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Fyxo Builds: Surly Grappler E-Conversion With CYC Photon Gen 2
Fyxo Builds: CYC Photon Gen 2 Equipped Surly Grappler E-Conversion – Andy White
By Kristina, Lead Editor at CyclingTrend.com
E-bike conversions have quietly moved from “garage experiment” to legitimate category—especially for riders who already own a bike they love, but want more range, more utility, and fewer excuses not to ride. Melbourne builder Andy White of Fyxo has become one of the more thoughtful voices in the conversion space, and his latest project—a Surly Grappler paired with a CYC Photon Gen 2 mid-drive—hits a sweet spot that’s hard to ignore: capable adventure geometry, real cargo intent, and a motor system that doesn’t look like it was bolted on during a lunch break.
What’s most compelling isn’t simply that the Grappler can be electrified. It’s that this kind of build reframes what an “everyday bike” can be. The same chassis that wants to be a drop-bar rambling machine can also become a grocery-hauling, hill-flattening, errands-first workhorse—without forcing you into a purpose-built e-bike that may or may not match your preferences for fit, handling, or maintenance.
The Case for Converting a Bike You Already Trust
There’s a particular satisfaction in upgrading something familiar rather than replacing it outright. Riders who’ve spent years dialing their cockpit, saddles, tire volume, and gearing often feel oddly displaced on a new e-bike—even a very good one. Conversion kits, at their best, let you keep the ergonomics and personality of your bike while adding assist that can turn “maybe” rides into automatic yeses.
The practical benefits are obvious: more trips by bike, less car dependency, and an expanded radius for commutes, school runs, or weekday micro-adventures. The less obvious benefit is psychological—assist lowers the barrier to entry on days when time, fatigue, wind, or terrain would otherwise veto your ride. It’s not about eliminating effort. It’s about making cycling the default choice.
- 【Frame】: Durable steel dual suspension Mountain Bike frame. Featured with Front suspension fork and rear coil shock to smooth out the bumps along the way.
- 【Speeds】: Effortless gear change with 18-speed twist shifters and front and rear derailleurs.Help you find the perfect cadence to navigate your path ahead.
- 【Control】: Front and rear linear pull brakes provide control and strong stopping power.
- 【Tires】: The 26-inch all-terrain bike tires are great for various terrains, while fit to riders 5'2'' to 6'2'' inches tall.
- 【Ideal Rider】: The ideal rider for this bike is a men/woman aged 13 and up.
- SMOOTH DUAL SUSPENSION FOR COMFORT: Front suspension fork and rear spring shock absorb bumps, providing a controlled, comfortable ride on trails, gravel paths, and uneven roads.
- DURABLE STEEL FRAME WITH STYLISH DESIGN: The strong steel frame features a sleek gray gloss finish with bold red accents for durability, a modern look, and long-lasting performance.
- 21-SPEED SHIMANO GEAR SYSTEM: Conquer any terrain with the 21-speed drivetrain, Shimano rear derailleur, and twist shifters for smooth, precise gear changes, even on steep hills.
- KNOBBY ALL-TERRAIN TIRES FOR GREAT TRACTION: 26-inch tires deliver excellent grip and stability on dirt, gravel, or pavement, ensuring confidence and control in any conditions.
- BUILT FOR RIDERS 5'0" OR TALLER: Perfect for trail rides, commutes, or recreational cycling, this bike offers a comfortable fit and all the features you need for exciting outdoor adventures.
- Lightweight 16.5 inch aluminum mountain frame is the perfect bike for rides around your neighborhood or trails with 26-inch wheels fit riders 5' 3" - 5' 8" inches tall
- Bicycle is equipped with an alloy crank that delivers smooth gear changes, requiring minimal maintenance
- Mountain bike has twist shifters with a rear derailleur to make gear changes quick and easy
- Lightweight and sturdy alloy wheel and wide knobby mountain tires offer stability and balance to riders on all terrains and in all weather conditions
- Quick-release seat posts for easy adjustments, arrives 80% assembled, will need the following tool: Phillips head screwdriver, 2.5-8mm Allen wrenches, adjustable wrench, pliers with cable cutters
Why the Surly Grappler Makes a Smart Donor Frame
The Surly Grappler is already designed with versatility baked in: big tire clearance, stable handling, and a frame that feels happy being loaded. It’s the kind of bike that doesn’t flinch when you add racks, bags, fenders, and the general chaos of real-life use. In other words, it behaves like a platform rather than a fragile performance object. For an e-conversion, that matters.
A mid-drive system amplifies everything your drivetrain is doing. If you’re the type of rider who routinely carries weight or points your bike down rough surfaces, you want a frame and fork that feel planted and predictable. The Grappler’s calm, adventure-first DNA pairs naturally with the “go farther, carry more” promise of an electric assist build.
