Installing dynamo hub and lights
#1
Thread Starter
Mostly harmless ™
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,462
Likes: 243
From: Novi Sad
Bikes: Heavy, with friction shifters
Installing dynamo hub and lights
Will these 3 be enough for the job, with just wires extra, of course, or does it take something more?
Wheel with a hub:
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
Front and rear lights:
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
I connect lights parallel, or serial? Do these lights have their own on/off switches?
Do I need this protector and do I connect it serial to the hub generator, or parallel to each bulb, or some other way?
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
Wheel with a hub:
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
Front and rear lights:
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
I connect lights parallel, or serial? Do these lights have their own on/off switches?
Do I need this protector and do I connect it serial to the hub generator, or parallel to each bulb, or some other way?
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
Last edited by Bike Gremlin; 10-17-13 at 12:36 PM.
#2
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 11
From: In the wilds of NY
Bikes: Specialized Diverge, Box Dog Pelican, 1991 Cannondale tandem
Will these 3 be enough for the job, with just wires extra, of course, or does it take something more?
Wheel with a hub:
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
Front and rear lights:
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
I connect lights parallel, or serial? Do these lights have their own on/off switches?
Do I need this protector and do I connect it serial to the hub generator, or parallel to each bulb, or some other way?
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
Wheel with a hub:
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
Front and rear lights:
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
I connect lights parallel, or serial? Do these lights have their own on/off switches?
Do I need this protector and do I connect it serial to the hub generator, or parallel to each bulb, or some other way?
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...,245||0|0|||||
The wiring goes from the hub to the front light, and then from the front light to the taillight. The particular headlight you chose is not switched. Some models do have switches, some don't. It will tell you in the specifications.
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Knows the weight of my bike to the nearest 10 pounds.
Knows the weight of my bike to the nearest 10 pounds.
#3
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,171
Likes: 6,394
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
You wire them in parallel.
The prices you show are very good.
My dynamo headlight has an on/off switch, but I leave it on. My tail light doesn't have a switch. I don't really notice the drag. I think having my lights on in the daytime might make me a little safer.
The prices you show are very good.
My dynamo headlight has an on/off switch, but I leave it on. My tail light doesn't have a switch. I don't really notice the drag. I think having my lights on in the daytime might make me a little safer.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#4
Thread Starter
Mostly harmless ™
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,462
Likes: 243
From: Novi Sad
Bikes: Heavy, with friction shifters
No, you don't need an overvoltage protector with any modern hub dynamo and LED lights. The headlight you selected is a halogen - you would be MUCH better off with a decent LED light like the IQ Cyo, as you'll never have to worry about a bulb burning out. You should also get lights with standlights so that they still illuminate even when you're stopped at an intersection, etc.
The wiring goes from the hub to the front light, and then from the front light to the taillight. The particular headlight you chose is not switched. Some models do have switches, some don't. It will tell you in the specifications.
The wiring goes from the hub to the front light, and then from the front light to the taillight. The particular headlight you chose is not switched. Some models do have switches, some don't. It will tell you in the specifications.
Is this good for a front light?
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...gc=0;orderby=2
This one for the rear? Says it has "standlight":
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...gc=0;orderby=2
#5
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 107
From: Scranton, PA, USA
Bikes: '77 Centurion "Pro Tour"; '67 Carlton "The Flyer"; 1984 Ross MTB (stored at parents' house)
The B&M stuff is good, but I'm not sure that front light has a switch, nor am I sure if it has a standlight.
To be fair, I have a low-end dynamo hub whose drag doesn't change noticeably when I switch on my lights, so even though I have an upmarket front light with a switch and a "senso" mode, I leave the thing on all the time while riding. For my application, I probably should have bought one of the cheaper models, but I'm not upset about it.
To be fair, I have a low-end dynamo hub whose drag doesn't change noticeably when I switch on my lights, so even though I have an upmarket front light with a switch and a "senso" mode, I leave the thing on all the time while riding. For my application, I probably should have bought one of the cheaper models, but I'm not upset about it.
#6
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 11
From: In the wilds of NY
Bikes: Specialized Diverge, Box Dog Pelican, 1991 Cannondale tandem
Is this good for a front light?
