Need new light for Shimano generator hub
#1
Need new light for Shimano generator hub
I'm looking for one that mounts to the front fork, either by way of clamp or front fender mounting hole. I already have the Shimano hub, i just need the light. Any suggestions? Thanks!
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,431
Likes: 44
From: Minneapolis, MN
The most commonly used reference for dynamo lighting is the Peter White site, which includes pictures of the lights -
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/headlights.asp
If you've spend the money on a good hub and a wheel and you want the most light possible it usually comes down to either the Lumotec Cyo (a nice light with a shaped beam that really does a good job lighting up the road, but doesn't light up off to the sides much) for around $110 or the Supernova E3 (Symmetrical) which is the usual more "round" beam for around $220.
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/headlights.asp
If you've spend the money on a good hub and a wheel and you want the most light possible it usually comes down to either the Lumotec Cyo (a nice light with a shaped beam that really does a good job lighting up the road, but doesn't light up off to the sides much) for around $110 or the Supernova E3 (Symmetrical) which is the usual more "round" beam for around $220.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,744
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Ontario
Bikes: Miele Azsora, Kuwahara Cascade
All generator hubs are the same (barring the obscure SA ones) as far as compatibility with lights. Decide on a budget and buy accordingly. (Velo-Orange has a good deal on a Japanese market dynamo light right now).
#4
multimodal commuter
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: NJ, NYC, LI
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
There's also the option of building your lights yourself. Here's a thread to get you started.
#5
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,846
Likes: 194
From: south Puget Sound
supernova
I hear the schmidt edelux is better but the supernova multimount can't be beat. So add that to whatever light you settle on.
ps-> I have run the same multimount under canti-brake straddle cable, and over v-brake noodle. Would not work w/ caliper brakes though I don't think.
I hear the schmidt edelux is better but the supernova multimount can't be beat. So add that to whatever light you settle on.
ps-> I have run the same multimount under canti-brake straddle cable, and over v-brake noodle. Would not work w/ caliper brakes though I don't think.
Last edited by HardyWeinberg; 07-12-10 at 09:42 AM.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,373
Likes: 8
From: Columbus, OH
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
My favourite right now is the SON Edelux. It's insanely bright on the road, has great cutoff optics, and just looks darned good. The drawback is that it's pricey; so if that's a concern go for the B&M IQ Cyo. Same optics and lamp as the Edelux in a black plastic housing instead of the polished metal. It's not as good of a heat dissipator, so the lamp doesn't run quite as bright... but it's still plenty bright enough for 35mph descents in the middle of the night.
If you aren't concerned about horizontal cutoff optics, then the Supernova lights are the way to go. The symmetrical single LED is amazingly bright and lights up at the same speeds as the Edelux or Cyo. The drawback is the lack of cutoff which means there's a tendency to blind oncoming traffic, especially if you ride on MUPs. The big benefit to Supernova lights is the ability to home upgrade when new, brighter LED dies come out.
Fork mounting solutions are pretty easy, and range from under $5.00 to around $40.00 depending on what you want. With my IQ Cyo I have a seatstay mount from a Cateye taillight modified with a long M4 bolt to hold the lamp away from the wheel. The spacers are Presta valve retainer nuts and I used a pair of concave adjustment washers from some old brake pads to sandwich the lamp base and allow for aiming adjustability. Total cost $3.50 for the taillight bracket at the LBS and they gave me the rest of the stuff for free.
For a fancy solution, you can get a Paul component mount that screws into the mid-fork eyelet and attach an R&E Mount for the lamp bracket.
For a little cheaper, you can use a Chronometro Nob or a Minora fork mount and one of Peter White's modified FlightDeck lamp mounts.
If you aren't concerned about horizontal cutoff optics, then the Supernova lights are the way to go. The symmetrical single LED is amazingly bright and lights up at the same speeds as the Edelux or Cyo. The drawback is the lack of cutoff which means there's a tendency to blind oncoming traffic, especially if you ride on MUPs. The big benefit to Supernova lights is the ability to home upgrade when new, brighter LED dies come out.
