Questions tagged [dynamo]

A dynamo converts mechanical energy to electrical energy.

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22 votes
8 answers
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Why are battery-powered lights so popular?

Both on this site and "in real life", battery-powered lights appear to be at least as popular as generator-powered lights. I have always been slightly confused by this. To me, a generator-powered ...
sleske's user avatar
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21 votes
15 answers
4k views

What applications exist for bicycle power, besides propulsion? [closed]

The dynamo light uses the power of a bicycle and rider to generate light. Are there other such inventions, intended either as accessories to the bicycle, or intended to be powered by bicycle mechanics ...
SamA's user avatar
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17 votes
4 answers
5k views

Is there a benefit to turning off dynamo-powered lights?

I have a bicycle with lights and a hub Dynamo. I am looking for generic answers that apply to more setups but if that's not possible, the bicycle I have is a Stevens Randonneur 2021. My bicycle lights ...
Rabee's user avatar
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15 votes
3 answers
3k views

Consequences of driving a dynamo backwards

My bike has a hub dynamo in the front wheel. Recently I have replaced the old fork with a used one I got from my local bike club. The new one has fixing points for the cabling on the other side of the ...
antipattern's user avatar
14 votes
5 answers
13k views

Bottle dynamo vs. hub dynamo

I have SpinPOWER USB charger kit, and I am using a bottle dynamo with it. I have heard that the power output from a hub dynamo is higher than from a bottle dynamo. Does anyone have any information ...
Alexandra Madison's user avatar
13 votes
5 answers
6k views

Using hub-dynamo for both lights and charging, with priority on lighting

I currently have a Supernova E3 Pro powered by a Shimano hub generator, and I would like to add the ability to charge USB-powered gadgets. My main concern, however, is that simply wiring up a charger ...
rkjnsn's user avatar
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11 votes
6 answers
5k views

Just how bad are bottle dynamos?

My tourer has a dynamo front wheel, which is great. It's so handy* that I ended up using it for most of my commuting over the winter, despite having a hybrid that should serve as my foul-weather ...
Chris H's user avatar
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11 votes
3 answers
7k views

What kind of maintenance does a shimano dynamo hub need?

I have a shimano dynamo hub on the front of my bike. Does it need any special maintenance, or maybe it needs just a little synthetic grease once a year, like a normal front hub?
Tadeusz A. Kadłubowski's user avatar
11 votes
3 answers
3k views

Does anyone make a dynamo light buffer battery that will keep it going at full power?

I have a nice SP dynamo hub and an old Supernova E3 Triple dyanamo light. However, the dynamo light isn't very bright when I'm starting my ride, as my ride has a long hill at the very start, so I don'...
Benzo's user avatar
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11 votes
2 answers
4k views

Are there any high power bicycle generators?

I have been searching for a generator or 'dynamo' (preferably one built into the hub) to run lights for night riding, but it seems that most are rated for only about 3W (presumably to meet German ...
nick g's user avatar
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10 votes
2 answers
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Dynamo hub lighting system recommendation

I'm considering outfitting my hybrid/commuter bike with a front dynamo hub and associated lighting. Currently, looking at Sanyo, Shimano, and Schmidt dynamo hubs. The Schmidt's are pretty pricey, ...
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9 votes
5 answers
6k views

Can I safely drill a hole from the crown into the steerer in my carbon fork?

I want to install dynamo-powered USB charging apparatus inside my fork steerer. However, it's a carbon fork that has no exit at the crown for the dynamo wiring. Is it safe to drill a small hole (at ...
Will Vousden's user avatar
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9 votes
1 answer
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Output of a Hub Dynamo measured with an Oscilloscope

What signal do you get from a hub dynamo when measuring it's output with an oscilloscope. Please include information on load and setup.
gschenk's user avatar
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9 votes
2 answers
783 views

Advice on hub-driven rear lights

I've had my Cube Travel Pro for a few years now, and it's been well used in all sorts of weather (it's my commuter so it's covered in road gunk). It has hub-powered front and rear lights which has ...
kabdulla's user avatar
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9 votes
3 answers
2k views

Flashing light when pushing bike with (constant) low speed

When someone pushes his bike beside him in a constant (low) speed the light will not be at constant (low) brightness, instead it will flash with it's full brightness. Why does it work like that?
Mischa's user avatar
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9 votes
2 answers
3k views

Are there Dynamo powered, rear flashing lights? [closed]

I run a SON hub dynamo and have recently upgraded my front light (the old light and the dynamo are ~10 years old). The new one is much brighter than the old and has a USB outlet for charging stuff, so ...
Móż's user avatar
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9 votes
1 answer
16k views

How do you install a hub dynamo?

