Hi everyone
I'm looking to get a Dynamo set up and see that Shimano XT Hubs look to be good value - Does anyone have experience of these? Would they be ok to run a decent light / USB charge set up? Thanks

If it produces 3w then it should be more than up to the task.

I've got one on my winter road bike, though I can't remember which model ( it's centrelock disc, QR axle, a couple of years old). It's done around 2500 miles so far with no issues, and I don't expect any given that my last two Shimano dynohubs lasted for thousands of miles each (they were still working when I sold them on, FWIW). Works just fine with a Luxos U headlamp and B+M tail light so I see no reason why it won't work with a different charger.

There isn't much love for them here in the UK where dynamos aren't a huge thing but on the continent most town bikes have a dynamo, as to them it's just a vehicle so having light is very helpful. I reckon lots of the shimano offerings like this will be used a lot on those bikes

Thanks for replies - yes they look OK to me and Shimano can generally be relied on - may give it a go

I have both LX (rim brake) and XT (disc brake) hubs. Both have been utterly faultless. I'd not hesitate to have another.

I've got an Alfine hub, not really sure what the difference is apart from weight, but it's done 1000's of km without any issues. Unless you need a 15mm axle or are a real weight weeny, you won't go wrong with Shimano!

Steezysix wrote:I've got an Alfine hub, not really sure what the difference is apart from weight, but it's done 1000's of km without any issues. Unless you need a 15mm axle or are a real weight weeny, you won't go wrong with Shimano!

what would be the recommendations for a QR15 dynamo hub?

I've also got a SP 15mm one, only done a few rides on it and it seems ok. There have been a few reports of poor bearing life though, so I'm wary of using it on any really long trips in case it fails.

I've got the Shimano LX hub on my touring bike. It's done tens of thousands of miles of all types of terrain and hasn't skipped a beat with zero maintenance!

Thanks everyone - I am thinking the XT is worth a go

Can't be much worse than SP issues.

If it lasts more than a year and the bearing don't completely freeze then it's doing better than my last SP Dynamo.

If it does not develop play after 2 months light use then it doing better than my current SP (rebranded) Dynamo.