Recommendations please re dynamo hubs and wheels
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 4,466
Bikes: many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
13 Posts
Recommendations please re dynamo hubs and wheels
I am a loooong time road bike rider (40 years) and a reasonably good mechanic for a hack. I have never tried dynamo hub systems, largely because I ride several different bikes. However, I think my RB-T would be a good dynamo hub candidate. I have read a good deal about them and want to try them out.
This is an experiment for me. I'm ok with this being a $200 project, but don't want it to become a $500+ project. Also, one mechanic skill I have not picked up is wheel building, although I may end up doing so as part of this project.
I have noticed a number of prebuilt wheels and dynamo hubs available with Shimano LX and Sanyo hubs.
Are these decent dynamos?
How does the drag compare with more expensive hubs? (I'm going to angst about drag).
Are there other medium priced hubs I should consider?
What lights should I consider?
BTW, I am presently using a Magicshine for my after work sunset and evening rides, which is very bright and gives me good deal of both "seeing" and "being seen" confidence. How do the dyno powered lights compare in brightness?
Thanks for all of your help.
This is an experiment for me. I'm ok with this being a $200 project, but don't want it to become a $500+ project. Also, one mechanic skill I have not picked up is wheel building, although I may end up doing so as part of this project.
I have noticed a number of prebuilt wheels and dynamo hubs available with Shimano LX and Sanyo hubs.
Are these decent dynamos?
How does the drag compare with more expensive hubs? (I'm going to angst about drag).
Are there other medium priced hubs I should consider?
What lights should I consider?
BTW, I am presently using a Magicshine for my after work sunset and evening rides, which is very bright and gives me good deal of both "seeing" and "being seen" confidence. How do the dyno powered lights compare in brightness?
Thanks for all of your help.
#2
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,419
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,720 Times
in
2,537 Posts
I was going to buy one of these SP dynamo hubs
I settled on a Sanyo because the vendor didn't have the SP listed at the time.
The Sanyo impresses me as having as much drag as the cheap Shimanos, which seems like a lot when you are holding the hub in your hand, but isn't noticeable on the bike. The more expensive Shimanos are pretty draggy in your hand, but not as bad as the cheap ones. Again, I can't tell the difference on the bike, and I out-coast a lot of people I ride with so the drag can't be too bad. The Sanyo is on my cheap 650b conversion project, which doesn't have a frame yet so I haven't tested it.
I bought a cheap ($60) 26" Alex rim/Shimano dyno wheel. The hub is ok, but the wheel is a typically poorly machine-built wheel. I did think about getting the 700c version for my daughter's hybrid, haven't gotten around to that yet
I settled on a Sanyo because the vendor didn't have the SP listed at the time.
The Sanyo impresses me as having as much drag as the cheap Shimanos, which seems like a lot when you are holding the hub in your hand, but isn't noticeable on the bike. The more expensive Shimanos are pretty draggy in your hand, but not as bad as the cheap ones. Again, I can't tell the difference on the bike, and I out-coast a lot of people I ride with so the drag can't be too bad. The Sanyo is on my cheap 650b conversion project, which doesn't have a frame yet so I haven't tested it.
I bought a cheap ($60) 26" Alex rim/Shimano dyno wheel. The hub is ok, but the wheel is a typically poorly machine-built wheel. I did think about getting the 700c version for my daughter's hybrid, haven't gotten around to that yet
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Dorset, SW England, United Kingdom
Posts: 425
Bikes: Heavily modded Cannondale Hooligan 1 (2009) and an upgraded Raleigh Max Zero-G
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the Shimano Alfine hub which I do not notice. Can't speak about the Nexus. And apparently the Alfine is not far off SON performance these days - not that I have seen the data myself.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 4,466
Bikes: many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
13 Posts
I was going to buy one of these SP dynamo hubs
I settled on a Sanyo because the vendor didn't have the SP listed at the time.
The Sanyo impresses me as having as much drag as the cheap Shimanos, which seems like a lot when you are holding the hub in your hand, but isn't noticeable on the bike. The more expensive Shimanos are pretty draggy in your hand, but not as bad as the cheap ones. Again, I can't tell the difference on the bike, and I out-coast a lot of people I ride with so the drag can't be too bad. The Sanyo is on my cheap 650b conversion project, which doesn't have a frame yet so I haven't tested it.
I bought a cheap ($60) 26" Alex rim/Shimano dyno wheel. The hub is ok, but the wheel is a typically poorly machine-built wheel. I did think about getting the 700c version for my daughter's hybrid, haven't gotten around to that yet
I settled on a Sanyo because the vendor didn't have the SP listed at the time.
