will a dynamo hub work turning in reverse?
 

I had a chance to pick up an updated style monark cruiser fork with a disc brake mount, however, the mount is on the right side. I wasn't worried much about it (found some right side calipers), but then I remembered I'd like to find a dynamo hub sometime later, and it would have to spin backward to work.

will it? I'm also thinking take the fork apart and reverse the front section if a caliper will fit between the legs, but I guess that's a question for a different forum. thanks if anyone knows.

I think most, if not all current "dynamo" hubs actually produce AC. I just checked with my Shimano DH-3N72 dynamo hub and it powers the lights with the wheel spinning either direction. There is also a disc-compatible version of this hub.

I don't know what issues, if any, one might expect from attempting this though. There is a slight chance the electrical connector might not be in an optimal position with regard to the fork dropout.

From an electrical standpoint, you are probably fine.

However, consider the effect of mechanical precession on the generator assembly... you'll need to check that things are tight before every ride.

sometimes my answers disappear for some reason.


anyway, thanks, at least I know it'll work. i'll see as I build on it.

With some dynamos there might be an issue of a securing nut unscrewing if the dynamo is mounted opposite than recommended. However in general, for the dynamos to sell both in the right and left side traffic, the manufacturers will try to make the dynamos work no matter what the orientation.