Sadly my Brompton dynamo lights have let me down again. The lights have not worked consistently since the bike got the service in August. I had a few hiccups at the beginning when I first got the Brompton but the lights worked fine after this. Now I get the front or the rear light, rarely both together. Because of the hospital trips I have not had time to get to Comptons to sort out the problem.
Luckily I have always had backup LED lights. I am not sure about the make of mine. I got them at the same time as the bike and Comptons just put them on. They are larger than the ones on my Trek bike but I was really concerned to be seen at the beginning and I used them with the dynamo lights. When the dynamo lights work you get a good bright light and the rear light retains light for about three minutes after you stop pedalling. I was never happy with the placement of these lights on the Brompton. I think they are too low, but where else can they go.
Now I am considering removing the dynamo lights. It will be less weight to carry. Not much, but less. I also don’t see the point of keeping them if they are not going to work. The only problem with the LED lights is that most of them have the habit of switching on when they get knocked in the bag and of course at the wrong time the battery is dead.
Luckily I have always had backup LED lights. I am not sure about the make of mine. I got them at the same time as the bike and Comptons just put them on. They are larger than the ones on my Trek bike but I was really concerned to be seen at the beginning and I used them with the dynamo lights. When the dynamo lights work you get a good bright light and the rear light retains light for about three minutes after you stop pedalling. I was never happy with the placement of these lights on the Brompton. I think they are too low, but where else can they go.
Now I am considering removing the dynamo lights. It will be less weight to carry. Not much, but less. I also don’t see the point of keeping them if they are not going to work. The only problem with the LED lights is that most of them have the habit of switching on when they get knocked in the bag and of course at the wrong time the battery is dead.
Comments
I aim to have them suppliment a dynamo alternative i.e. invest in one of those magnetic lights, as I am interested in the saving energy and money.
Here are 2 I was considering:
Reelights: http://www.reelight.com (http://clevercycles.com/blog/ronb/)
MagtenLight: http://www.magtenlight.com/ (looks to be brighter, but I don't know if will work with a Brompton...yet?)
Anyway, good luck with the removal, you'll probably find yourself going a lot faster on the Brompton. Your tyres shall last longer too.
A good battery alternative (or so I have heard) are Knog lights.
Come on Brompton the bike's fab - I love it; but this is lighting rig is a complete waste of time and money.
Here is the link to Brompton Warranty terms, your hub may come under the two year warranty section.
http://clients.squareeye.net/uploads/brompton/Brompton_Warranty_2010.pdf