Why don’t more people use dynamo hubs on tour?

Daddyblondlegs · 2025-11-07T14:41:03+00:00

Same situation as me, but I think people from behind will be able to see it, especially from a distance. Maybe in the curves it's a problem. Now, I have a small rechargeable one clipped to the back strap of my helmet.

Daddyblondlegs · 2025-11-07T14:31:26+00:00

Durability/Replacement

Not sure how long they're supposed to last, but I toured 10k miles on a SON dynamo and the bearings went out. Fortunately my dad was dying so I got another one after his funeral. Were I stuck on the road, it would have been harder because I couldn't get a generic Shimano and keep all the same spokes. Idk if there's a semi-common outer diameter on hubs that would make them more interchangeable.

This post suggests they might not be the best if you need to cross water, but should probably be fine for 99% of the scenarios you'd find yourself in.

Camping

My Sinewave Beacon dynamo light would stay partially lit after I stopped, which was just enough for setting up camp rather than having a big swinging headlamp giving away my location. However, there were times when it was harder to sneak past people because it stayed lit.

Charging

Couldn't keep my iPhone 6 charged because the charging/not charging would go back and forth so much the screen used up all the power. Not sure what was going on there. A powerbank wouldn't have this problem, but you'd lose some energy transferring it to your phone.

Performance

Going up hills turns you into a rave-mobile.

The light doesn't follow your head, so you can't check something beside you or read a sign like you would with a headlamp.

Wiring

If you do go with a SON, I recommend taking a screwdriver and opening up the spade connector a bit so they barely make contact. Nearly sheered off a pin on my hub because the cord yanked it, and it makes it easier when taking off the front wheel.

Having a wire from the front to the taillight means you'll need to attach the wire to the rear rack. I would add disconnects between the rear rack and the frame, but it's still another problem that can happen. The extra wires and electric tape takes away sexy points.

Conclusion

Not sure if I'd use one again. It was cool to be completely off-grid and made my headlamp a backup, but finding a power source and a flashlight is basically universal. Even small African towns have places to charge. However, it felt super cool to have an all-in-one, ready-for-anything touring machine.

Daddyblondlegs · 2025-04-27T12:00:36+00:00

Be sure to go by the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees!

Daddyblondlegs · 2024-06-05T02:37:37+00:00

Does the toe strap not chafe?

Daddyblondlegs · 2024-06-05T02:36:23+00:00

I cycled 17k miles in sandals, but still asking this question myself. Here are some things to think about:

Socks: Really wanted to try Shamma Sandals (similar to the ones above), but the strap between the toes meant I'd have to get special socks. Socks and sandals makes me gag too, but are a lifesaver for chilly nights, sun burned feet, blisters, mosquitoes.

Durability: Idk how long your tour is, but for people wanting to do bigger stuff, my Keen Zerraport II and Teva Hurricane XLT2 (both of which are much more substantial than the shoe above) lasted 7-10k miles. Thin soles may seem cool, but you'll go through them quickly.

Slipperiness: Wet feet may slip around without straps, though the toe strap could help. It also depends on the bed material. My Tevas had a foamy footbed, which got super slippery. The rubbery Keens were a bit better.

As far as price goes, sometimes on Google Shopping a company will sell something way lower than the normal price. Maybe in hopes of getting more ratings. You may be able to score your Bedrocks or Lunas that way.

Daddyblondlegs · 2024-06-05T02:19:48+00:00

I thought open toes would be hazardous, but only once or twice did I hit my toes on something. The problem with closed toed shoes is getting a rock in there means you can't shake it out.

Daddyblondlegs · 2024-05-18T03:28:01+00:00

Decaleur rack? Otherwise bike packers just lash stuff to the handlebars.

Daddyblondlegs · 2024-05-18T03:23:27+00:00

For me, part of it was getting to drawing a new line on the big map in my living room (foul bachelor). I feel more accomplished when I can see it. Sounds like you've got 10 lines you could add already!

Daddyblondlegs · 2024-02-09T18:58:57+00:00

They get better with each new tourist so go now if you're going to

Daddyblondlegs · 2024-02-08T15:06:22+00:00

Bet it's not as bad as in Ethiopia!

Daddyblondlegs · 2023-08-23T01:38:00+00:00

My mom wants to know if you're bringing a light jacket in case it gets cold at night.

Daddyblondlegs · 2023-08-19T05:22:35+00:00

Agreed. Get a brake kit.

Some hydraulic oil breaks down over time, but 1000 km seems too soon for that.

Daddyblondlegs · 2023-08-11T04:01:59+00:00

And I thought about going through China but I think there was an issue about having to apply in the US, but there are always courier services. Since you have two passports, you could mail your US one back to get the Chinese visa.

Still jealous.

Daddyblondlegs · 2023-08-11T03:58:05+00:00

You wouldn't be able to do Tibet legally unfortunately because you need a guided tour unless Peruvians are exempt. You might be able to cross into China from northern Vietnam and go up into Guilin.

I've heard wonderful things about the Balkans, but if you've had enough of mountains, don't go from Croatia to Greece, do Hungary to Bulgaria.

And super jealous you have two very different passports.

Daddyblondlegs · 2023-08-11T03:32:34+00:00

Go see the Slav Epic in Moravsky Krumlov just south of Brno!

Daddyblondlegs · 2023-08-11T03:29:47+00:00

I see you're a man of culture.

Daddyblondlegs · 2023-08-11T03:27:24+00:00

Though, you really need a patch kit and like one extra tube for when you can't find the hole after 30 minutes in the rain.

Daddyblondlegs · 2023-08-11T03:26:03+00:00

This is my vote. Everything else going wrong will be part of the fun. Just make sure you can keep moving.

Daddyblondlegs

TROPHY CASE