The Sanyo impresses me as having as much drag as the cheap Shimanos, which seems like a lot when you are holding the hub in your hand, but isn't noticeable on the bike. The more expensive Shimanos are pretty draggy in your hand, but not as bad as the cheap ones. Again, I can't tell the difference on the bike, and I out-coast a lot of people I ride with so the drag can't be too bad. The Sanyo is on my cheap 650b conversion project, which doesn't have a frame yet so I haven't tested it.
I bought a cheap ($60) 26" Alex rim/Shimano dyno wheel. The hub is ok, but the wheel is a typically poorly machine-built wheel. I did think about getting the 700c version for my daughter's hybrid, haven't gotten around to that yet
#5
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,419
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,720 Times
in
2,537 Posts
there have been some posts about the SP on other forums that are very positive. The owner of this website is pretty positive about it. He posts here occasionally.
I really want a SON, but I can't afford to put one on all the bikes I want a dyno on. Waiting until I have the frame with the Schmidt SON Delux XL compatible fork built, which seems to be taking forever.
I really want a SON, but I can't afford to put one on all the bikes I want a dyno on. Waiting until I have the frame with the Schmidt SON Delux XL compatible fork built, which seems to be taking forever.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 6,956
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
What lights should I consider?
BTW, I am presently using a Magicshine for my after work sunset and evening rides, which is very bright and gives me good deal of both "seeing" and "being seen" confidence. How do the dyno powered lights compare in brightness?
The "be seen" capabilities of the MagicShine will easily top the Cyo. For one thing, it stays running at full power when you're stopped. Also, it doesn't cut the beam off, there's ample light above the horizon. In city traffic, this is a good thing. On a dark highway or MUP, not so much.
Last edited by mechBgon; 01-02-12 at 05:45 PM.
#7
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,419
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,720 Times
in
2,537 Posts
I almost never turn my lights off either. I just can't tell the difference, so I figure I'll leave them on
I'm thinking about getting the Cyo lyt for my commuter. I have a helmet light which is very effective at getting people's attention. My experience is that a headlight doesn't really cut it for that.
I'm thinking about getting the Cyo lyt for my commuter. I have a helmet light which is very effective at getting people's attention. My experience is that a headlight doesn't really cut it for that.
#8
Thunder Whisperer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NE OK
Posts: 8,843
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 275 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
This guy can build you a complete kit for under $200. However, the light at that price may not be to your liking. And since most generator powered lights lack the output of your Magicshine, you might want to consider running both- dyno all the time and the MS when you feel you need the extra oomph.
__________________
Community guidelines
Community guidelines
#9
Thunder Whisperer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NE OK
Posts: 8,843
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 275 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
Also, while doing your research, have you come across the various beam shots that Peter White has on his site?
__________________
Community guidelines
Community guidelines
#10
Zoom zoom zoom zoom bonk
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: Giant Defy, Trek 1.7c, BMC GF02, Fuji Tahoe, Scott Sub 35, Kona Rove, Trek Verve+2
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 551 Post(s)
Liked 722 Times
in
366 Posts
Shimano DH-3n80 with mavic cxp33 rim, skewers, tape, tube gp4000s tyre. Bit over 200US$ (need to add shipping but remove tax).
!0 year guarantee on spoke break.
https://www.roseversand.com/article/r...0-c/aid:336508
!0 year guarantee on spoke break.
https://www.roseversand.com/article/r...0-c/aid:336508
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 4,466
Bikes: many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
13 Posts
Also, while doing your research, have you come across the various beam shots that Peter White has on his site?
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Toronto
Posts: 90
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
This guy can build you a complete kit for under $200.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: New York and Florida
Posts: 250
Bikes: Surly LHT, Trek 2100, Trek 7000 (1995 or so) Trek 7000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I went to Sheldon Brown online and got the prebuilt wheel with dyno hub: https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/lighting/shimano.html for $179. Moved tire/tube over and it works great!
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,935
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2614 Post(s)
Liked 1,958 Times
in
1,227 Posts
Check the Bicycle Quartely web site for drag; I think they have their dynamo comparison article up.
My bottom line is not to worry about the drag. 1 W (lights off) extra for the Shimano over the SON is not a big deal. I usually turn the lights off for a winter day ride, but I've left them on over the nearby ridge and a good distance further before I've noticed the funny shine on my fender.
Somebody compared the drag of a dyno hub to a standard hub and concluded it amounted to a 10 foot rise every mile of the ride. IIRC their conclusion was, "If that's a hill, I'm a Dutchman!"
My bottom line is not to worry about the drag. 1 W (lights off) extra for the Shimano over the SON is not a big deal. I usually turn the lights off for a winter day ride, but I've left them on over the nearby ridge and a good distance further before I've noticed the funny shine on my fender.
Somebody compared the drag of a dyno hub to a standard hub and concluded it amounted to a 10 foot rise every mile of the ride. IIRC their conclusion was, "If that's a hill, I'm a Dutchman!"
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kim43235
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
21
01-08-17 10:14 PM