We are constantly researching dynamo hubs and lights so that we can give you the best advice on which combination to get on a given budget. We also think a lot about how to fit the lights and where the wires should go. The end result puts the wires somewhere unobtrusive and protected. The light should cast its full beam in just the right spot. On some bikes this can be very fiddly, but once its done right you should never need to think about it again.
Here’s some articles we’ve written about dynamos and lighting
A Primer on Dynamo Lighting
Dynamo lighting is one of our three favourite upgrades to a commuter bike. Along with mudguards (fenders) and racks, dynamo lighting is one of those upgrades that will make your commute easier, and the only one that will make it safer. Modern dynamo lights are bright – in some cases as bright as car headlights – and so efficient you barely notice that you’re powering them.
Dynamo Lights Demo
Dynamo curious? Like the idea of having light to see by, not just be made visible? Never want to bother with buying or charging batteries, and taking your lights off your bike every time you park it? Together with Abbotsford Cycles and our key suppliers we are holding a demo night to show off the efficiency of modern hub dynamos, and the amazing light output and charging capability of the current crop of lights and accessories.
All of the lights
Last night we got together with Abbotsford Cycles and held a Dynamo Demo night to showcase and compare our favourite dynamo lights. It was a great opportunity to analyse the lights in action side my side in a controlled environment (unlit, closed road with no car traffic).
Read on for the results.
Dynamos and Dynamo lights
Hub dynamos and LED lights are two things in the bike world which have seen the greatest technological improvement in the last few years. Recent generations of dynamo hubs are far more efficient than any previous dynamo system, and the lights that go with them are far brighter and far less power-hungry. It has reached the point where the whole system is so efficient that any bike short of a race bike could be fitted with a dynamo wheel and lights and the only real down-side would be the expense.