Originally Posted by
CliftonGK1
Durability on the Novotec, Sanyo, and lower end Shimano hubs isn't the concern with many dyno users; it's the mechanical drag. For a commuter bike it may not be much of an issue. For a randonneur it can become a huge concern, when additional drag might decrease a rider's speed by 0.2mph.
May not sound like much; and on a 1hr commute is really isn't. Applied to my own commute, it's the difference between 1 hour (at 16mph avg) or 1hr 0m 45s. Over the course of a 40hr brevet, it becomes 30 minutes, which could mean the difference between a 600k medal and a DNF.
I though that randonneuring was all about being non-competitive, what difference does 30 minutes mean on a 40hr ride? Why use time as a metric, not distance?
Anyway, I've have and use the following: Sturmey-Archer Dynohub (2W), Novatec dynamo hub, and a Shimano Alfine dynamo hub. I also have a Son 20R, but I haven't put it into service yet.
I don't ride competitively, so I don't care so much about the drag. I'm happy with the light output, but some guys are never satisfied with the light output. I ride on roads, not trails, so I'm satisfied from the output, even with the old Sturmey-Archer. I have LED lights on all of them, the best one being an Edelux. I'm most happy with the Edelux/Shimano combination, I'm sure when I substitute the SON I'll be even happier. I will say that the Novatec has the most noticeable drag, but it is fine for me, I really dislike battery lights and the hassle of charging them.