http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Have I bought the right dynamo light? en Wed, 13 May 2026 01:45:44 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700&page=2#post-130879 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 15:16:46 +0000 kaputnik 130879@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Dave my bad, I'm sure I read it that way on Peter White cycles website which is my usual oracle for all things dynamist. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-130872 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 14:44:40 +0000 Dave 130872@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>kaputnik, according to a <a href="http://mccraw.co.uk/iq-cyo-dynamo-headlight-review/">reputable source</a> those versions are the wrong way around ;-)</p> <p>The 'R' versions are the ones with less light going up the road so that they can put more directly under the front wheel, as opposed to the non-R which focus it all up the road.</p> <p>Personally I find my non-R still puts enough light on the first few metres that I get a bold shadow from the front wheel / mudguard, so 'R' seems pointless. As you suggest, a second light aimed right down at your feet would be needed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-130852 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 13:46:37 +0000 amir 130852@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Light test with evaluation of beam shape:</p> <p><a href="http://road.cc/content/news/97193-big-roadcc-lights-test-2013" rel="nofollow">http://road.cc/content/news/97193-big-roadcc-lights-test-2013</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-130830 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 12:27:08 +0000 DaveC 130830@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oh I recall you saying when I loked into buying my current Cyo. I don't recall seeing the option on Rosecycles. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-130827 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 12:23:21 +0000 kaputnik 130827@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@DaveC there are two types of Cyo. The "R" stands for Rad as in Road and has a different spill pattern to the other. It is taller and focuses further away, to give a longer pattern for faster road riding where you would want to see obstructions further off.</p> <p>The regular Cyo has the more marked cut-off and a flatter, brighter beam (same amount of light but focussed on a narrower area). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-130823 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 12:10:29 +0000 DaveC 130823@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Its the mudguard which creates the blind spot, no? My Cyo IQ has a light spilling straight down, but the mudguard blocks some.</p> <p>I hate bright lights dazzling me, but my cycle cap stops these when I dip my head. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-130813 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 11:49:43 +0000 kaputnik 130813@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Dave agree totally. The Dynamo light is a cold, bright light, but isn't actually shining in peoples faces. I think they see the bright light and then imagine that they are getting an un-filtered offroad MTB searchlight being pointed into their retinas so decide to have a whine.</p> <p>If I'm going en-path at night I usually add my mini-newt lamp to the bike, but pointed well down to use it to fill in the gap between the light and the wheel, as the B&amp;M IQ Cyo R has a deliberate "blind spot" in the illumnation for the first few metres from the wheel. I'd hate to run over a frog or something worse (dog poo) and they might be lurking in the blind spot. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-130757 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 09:24:40 +0000 Dave 130757@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It's nice when riding along to see the horizontal cut-off in action. I only really see that now half of my commute is totally unlit (canal -&gt; WoL or Donkey Lane).</p> <p>There are still a few jokers who like to moan (although since they do that in daylight I suppose it's only to be expected at night).</p> <p>The other night I had a wonderful moment where an oncoming rider's legs from the waist down were being lit up by my light, with the sharp cut-off at his hips. Through the inky darkness above his waist I could just about see that he had his hand out to shield his eyes. There was some muffled whining going on.</p> <p>The other 100+ riders seem fine, so you just learn that some people are never satisfied IMO... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-130737 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 00:55:18 +0000 Snowy 130737@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Compared with previous years, I'm noticing a significant increase in the number of dynamo lights in use along the canal of an evening.</p> <p>Definitely bright but not dazzling, which I'm assuming is due to some intelligent shaping of the lens. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-130729 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 23:47:12 +0000 Greenroofer 130729@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>On my way home along the towpath tonight. Due to working later than planned it was the first time it was <em>properly</em> dark. The new dynamo lights were working well, because they were lighting up the whole path effectively, but keeping the light nice and low down and (I hope) non-dazzling for oncoming towpath users.</p> <p>I overtook someone on a bike and as I went by she said "I wish I had lights like yours".</p> <p>Woo hoo! With that one simple phrase she made me very happy and completely justified the 'you could buy a bike for that' money that I've spent on them. :-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-128216 Mon, 14 Oct 2013 13:10:10 +0000 Dave 128216@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Started off wondering why anyone would ever pay for a dynamo.</p> <p>Now have four dynamos and three sets of lights (between 7 bikes).</p> <p>Slippery slope. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-128195 Mon, 14 Oct 2013 10:20:21 +0000 Instography 128195@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Spare dynamo front wheel - that's another holiday job I'd forgotten about. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-128189 Mon, 14 Oct 2013 10:13:11 +0000 DaveC 128189@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It is great never having to be worried about batteries again. The only problem is you'll want a dynamo light on every bike and swapping tyres over (inless you have same tyres on all bikes) is a bit of a pain.</p> <p>I have three bikes, two sets of dynamo lights and one wheel/dynamo. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-128173 Mon, 14 Oct 2013 09:38:57 +0000 kaputnik 128173@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Installed the Seculite over the weekend, thought about running the cable inside the mudguard itself, but couldn't figure out how to reliably attack it, so went along the stay instead.</p> <p>Quite pleased with the results and even more pleased with the thought of never having to worry if I have a light / battery power with me. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-127837 Thu, 10 Oct 2013 12:08:43 +0000 wingpig 127837@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just beats £15.52 plus £7.60 delivery on <a href="http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/b--m-rear-light-seculite-plus/aid:50219">rosebikes.co.uk</a>. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-127833 Thu, 10 Oct 2013 12:00:26 +0000 kaputnik 127833@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.evanscycles.com/products/busch-muller/seculite-plus-rear-mudguard-dynamo-standlight-ec006386" rel="nofollow">http://www.evanscycles.com/products/busch-muller/seculite-plus-rear-mudguard-dynamo-standlight-ec006386</a></p> <p>B&amp;M Seculite Plus rear light mitt standlicht only £22.49 just now, and available to collect in Edinburgher. It was £30.99 on SJS cycles, and that's before postage. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-127646 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 11:01:12 +0000 DaveC 127646@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Dunno, but I'd love the Super Nova III These beauties are VERY bright! I rode up the A74 in May and the guy at the back of us three had one which was drowning out my IQ Cyo. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-127640 Wed, 09 Oct 2013 10:45:32 +0000 kaputnik 127640@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Dynamo light question.</p> <p>Does anyone know if the Supernova lights use standard output voltages for the rear light?</p> <p>I have the B&amp;M IQ Cyo front light, with the extra wires to run a rear light, and really like the look of the Supernova E3 rear light. I know the connector shapes are different, but nothing that can't be sorted by replacing the plug connectors with spade type.</p> <p>I've asked Supernova through the website but amn't sure what sort of answer I'll get (after all, they might want me to buy their very nice but very pricy front light too!) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-121636 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 09:15:34 +0000 Cyclops 121636@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The speed at which your dynamo light reaches maximum brightness varies depending on model of dynohub/ wheel size/ light. However it's normally quite low - I think it's about 3-4 mph for my current set-up. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-121635 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 09:07:55 +0000 DaveC 121635@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My Cyo flickers at very low speeds, but like yours has the standlight function. The lights are LED, and as they are pulsed they should not realy dim. I wouldn't worry about the light being any dimmer with both lights on, dynamo's are very capable of supplying enough current. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-121615 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 22:04:44 +0000 Greenroofer 121615@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>SJS Cycles replaced my light without fuss. Now installed, with new wheel built by Hart's Cyclery. I've also got a rear light running off the dynamo, both with their standlight functions which work very nicely. One quite cool thing is that if I switch the front light off while it's 'charged', then when I turn it on again the back light comes on too, so I'm never without light. I'm very pleased.</p> <p><em>Anyhow</em>, the purpose of this post is to ask the electrical experts about brightness...<br /> <strong>Question 1</strong>: I've got LED lights front and rear, both running off the dynamo. Does this make the front light dimmer?<br /> <strong>Question 2:</strong> Do they get brighter the faster I go, or is there some (relatively low speed) plateau beyond which something reaches its maximum and the lights don't get any brighter. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-118137 Mon, 15 Jul 2013 23:44:17 +0000 wee folding bike 118137@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just been out for a wee spin on the new Brompton to check the headlight alignment. It was a bit high so I adjusted it to no longer light up people's bedrooms.</p> <p>Senso turned on when it was in Waverley so I actually had to use the switch and turn it off.</p> <p>When the Brompton back light super cap fails I might replace it with the B&amp;M line one with a brake light and stand light override. The super cap doesn't so much fail as break loose so I could stick it back in place. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-118110 Mon, 15 Jul 2013 20:44:08 +0000 Greenroofer 118110@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks all. I've not got a picture of my light, but it definitely only has two wires out and no other connections. The back doesn't look anything like DaveC's: the wire comes out from underneath (next to the bracket) and it's got a rotary on/off switch at the back of the light.</p> <p>The wires have male terminals on them and are meant to go into the dynamo.</p> <p>So, it clearly <em>could</em> work, and I'd be able to turn off the front light with the switch on it, but the rear light will be on all the time with no way to turn it off. That's a thing that hadn't occurred to me.</p> <p>I've decided to return it, and do the job properly. If you're going to spend 'you could buy a bike for that' money on just your lights, you had better do it right. </p> <p>Bizarrely, now I look again, the sjscycles website has lots of different versions of this light on it. Last time I looked I'm <strong>sure</strong> this was the only one they had.