Originally Posted by
RubeRad
Why would you not use the dyno? Is the on-switch really inconvenient? In fact, why would the dyno even have an on/off switch?
It has an on/off switch. But then I would have to bother reaching to the switch for something that really doesn't put out much light. sometimes I forget and leave it on for a few days. It really doesn't matter because, compared to the battery light, it puts out so little light that it is barely noticeable. . . as I said, it is a minimum legal light, not much more.
I made point of using it exclusively for a couple of months after I got it. However, co workers started commenting that I "used to have a really good headlight" and now "I can barely see you when your riding."
The dyno combo is an Alfine hub and an AXA light. I know, people are going to say "your should try brand X." As I said, I have tried other dyno lights, they have just not impressed me. For the money of a half way decent dyno light you can have an outstanding battery light set up.
It I were competing in some sort of a 24hr unsupported race; or if I were worried about riding on a planet that bad no batteries, or electric mains, then the dyno light might make sense. For me, I am just going to work and to various markets.
As for "Why is it turned off?" I honestly didn't notice it was off until a few days ago when I saw my reflection and noticed I only had one light on the front of my bike working. I turned it on and noticed that it, effectively, made no difference.
I may remove it eventually; but it is good to have there as a backup legal light. Further, if I removed it I would feel a need to remove the dyno hub. . . and that would involve effort. . .
(yes, I'm one of those annoying ". . . because I'm too lazy to walk from the parking lot. . ." cycle commuters.)
What it really comes down to is that the dyno-light turned out to be a useless farkle.
Now the belt drive, that's different, it is really helping me approach my goal of a "maintenance-free" bike.
I think it's actually that they're both pretty good for certain uses and there's no clear winner which is why these rediculous flame wars keep happening.
In general I agree with this; however, firstly, I do not see this as having devolved to a flame war. Secondly, part of the reason I keep up with my comments is because the dyno-faithful keep up such strong advocacy for something I have found to not be that great.
I just don't want people considering cycle commuting to be turned off by the apparent need to spend a couple of hundred on a light set-up (okay, some are saying $160, if you can find good deals and build your own wheels). I would also like to help people avoid spending that money and ending up with something that is clearly second rate. When that happens a lot of people get discouraged and give up.
The forums are about sharing experience; so, yes, I am sharing my experience. That isn't flame war.