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Dynamo light set retrofit

I'm interested in getting a hub dynamo light retrofit for several years old Trek Allant - front and back if possible. Not willing to tinker myself but looking for a shop that can provide quality components and do the work. I'm fully aware that this will likely double the value of my bike, but unclear on what this would cost me and if there's even shops in the Pittsburgh area that do that (ideally some you can get to by bike and public transport). Suggestions?
monika
2016-04-28 13:00:27
Thick Bikes would be my first choice for a local shop to do a dynamo system. [Edited to add:] It won't be cheap, but is worth it in my opinion (I've had at least half-a-dozen dynamo-equipped bikes in recent years). For a good balance of quality and cost, I like Shutter Precision or Shimano DH-3N7x hubs, paired with B&M lights like a Lumotec headlight and a Secula taillight. As Jon mentioned, the Magnics lights are also an option..I love them for tail lights, but find the headlights underpowered for my purposes. Good enough to be seen, but not great to see by. Finally, for more lighting info than you can shake a stick at, check out Peter White's website.
reddan
2016-04-28 13:02:21
You might want to take a look at the Magnic Light (http://www.magniclight.com/index.php/en/). I have them. There's no need for wiring, because the generator and light are integrated into a single unit. They're also lighter and brighter and have less drag. And the cost is less, and you don't need to get a wheel built. Fitting them to your bike is an issue, but I think that a good bike shop could do this.
jonawebb
2016-04-28 13:05:05
The magnic's look fascinating. Thanks. The bike sees a good deal of vibration, dirt and grime riding on the wider Frick Park trails - did you see any problem with them in dirt? Also, to be seen is more important than seeing, so I like strobes & blinking. My current front-light overlays that with just enough light to see by. I don't see these functions in the description of any dynamo lights.
monika
2016-04-28 13:17:04
The mounts would require the same stability as rim brakes. The lights themselves are stable and aren't going to be damaged by vibration.
jonawebb
2016-04-28 13:22:41
I'm a strong candidate for getting one of these. Since I'm 99% road and 40% at night, I both need to see and be seen, so I really need two front lights, one on solid to see, one blinking to be seen. Right now, I recharge the batteries every day or two, but it's a pain, and I've had several failures, front and back. So I need a dynamo that keeps everything charged, front and rear. Added bonus, be able to recharge a camera or other USB device, as needed. I haven't scoured the Peter White site. Is what I'm looking for covered in there?
stuinmccandless
2016-04-29 09:29:23
@Stu: There are lights (B&M Luxos U-series) that are designed to provide adequate lighting to ride on-road at speed in pitch blackness, plus have a built-in USB charge port. I don't know if the charge port is active when the light is on, however, and I've heard reports of older versions of the Luxos having problems with water seeping through the seals. There are also external add-on modules to convert dynamo current to USB charge...SuperNova makes one called The Plug (which replaces your stem cap...very tidy), but there are others. Peter White's site should have pretty much all the info you need, plus beam comparison shots. Also, there are a LOT of DIY options. Here's one for example: http://www.instructables.com/id/Voltage-Regulated-5-V-Bicycle-Dynamo-Light-USB/
reddan
2016-04-29 09:36:58
Also also, there used to be a dynamo-driven light which could additionally recharge AA batteries, but my Google-fu is failing me.
reddan
2016-04-29 09:43:23
A while ago I bought an E-WERK for exactly this purpose; I can very likely track down the components and get it to you somehow, Stu. Personally, I found managing USB device charging to be too difficult on a bike; USB plugs aren't really designed to stay in place under lots of vibration.
jonawebb
2016-04-29 09:49:43
I just put together a dynamo rig. I built the wheel around a Shutter Precision Dynamo and am using a Sinewave Revolution for USB charging as I am primarily a daytime rider. Once funds are available I'll add a taillight then a headlight, I'm leaning toward Supernova right now. I was skeptical about the dynamo but have been extremely pleased with how well USB charging works. I am able to run my phone all week without plugging it into the wall if I commute every day. Building up the dynamo setup myself was around $350, including SP Dynamo, rim, double butted spokes and Sinewave Revolution.
sped
2016-05-05 11:34:04