Equipping a road bike with a hub dynamo is not everyone's cup of tea - the technology was previously associated with the city bike faction and, for some traditionalists, has no place on a road bike. However, even the harshest critics of these small power producers are now running out of arguments. Our example, Shimano's latest model with the cumbersome name "DH-3N80" delivers three watts of power and thus fulfils the requirements of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). The dynamo weighs 490 grams, which is around 300 grams more than a normal front hub. The additional power required when the lights are on is negligible and is more than compensated for by the advantage of a permanent and reliable power supply. An advantage that also sets the dynamo system apart from battery technology, as charging times are eliminated and power failures due to empty batteries are ruled out. Coupled with new LED headlights for hub dynamos, such as those offered by Busch & Müller with the "Lumotec IQ" model or Supernova with the elegant "E3", there are hardly any arguments against dynamo technology. The model shown costs 110 euros and is available for 32 and 36 spokes.
Degree of difficulty: for interested beginners
You will need:
- Tool: 5 mm hexagon socket, wire stripper or knife, ring spanner or open-end spanner, open-end spanner
Tips & Tricks
1. If the light does not come on, this is usually due to poor wiring. To check whether the hub dynamo is working, your bike dealer has an indicator light that is plugged into the connection (large photo: red light).
2. Always run a cable for the positive pole and a cable for the negative pole from the front light and rear light to the power source. The single wiring used in the past, where the return flow was via the frame and other metal parts ("earth"), was the main cause of lighting system failures.
3. Rear lights are available for mounting on mudguards and for pannier racks. In all cases, these are combined with a rear reflector. The StVZO clearly stipulates two of these, one of which must be large.
