Let me get some sidewall dynamo love

So, I want to hear from all the folks running dynamos - specifically of the sidewall variety. I want to hear practical anecdotes of how well these work in typical Chicago conditions. If you have a new dynamo, (ie not one that is a 30 year old piece of crap that blows your lights out if you peddle too fast), and LED lights I'd like to know what brand, what lights you use, and how well it works in the rain and snow. I'm currently looking at the Dymotec, Nordlicht, and AXA HR. I'm leaning towards the AXA because some tests run by a guy in Europe compared all three and he found the greatest efficiency and output in the AXA. I'm going to be upgrading tires soon, as my rear tire has well over 3000 miles on it and is wearing out. I'm looking at Schwalbes with a dyno strip on the side. Probably Marathons I think. I've already got a couple lights picked out as well. The headlamp is a 60 lux unit that looks to be as blindingly bright as some of the best battery powered LED units, but with a cool German-spec reflector designed to NOT blind oncoming riders or motorists.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on October 24, 2012 at 5:16pm

If you're looking at sidewall dynamos, you should also take a look at bottom bracket generators. I had a Union BB generator years ago that you could have used to land small aircraft. Contacts the tread rather than the sidewall when engaged, and has the same low-maintenance reliability. I never had slippage issues, even in the pouring rain. Like the sidewall generator-0 drag when disengaged.

Permalink Reply by Mike Bullis 5.5-6.5 miles on October 25, 2012 at 2:07am

I'm running Union sidewall gennies on a couple of bikes with Union halogen lamps. One has been on the bike since the early 90s and the other was dug out of the stash and put on the winter commuter three/four years ago. No issues, but one thing I am glad I did was slip a 30mm rubber sleeve over the knurled wheel that contacts the sidewall. It effectively slows down the gennie, the sleeve wears instead of the sidewall and, more importantly, reduces drag so I can ride in a higher gear. It was something that we did in the old days of ultramarathoning.

I'll post a pic up of the set up this evening. If I forget, yell.:)

Permalink Reply by Mike Bullis 5.5-6.5 miles on October 25, 2012 at 6:52am

The one thing you don't really want is maximum output from the genny. Although most are rated at 6v-2.4watts to 3 watts, it is possible to see a lot more out of them, aka, blown bulbs. Hence, slowing them down. Most LEDs are happy between 3vdc to 36vdc and take very little current. Halogen bulbs work well between 4.5 and 6.5 AC or DC but take a lot more current. Many of the newer and spendy ones now have built in voltage regulators, so it isn't the issue it once was. That said,  I have an old Sanyo BB genny with a futzed voltage regulator that puts out 23v on the test stand at 7 mph and can hit 100v at 25mph(it's just a toy now).

Can't recommend a brand as I've always made my own, but LED is the way to go, though. Just make sure the lamp has a rectifier in it to convert the gennys output from AC to DC.

Permalink Reply by Elliot Bennett on October 25, 2012 at 9:03am

Is there a reason you are not considering Hub Generators? I made the switch and will never go back to sidewalls. No more tire slip or wear...

I currently run a Shimano Alfine front hub with a Supernova E3 Triple front and rear light. I've got close to 15k miles (of 4 season riding) on the setup and it has run flawlessly.

For what it's worth...I'd seriously consider a hub setup.

Permalink Reply by Mike Bullis 5.5-6.5 miles on October 25, 2012 at 2:04pm

I'm not at all familiar with it but it looks like the AXA may be the way to go for you. I just like to update the old technologies, i.e. Sturmey Archer Dynohub with Cree Q5 LED lights.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on October 25, 2012 at 3:31pm

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