04P - Photon: Resistance when peddling

Photon: Resistance when peddling


Photon: Resistance when peddlingSymptomsReasonChecklistTroubleshootingSolution1. Left Retaining Lock Ring Too Tight 2. Left Bottom Bracket Cup Tolerance3. Tolerance on Stage 1 Gear Assembly4. Sprag Clutch 


Symptoms


When pedaling, there is an abnormal amount of resistance making it more difficult to turn the cranks. 


If you are experiencing noise, or abnormal heat, or are unable to roll your rear wheel backward, refer to the 📄 Motor Resistance article instead.


Reason


1. The left retaining lock ring is too tight

2. The left bottom bracket cup bearing is not turning smoothly

3. The tolerance on the stage 1 gear assembly is incorrect

4. The sprag clutch has failed or the sprag clutch has an incorrect tolerance


Checklist


  1. Ensure that pedal resistance is the only issue and that there are no additional symptoms that need to be taken into account. 
  2. Ensure that you have inspected your bike's cassette and ensure that the issue is not related to the bike instead. 


Troubleshooting


  1. Put your bike on a stand where you can freely spin the back wheel and turn the cranks without external obstruction.
  2. Follow the flow chart below and refer to the Solutions section below when you have narrowed down the cause of your issue.




Solution


If a replacement component is needed and your kit is still under warranty, be sure to reach out to CYC or your authorized reseller. You may be asked to provide your order number, receipt, or proof of purchase along with evidence of the issue to qualify for a warranty replacement.


IMPORTANT: Before attempting to replace the relevant parts at home, we strongly advise you to look at the "Replacements & Servicing" article linked below to see what the replacement entails. Some replacements may require additional tools in which case, it may be better to send your kit to CYC or an authorised reseller for repair. Your repair may be covered by warranty.


CYC will not warranty or be held liable for damages or issues as a result of at home repairs or using incorrect tools.


See the article below for details on servicing and replacements:

📄 Replacements & Servicing


1. Left Retaining Lock Ring Too Tight 

 

Reason no 1 is the most common and very easy to get wrong during installation. The Photon's official installation video demonstrates how to correctly pre-load the retaining lock ring: How to build an eMTB with CYC Photon - Complete Installation Guide - Official  

 

2. Left Bottom Bracket Cup Tolerance

 

If the left side bottom bracket cup bearing does not turn smoothly when the nylon cover is on but still turns smoothly without the nylon cover, replace the whole left side bottom bracket cup.

 

This has been solved by a design change.

 

3. Tolerance on Stage 1 Gear Assembly

 

Reason no 3 is only an issue if you are experiencing significant resistance when pedaling forwards after confirming that it is not related to the retaining lock ring or left bottom bracket cup. The solution is to simply change the retaining ring to a 0.8mm version.

 

This was a manufacturing issue that has been solved and should not occur in more recent orders.   Please consult CYC or your authorized reseller before organizing a replacement. 

 

 

 

4. Sprag Clutch 

 

Reason no 4 is when you are experiencing that pedaling backward has significant resistance which is due to a batch of sprag clutches that has tighter tolerance than it should. 

 

This is a manufacturing issue that should also not be in newer Photon orders. Please consult CYC or your authorized reseller before organizing a replacement.