Generator and Light combos
 

Hi Folks,

I'm sure this gets asked and answered on a regular basis, but rather than searching multiple threads for my exact question nuances I'll be lazy and just ask it:

I'm getting an older (1992ish) Koga Miyatta touring bike that has a generator mount on the BB shell. The only thing I know about generators are the old sturmey archer dynohubs and the schwinn rim generators that were essentially extra brakes. What kind of generator would mount on a bike with a BB shell mount? What does it contact to generate power? Are these like the terrible old systems that I remember which were heavy and interfered with wheels too much? Are there other generator systems that are a ton better than what I remember? I've used knogg LED lights with my road bikes and been fairly happy with them...should I skip the generator entirely and go with battery power?

A Sanyo bottom bracket dynamo! Which has largely been supplanted by hub dynamos such as the SON and the Shimano 3nXX series. :thumb: With the advent of powerful white LEDs dynamo lighting has become a force to be reckoned with. If it were my bike I'd forget about the Sanyo bracket and get a Shimano 3n80 dynohub with a Lumotec IQ Fly N-Plus W/Standlight headlight.:thumb:

Yep, Sanyo bb generator. It starts slipping when the road is wet.

I have a Union brand BB generator (made in Germany) that would work as well. It has a metal drum that mounts under the chainstays and contacts the rear wheel. I haven't used it so I don't know the exact details but it looks pretty nicely made. I don't really need it so PM me if you're interested in it.

Battery LED lights are great these days if you don't mind re-charging the batteries as needed.

Conversely, LED's have made dynamo lights dramatically brighter - enough to ride comfortably at regular higher speeds with just the dynamo light, whereas older dynamo lights were pretty craptastic.

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/headlights.asp

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/imag...novae3sym1.jpg