Jason, The best data I've found for objectively comparing output power and drag of different dynamo hubs across a range of speeds is here. https://www.cyclingabout.com/dynamo-hub-power-drag-testing-schmidt-son-shutter-precision-shimano/
I live car-free in an east-coast city. Due to probability of theft, I went with less expensive 6V-3W Shimano dynohubs on my VO commuter bike and my Yuba extended-wheelbase cargo bike. I had Cygolites in the past, but discovered the elegance of dynohub lighting -- lights are permanently mounted (theft prevention) and they always work (nothing to recharge). Less hassle. To reduce zipties and wires, on my Quickbeam I went with this 6V-2.4W Shimano dynamo hub <https://www.flickr.com/photos/millhiser/51842192083/in/album-72177720296206290/> which powers only a front light (this battery-powered rear light <https://www.flickr.com/photos/millhiser/51841140277/in/album-72177720296206290/> on the fender). If I were to do it again, I'd go with a 6V-3W hub with rear wiring using this elegant approach proposed by Igor at VO <https://velo-orange.blogspot.com/2019/10/petes-dynamo-polyvalent-with-shimano.html> . The "gotcha" with the Shimano dynamo hubs is that the wire connector cap and cover <https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=51235> is neither waterproof nor robust. I've lost lights in more than 1 rain storm. The connector cap has torn off more than once in normal riding. When I think about the value of one's time -- and the time spent maintaining the connector -- it starts to seem myopic not going with the SON. :-) You asked about rims and spokes. There are so many dynamo hub options out there (disc brake vs. rim brake; 32h vs. 36h vs. XXh; black vs. silver; etc. etc.), so you can get whatever you want/need. I saved a ton of money trolling eBay remembering what Grant wrote in a Riv Reader more than a decade ago: "Mismatched rims are cool." Cheers, Will M NYC On Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 10:38:30 AM UTC-4 greenteadrinkers wrote: > Speaking as someone with a few SON28 wheels, and the type of riding you > described, I'd suggest considering a $30 Paul Gino mount and a few $35 > Cygolite lights a go before investing $500+ on a SON28 and Edelux headlight > (not including the cost for the cox-axial connector, rim, rim tape, spokes, > and nipples). But, I totally get it, Dyno hubs are awesome! Personally, I > hate having to look at the wiring and zip ties. > > Best > Scott > > On Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 9:09:10 AM UTC-4 peec...@yahoo.com wrote: > >> I have Velogical dynamo on my Sam Hillborne. Love its elegance and the >> fact that I didn't have to change my front wheel and hub when I wanted to >> add dynamo lighting. One other con to consider is the potential for >> slipping when riding in wet conditions. The Velogical has provided >> adequate light even when wet however. Tim Petersen >> >> On Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 10:19:02 AM UTC-5 campyo...@me.com wrote: >> >>> Jason: >>> >>> You’ll hear many opinions—good luck sifting through the advice you will >>> get! >>> >>> I have both SON and Shutter Precision hubs and have not had any issues >>> with either. My SONs have ranged from the old-style type with flanges >>> pressed onto a center piece to the modern (and very pretty) type. I have >>> several variations of the SP hubs on various bikes. >>> >>> If money is no object, definitely go with SON, if only because they’re >>> so darn pretty. SP will perform just as well—I have not experienced the >>> “roughness” that one other respondent reported. >>> >>> Based on what I’ve read about SON and their weather sealing, the biggest >>> advantage that I know of is that they are pressure compensated; SP hubs are >>> not. That means that if you go from a warm, dry environment directly into a >>> cold and dry one, the SON hubs won’t draw in moisture as the air inside the >>> hub cools. SP hubs might, but for this to be a problem, you would have to >>> roll right out into a cold downpour. That’s an edge case for me and >>> something that has never been a problem. >>> >>> Finally … Have you considered the Velogical dynamo? I have one on an >>> Alex Singer, and it’s great. Pros: Cheaper than a dyno hub and wheel, very >>> low draw, ZERO drag in the “off” position, great German engineering, works >>> with any wheel. Cons: Sits outside on the frame, where it might be subject >>> to damage (not a problem for me in several years of use), makes a quiet >>> whirring noise when running, requires a small clamp to attach to the frame. >>> >>> --Eric Norris >>> campyo...@me.com >>> Insta: @CampyOnlyGuy >>> YouTube: YouTube.com/CampyOnlyGuy >>> >>> On Jul 25, 2022, at 11:59 PM, Jason Glenn <jkg...@gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>> Hi, all, >>> >>> I've never had a bike with a dyno hub but rode one a few months back -- >>> thanks, Max! -- and have decided to build up a wheel -- my first wheel >>> build, too -- with one for an Atlantis. I know the Son 28 is the go to, >>> and I could be convinced to use one, but I'm working on a limited budget >>> and am wondering what people think about the alternatives out there. My >>> main use for the Atlantis, at least at the moment, will be commuting, >>> running erands, etc., but I'm trying to bike as my principle form of >>> transportation (in Los Angeles) and will be riding in the evenings and >>> early mornings with some regularity. Down the road, I would like to do >>> some touring on it. >>> >>> Anyway, I'm interested in any and all suggestions/perspectives. >>> >>> Thanks, in advance, >>> jason >>> >>> P.s. While I'm at it, happy to hear about favorite rims and spokes for >>> the build... >>> >>> -- >>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>> Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>> an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com. >>> >>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/a069839b-49c0-4e8f-bfb5-000f0ee9255cn%40googlegroups.com >>> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/a069839b-49c0-4e8f-bfb5-000f0ee9255cn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> . >>> >>> >>> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/09abf6b9-1c47-423e-9bec-c07198085799n%40googlegroups.com.