I want to buy a Shimano hub dynamo, but I'm encountering problems getting a bike shop to commit to installing it for me if I buy it. So I have a couple questions that I'm hoping some of you guys might ...
Julian's user avatar
  • 225
8 votes
3 answers
1k views

DIY system for charging battery packs from hub dynamo

recently I stumbled over an interesting feature of a bike. The gravel bike from Decathlon has an inbuilt USB hub where you can charge your battery packs while riding. Now I wonder if there is a way to ...
Hagenbeck's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
917 views

Dynamo hub lights flickering: should I be concerned?

I've gotten some new lights for my bicycle this Christmas and just bought a matching dynamo hub wheel for them. I've removed my old wheel and put the new wheel in the fork and attached the lights just ...
Daniel Baulig's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
4k views

How to waterproof Shimano dynamo connector?

I have a Shimano DH-3N31-NT hub dynamo with following type of connector: Yesterday, diodes in the bridge rectifier of my front LED light exploded. While I was disassembling the light, I noticed that ...
AndrejaKo's user avatar
  • 333
7 votes
3 answers
2k views

What options do I have to charge my GPS and Phone using a dynamo hub?

I'm planning to purchase a supernova infinity-8 dynamo hub and wanted to use this during daylight hours to charge my Phone and GPS during bike tours. What products are available that will work with ...
Benzo's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
788 views

Spokes bow out from the hub flange

Wheel building using a SON Dynamo hub (28 12 disc), Wheelsmith DB14 spokes (stainless; J-bend), and Velocity Atlas rims (700c; 32 hole) with a two-cross lacing pattern. Disc brake, loaded touring. The ...
Laoshi's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
790 views

Are dynamo hubs specific to particular lights?

I am looking to purchase a dynamo hub, such as those made by Shimano, Son, Exposure etc. and a set of lights to connect to it. What I want to know is if any dynamo light will work with any dynamo hub, ...
sdgfsdh's user avatar
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7 votes
4 answers
1k views

Will running an LED designed for batteries on a NEXUS dynamo hub damage the LED?

I have a question about LEDs on 6V Shimano dynamo hubs. I built up an old Schwinn with a Nexus dynamo hub, and the headlight I'm using is based on an LED 6V headlamp. The LED is a Chip-on-board design,...
Steve Close's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
6k views

How to check your dynamo system?

I just bought my first hub dynamo (Shutter Precision PL-8) with dynamo headlight (Busch + Müller Lumotec IQ2 Eyc N Plus). After installation I figured out that light is not working. How to determine ...
mrchnk's user avatar
  • 93
7 votes
3 answers
15k views

Can I run rim brakes on a disc rim?

I'm trying to buy a front wheel which will work with both disc and rim brakes so that I can use it on my cross bike (with rim brakes) and my mountain bike (with disc brakes) with a dynamo hub to power ...
Benzo's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
2k views

Are any anti-theft GPS trackers dynamo powered?

I am considering an anti-theft GPS tracker for my bicycle, but I am worried about battery life. Are there any that recharge from a hub dynamo?
gerrit's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
352 views

On fitting 700C rims to a dynamo hub rated for up to 20"

I am currently in the planning stages of creating a really fancy front fork for my bike. For a little background, I want to try to get this custom built Burrows monoblade with disc mount: https://...
user40052's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
1k views

Wheel with Centerlock hub for disc brakes and rim for caliper brakes

Does it make sense to build a wheel with a hub with Centerlock for disc brakes and a rim for caliper brakes? My idea is to use the front wheel with a dynamo on two bikes, if I decide that I need a ...
Penta's user avatar
  • 707
6 votes
1 answer
170 views

Dynamo cutting out after a couple of seconds

This sounds like I've an electrical issue, but no idea of next steps. I have a Gazelle Tour Populair with what I believe is a Busch & Müller LYT Lumotec Retro front dynamo-powered light. When ...
eoinoc's user avatar
  • 319
5 votes
3 answers
13k views

Hub dynamo, maybe loose contact; maintenance?

I experience problems with my Shimano hub dynamo. A few days ago, I stood in the dark, without any visible damage. Measurement prove that the dynamo does not deliver power. I measured DC and AC ...
Faultier's user avatar
  • 153
5 votes
4 answers
2k views

Do you need to ride gentler with a dynamo hub?

I am going to purchase a dynamo hub and the way I like to ride is carefree abandon - going offroad, up and down curbs, straight through potholes, etc. My bike is a 90's rigid mtb with road tyres (26")....
lazyrabbit's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

Are there LED based dynamo powered lights suitable for night time MTB riding on singletrack?

