Originally Posted by
RWBlue01
Assuming you are not travelling some place where you can not get batteries.
Assuming your devices can be charged with Dyna hubs.
Assuming your devices can use batteries or can use a external battery recharging option.
Assuming the difference in drag of Dyna hub or weight of batteries and/or external charger is negligible.
Simple math.
T=How long on Tour?
B=How many batteries needed to recharge devices?
C=Cost per battery?
Ch=charger?
H=cost of hubs and associated gear?
T*B*C vs. H
Practical math example
T= 16 days
B= 4 batteries
C = .4
CH= I already have a charger
Total = $25.60
Hub is not cost effective for me.
That's great math to show that a dynamo hub might not be cost effective for one trip. But what if the bike is ridden regularly for a year, including commuting, touring, etc.? I would think that a dynamo hub and lights would be far more cost effective than battery lights in the long run.
Long-term benefits of a dynamo system:
- cost
- independence (don't need to rely on others for your electricity needs, or to find replacement batteries)
- better optics (most dynamo lights use more sophisticated and efficient beam patterns)
- reliability (don't need to worry about batteries dying)
- environmental impact (no need to continue to consume batteries)
Negatives of a dynamo system:
- upfront cost
- hub not serviceable (how many of you have serviced a front hub in the field?)
As someone who commutes 5 days a week all year for the past 6 years, I've never had to service my Shimano dynamo hub, replace a bulb, or do anything to maintain the lighting system. It just works. I wouldn't hesitate to take the hub on a tour in remote locations. In fact I plan to use it this summer on the GDMBR and in the future in S. America.