From Niche to Mainstream
Dynamo bike lights are no longer a niche product, but a genuinely selling point for modern bikes. The recent surge in interest in dynamo hubs, and the entry of mainstream brands into the market, is a testament to the growing appeal of this technology.
- SON, the German brand, has been at the forefront of dynamo technology for decades.
- Fairlight, a UK-based company, has been a driving force behind the development of dynamo lighting solutions.
- Busch and Müller, another German brand, has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of dynamo light technology.
The Dawn of Dynamo
In the early days of dynamo technology, electric bike lighting systems were pretty terrible. The output was meagre, and the weight was immense compared to modern lights. However, the advent of halogen lights and the rise of LED bulbs and affordable rechargeable batteries in the early 2000s revolutionized the industry.
- SON introduced the Schmidt Original Nabendynamo in 1995, a revolutionary product that weighed half as much and offered twice the power of leading hubs at the time.
- Busch and Müller’s IQ Fly was one of the first LED dynamo lights worth talking about, and it continues to produce a wide range of lamps for commuters and enthusiasts.
- Shimano brought its first dynamo hub to market in the 2000s, and it has since become a popular choice for cyclists.
The Rise of Dynamo Hubs
The recent growth of interest in dynamo hubs can be attributed to the increasing popularity of long-distance, mixed-surface riding. Brands and consumers are finally seeing the benefits of dynamo technology, and manufacturers are taking notice.
“The rise in dynamos has been driven largely by consumer demand, especially in bikepacking and ultra-distance riding where riders need to charge multiple devices.” – Sebastian Jadczak, Canyon’s general manager for road bikes.
Mainstream Brands Enter the Scene
Mainstream brands such as Canyon, Ridley, Focus, and BMC are now paying attention to dynamo technology. Gravel bikes such as the Ridley Grifn, Focus Atlas, and BMC URS feature builds with dynamo lights or internal routing for dynamo cables.
| Bike Model | Dynamo Light |
|---|---|
| Ridley Grifn | Shimano dynamo hub |
| Focus Atlas | Busch and Müller dynamo hub |
| BMC URS | Shimano dynamo hub |
The Future of Dynamo Tech
The recent developments in dynamo technology are promising, with loads of interesting new products entering the market. Brands such as Canyon and SON are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with dynamo technology. “Make it as simple and seamless as plugging in your iPhone,” says Thomas, Fairlight’s co-founder and dynamo light enthusiast. “More choice and competition can only be a good thing.”
Conclusion
The resurgence of dynamo bike lights is a testament to the growing appeal of this technology. As manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, we can expect to see even more innovative products in the future. With its unique blend of practicality and style, dynamo technology is set to revolutionize the cycling industry once again.
