Dynohub opinions

[justin...@gmail.com]

Hi
Today I did my first mixed mode commute (bus in AM, bike in PM) and realized how much I truly need dynohub lighting on any bike I plan to ride after dark or at dusk here in Philly. I have a previous generation Shimano dynohub on my Saluki and love it. Also the same on my Rich-built wheelset on the lady's Univega commuter conversion. Today I rode my (new to me) SimpleOne home and realized that with my job (2nd grade teacher) and the time of year I'm going to be riding home in the dark quite a bit. I'd like to not have my riding choice limited so I turn to you. Now there's Shimano, Sanyo, SON, Supernova, that other one and who knows? I think that SON is probably out. Too expensive and I think I'd like to have a Shimano-type connector. No need to power a tail light but I'll probably use another CYO upfront and maybe a ToutTerrain USB charger. What say you? Is Shimano's offering solid enough? What about Supernova and that other new one?
Thanks in advance!

Justin "Dyno in the front, batteries in the rear" August

[PATRICK MOORE]

I've not used the newer Sanyo or Supernova hubs, but I have owned
several DH3 N72 models which I understand were improved over the
earlier ... 71 -- Sheldon had this sorted out. At any rate, he said
that the 72 and 80s have the same bearings, so I'm not sure what the
difference, if any beside name, is.

The 72, at any rate, is an excellent bargain and frankly, I personally
don't need anything better than this. I think my SON 20 wheel spins a
little more freely than the ...72 wheels, but not so you can tell the
difference when riding. IMO and IME, a Shimano hub and the Cyo are
excellent value.

If I were looking for another dynamo system, I think I might first
look for a decent Sanyo BB dynamo and wait to see what some of the new
bike generator gadgets come to. There's one that is supposed to affix
to any wheel, and another that -- do I remember correctly? -- works
off the rim?? Vapor as of now, and I don't have the links, but perhaps
someone else can point us to them.

The Sanyo BB generator I briefly owned and sold with the Herse worked
fine: less drag than a Soubitez bottle (which itself wasn't horrible
for shorter distances) and, of course, much cheaper than a hub +
wheel.

Lastly, there have been several dynohub wheel offers on this list in
the last few months that were excellent buys -- this and the boblist
might be worth searching.

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/5TnNQB-wKI4J.
> To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
>



--
Vote early, vote often, vote Rhinoceros!
http://tinyurl.com/d7muj2t

-------------------------
Patrick Moore, Albuquerque, NM, USA
For professional resumes, contact Patrick Moore, ACRW
http://resumespecialties.com/index.html
-------------------------

[Dan McNamara]

I ended up going with a Sanyo hub on my commute/grocery-getter/baby-hauler and it has been great. The price is right and it has been solid. There is an article on all the current dyno-hubs in the most recent BQ. Lots of info on drag and output. I can summarize and email you later tonight.

Dan

Marin

[PATRICK MOORE]

Dan -- can you share with the list, for those who don't subscribe to BQ?

Thanks.

[Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery]

My go-to hub is the Shimano Alfine. I have two or three such wheels now. No complaints! I've used several Schmidt hubs over the years, too, but I find its hard to justify the price difference.

[Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery]

disclaimer: I also have a box of Alfine hubs ready to be turned into wheels.

[Kelly]

Had real good,luck with the 3n80'shimano. Great luck with the three SON28's and have be very pleasantly surprised with the SP non-switched. The 3n80 and SP both run about 130. Schmidt has less drag of all three but minimally so.

The SP will be my next one due to price and it smokin hot to look at ..so the Betty Foy should be happy.

Kelly

[IanA]

Do you notice any additional flex in the wheel due to narrow flanges? Also, any experience with extended exposure to moisture?  They do look fantastic and small and light.

[Dan McNamara]

Sure. Although I do think that BQ is a publication well worth supporting with a subscription. Lots of great info.

Hubs tested were
Sanyo H27
Shimano 3N80
SON28
SON Delux
SON Delux wide-body
SP HB013
SP PV-8

Article is "Generator Hubs for Performance Bicycles"

None were bad. Quality control of SP hubs unknown.

SP PV-8 is least efficient.

If on a budget, extra $ better spent on headlights not hub.

Favorite was SON Delux SL wide body. Wide flange = stronger wheel. Likes SL connector-less system. Low resistance.

For casual riding Sanyo H27 is tempting.

That is the nutshell version.


Dan

Marin

[Matthew J]

Not sure about NM, but some of the LBSes in the Chicago area sell individual BQ editions for those disinclined to subscribe.

[justin...@gmail.com]

Hmmmm

Leaning towards Shimano or the SP non-switchable. Any first hand experience with the SPs?