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...gc=0;orderby=2
This one for the rear? Says it has "standlight":
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...gc=0;orderby=2
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...gc=0;orderby=2
This one for the rear? Says it has "standlight":
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...gc=0;orderby=2
__________________
Knows the weight of my bike to the nearest 10 pounds.
Knows the weight of my bike to the nearest 10 pounds.
#7
Those are nice lights.
I have something like the taillight on my bike.
The taillight doesn't say it has a standlight, but it is possible that the standlight function in the headlight would keep both lights burning (I've already stepped beyond my expertise! I'm sure some others can weigh in on that).
The standlight is a good thing to have. You don't want to disappear from view waiting for a light to change.
I have something like the taillight on my bike.
The taillight doesn't say it has a standlight, but it is possible that the standlight function in the headlight would keep both lights burning (I've already stepped beyond my expertise! I'm sure some others can weigh in on that).
The standlight is a good thing to have. You don't want to disappear from view waiting for a light to change.
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: New York and Florida
Bikes: Surly LHT, Trek 2100, Trek 7000 (1995 or so) Trek 7000
Those are nice lights.
I have something like the taillight on my bike.
The taillight doesn't say it has a standlight, but it is possible that the standlight function in the headlight would keep both lights burning (I've already stepped beyond my expertise! I'm sure some others can weigh in on that).
The standlight is a good thing to have. You don't want to disappear from view waiting for a light to change.
I have something like the taillight on my bike.
The taillight doesn't say it has a standlight, but it is possible that the standlight function in the headlight would keep both lights burning (I've already stepped beyond my expertise! I'm sure some others can weigh in on that).
The standlight is a good thing to have. You don't want to disappear from view waiting for a light to change.
#10
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Bikes: Tern, Gudereit
I'm also in the process of installing a dynamo and lights. I'd like to protect the wires on the lights from wear and dirt and put them in some kind of housing. Does anyone have a recommendation for this? Can I just use brake or derailleur cable housing?
#11
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 11
From: In the wilds of NY
Bikes: Specialized Diverge, Box Dog Pelican, 1991 Cannondale tandem
1) Run the wiring on the inside edge of fork legs to protect them from bumps.
2) Minimize the amount of spiraling that you do - each spiral is just another opportunity for a wire to get damaged.
3) Make sure that you allow enough slack in the wire so that it will not be pulled or broken regardless of how much you turn your handlebars.
4) If you're running wiring inside a metal fender, you can embed it in the rolled-over edge of the fender, or use aluminum tape to hold it in place.
5) Cover exposed wiring with helicopter tape.
__________________
Knows the weight of my bike to the nearest 10 pounds.
Knows the weight of my bike to the nearest 10 pounds.
#12
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Bikes: Tern, Gudereit
I plan on using cable ties to attach it to the frame and racks (my front light is on a rack as is my rear light). Still might be happier with some kind of housing, especially for the front light, as the leads are hard-wired into the light.
#13
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 11
From: In the wilds of NY
Bikes: Specialized Diverge, Box Dog Pelican, 1991 Cannondale tandem
In practice, you're extremely unlikely to have any issues with the wiring getting damaged. Many ( perhaps even most ) dyno lights have hard-wired leads, and if it was a significant problem I would expect to see lots of complaints about it.
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Knows the weight of my bike to the nearest 10 pounds.
Knows the weight of my bike to the nearest 10 pounds.
#14
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
The wiring goes ... hub ->headlight->taillight, the taillight is hooked up to the headlight
headlight is wired to the plugs into the hub-dynamo.
heat shrink tubing can be slipped over the wires and , with heat , the tubing shrinks
to cover connections and potential abrasion points ..
as previously discussed this one adds a USB power plug to charge your I widgets as you ride.
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?product...gc=0;orderby=2
headlight is wired to the plugs into the hub-dynamo.
heat shrink tubing can be slipped over the wires and , with heat , the tubing shrinks
to cover connections and potential abrasion points ..
as previously discussed this one adds a USB power plug to charge your I widgets as you ride.
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?product...gc=0;orderby=2
Last edited by fietsbob; 10-21-13 at 01:52 PM.
