From the article: Dynamo Lights Mean No More Batteries
Dynohubs and dynamo generators for bikes - some cyclists use these bike-mounted generators to create electricity from the turning of the wheels to power lights, etc. Have you used them? What's your experience? Do they cause enough resistance to slow you down? Or is the freedowm from batteries worth any negatives? Share your thoughts and hear what others have to say. Share Your Experience
The best thing I've done recently
- It was forgetting to charge my lights for a late shift and riding home at 2am finally convinced me. Yes I read about, pathetic output, darkness when you stop and the feeling of riding through porridge. I now know these faults to be complete tosh. My set up is a Shimano Deore LX dynohub and Busch and Muller lights. Output is brilliant; standlight, more than adequate; and the drag is not noticeable. Just need to add a USB charging set up and my bike as a car will be complete.
- —Guest ambutigger
It Works
- This system works, and has saved me another "senior moment" when pulling into my garage, and the customer service is top notch.
- —Guest Don Zarzana
Disadvantages of Dynamo Generators
- I've used the generators that make electricity by spinning alongside the side of your tire. They work fine most of the time except when it rains or snows then then don't work because the water from the road gets on your tire and the generator is unable to get any traction on the wheel . Also when the bulbs burn out it can be hard to find replacements for them because your local bike shop doesn't typically carry them . The generator also slows you down when riding and makes it harder to start pedaling again after stopping, say at a stop sign or a traffic light . There is also the problem of bumps and potholes in the road if you hit one of these it can cause your generator to not make good contact with the wheel to make power for the light . Also, they don't work when your trail riding because the trail is too rough .
- —Guest Macgyver54
Another Option
- Peter White recently started importing Sanyo dynohubs for an even lower cost option: http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/sanyo.asp
- —Guest Dave Lloyd
Dynohub-powered lights rock!
- I switched from battery sets to a dynamo hub (Suntour) and a Luomtec LED light with a focused beam, about 6 months ago. Simply an amazing light with great visibility on the road. I ride dark roads with little to no street lighting and it provides great light on the pavement. About the same price as a medium priced LED light set for a similar type of illumination. The new head light and tail light both have stand lights to provide visibility at stop signs/lights. The hub drag with the light on is slight and almost nothing with the lights turned off. Full illumination at about 4 mph. It is a great way to go and no more wondering about battery charge. I do carry a small LED light for tire repair, etc. but I did that with the large battery light as well.
- —Charlie