CYC Photon Gen 2: The Conversion Motor That Looks Like It Belongs
The best compliment you can give a mid-drive conversion is that it doesn’t scream “conversion.” The CYC Photon Gen 2 is compact and cleanly executed, and its torque-sensing behavior is what separates it from the more on/off feel that has historically made some retrofit systems ride like a motorized switch. Torque sensing matters because it rewards your input rather than replacing it; the assist feels like an extension of your legs, not a separate machine trying to guess what you want.
Another reason the Photon platform resonates with builders is tunability. Not everyone wants the same e-bike. Some want subtle support that keeps heart rate steady on long rides; others want stout output for cargo and steep grades. A system that can be configured to match your riding style—and your local e-bike regulations—isn’t just nice. It’s essential.
Small Battery, Big Payoff
One of the clever decisions in builds like this is resisting the urge to over-battery the bike. A smaller-capacity pack keeps handling lively and preserves some of the “analog bike” feel when you’re riding unassisted or in low modes. It also makes the bike less of a theft magnet and easier to live with day-to-day.
For many riders, the goal isn’t maximum range at maximum power. It’s consistent use: the ability to knock out 20–35km errands and commutes without arriving sweaty, stressed, or time-crunched. A modest battery paired with an efficient torque-sensing mid-drive can be a smarter, more elegant solution than strapping a huge pack to the frame and calling it progress.
Cargo, Lights, and the “This Is a Vehicle” Mindset
When a build adds front and rear racks, fenders, and proper lighting, it stops being “a bike with a motor” and starts being a vehicle. That shift is important: it changes how you plan your week. A sturdy front rack is a revelation for bulky loads—things that don’t play nicely with panniers. A high-capacity rear rack makes grocery runs and work gear trivial. Fenders, meanwhile, are the quiet heroes that keep you riding when weather gets honest.
Lighting is worth extra attention on e-conversions. The ideal setup is simple, reliable, and wired in a way that doesn’t turn your cockpit into cable spaghetti. For riders who prefer USB-rechargeable lights, it’s still worth choosing models with strong mounts and good optics rather than chasing headline lumen numbers.
If you’re building a similar rig, a few practical add-ons can dramatically improve daily usability:
- TOOLS INCLUDED: Hex Wrenches #2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8. Open wrench 8mm, 10mm. Spoke wrench #0, 1, 2, 3. Screwdrivers Philips #1 & 2, flat #2. Torx T-10, T-26
- CHAIN TOOL: 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 speed compatible
- DESIGNED TO BE ERGONOMIC: Side grips provide a secure handhold even with gloves on
- LIFETIME WARRANTY
- COMPACT, SLIM-PROFILE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: 89mm length, 175g
- High-Pressure Performance: Delivers up to 160 psi (11 bar), read on an enlarged 3" mid-mount analog gauge for clear, accurate inflation on road, gravel or MTB.
- Universal TwinHead DX5: The hammer-style TwinHead DX5 fits Presta, Schrader and Dunlop valves, and the extra-long 360-degree hose reaches tires at any angle.
- Durable Steel Construction: A robust steel barrel and hardened steel base keep the JoeBlow Sport III stable during high-pressure fills, ride after ride.
- Ergonomic Comfort and Control: An oversized padded handle gives a comfortable, secure grip, reducing hand fatigue so every rider pumps up faster.
- Complete Accessory Set: Includes ball and bladder inflation needles and a built-in hose dock, making it ready for bikes, sports balls and inflatables.
- Powerful 100 Lumen tail light with adjust brightness and flash speeds, ; lasts up to 270 hours on a single charge
- Exclusive night and day modes provide enhanced safety : steady, Zoom, Steady Pulse, Daylighting, triple flash, random flash
- Steady Pulse alerts with pulses as its overlapping steady beam helps motorists gauge their distance
- Daylighting's powerful flashes highlights your presence in day light
- Cygolite, the trusted American bicycle light experts since 1991
- SLEEK LOW-PROFILE DESIGN – Unlike bulky bells, the Oi Luxe wraps around your handlebar for a clean, modern look that seems to float on your bike. A stylish upgrade for adult riders.
- PREMIUM MATERIALS – Built with CNC-machined ringer, brass dinger, and stainless-steel injection molding for durability. Stitched vegan leather shim adds both style and handlebar protection.
- TWO SIZES FOR PERFECT FIT – Choose Small (22.2mm) for standard flat bars on city, MTB, fixie, and commuter bikes. Select Large (23.8–31.8mm) for road bike drop bars, eBikes, and oversized handlebars.