Fork mounting solutions are pretty easy, and range from under $5.00 to around $40.00 depending on what you want. With my IQ Cyo I have a seatstay mount from a Cateye taillight modified with a long M4 bolt to hold the lamp away from the wheel. The spacers are Presta valve retainer nuts and I used a pair of concave adjustment washers from some old brake pads to sandwich the lamp base and allow for aiming adjustability. Total cost $3.50 for the taillight bracket at the LBS and they gave me the rest of the stuff for free.
For a fancy solution, you can get a Paul component mount that screws into the mid-fork eyelet and attach an R&E Mount for the lamp bracket.
For a little cheaper, you can use a Chronometro Nob or a Minora fork mount and one of Peter White's modified FlightDeck lamp mounts.
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#7
I have an Edelux headlight, mounted to my front rack.
This is an excellent light. Very bright, with a shaped beam that doesn't waste lumens off in the treetops.
It is powered by a Shimano Alfine generator hub. It is a tiny little thing, really. Not much bigger than a quarter.
The light also feeds power to a rear taillight.
I've had this setup since the first of the year, and it has been flawless.
This is an excellent light. Very bright, with a shaped beam that doesn't waste lumens off in the treetops.
It is powered by a Shimano Alfine generator hub. It is a tiny little thing, really. Not much bigger than a quarter.
The light also feeds power to a rear taillight.
I've had this setup since the first of the year, and it has been flawless.
Last edited by SlimAgainSoon; 07-12-10 at 12:39 PM.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,373
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From: Columbus, OH
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Sure, the Edelux is a small lamp when compared to something like a self-contained battery light like an Opticube; but it's not that small.
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"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
#10
Senior Member


Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 174
From: Kingwood, TX
Bikes: Road, Touring, BMX, Cruisers...
I run the symmetrical Supernova, they also make an asymmetrical version similar to the Edulux. Personally I don't mind a little blinding light. Cars actually lower their high beams for me, I can see the road signs and I can always adjust it with some aluminum scrap if needed. It is also upgradable either using a singular LED or even sending it back to Supernova and turning it into an e3 triple for a modest fee.
I love this light and do most of my riding at night now just to avoid getting sunburned and this light makes it possible.
I love this light and do most of my riding at night now just to avoid getting sunburned and this light makes it possible.
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#11
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
I've been considering getting a Planet Bike Blaze Generator light, just to upgrade my present Shimano light (Shimano LP-R600 Dynamo Hub Powered Headlight 9.6V-5W) to one with LEDs only, a short battery memory, and blinky functions. I've only had to replace the bulb once on my present kit, but it cost about $11 to get a replacement halogen bulb.
Anyway:
PLANET BIKE BLAZE GENERATOR/DYNAMO LED BIKE HEAD LIGHT
for about $40.00
https://cgi.ebay.com/PLANET-BIKE-BLAZ...item43a03c7936
Anyway:
PLANET BIKE BLAZE GENERATOR/DYNAMO LED BIKE HEAD LIGHT
for about $40.00
https://cgi.ebay.com/PLANET-BIKE-BLAZ...item43a03c7936
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 903
Likes: 1
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 2010 Kona Dr. Dew, Moose Bicycle XXL (fat bike), Yuba Mundo V3
4thd. I have one and a B&M Toplight Line Plus taillight on my commuter, connected to an Alfine dynohub. They're pretty awesome. Can be tough to find in-stock, though. I ended up buying from here: https://www.thebikebiz.com/
#15
The Professor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 899
Likes: 7
From: Center Sandwich, New Hampshire
Bikes: Alex Moulton Double Pylon, Surly Big Dummy, Alex Moulton GT, AZUB TiFly
Well, FWIW, I use a supernova E3 triple which puts out 650 lumens. This is nice because I have some very fast unlit downhills with turns on the commute. I modified it to be less blinding to oncoming traffic with a light shield which also directs more light at the road. Works nice for me although it is a little pricey.
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