-J

[Will]

Plus 1 on the Alfine. We have 2 of the 36 spoke units. No problems whatsoever. Removing/reinstalling the wheels is a snap. Both power unswitched (always on) front and rear lights. They are on commuter bikes. Used daily. Drag is not noticeable.

[Peter Pesce]

I think you can buy individual BQ issues right from their website.

Regarding the SP hub, I have the PD-8 on my commuter, but have only had it a month so cannot comment on durability. Initial impressions are that it is built perfectly well given its price. I'm sure it's not SON quality, but at half the cost it let me get a dyno system, where I couldn't have if I felt I had to buy a SON hub or nothing. I can't see the SP being built any worse than any other hub at the same general price point like the Sanyo or Shimanos.

As for everyone's endless obsession with weight, drag, and efficiency, I think it's all a bit silly as the differences are miniscule and are completely lost in the noise, especially for us Riv-sh folks.

-Pete in CT

[PATRICK MOORE]

Thanks. I did subscribe for several years but let my subscription
lapse at the end of last year because money is tight. It's a good
publication -- may well be the best, in quality, of anything out there
-- but it's a bit narrow for my interests.

I wish he'd offer a PDF subscription.

[Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery]

Narrow-flange induced wheel flex seems like a pretty far-fetched problem. The wheel can flex laterally in hard corners, but so does the fork. On my 1936 Gitane tandem with 27" wheels, there is a tendency for the front rim to rub the brake pads in hard corners, despite the hub having a high, wide flange. The skinny, flexy fork legs are the more likely culprit.

[Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery]

I should have said 1963 Gitane tandem, not 1936.

[justin...@gmail.com]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_24?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=handspun+pavement+series+2&sprefix=handspun+pavement+series%2Caps%2C0

My oh my, those are attractive prices for bomb proof wheelsets for the commuter. 

[Lee Chae]

Hi Justin. I have a Shimano DH-3N71 that's been in use for a little more than 4.5 years. It's on my commuter (first a Kogswell, now a Quickbeam). I've used it year-round during this time, and park it outside during the day. It's always worked just fine despite being exposed to the rainy seasons here in the SF Bay Area. I've taken it out for bike camping adventures and trail-riding, as well. Again, no problems. So, I've enjoyed my experience with the Shimano.

Hope this helps,
Lee
SF, CA

[Philip Williamson]

I like the Shimano connector better than the SON, and the quality seems very good. I got a heavily discounted OEM Alfine, and wish I'd bought two. My SON has 10x more miles, with no problems - I hope the Shimano does as well. 

Philip

www.biketinker.com

[PATRICK MOORE]

Yes, one thing that Shimano did right and SON didn't do right is the
connector. I meditate on that difference every time I have to remove
and replace my SON wheel when fixing a flat.

I've been using DH 3**D**72s ("D" = Disk) or whateverthehelltheyare on
the Fargo (previously had one ..."N" ... on the Motobecane, too) off
road in lots of dry dust. No problems so far.

And: what is the difference between the ...72, the 71, the 80, and the Alfine?

One curious fact: When powering the light, my SON 20 buzzes or
vibrates more than my two ...72s. But it spins slightly easier
nevertheless.

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

> https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/JATVZm9ary4J.

> To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
> rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.

[Lee Chae]

This reminds me: One thing I did to my Cyo light was to tin the ends of the wires that thread into the Shimano connector. Makes for better contact and keeps things neater if you have to remove the connector for things like fixing flats or switching the dyno-wheel to a new bike.

Lee

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

[PATRICK MOORE]

I never bothered with this; I just made sure that the wires were
stripped carefully and the ends carefully tucked out of sight. I've
never had any problems with contact or neatness. Soldering doesn't add
anything if you prepare the wires carefully. I twist mine to make them
easier to handle.

Soldering **would** help with the SON spade connectors.

As for 71s, 72s, 80s, and Alfines, their quality and their drag: here
is what PJW has to say:

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/shimano3n70.asp

[Peter Pesce]

Ah yes, good point. Forgot to mention that the SP hub also uses the Shimano connector. That was a factor for me as it makes it much easier to share the wheel among bikes.

-Pete in CT

[Montclair BobbyB]

Two thumbs up for the 72, and I also own (and like) the SRAM iLight... excellent value in both.

BB

[Montclair BobbyB]

Two thumbs up for the 72, and I also own (and like) the SRAM iLight... excellent value in both.

