Shimano Hub Dynamos

[Graham O]

I'm trying to find out the difference between the Shimano Nexus and Ultegra hub dynamos. According the Shimano website, they only make the Nexus one (unless I'm looking in the wrong place). Does anyone know what the differences are? Is one better than the other?

And just wondering what a Novatech hub dynamo is like. Anyone have any thoughts or experiences?

Thanks in advance.

 

[yello]

I thought the Ultegra has less rolling resistance, less drag and better illumination than the cheaper Nexus. The biggest drag difference is perhaps when the lights are off (i.e. dynamo not working) where the Ultegra really does prove it's worth.

But I'd be surprised if it's no longer available as it's Shimano's top of the range dynohub - unless it's recently been super ceded of course. For my money, the Ultegra is much better value than the more expensive, slightly better spec'ed dynohub from the much revered Schmidt. But if you want the best, and don't mind the extra sponds, then the Schmidt is the best... reputedly.

Edit: In case my bias wasn't obvious, I have the Ultegra version!

 

[4F]

One here

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b32s133p126

 

[MartinC]

I don't think the name is significant. Shimano have a range of hub dynamos - check them on the net. I think the current 'Ultegra' quality one is the DH-3N80 which replaced the DH-3N71. The differences between the models AFAIK are bearing quality, disk mounts, QR or nutted, weight and drag. As always the better ones are more expensive. In the UK there's lots of old stock around so you may not see the latest models.

 

[Graham O]

Thanks for the info people. I was assuming the Ultegra name meant it was their top of the range and since I can't afford the Schmidt one, I'll talk to Spa Cycles and see what their wheelbuilder can do for me.

 

[TheDoctor]

No Dura-Ace hub dynamo then?

 

[Crackle]

Is the drag significant i.e. if you spin the wheel is it the equivalent of a touching brake pad?

Funnily enough I was looking at dynamos and lights just today.

 

[campagman]

When riding the bike you will not notice any drag but still have excellent lights. The only way you can see any drag is if you lift the wheel and spin it and then repeat with the lights switched on. There is a differance but not much and you don't notice when riding.

 

[yello]

I certainly don't notice the drag when riding but it is undoubtedly there when you spin the wheel, like campagman says.

Oh, btw, I think the name is significant since it commonly refers to 2 different models! Agreed, the model's are upgraded, and get new model numbers, but the names remain and are used by all and sundry.

 

[Crackle]

I found this on the Kinetics website showing hub dynamo drag, thouh it doesn't actually say what models are being compared to the Schmidt hub.

 

[MartinC]

Oh, btw, I think the name is significant since it commonly refers to 2 different models! Agreed, the model's are upgraded, and get new model numbers, but the names remain and are used by all and sundry.

The point I was making was that Shimano don't use the names - they have a selection of non-series products they refer to by numbers. People often equate them with places in the Shimano groupset hierarchy. If they find it helpful then fine.

The DH-3N80 is an improvement on the DH-3N71. If you ask for an 'Ultegra' dynohub in the UK then you'll get a DH-3N71 without them telling you 'cos Madison don't import the new one yet (presumably they've got old stock that you must buy first). If you buy in Germany they refer to them by model numbers and you can buy whichever you want (the DH-3N71 at a discount 'cos it's been superceded).

 

[yello]

If they find it helpful then fine..

That's it in a nutshell. I think people find it easier to remember names than model numbers!

If you ask for an 'Ultegra' dynohub in the UK then you'll get a DH-3N71 without them telling you 'cos Madison don't import the new one yet

To be fair, that's because that is the latest model ultegra hub that's available to them. I can understand that. Equally, if you asked for a DH-3N71 I don't suppose you'd be told that there's a newer model available unless they stocked it!

But whatever you might call it, the Shimano Ultegra hub is a significantly better product than the Nexus version and for my money (as I said before) better value for money than the Schmidt.

 

[Graham O]

Well that explains the concept of an Ultegra hub dynamo. Somehow I couldn't conceive of the Ultegra series having a hub dynamo as part of its range.

Okay, so I've decided on the Ultegra dynamo with the IQ Fly Senso light, but I'm now wondering about the wheel to put it in. Although I want a dynamo for reasons of longevity, lack of batteries and always there when I need it, I don't want excess weight. I'm not heavy and although the roads are rough, my road bike with Open Pro rims has never bent, buckled or broken a spoke. So my plans for the rim and spokes are Mavic Open Pro rims with double butted spokes. So in anyone's opinion, is this a sensible decision?

(I've probably answered my own question since my other bike has stood up to the roads, but just wondering what people's ideas are.)

Thanks

 

[P.H]

Decent, if a little outdated, review here;
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com/VBQgenerator.pdf

 

[andrew_s]

If you care about weight, the 3N80 is considerably lighter than the 3N71 (250g less). In terms of electrical performance it's only a little better.
If you want one you'll have to order fron Germany - www.roseversand.de or somewhere.