</p> <p>Thanks again for your comments: I hope to be back in due course singing the praises of my new lighting! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-117969 Mon, 15 Jul 2013 09:39:57 +0000 DaveC 117969@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Can you post a pic of the rear?</p> <p>I have a couple of B&amp;M lights. The IQ similar to yours (or rather the one you hopped to get) has 4 wires out the back, 2 male (to dynamo) and 2 female (to rear light).</p> <p>I also have another B plus with spade only, Inn on right, out on left: (click to se larger image).</p> <p><a href="http://s126.photobucket.com/user/Dave_Crampton/media/2013-07-15092455_zps21800164.jpg.html"><img src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p86/Dave_Crampton/th_2013-07-15092455_zps21800164.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s126.photobucket.com/user/Dave_Crampton/media/2013-07-15092448_zps91d102d9.jpg.html"><img src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p86/Dave_Crampton/th_2013-07-15092448_zps91d102d9.jpg"></a></p> <p>The brass colour termainals are for power in/out and the silver larger terminals are to ground the light, to the bracket.</p> <p>(My personal opinion, I'd return it, and ensure I was clear about what I wanted, perhaps phone, or alternatively order from elsewhere, where you know you'll get the right one. FYI, Rose Verdunde in Germany have lots, are cheeper and with postage included are similar to the SJS price. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-117964 Mon, 15 Jul 2013 09:20:49 +0000 bruce_mcadam 117964@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It sounds to me like you've got the wrong one.</p> <p>If you fit a back light, you will have no way of turning it on and off.</p> <p>You need either of the "with switch (hub dynamo)" models from <a href="http://www.dutchbikebits.com/index.php?route=product/product&amp;path=40_69&amp;product_id=59">this page</a>, but you have the "no switch or sensor (bottle dynamo)" (although it does actually have an off-switch for security). The catalogue page you linked to is a bit vague about which model they are selling.</p> <p>(Writing from experience: I have the no-switch model for my bottle dynamo, my wife has the auto sensor model for her hub dynamo. Neither of our lamps would work as well on the other bike.) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-117960 Mon, 15 Jul 2013 08:00:00 +0000 wee folding bike 117960@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I usually leave them on Senso but there might be times when you want to be able to turn it off like when you're going to a railway station. They don't like random red lights.</p> <p>Sometimes generators earth through the frame whether you mean to or not. This can cause the rear light to not work and the front one to pulse.</p> <p>Schimidt cable is reported to deal with cold weather better than ordinary cable. They use different insulation so it doesn't get as brittle. It is a bit more spendy.</p> <p>Their Edelux lamp needs shrink wrap on the rear light spade connector or it will earth through the aluminium body of the lamp. Shrink wrap is a good idea anyway to help keep out water and salt. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-117959 Mon, 15 Jul 2013 07:26:41 +0000 RJ 117959@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>No need for that. The integral 2-ply cable is for power in from the dynamo. The empty connectors are for power out to a rear lamp if you wish to use one. That might involve a trip to Maplins for cable and connectors if you want to avoid earthing the rear lamp to the frame (my preference if using a dynamo rear).<br /> Neither of my (hub) dynamo front lamps came with power-out cables attached, only power-in. However, if you ordered the N version and they sent one without a switch, send it back for the hub-dynamo-specific version, as bodging a switch will leave a weak spot in the circuit (from an all-weather reliability POV). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-117901 Sat, 13 Jul 2013 17:25:54 +0000 Greenroofer 117901@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Dave - thanks for that reassurance.</p> <p>For those who are interested in these things, my light only has a single cable (with two wires) coming out of it which the instructions say is for connecting to the (bottle) dynamo. It has no other connectors on it. It comes with two extra cables and some spare spade connectors. The instructions say that one of the cables can be used 'to connect the rear light to the dynamo'.</p> <p>It seems that I will have to run two cables from the dynamo (or install a junction box somewhere on the bike...)</p> <p>I'm minded not to return the light to the supplier, but I am conscious that a certain amount of bodging is going to be needed to get it to work... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-117831 Fri, 12 Jul 2013 15:05:59 +0000 Dave 117831@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Don't worry! The only difference between hub dynamos and bottle dynamos as far as your light is concerned is that the hub dynamo is on all the time but the bottle can be moved on or off the tyre. </p> <p>As a result sometimes lights come in two versions - one with a switch in the light itself, and a cheaper one with no switch (in the expectation that you'll switch it off by moving the bottle dynamo itself).</p> <p>If your light has a switch then it's designed for hub dynamos but will work fine with bottles. If it doesn't have a switch (it will have 'N' in the name, IQ Cyo N or Cyo N+ for instance) then it will still work fine with a hub dynamo, but you won't be able to switch it off.</p> <p>Normally lights have one (set of) fixed wire for power in, and either a second (set of) wire for the tail light or a spade connector. However it doesn't really matter - tail lights function just fine wired into the dynamo directly.</p> <p>HTH! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10700#post-117830 Fri, 12 Jul 2013 15:05:58 +0000 kaputnik 117830@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Not sure, but the second pair of wires on the hub dynamo version are to run a back light off (so need taped and tied off if you aren't using one) </p>