-
If I get a cheap Shimano hub am I going to be disappointed?
Maybe, but it depends if you care how ugly your front hub is. I have the 'high end' shimano one, the 3N80 or something, which to me didn't look as boxy as the lower end ones and is apparently more efficient, and is almost certainly lighter. For me the extra 15 or 20£ seemed worth it for something that will last a long time, and I think if you search this thread (and the hub thread?) you will find most people are happy with their Shimano dynamos, no matter where they are in the range hierarchy.
I can only comment on the lights I have - the B&M Luxus and toplight taillight. But routing the rear light was pretty simple. Mine is just taped under the top tube, and mounted on the rear rack. My bike is black though, so the cable is discreet.
-
B+m lumotec with a toplight tail light to an alfine dynamo light is my commuter, never faltered over my 3 or so years of owning it, been left out in all weathers and never had problems with side visibility.
-
I have high end shimano hubs (3d80 and t780) on two bikes. The hubs work well and give plenty of juice, no issues with them at all. I have B&M lights front and back, they've all been good. You can run cables neatly if you want, mine runs in the bed of my GB mudguard to a light mounted on the mudguard. I've heard some people suggest did e-tube covers for routing dynamo wires.
-
I really rate those lights for sideways visibility. As with all b&m front lights they come in different brightness levels. Brightest one is good. Not descending mountains in the pitch dark good, but good. And, unlike some of the more expensive b&ms it has plug connectors for the rear light not a cable that exits the light directly.
You are reading a single comment by @Sparky and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
pastry_bot
zooeyzooey
hamrack
c.h.e.
@Sparky
Mind if I ask some basic questions?
I have an uber-practical commuter bike which needs a new front hub. So I'm thinking of getting a dynamo and lights to get rid of the need to charge my USB lights.
If I get a cheap Shimano hub am I going to be disappointed? Also, what's a good option for city riding for lights? Lots seem like they'd have no side visibility, which is no good. Also, how do you route a cable to the rear? That seems like it'd always be a bodge.