Dynamo

[Okeydokey]

Is there a thread I can't find here? I am interested in any views on ye-olde dynamo system to power the lights front and rear. I gather wheels have these built in now, sounds plausible to me?

 

[jefmcg]

I've got a dynamo wheel I borrowed from someone 2 years ago. It's brilliant. The new (German) lights are bright. Only problem is the whole setup is quite expensive.

 

[DRHysted]

The initial outlay for a dynohub system is high, but the results are outstanding.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Agree with all of the above.
Yes you need a new wheel, but one with the better Shimano hub is not stupid pricey (Spa cycles) had some good deals.
I've gone from none to 2 dynamo hub powered bikes and they are a revelation.
Big benefit is that they are always ready to roll without battery and charging faff ....

 

[Okeydokey]

All makes perfect sense to me, thank you all! I have front suspension so would otherwise consider the bottle type generator.

 

[KneesUp]

You could always put a bottle dynamo on the back? They are much less efficient than the hubs though I believe.

 

[ushills]

Don't bother with a bottle dynamo, they are horrible.

Have a look at rosebikes for dynamo gear, as they are German the prices are much better due to them being more common over there.

I can personally recommend the B&M Cyo and Shimano dynohubs, really good lights and perfect for road use.

 

[Pale Rider]

I have an Alfine front dynamo wired to B&M lights on my Rose trekking bike.

Does the job well, the headlight throws a reasonable beam and the back light stays on for a bit when you stop at a junction.

Have you thought about mounting the lights and routing the wiring?

My front light is built into the fork bridge, and the rear wiring is hidden under the mudguard.

A retro fit could be fiddly to do neatly.

 

[Okeydokey]

Thanks Pale Rider. Tbh! I don't really do 'neatly'. If I see rust on my bike I hit it with spray on Hammerite, my bike is blue, the Hammerite is black, works for me. I am concerned though about the light mounting. I see the B & M stuff with fittings that don't compute. Looks like it should have more to it than it does, I am though converted, or will be when the post turns up.