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General Category >> Technical >> New Generator Hub
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Message started by Kwijybow on Jan 29^th, 2010, 9:33pm

Title: New Generator Hub
Post by Kwijybow on Jan 29^th, 2010, 9:33pm

Mounted up my SON 20R generator hub tonight, connected to my Lumotec CYO headlight on the Barcroft. Very sweet. The SON 20R has much lower drag than the regular SON 28, and the shimano generator. I knew that on paper, but it is very noticeably better, Took the time to rotate my tires as well. Now just hope I get a chance for some all night rides this year, work promises to be a bear this year! --Nelson.

Title: Re: New Generator Hub
Post by johnnybent on Jan 31^st, 2010, 3:25pm

The light goes out when you stop? or is there a storage battery that would allow the light to stay on for a short period of time like at a stop light. The long distance riders wouldnt have to worry about batteries but short commutes would need a battery light. right? Anyone local who has the hubs/lights ?

Title: Re: New Generator Hub
Post by Kwijybow on Jan 31^st, 2010, 4:35pm

The Lumotec has a very excellent standlight, driven by capacitor I suspect. It lasts quite a long time, not as bright as when moving, but enough for cars to see you waiting at the light. -- Take Care, Nelson.

Title: Re: New Generator Hub
Post by mleuck on Feb 1^st, 2010, 12:50am

Kwijybow wrote:

Dumb question but with the current state of battery lights why would one use a generator light?

Title: Re: New Generator Hub
Post by Kwijybow on Feb 1^st, 2010, 1:15am

Well there is still a trade off between brightness, and runtime. For a ride in the dark of a few hours this is not a problem. But to be able to run all night, or at least half a night without changing batteries, you have to run at a dimmer light level. It is very reassuring to be able to pedal all night in the middle of nowhere and not worry about running out light. I still have a single light as a backup in case something fails however. Also it can be a real pain to charge batteries constantly for commuting. Also rechargeable batteries, even AA's do not last forever, and often as with tires, the wear and tear take them out of service early. Also the battery lights I have been running, while nice, are also subject to wear an tear and road vibration. Contacts have to be cleaned regularly, threads get worn out etc. Always having a generator and a light on the bike is nice from a planning and maintenance standpoint. A generator hub is a luxury really, not a necessity, but they are valid reasons for prefering them. I have some desire to do a 1000-1200K in the future, and it will be nice to have the light situation covered. -- Nelson.

Title: Re: New Generator Hub
Post by mleuck on Feb 1^st, 2010, 9:04pm

Kwijybow wrote:

Thanks for the info, never thought of it like that

Title: Re: New Generator Hub
Post by aikigreg on Feb 1^st, 2010, 9:27pm

mleuck wrote:

[quote author=Kwijybow link=1264822423/0#4 date=1265008516]Well there is still a trade off between brightness, and runtime. For a ride in the dark of a few hours this is not a problem. But to be able to run all night, or at least half a night without changing batteries, you have to run at a dimmer light level. It is very reassuring to be able to pedal all night in the middle of nowhere and not worry about running out light. I still have a single light as a backup in case something fails however. Also it can be a real pain to charge batteries constantly for commuting. Also rechargeable batteries, even AA's do not last forever, and often as with tires, the wear and tear take them out of service early. Also the battery lights I have been running, while nice, are also subject to wear an tear and road vibration. Contacts have to be cleaned regularly, threads get worn out etc. Always having a generator and a light on the bike is nice from a planning and maintenance standpoint. A generator hub is a luxury really, not a necessity, but they are valid reasons for prefering them. I have some desire to do a 1000-1200K in the future, and it will be nice to have the light situation covered. -- Nelson.

Thanks for the info, never thought of it like that[/quote]

That cause you only ride flat trails in the daytime, ya big pansy! :)

Trufthfully I hadn't thought about a 1200k aspect. My little batteries give me 6 hours each with a lot of light, so I'm good for 12 hours of darkness. Guess I'll just have to pick up 2 sets for PBP, eh?

Title: Re: New Generator Hub
Post by Kwijybow on Feb 1^st, 2010, 9:52pm

Well I've been OK for a couple of years changing batteries every 6 hours or so, and no drag is nice. However compared to all my past generators the SON 20R is very low drag. The Lumotec CYO is one bright light. Still not completely happy with the mounting I have though. I guess if it doesn't ultimately work out for me I'll trade it for a nice battery light like Greg's. -- Nelson.