- INTEGRATED CABLE MANAGEMENT – Unique channel design lets brake and shifter cables pass directly through the bell, keeping your cockpit neat and uncluttered.
- CRISP, RESONANT SOUND – With a firm strike and long-lasting tone, the Oi Luxe ensures you’re heard clearly in traffic, on trails, or during group rides—pleasant yet effective.
- HIGH-SECURITY DESIGN: Made from a 18mm hardened max-performance steel shackle, this bike lock provides ultimate resistance against cutting and leverage attacks
- PATENTED LOCKING SYSTEM: Features a patented hardened double deadbolt design that gives additional protection against twist attacks, plus a patented steel sleeve over crossbar for double security and a high-security disc-style cylinder, resistant to picking and drilling
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: This Kryptonite bike lock is ideal to secure your bicycles, sports equipment, gates and fences, tool boxes & ladders, grills & lawnmowers, skateboards, truck bed and more
- DESIGNED FOR E-BIKE: U-Lock Interior Locking Dimensions; 3.25" x 6". Exterior Dimensions; 9.5" x 6" x 2", 18mm steel shackle with a weight of 4.55 lbs. Includes three keys and rated 10/10 for ultimate security on our scale.
- ATPO & KEYSAFE PROGRAM ELIGIBLE: Register to qualify for Kryptonite's Anti-Theft Protection Offer and KeySafe key replacement service
- The Lightest, Strongest and Most Secure Smartphone Bike Mount
- Patented dual-stage lock ensures phone is held securely to your bike
- Quick to attach / detach providing easy access to your apps on the go
- Suits Stem or Handlebars with tube diameter 25-40mm
- Compatible with all Quad Lock Cases and Adapters (Not included)
- PROFESSIONAL QUALITY MATERIALS - Lightweight, CNC machined aluminum construction with durable and precise parts, which are built to last so you can have a safe and enjoyable ride.
- AIR BLEED SYSTEM - The ABS button releases the pressure from the pump hose, simplifying removal of the flip-thread chuck and eliminating the risk of the valves unscrewing the valve core as well.
- PRESTA ABS FLEX HOSE - Equipped with Presta and Schrader valve compatible ABS Flex Hose with integrated valve core tool that enables a tight seal with no air leaks.
- PRESTA ABS FLEX HOSE - Equipped with Presta and Schrader valve compatible ABS Flex Hose with integrated valve core tool that enables a tight seal with no air leaks.
- A PASSION FOR DESIGN - Every product comes from a combination of a love for cycling and a passion for design. Our products are intelligently engineered and designed, and functionally complete.
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My Take: Conversions Are the Most Interesting Part of the E-Bike Boom
Purpose-built e-bikes are improving rapidly—lighter, quieter, more integrated. But conversions remain the most culturally interesting slice of the market because they’re personal. They reveal how people actually ride: the parents hauling kids, the commuters threading city lanes, the weekend explorers who want to go farther without turning a ride into a sufferfest.
A build like Andy White’s doesn’t just add watts. It adds optionality. It’s a reminder that the “best” e-bike isn’t always the one with the sleekest carbon downtube. Sometimes it’s the bike you already know—made more useful, more frequently ridden, and better aligned with the realities of modern life.
FAQ: Surly Grappler + CYC Photon Gen 2 E-Conversion
Is a mid-drive conversion better than a hub motor?
For hilly terrain, cargo, and off-pavement riding, mid-drives generally feel more natural because they leverage your bike’s gearing. Hub motors can be simpler and sometimes cheaper, but they may feel less refined on varied terrain.
Will a conversion ruin the “normal bike” feel?
Not necessarily. Torque-sensing systems and smaller batteries can preserve much of the bike’s original handling and ride character—especially if you spend most time in lower assist modes.
What tools do I actually need for a mid-drive install?
At minimum: hex keys, a crank puller, and a bottom bracket tool appropriate to your bike. A torque wrench is strongly recommended for safe assembly and long-term reliability.
How far can I ride on a smaller battery?
Range depends on rider weight, cargo, terrain, tires, wind, and assist level. Many riders find that a modest battery is plenty for everyday errands and commutes—especially with a torque-sensing system that rewards steady pedaling.
Do e-conversions increase drivetrain wear?
Yes, they can—particularly chains and cassettes—because more torque is flowing through the system. Staying on top of chain lubrication, replacing chains on time, and tuning shifting well can significantly reduce premature wear.
What’s the biggest mistake people make with conversions?
Overbuilding for peak power instead of building for real use. The best conversions are balanced: sensible gearing, reliable brakes, practical lighting, and a battery sized for your actual weekly rides.
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