Originally Posted by
HoustonGal
Love my dynohub powered lights. Especially the front. I use a Planet Bike Superflash on the rear rack as well, since the Lumotec rear light doesn't blink.
Same here.
Frankly, I think the hub resistance (it's a Shimano) is minimal. I may have noticed it the first time I rode with the new wheel, but I don't now. Plus, it's a commuter bike anyway - I have a rack, and fenders, and stuff in the pannier - weight isn't that big of a deal. And only the most persistent DIY thief is going to steal those lights when the bike is locked up.
I've never felt resistance of the hub (a SON 28 from Schmidt) while riding. spinning the axle in my hand when the wheel's off the bike, sure, but when it's mounted? No. I don't worry about theft too much because the bike that I have the dyno lighting on is my commuter and I park inside a guard-controlled perimeter (no one comes or goes without showing ID), and I lock it up outside the locker room building that doesn't have a lot of people going in and out. So I consider it to be safe.
I do keep a white LED light in my pannier, just in case of hub light failure, but I haven't had a problem in over a year.
I haven't gotten around to it, but I should do that.