Schmidt Original Nabendynamo

I discussed the merits of hub dynamos in the review of the Shimano Nexus hub, and they apply equally to the SON.

The SON has achieved near-legendary status among audax riders and tourers, praised for its incredibly low drag, high quality bearings, and the fact that it can be wired to two lamps in series to give enough light for riding at a brisk pace on unlit roads. I wondered for a long time why anybody would pay nearly three times the price of the Nexus hub, for a unit which essentially does the same job. And then I bought one, so now I know. The drag is noticeably lower, and the ability to run two lights in series (at speeds as low as 12mph) is a huge plus. The Nexus can allegedly do this as well, though I have not seen it. The SON has sealed cartridge bearings, and is machined to a very fine finish. It is available in small-wheel versions (which is why I have one, on the Stinger), and produces power as soon as the bike starts moving. The drag is so low that I have accidentally ridden 15 miles with the light on in daylight. Adding the seodn light you start to notice some effect, but even that is less than I used to get when my Magura Julie discs were out of adjustment. This is a 10/10 product, I can find no fault with it. It is worth every penny of the price.