Originally Posted by
unterhausen
I suspect if SON came out with a hub that had substantially less drag, they would sell pretty well. This already happened when they came out with the small wheel hubs, they took over.
Not sure I can agree.
I was a relatively early adapter of the Sondelux (small wheel hub), though for my 20' wheeled Moulton APB.
It replaced a Sturmey Archer GH-6, I think it was called, which weighed over a kg.
On a small wheel, the Sondelux was ok for lights as well as charging system, but being utilised on a larger wheel, especially a 700c wheel, it was really only suitable for lighting due I believe to the slower rotation speeds.
Realising this, when I bought my large wheeled bike, I made sure to get a Son28, knowing I'd require not only lighting, but charging for my phone and Garmin unit.
I'm unsure that the Sondelux ever "took over", at least where I've ever resided, but concede it possible where you do.
I will give you that they were very popular with certain types of competitive cyclists partaking in events like Audax due to their low weight benefits.
As for drag, I've discerned no difference in either models and that is to say, no real noticeable drag ever noticed.
These aren't like the old bottle dynamos.
As for selling well, amongst the initiated they do sell well, partly due to their competitive 5 year warranty (valid when I bought mine) that their competition failed to offer (at least back when I bought mine back in 2012, if memory serves)