Are there LED based dynamo powered lights suitable for night time MTB riding on singletrack? Likely they would need to have: High Brightness, likely 500 lumens or better. Not sure how that translates ...
Benzo's user avatar
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5 votes
2 answers
850 views

Do hub dynamos with higher power output exist?

I know there are dynamos with 3 W as the highest output, but are there commercial dynamos available with even better effect? See, I don't mind pedaling with a bit more drag if I can get better ...
MiNiMe's user avatar
  • 151
5 votes
3 answers
2k views

Using trainer as dynamo

I was wondering if it is possible to to use a magnetic trainer as a dynamo. While riding on trainers, at a gym, or at home, I always think to myself, "I wish I could capture all this energy and put ...
ebrohman's user avatar
  • 5,508
5 votes
2 answers
397 views

Dynamo hub cones regulation

I have bought my first dynamo hub wheel with Shimano DH-3N72 hub. The axle of the wheel fells like if it is over-tightened a bit, it rotates with feeling of clicks. Should I loose the cones in the ...
constpetrov's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
542 views

Has SRAM discontinued i-light hub dynamo?

I haven't been able to find SRAM hub dynamos lately. Has SRAM discontinued making of hub dynamos?
mkpaa's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
2k views

Combining a Dynamo hub with a single speed geared hub setup

In theory, can you build a dynamo hub, say a SON, with a fixie/single speed gear, all mounted in the same hub and wheel? I will be building a touring rig with an extra wheel trailer and I would like ...
Benjamin's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
97 views

Best type/designation of 2-strand wire to buy in bulk for generator and ebike lights

As a US-based shop mechanic, every time I try to buy 2-strand wire that can do the same things as what comes with generator and ebike lights, it gets deceptively complex. A lot of what's out there ...
Nathan Knutson's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
1k views

Which model of hub dynamo does the Cube Nuroad Race FE have?

I own a 2020 Cube Nuroad Race FE bike. Do you perhaps know what model of hub dynamo this bike has or at least if it's AC or DC? I can't figure it out since there are no markings on it. Here are a few ...
Dusan's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

Dynamo bike lights - unknown short circuit cause

I've bought and installed dynamo powered lights on my bike. A little bit about the setup - It's the bottle dynamo kind pressing against the tire system. The Dynamo produces current turning clockwise ...
Polonius Byke's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
221 views

Rim dish and flange angle problem

this is the n-th time I have faced with this problem. The problem is than one flange of the rim is higher than another one. As you can see on the photo. My rim is new this time, I have dynamo hub. ...
CROSP's user avatar
  • 141
4 votes
4 answers
3k views

What gauge wire is used for dynamo hubs and lights?

I have some non-standard bikes to hook up so rather than ordering the kits with fixed length wires, I want to just order appropriate double strand (or coaxial) wire in bulk, along with the connectors, ...
user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
126 views

Problems installing front and rear Busch and Muller dynamo lights to a shimano hub dynamo

I connected the Front Dynamo Light (Halogen Busch & Muller Lumotec Oval Senso) to the Shimano hub dynamo and it worked fine. I then connected the Busch & Muller D Toplight Plus Rear Carrier ...
Bryn's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
1 answer
327 views

How do you repair or lengthen a B&M Luxos Control Cable?

Maybe this would be better off in electronics, but since it's bike gear specific, I thought I'd try here first. I need to have longer control cables on B&M's Luxos U headlight/charger combo. This ...
user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
369 views

How can I spin a dynamo wheel at road speed for bench testing?

I can check my dynamo works by spinning the wheel on the workstand or just riding, but I'd like to do some more involved testing. I'd like to develop some custom electronics to use the extra power ...
Chris H's user avatar
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3 votes
3 answers
2k views

Should I replace both wheels/rims if I convert the front to a dynamo hub?

The title mostly says it all. Is there a reason to or a reason not to replace the back wheel or rim if I replace the front wheel to get a dynamo hub? The only reason would be aesthetics, to keep the ...
JTW158's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
2 answers
791 views

Rear stand light on a Cube Nuroad FE not working

I bought online a Cube Nuroad Race FE 2021 that comes full with fenders and dynamo lights. The front light is the Supernova E3 Pure and, although not stated clearly on Cube's site, the rear light ...
Kostas's user avatar
  • 151
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

How can we calculate the efficiency of the Siva Cycle Atom generator?

The Atom is a bike electricity generator made by Siva cycle and launched via kickstarter. I was curious about how this generator compares to others (eg. hub dynamo/generators) in the market in terms ...
cyclicredundancy's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
189 views

Checking dynamo-wire contact

After my front wheel got damaged I took it to the BS where I purchased it and they replaced it. However, after riding it I have noticed that with the new wheel the dynamo hub (Shimano Nexus) works ...
L.Dutch's user avatar
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