How to Customize Your eBike: Upgrade the Falcon S

The eBike world is evolving rapidly, and the Falcon S from CYKE is already a powerhouse when it comes to off-road adventures. But even a top-tier vehicle can benefit from a few eBike upgrades.

Whether you want improved comfort, better handling, or enhanced performance, customizing your Falcon S can turn it into a tailored extension of your riding style.

In this post, we’ll explore why customizing your Falcon S is worth it and dive into key modifications that will take your ride to the next level.

Why Upgrade Your Falcon S?

The Falcon S is a high-performance, full-suspension eMTB built for rough trails and tough climbs. It already packs serious power, featuring a robust 1000W BAFANG mid-drive motor paired with 160 Nm of torque, giving you the strength to conquer steep inclines with ease.

Additionally, its advanced RockShox suspension system, including a 150mm travel front fork and a rear shock absorber, smooths out bumps, ensuring better control and a more comfortable ride.

But even with these impressive features, there’s still room for upgrades. For example, it lacks a dropper post and tubeless-ready wheels, both of which are essential for aggressive trail riding. Adding these and other key modifications can make the Falcon S even more capable, giving you a smoother, more responsive, and more powerful ride.

Things to Tailor Your eMTB

Customizing your eMTB is a personal journey. With a range of emtb upgrades available, you can fine-tune your Falcon S to meet your needs. Here are some must-consider modifications:

Dropper Post for On-the-Fly Seat Adjustment

A dropper post is one of the most transformative eBike upgrades for any mountain bike. This device lets you quickly adjust your seat height while riding. This means you can lower your seat instantly when descending steep trails, or raising it when powering up a climb.

When you’re cruising down a rough slope, a lower seat gives you extra maneuverability and stability. On challenging climbs, a higher seat can improve pedaling efficiency. A dropper post provides that flexibility, ensuring that you maintain optimal body positioning for both control and comfort.

The Falcon S’s stock seat post is fixed, limiting maneuverability on rough terrain. So, if you are an off-road enthusiast who demands precision and control, you can add a dropper post like the RockShox Reverb series or Brand-X Ascend. This will keep your focus on the trail rather than constant manual adjustments.

Clutched Derailleur for Smoother Shifting

A clutched derailleur reduces chain slapping, a common issue when riding on bumpy or uneven surfaces. With this upgrade, the chain remains more secure, minimizing the risk of it coming off or causing erratic shifts.

The Falcon S comes with an SRAM X5 9-speed derailleur, which lacks a clutch mechanism. This means chain slap and noise on bumpy trails. Upgrading to a clutched derailleur like SRAM NX Eagle keeps the chain tension steady, reduces drops, and delivers crisp shifts, even in the most demanding conditions.

As you navigate rocky descents and tight corners, the improved chain retention helps you maintain momentum and confidence.

Tubeless-Ready Wheels for Better Traction and Fewer Flats

Tubeless-ready wheels are designed to work without the inner tube, reducing the chance of punctures while offering a lighter setup. Upgrading your Falcon S to tubeless-ready wheels not only improves traction but also allows you to run lower tire pressures for better grip on uneven terrain.

These wheels are ideal for aggressive riding. With fewer flats and enhanced control, you can ride more confidently on technical trails. Although the Falcon S comes equipped with quality Maxxis Minion tires and robust rims, a dedicated tubeless wheel setup (like HUNT E_All Mountain 29 Wheelset) can elevate your ride by reducing overall weight and improving handling.

This upgrade is especially beneficial for those who frequently encounter rocky or root-strewn paths.

Water Bottle Mounts for Added Convenience

Water bottle mounts keep hydration easily accessible, which is crucial during extended rides. Thus, adding water bottle mounts to your Falcon S can be a simple yet effective upgrade.

They are lightweight, easy to install, and blend well with the eBike’s design. With this mount, you won’t have to worry about finding a spot to stash your water bottle or stopping to retrieve it from your backpack.

Front & Rear Fenders

Mud, water, and road debris can affect your riding comfort and performance. Front and rear rack fenders not only protect you from splashes but also keep your bike cleaner.

They provide extra coverage during wet conditions, ensuring that you stay comfortable, and your components remain in good shape. For the Falcon S, fenders can be especially useful during long rides where the accumulation of mud and water might otherwise become a distraction.

Watch the Upgrade Process in Action

If you’re a visual learner or simply curious about how eBike upgrades come together, you should check out this YouTube video that demonstrates the process. In the video, a YouTuber performs several modifications like adding a stem bar, pedals, and Tubeless Wheels, to his Falcon S eBike, showing firsthand how each upgrade impacts performance. Watching someone else tackle the upgrades can boost your confidence and inspire you to try similar modifications on your own e-bike.

Comfort and Aesthetic Upgrades

While performance enhancements are key, comfort and aesthetics also play a major role in creating a truly personalized ride. Let’s look at the best eBike upgrades that focus on these aspects.

Customize Your Grips and Handlebars

Your connection to your e-bike starts at the handlebars. Custom grips and handlebars not only add a touch of personal style but also can significantly improve your riding comfort. Over time, standard grips may wear out or simply not fit your hand size perfectly. Upgrading to ergonomically designed grips can reduce hand fatigue, especially on longer rides.

Changing the handlebars can also provide a better fit for your riding posture, leading to improved control and less strain on your arms and back. With a vast array of options available, you can select styles and materials that suit your preferences.

Adding a Suspension Seatpost for Extra Comfort

Long rides on rough terrain can take a toll on your back and bottom. For those interested in exploring this option, CYKE offers a dedicated suspension seatpost designed to complement the Falcon S perfectly.

Its 400mm length and 27.2mm diameter, with a 27.2mm to 30.4mm adapter, fits perfectly the Falcon S. With an adjustable spring system, this device absorbs shock and vibration from uneven trails, providing a smoother, more comfortable ride.

By reducing the impact of bumps, a suspension seatpost helps you to ride longer without fatigue.

Final Thoughts on Upgrading Your Falcon S

The Falcon S is a powerhouse, but customization unlocks its full potential. Every upgrade, whether it’s a dropper post for on-the-fly seat adjustments or a clutched derailleur for smoother shifting, contributes to a more responsive and enjoyable ride.

Each modification is designed to address a particular challenge you might face on the trail. Remember, the best upgrades are the ones that make your rides safer, smoother, and more fun.

Ready to transform your Falcon S? Start with one upgrade, customize eBike, and build from there.