the bike more versatile.
Im curious as to what conditions you say it rides very similarly?
I play around with all the mid drives (TSDZ2 with OSF (including my own SW mods), BBSHD, CYC Photon and ToSeven DM01). I have also owned three Brose Equipped bikes and a Luna X2 with ludicrous controller. I have also played with several Grin torque sensing hub drive setups (GMAC 10T, RH212 Std with statorade). Playing with ebikes is my hobby.
As far as DIY torque sensing 'quality', the Photon is hands above the rest. How much you realize this depends on your riding situation. If your riding at higher speeds where you have less torque advantage due to gearing, I agree many feel the same. Its when you are at the lowest gearing that the CYC shines.
IMHO, at higher speeds (20mph+), torque sensing is more of a convenience thing in not having to constantly change cadence based assist levels (like on BBSHD). When you get down to the low gears like 42tF/46tR that the CYC torque sensing quality shines.
In strictly MTB technical riding (8%+ rocky obstacles and ledges and roots on singletrack), the CYC is the only DIY solution that has worked for me. While not on par with my Brose Bikes its doable on the CYC. The BBSHD is laughable and the TSDZ2 is a close second (havnt tried the toseven yet). Being a SW engineer, I played with the TSDZ2 OSF to increase the torque sensor response but the TSDZ2 torque sensor had a horrible low pass filter with horrendous latency (youtube videos by OSF author show this). In the end my TSDZ2 failed after less than 1k miles due to axle bearing slop on the drive side and is now in a landfill somewhere.
For the longest time, my setup was BBSHD on one bike and CYC photon V1 on the other which was most of my riding (except pure MTB rides at 20 miles once a week on Turbo Levo or Luna X2). The Photon was for 'fitness days' and the BBSHD was for 'off days'. Yes, the CYC Photon can overheat and I always ran it without throttle and monitoring temps in 'unrestricted race mode'. My favorite and most efficient DIY setup.
I recently installed the ToSeven DM01 to replace the CYC Photon (for now). I blew the original DM01 controller at 52V 30A (about 1400W) within 10 rides. That initial DM01 setup (bought two years ago) had a big delay in power delivery and the onset of power was too high. The replaced controller (newer firmware, limited to 23A) is WAY BETTER. In fact, the only things I have changed on the default settings is removing the speed limits. For the rides I do on this bike(gravel rides, slightly technical), the DM01 is better suited than the CYC photon due to the better thermal characteristics and subsequent higher sustained power output.
The DM01 has its own set of problems though regarding the torque sensor. As it gets hotter the torque sensor voltage increases to the point that it can cause problems. A typical Dm01 stock setting is torque sensor base voltage is 0.7V with 0.9V required before assist is applied. On an extended 1000W push, I see the base voltage at 1.0V and have seen error messages which I think are attributed to this. The trick on the DM01 seems to be keeping it just below 1000W.
Im interested in the Photon V2 and will most likely buy one, would like to compare against my ToSeven DM01
www.cycmotor.com