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: New York and Florida
Bikes: Surly LHT, Trek 2100, Trek 7000 (1995 or so) Trek 7000
The wiring goes ... hub ->headlight->taillight, the taillight is hooked up to the headlight
headlight is wired to the plugs into the hub-dynamo.
heat shrink tubing can be slipped over the wires and , with heat , the tubing shrinks
to cover connections and potential abrasion points ..
as previously discussed this one adds a USB power plug (for an additional 1100 Euros) to charge your I widgets as you ride.
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?product...gc=0;orderby=2
headlight is wired to the plugs into the hub-dynamo.
heat shrink tubing can be slipped over the wires and , with heat , the tubing shrinks
to cover connections and potential abrasion points ..
as previously discussed this one adds a USB power plug (for an additional 1100 Euros) to charge your I widgets as you ride.
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?product...gc=0;orderby=2
BTW, it's backordered until at least November!
#16
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
Try another retailer, then .. The NL based AXA-Basta, company
and Spanninga, are competitors to B&M , try their products.
NB: I did not mention a price difference, at all [let alone a K-Euro overstatement]
the above poster added that in a quote, a clause which was not mine.
I would hope they would edit that out.
and Spanninga, are competitors to B&M , try their products.
NB: I did not mention a price difference, at all [let alone a K-Euro overstatement]
the above poster added that in a quote, a clause which was not mine.
I would hope they would edit that out.
Last edited by fietsbob; 10-22-13 at 12:11 PM.
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: New York and Florida
Bikes: Surly LHT, Trek 2100, Trek 7000 (1995 or so) Trek 7000
Hey Fietsbob, sorry that was me. I don't know how that happened, I was trying to just quote you add some information, and somehow the system let me edit YOUR comment! I apologize. I am unable to edit that out, no option to edit now.
Try another retailer, then .. The NL based AXA-Basta, company
and Spanninga, are competitors to B&M , try their products.
NB: I did not mention a price difference, at all [let alone a K-Euro overstatement]
the above poster added that in a quote, a clause which was not mine.
I would hope they would edit that out.
and Spanninga, are competitors to B&M , try their products.
NB: I did not mention a price difference, at all [let alone a K-Euro overstatement]
the above poster added that in a quote, a clause which was not mine.
I would hope they would edit that out.
#19
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 11
From: In the wilds of NY
Bikes: Specialized Diverge, Box Dog Pelican, 1991 Cannondale tandem
FWIW, I have the Luxos U ( with the USB option ) and it's a VERY nice light. The beam pattern is great for seeing around corners when you come to an intersection, etc. And the USB option is great for keeping my phone/GPS/etc charged on all-day rides.
The only notable downside ( beside the price ) is that there are incompatibilities with some taillights, and it won't work properly with lights grounded to the frame, so you can't use the single-wire setup common on many bikes. In my case, I disassembled my Seculite taillight to eliminate the ground lug, and then it worked fine with coax cable.
The only notable downside ( beside the price ) is that there are incompatibilities with some taillights, and it won't work properly with lights grounded to the frame, so you can't use the single-wire setup common on many bikes. In my case, I disassembled my Seculite taillight to eliminate the ground lug, and then it worked fine with coax cable.
__________________
Knows the weight of my bike to the nearest 10 pounds.
Knows the weight of my bike to the nearest 10 pounds.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 660
Likes: 6
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Bikes: Trek 520 total custom build, Cannondale Mountain Tandem, Oryx Mountain Bike
Is this good for a front light?
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...gc=0;orderby=2
This one for the rear? Says it has "standlight":
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...gc=0;orderby=2
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...gc=0;orderby=2
This one for the rear? Says it has "standlight":
https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content...gc=0;orderby=2
#21
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 107
From: Scranton, PA, USA
Bikes: '77 Centurion "Pro Tour"; '67 Carlton "The Flyer"; 1984 Ross MTB (stored at parents' house)
I was actually thinking about bending some thin stainless steel tubing and finding some elegant way of attaching it. I just zip-tied everything on to get up and running while I sorted out the details. That was about 6 months ago...





