Bike lights, dynamo powered?

[Andeh1]

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a few sets of bike lights for the kids, and to avoid the need for several chargers I'm looking at the dynamo powered ones that I used to have as a kid (!).

Worked really well a few decades ago, from memory, but the set I bought off ebay was an utter failure... And all the rest look similar!


Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks

[Caddyshack]

Andeh1 said:

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a few sets of bike lights for the kids, and to avoid the need for several chargers I'm looking at the dynamo powered ones that I used to have as a kid (!).

Worked really well a few decades ago, from memory, but the set I bought off ebay was an utter failure... And all the rest look similar!


Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks

I can only remember the old ones being rubbish, going dim when you slowed a seemed to sap a lot of pedal power.

I would buy usb rechargeable ones or just battery ones and get a few charge leads.

[Super Sonic]

Dynamo lights go off when stationary. Not safe at all.

[NickXX]

I got several sets of Catseye branded usb chargeable lights which were inexpensive. Means I’ve always got a set or two of fully charged spares to go on the bikes when lights inevitably get left on.

I did originally get some long-lasting lithium button cell battery ones as I didn’t want the hassle of constantly charging, but I seemed to be forever changing batteries (again when they were inevitably left on).

[jamm13dodger]

Super Sonic said:

Dynamo lights go off when stationary. Not safe at all.

No they don't, at least not all of them. I have a Son dynamo hub with a supernova front light and the light stays on for quite a long time after I've stopped pedaling. Took me quite a while to get used to the fact I hadn't forgotten to turn my light off after a ride.

[Solocle]

Modern hub dynamos are where it's at. No need to worry about charging - if you ever do through-night rides like I have done, that can't be overrated.

This is an SP-PD7 hub dynamo with a SON Edelux II light:


the dynamo rear light is a B&M Toplight Line Brake Plus.

As you can see, a standlight function when stationary. However, I do supplement with battery lights at the back, as I really like to have something flashing, for conspicuousness, especially on A roads.

This one is a video still, it appears brighter to the human eye.

[WPA]

Super Sonic said:

Dynamo lights go off when stationary. Not safe at all.

Not anymore, most now have standlight fitted so stay lit for 4 minutes when stopped or parked

However bottle dynamo's are pretty crap now, hub dynamo's are loads better but expensive

[POIDH]

I agree that modern dynamo lights are very good. They last well. They are bright. They do not go off when stationary. But you will pay a LOT for them, as they are hub based.
With modern batteries, and a USB-C charger, they last forever. My rear one has done a full week of bike touring on flash - and was still working at the end of the week. Both front and rear charge off same USB-C and any generic charger, are super bright (rear even has brake function) and Just Work. They are by Moon.