Dynamo light - 27 inch wheels

sgt.pepper
sgt.pepper Posts: 300
edited February 2019 in The workshop
Finally caved into the urge to get a dynamo light to replace the current one on my main commuter. This was a project that I didn't really have the time for, and lacked the will to do properly anyway because I knew I was going to get a dynamo eventually. However, I know precious little about dynamos lights, and even less about electronics so have a few questions.

- will a hub made for 700c wheels thread onto a 27 inch wheel? Will be taking to LBS anyway, but need to import as there basically aren't any dynamos in NZ

- I want it in silver to not clash with the general look of the bike. This Shimano one seems good and has a higher power output. Does this matter? Can I not run as powerful lights, or just can't run a rear or USB hub? I appreciate my lack of technical knowledge is quite embarrassing.

- Right now I'm thinking this one - https://road.cc/content/review/33808-sh ... hub-dynamo. However I have no idea what sort of light I can pair with it - do I match the wattage output listed from the hub? However, I can't find any info on whether it has USB power. Almost tempted to get a lower end pair like this, though I doubt that the light would be strong enough for some of the very dark roads I commute on - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/SHIMANO ... db1fb33bae

- Does the usb just come out of the light? It's definitely preferable to have it, as one of my main reasons for needing this is for if/when Wellington gets hit by a nasty quake. Want to be able to still get around and see if the power goes down and roads crack (you really do have to consider these things here).

- Can you just plug any light into the hub? Do the dynamo ones have a special battery that charges so they don't die when you stop at lights like the old ones did?

- Ideally the light would either have to look period, or fit into one of my spare light housings like this rather half arsed mod - BLP8JtA.jpg


Bike for reference - cFlQZvF.jpg

Comments

  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Sgt.Pepper wrote:
    - will a hub made for 700c wheels thread onto a 27 inch wheel?
    A hub isn't made for any size rim, it can be laced into just about any rime size you want, as long as the number of spoke holes match
    Sgt.Pepper wrote:
    This Shimano one seems good and has a higher power output. Does this matter?
    Nope, it will only produce what is being demanded, so if the light is off when you ride it will produce (almost) no power at all.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    what Rookie says
    Shutter Precision hubs are very popular among long distance riders and a bit more efficient than Shimano ones
    left the forum March 2023
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    there have been a large number of failed SP hub due to seized bearings during the warranty period. the hub is not serviceable so it requires a rebuilt with a new hub. in my view regardless of how popular they are they are not worth it. shimano or Son hubs seem to be toruble free.
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    Good to know... I never thought changing the bearings would be a big issue in a Chinese product... generally it's Western products that are designed to be hard to service
    left the forum March 2023
  • sgt.pepper
    sgt.pepper Posts: 300
    Bought this - https://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/0.h ... 2907761572

    I'm hoping that the light is strong enough for what I need and will fit in one of my retro housings. I'll be curious to weigh the whole lot when I get it on - think I'll be pushing at least 15kg.
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    You have to send the son back to germany but at least it can be done. For SP to change the bearing (they can the wheel has to be got back to taiwan hense the U.K distributor supplies a reconditioned hub to re build with.
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Nice bike. My pal had one almost 40 years ago. Good to see one still in use. Even with those suicide levers.

    (I liked them anyway)
  • sgt.pepper
    sgt.pepper Posts: 300
    cougie wrote:
    Nice bike. My pal had one almost 40 years ago. Good to see one still in use. Even with those suicide levers.

    (I liked them anyway)

    Thanks! I absolutely love it, barely used my modern tourer since I got it.

    The suicide breaks aren't too bad when the breaks are tuned and you're cruising on the flat - useless for emergencies and descending though.
  • sgt.pepper
    sgt.pepper Posts: 300
    Update - taking to the bike shop today to get the wheel rebuilt. Currently eyeing this light as it has USB charging and a switch that will save me keep having to open up the retro housing to turn it off and on - https://www.bike24.com/p238271.html?q=dynamo+light+usb. However, will 2.4W be powerful enough to run it with a USB charger (no rear light though).

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