Folding Bikes - Generator (Dynamo) Lighting

I just got a Brompton with the stock AXA Dynamo Lighting. Every time I go over a bump it turns on. PITA. Is this a common problem? My dealer said it was, but that the B&M worked well, anyone using the B&M? As a side note anyone know firsthand if the $150 B&M 6V is noticably better than the $50 one?

Thanks for any help you can give.

JimC

I have no experience with the AXA, but have heard this can be a problem on some cheaper models - make sure it's attached correctly.

I had the B&M6, and it certainly didn't come on going over bumps. I think the only difference between the 6 and the S6 is that the S6 has slightly higher efficiency/lower drag. Whether or not this is likely to bother you - I don't know. The drag is fairly minimal anyway. Does the drag from the AXA bother you? If it doesn't, then save your pennies and get the cheaper B&M.

I have started fitting 'Reelights' (http://shop.reelight.com/default.asp?lang=uk) to my 'fleet' they are super efficient, have no noticable drag, are permanently on, and are not easy to steal.
The only prob is that they are not easy to fit to single sided type bikes such as Strida & GoBike.
Work great on my Brompton, Long-John and just about any bike with normal axle nuts & spokes, quick & easy to fit, then forget them! Saw them in Denmark where they were developed, they seem to be fitted to all the hire bikes, brilliant!
Uk distributor is 2pure (http://www.2pure.co.uk)

I've bought three B&M6's and one of the three has the exact same problem you describe in the OP, I had to scrap it after a couple three years. These days I just buy used older Union dynamos, I can get 'em in one of my local bike shops for anywhere between $5 and $15, sometimes complete with lamps. They work great and I can't beat the price compared to $100 plus for a complete B&M setup.

These days I just buy used older Union dynamos, I can get 'em in one of my local bike shops for anywhere between $5 and $15, sometimes complete with lamps.

Wow, envious! If only my local bike shops had finds like that!

The dynamos on our Bromptons were replaced by Nordlichts. No problems but a little heavier, as are most non-factory options for Bromptons.

I have started fitting 'Reelights' (http://shop.reelight.com/default.asp?lang=uk) to my 'fleet' they are super efficient, have no noticable drag, are permanently on, and are not easy to steal.
The only prob is that they are not easy to fit to single sided type bikes such as Strida & GoBike.
Work great on my Brompton, Long-John and just about any bike with normal axle nuts & spokes, quick & easy to fit, then forget them! Saw them in Denmark where they were developed, they seem to be fitted to all the hire bikes, brilliant!
Uk distributor is 2pure (http://www.2pure.co.uk)

Those lights look damned interesting Chop. Thanks for the info. They are maybe a bit pricey though. How bright are they? Surely if they are bright enough to be seen in daylight, they must introduce some drag to the wheels? I'd have thought so anyway.

Thanks for all the replies!

It seems like generating your own power is not in fashion right now.

I am thinking that with the new LEDs coming out that 3-4.5 watts might be enough to provide light to really see.

LWaB do you have a dealer for the Nordlichts. Were the AXAs on the bromptons slipping on? Was the fit good using the brompton mount?

Thanks again

JimC

I am thinking that with the new LEDs coming out that 3-4.5 watts might be enough to provide light to really see.

JimC

That's what I'm finding with the 2 AA version of this:

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/fenix_l1dce-l2dce.htm

batteries, meh

batteries, meh

Yes, batteries have disadvantages......

That light is really good though, better value than bike specific front lights, very thin, thus can go on limited space folder handlebars. It just needs a 2.5 to 3v supply at around an amp or so, so with a suitable regulator, a dynamo would be ok, providing a good way of getting the 2 wires to the light could be found.

I've thought about fitting my "Lightspin" dynamo to the Strida, but there's no really convenient spot on the back of the belt to put it. If you have any good ideas though..........

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1285
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1283

$25+5(battery Rechargeable LiIon) including shipping

then the two fish mounting block.

You would also need to add a bridge rectifier to give the led DC from a dynamo.

here are some built to work with dynamos

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/inoled.asp

DLumotec Topal

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/dymotec.asp scroll down

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1285
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1283

$25+5(battery Rechargeable LiIon) including shipping

then the two fish mounting block.

You would also need to add a bridge rectifier to give the led DC from a dynamo.

here are some built to work with dynamos

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/inoled.asp

DLumotec Topal

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/dymotec.asp scroll down


LOL - $300! I'll take three.

I have a dynamo that cost £5. It works ok. Am I a cheapskate?

LOL - $300! I'll take three.

I have a dynamo that cost £5. It works ok. Am I a cheapskate?

$50 for the standard ~40% efficiency

$150, for the very lazy, buys (~55%) better efficiency

$300 for those who need >6W. This the only way to get this much power other than a battery.

edit: I could consider this an R&D donation if I had the money to spare.

I think my AXA is a £10-20 bottle, and it doesn't work (or works too often)

What brand is your £5 dynamo

JimC