New Dynamo Wheel Day

[Doug H.]

I just received a Hands On Wheels 650b Cliffhanger with a Kasai Dynacoil RB hub! I'm always amazed at the quality of Rich's wheels. I bought a front only for my Clem and now need lights. I'm open to recommendations but have been looking at Busch and Muller lights which seem on par with the best made. The other, cheaper brands I've seen are AXA and Trelock. One other surprise was Rich sent a Silver branded skewer. I did not know they offered those but it looks classy and well made.

Doug

[Brady Smith]

B&M lights are excellent. I have the IQ-XS. It's a great commuting light. 

[Doug H.]

Brady,

That is a light I'm looking at closely. It seems to be a smaller model but has a rating of 80 Lux? Would be all I need for commuting too. Do you use a B&M tail light too?

Doug

[Ryan Frahm]

I had the IQ-X some time ago and it was an incredible light. More than enough light for just about any riding. I had one of their taillights as well but I can’t remember the model. It was also fantastic. 

[Doug H.]

Seems like the IQ-X is slightly larger and brighter but both would suit my needs I think.

I appreciate the feedback.

Doug

[Peter Adler]

The IQ-X is 100 lux (or is it lumen? I'm too lazy at the moment to look it up); the IQ-XS is 80 whateveritises.

For brake lights, if you have the ability to mount a wider light, the B&M Toplight Line Brake Plus is awesome. It detects stopping motion and brightens the taillight, in an effect similar to a car's taillights pulsing as you press down on the brake pedal. In the four or five years I've used one, I've had motorists pull up next to me at stoplights and thank me; cyclists have pulled up from behind and asked me where I got it (Peter White Cycles, as an upgrade to my Toplight Line Plus when PJW was replacing my damaged Luxos U under warranty. Rivendell's had the Brake Plusses in the past, but I think they're still out of stock).

Peter Adler

definitely not a curse-the-darkness person in this area

Berkeley, CA/USA

[Sam McDermott]

Agree on both the IQ-X and Toplight Line Plus lights, they're fantastic.

I have a cheapo Herrmans M4 Black on a different bike. It throws a lot of light in a decent pattern, but it is _much_ worse at low speeds -- the capacitor must be a much lower rating, since it flickers very distractingly when I walk my bike, for example, and it is noticeable if I am riding at very low speed. The standlight is also not quite as bright, pointing to the same issue, though that is less of a concern to me.

-Sam

[Jeffrey Arita]

I will add our 2 cents: 100% agree with Busch & Muller IQ-X (100 lux).  The light output is quite amazing.  We've used these on early season brevets and they really light up the road.  It is (in our opinions) brighter than the Schmidt Edelux II.

The B&M rear light is fantastic too (Toplight Line Brake Plus), the one that gets brighter when one slows down.

Jeff

Claremont, CA

[Doug H.]

I appreciate the feedback and suggestions. The consensus of comments is B&M IQ front light and Toplight Line Brake Plus rear which is what my research showed were good options. Since I don't yet have a rear rack I may go with the seat stay mounted B&M rear light at first.

Doug

[Roberta]

Doug,

I have a B&M seat stay light Dyno for sale. It’s a great light and very bright. I replaced it with a Top line when I got a rack. $20 + shipping from 19106, Philadelphia. 

Miles of smiles,

Roberta

[Doug H.]

Thank you Roberta! Now I just need a front light and I'm all set...

Doug