Ever found yourself in the dark while cycling, wishing for a reliable light that doesn’t run out of batteries? That’s where Dynamo Hub Bike Lights step in and trust me, they’re not your average bike accessory. Follow this ultimate step-by-step tutorial on how to install dynamo bike lights.
In this informative article you will find out how to install a front dynamo wheel, mount front and rear lights, and properly connect the wires.
Join me as I illuminate the path ahead and shed light on how to mount and connect front and rear dynamo lights.
Why should you choose dynamo bike lights?
Dynamo hub lights are more than just a flashy addition to your ride; they bring a host of practical benefits.
Dynamo lights operate without the need for batteries. They draw power directly from your bike’s movement, transforming kinetic energy into a continuous source of light. This not only eliminates the hassle of constantly changing batteries but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly cycling experience.
Tools, parts, and accessories required
8, 10 and 15mm spanner.
- Utility knife.
- 4 or 5mm allen key.
- Dynamo hub front wheel. Make sure that you have the correct size and that it is compatible with your bike’s brake type.
- Dynamo hub front and rear lights.
- Front and rear light cables.
- Plastic dynamo hub connector.
- Correct size bolt and nut. You will need them to attach the front light to the fork.
- Wire spade connectors and Insulating sleeves. They are essential if the wires do not come with these components. Most lights require them for wire connection.
- Cable ties. Handy to secure wires to the frame and the fork.
Preparing for the dynamo bike lights
Put the bike on the stand.
If your bike has rim brakes then release them now.
Remove the front wheel. We made a video here to help you with this task.
Fitting a dynamo hub front wheel
Fit the wheel in the dropouts. Make sure that the connection terminal is on the drive side
and it is aligned with the fork of the bike.
Now tighten the wheel.
Fitting the front light
If you have a mudguard then remove the bolt that connects it to the top of the fork.
If you don’t have a mudguard then you will need to source the correct size bolt.
Slide the bolt through the headlight holder of your front dynamo light, the top of the fork, and the mudguard holder (if required). Fit the nut and tighten the bolt.
In some suspension forks, the threaded hole is located at the rear of the lower legs. Attach the light by screwing it into this hole.
Connecting the front light to the dynamo hub
Have a look at the back of your front light. Either two wires are coming out of the light or four connection terminals.
If there are wires then the longer one connects to the front dynamo hub. The shorter wire is used to connect the rear light.
Each of these wires consists of two smaller insulated wires joined together. The black wire represents a positive voltage, while the black wire with a white stripe represents the ground or earth connection of the wire.
Use the right-hand side terminals to connect the wire from the light to the dynamo hub, and use the left-hand side terminals for connecting the wire to the rear light if your light has connection terminals.
There are usually two symbols above the wire terminals. The plus symbol indicates the positive terminal and connection with the black wire (positive voltage). The minus symbol indicates the negative terminal and connection with a black wire with a white stripe (earth).
If required fit the insulating sleeves
and the wire spade connectors.
Connect the black wire to the positive connection terminal on the right-hand side.
Now connect the black wire with the white stripe to the negative connection terminal on the right.
Wrap the wire around the right-hand blade of the fork. Make sure that it is tight enough so it will not get caught in the spokes or any other parts. If you struggle use cable ties to secure it to the fork.
Connecting the wire to the dynamo hub connector
Remove the insulating sleeves from the end of the conducting wires. There should be around 16mm of exposed wire left.
Twist the wires together so they do not fray when fitting them in the wheel dynamo connector.
Remove the connector cover from the connector cap.
Hold the grey connector cap so that the curved side is visible.
Fit the black wire with the white stripe into the hole on the left-hand side and the black wire without the stripe into the hole on the right-hand side.
Bend the wires so that they fit in the grooves. Make sure that they don’t touch each other.
Slide the connector cover until you hear a click.
If you are removing the wheel remember to first remove the connector from the dynamo hub terminal.
Fit the connector onto the terminal so that the flat side of the connector is close to the wheel.
Spin the front wheel and check if the front light illuminates. If it doesn’t then check if all the wires are connected the correct way.
Fitting and wiring the rear dynamo bike light.
Mount the light on the back of the pannier rack.
Look at the wire that will connect your front and rear lights. If required remove the insulating sleeves from the end of the conducting wires and fit the insulating sleeves and the wire spade connectors.
Connect the black wire to the positive connection terminal on the left-hand side of the front light.
Now connect the black wire with the white stripe to the negative connection terminal on the left-hand side.
Wrap the wire around the top tube. Leave a bit of slack between the light and the op tube so that when turning the bars the wire won’t be pulled out of the terminal or get damaged. Carry on wrapping around the frame and the pannier rack until you reach the rear light. If you have eccess wire you can cut it to the right length or rewrap it so that there’s no more excess. Make sure that the wire is tight enough so it will not get caught in the spokes or any other parts.
Connect the black wire with the white stripe to the negative connection terminal (with the minus sysmbol).
Now connect the black wire to the positive connection terminal (with a + symbol).
Spin the wheel to check if the rear light illuminates. If it doesn’t check the wiring connections and make sure that the wires are connected correctly.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to illuminate your cycling journey with Dynamo Hub Bike Lights, fear not the installation process. With this easy to follow tutorial you will be able to correctly install your dynamo lights in no time.
Thank you for reading this comprehensive guide.
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