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I'm looking at building a wheel around a dynamo hub for a build but realise I don't know the slightest thing about modern Dynamo hubs and lighting! 🤔😬
I've got my eye on an Alfine hub but am stuck re lights.
Any suggestions, recommendations?
All help much appreciated 👍🏻😎
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/dynamo-lights-2/
I run a B&M Lumotec IQ Cyo Premium Senseo Plus, but brighter ones are available now.
Very bright from the front for traffic and I can see where I'm going on unlit paved paths.
A rear light is worth the faff. I run my lights all the time.
The first part of my post is to another thread ....
I've got an Alfine hub paired up with a B&M IQ-X and a B&M Toplight on the back. The hub is good, but it's centerlock so you either need a compatible rotor or a 6 bolt adaptor. The lights are great (I'm assuming you are after road/touring lighting) the IQ is way brighter than the Lumotec is used to have, and looks nicer too! I did without a rear one for a while, (couldn't be bothered to run cable along the frame) but now I have it I wouldn't switch back to battery on the back. Knowing I can just get on and pedal and my lights will work is great.
I have the rear light mounted at the dropout, that way it casts light down onto the road behind, much more visible to cars, especially in bad/wet weather.
Don't think you have to spend SON/Schmidt sort of money to get a decent setup! If you shop around (German sites) you could get a nice setup for around £100 plus the cost of wheelbuilding.
I have a USE Revo, their rebadged SP dynamo plus their rear light on my bikepacking bike - works well at lighting up the road / trail, plus I use a helmet light for MTB night rides. Also have a USB charging set up with back-up battery for my GPS and phone
^If you want a USB charging set-up, some of the front lamps have a USB socket so they can be switched between providing light or a charge. e.g. https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/axa-luxx-70-plus-steady-auto-front-light-642349
Note that most front lamps are crown mount, so you’ll need to get an adaptor if you want to bar mount. St. John’s Cycles are good for bits.
(Have both a SON hub with Supernova lights and a Shimano Deore hub with Philips / B&M ).
German lights are great - really focussed beam pattern. Shimano hubs are not the lightest or most powerful but unlike the sp hubs bearings can be changed. I have an sp hub with B&M light - its fantastic for road. I would however get a shimano hub next time due to its servicability
I have an SP hub (rebadged by Exposure) but recently built up a gravel wheelset with a Shimano XT dynamo front. Cost and serviceability is unbeatable.
I used to have a shimano hub, the most basic one they made, along with a b&m light.
the cut off was superb, just like a dipped car headlight, it also had a sidelight type setup which would stay on for a few minutes after stopping.
like others have said, it’s great to not have to think about it, the lights are always on.
i stopped using my setup when the wife bought me an exposure light for my bday a couple of years ago, but i still have it and will use it again if i ever commute on the bike.
Recommended in every way.
especially german road legal headlights.
Another B&M fan for road use here (mine as £80rrp in 2012, they seem cheaper now, 60lux I think, good enormous for night riding) tho my rear needed a new supercapacitor after a few years.
Al, that sounds the same as mine.
i was unaware that there are ones available with a usb socket, i must investigate.
SP hub with Supernova light here, I forget the exact model but I went for the brightest I could get for off road riding. Works well, has lasted through a couple of grim winters without a peep of bother. The only annoying thing is people telling you your lights are on when it's not dark...