BB

On Wednesday, October 24, 2012 8:51:00 PM UTC-4, Patrick Moore wrote:

[charlie]

I have the one VO sold for a while made in Taiwan and its a decent generator hub. I use it with a IQ Fly daylight running light headlamp along with a B&M Toplight tail lamp.  I love generator lighting set ups but you might also think about a Phillips battery charged headlamp if you won't be using a generator tail lamp. The Phillips has a broad and long reaching beam and 80 Lux is nothing to be embarrassed of. If your commute is under ten miles a good battery light with the USB charger is the "cats meow".....the Phillips also has a beam that is cut off like auto headlights in order to avoid blinding auto drivers etc.  Another good lighting set up is the Light and Motion 250 lumen head/tail combo with side running lights. I am getting this for my daughter to use on her commute to college and it will supplement her current battery head and tail light mounted on her bike. The big benefit is the high position of the light making her more visible and the ability to 'point' the head lamp at drivers or while turning. Battery lights are really good these days and are conveniently taken with the rider making them especially nice for the urban commuter. If you are a long range commuter (more than 10 miles one way) a gen hub with a battery helmet light is a nice combo and one I currently use. I plan on a newer model Son 28 for my next wheel set because of its moisture management system.....its the only company who makes one with this feature

[Matthew J]

I wish he'd offer a PDF subscription.

Yeah, that is why I don't subscribe any longer either.  I understand Jan's desire to leave something for posterity.  But unless it is something along the lines of his forthcoming Rene Herse book (which I have ordered already) I don't want the paper in my apartment. 

 

Reading magazines and illustrated novels (ok, comics) designed for tablets is such a great experience.  Especially something like BQ which is photo centric.

[PATRICK MOORE]

Thanks, Daniel -- good point about ordering from Europe.

On Fri, Oct 26, 2012 at 10:33 AM, Daniel <datadat...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I recall reading the internals of the 70, 71, 72 and 80 are roughly the
> same. And I believe the 72 and 80 are roughly identical, save for an Al axle
> in the 80 (vs steel in the 72 and lower).
>
> I never really bothered to sort out the specs on the Alfine.
>
> Of course, Peter White has a good amount of information on the various hubs
> on his site and Anthony at Long Leaf does as well. Anthony makes nice wheels
> at prices just a hair more than the Handspun stuff. I had a set of his
> wheels in the past and didn't have any issues with them. Plus I've
> cooresponded with him on a few things and he's always been responsive,
> detailed, and cordial.
>
> Also, a lot of these dynamo hubs (and lights) can be had for a lot less if
> you order from a European supplier.
>
> Daniel

>
> On Thursday, October 25, 2012 11:52:07 AM UTC-7, Patrick Moore wrote:
>>
>> And: what is the difference between the ...72, the 71, the 80, and the
>> Alfine?
>

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To view this discussion on the web visit

> https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/oo2KNC9aYB8J.

[Dan McNamara]

Took that out of context. The SP-Dynamo PV-8 was least efficient downhill at night. 

On Oct 25, 2012, at 6:56 AM, Kelly <tksl...@gmail.com> wrote:

I couldn't find where you found the SP PV-8 to be the least efficient.   I just re read the article and it performed well from what I saw.  Not even close the least.  I could be mis reading or missed something all together.  

Looking at charts and comments it looked as though the only concern was longevity as it's new and un tested, not to mention the problems with the switched versions. 

It looked to me that they rated it very high and the graphs showed decent performance.   What that a typo and you meant some other hub?  

Confused..

Kelly

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/PFudj1DRMF0J.

[Peter Morgano]

Ok, my Dyno knowlege is only of bottle dynamos and bulb style lights. I want to get a Shimano NH72 wheel from longleaf for my Bombadil since I find I am out more and more in the dark and wil sometimes forget to charge the NiteRider.  I was looking at one of the LED lights Peter White sells for daytime running (Lumotec IQ CYO RT). Back to old dynamo lights, if you had only a front light you had to switch out the bulbs but now with all this modern stuff can I just the dynamo to just  power the front LED? I would rather just use a battery setup outback for now, until I get brave enough to run wires the length of the bike. BTW, anyone ever use that particular light? It sounds the business.

[Montclair BobbyB]

I have a Lumotec IQ, and LOVE it... I also have a Schmidt Edelux and like the Lumotec every bit as much as the (more expensive) Schmidt.  The newer generation LED dyno lights are game changers for  

[Peter Morgano]

I just took the plunge, got the 650b Shimano NH72 wheel from Longleaf but got the B&M IQ Cyo Senso Plus headlight. Cant wait really. I wonder if I can mount it to the top rack mounts on the Bombadil fork or if the off-centeredness would drive me crazy (er).

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/YpIVIyOYroUJ.

[Brian Hanson]

same experience...

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/YpIVIyOYroUJ.

[charlie]

When I put a constant running LED tail light on my rear rack it was a good day......It truly makes the bicycle a vehicle. No more worries about dead batteries etc. There are some real benefits to a constant on tail light. Just run the wires back there.... its no big deal then refine it with internal wiring later. I use the B&M IQ Fly with daylight running lights but the Cyo with the more focused beam is better for faster riding. You can't improve on the Edeluxe however and I intend to get one eventually. The switches are better on the Edeluxe....I've had the IQ switch go wonky on me a couple times.