For us, there was no other option other than Schmidt for our front dynamo hub. The experience and reputation that this company has built is almost legendary amongst long distance bicycle tourers.
Schmidt hubs are known to be more waterproof than all other dynamo hubs, and given the 40000km+ our two Schmidt hubs have covered in their lifetime, we can attest to this.
The why:
– Arguably the best dynamo hub on the market for bicycle touring
– Beautifully made and designed
– Five year warranty
– Possibly the most weatherproof dynamo hub available, it is not expected to need servicing for 50000km!
The why not:
– More costly than all other options
– No on/off switch, which is available with other manufacturers
Price:
$200 USD
Similar products:
– Supernova
– Shutter Precision
You make me encourage to get one of these!
If you covered all those distances, probably you are the right person to ask, hope you don’t mind the many questions.
Why the on-off switch would be useful?
What can you say about rolling resistance:
– when lamp is on or off?
– how does it compare to non-dynamo hubs,
– how does it compare to other dynamo hubs?
I have read some folks switch on dynamo hubs to charge devices on downhills, but this makes sense if the resistance is higher when the hub is on.
How happy are you with the electrical output at touring speeds?
When we are touring, our average speed is 11-16 km/h. When it’s hilly, we are around 6-9 km/h only. It’s like long periods of climbing, and then some short descents.
Do you use it to charge stuff, or just for the lights?
If you use it for charging, what is it enough to charge up during an average day of riding? (In mAh, or what gadgets get filled up.)
If I want a hub like this for my current bike, what do you suggest, what should I pay attention to? (Which variety, how to set it up, or anything.)
– In our opinion, the on/off switch is not a huge deal. In fact, we just ordered a new Schmidt hub without a switch (a disc hub)!
– Regarding rolling resistance, I am not the man to talk to regarding numbers and rolling resistance, check out the below links for that. What I can say is that I do not notice any difference in the rolling resistance (both on and off) on a touring bike weighing over 120kg+ including myself, and even less on our 200kg+ tandem.
http://www.bikequarterly.com/VBQgenerator.pdf
http://www.ecovelo.info/2009/11/05/new-dyno-hub-test/
– We can charge our bits and pieces over about 9km/h. We use a Pedal Power Plus super-i-cable for that. (https://www.cyclingabout.com/index.php/2013/02/review-pedal-power-plus-super-i-cable-dynamo-battery/) Also check out our review of the V4i battery (https://www.cyclingabout.com/index.php/2012/04/review-pedalpower-v4i-battery-kit-and-icable/) for more details on charge times for particular items. We also have a power resource covering batteries, solar chargers and dynamo gear (https://www.cyclingabout.com/index.php/2013/04/awesome-power-resource-dynamo-hubs-solar-panels-power-supplies-and-batteries-for-bicycle-touring/).
– Our lights operate fine over about 4km/h with the SON28. They are brightest after about 9km/h.
– Regarding recommendations, I’d suggest the SON 28 for the type of riding you’re doing (touring at low speeds, charging?). I’d purchase a disc hub, even if you don’t have disc brakes because you mig want them in the future.
This was very helpful, thanks a lot! I’ll go for the disc version then.