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Dynamo Light mounting (fork)

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Old 10-03-19, 05:37 PM
  #1  
wsgts
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Dynamo Light mounting (fork)

All,

I need some help to figure out how to mount this light to the fork. I have a very large handlebar bag that rests on top of the light, so I want to move it to the fork one side or the other. The bag can also go well above the handlebar when fully packed. I have two questions that I thought maybe you folks could help with.



1. Since the fork has no eyelets, what could I use to mount this light to one side (needs to be below the brake caliper)?
2. Which side is customary? Left or right side? As mentioned in the other thread, I think I may be the only person around here with dynamo lighting.

Thanks all!
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Old 10-04-19, 08:43 AM
  #2  
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From teh photo I can't see if there is a threaded fender mount at the fork tip. If so, that is an option as I noted here:
https://www.bikeforums.net/21144366-post2.html

I used a threaded rod and several nuts for that mounting.

I generally do not recommend mounting a light that low, you get large shadows from small things like leaves on the pavement. And slight bumps or changes in shape of the pavement also produce large shadows. But if that is the only option, it is an option.

Or, maybe a P clip, not an ideal option but it is an option, I have never tried that option myself but I assume it would work.

***

Question 2 - I think the light on the right side is best if you are in USA or another country where you drive on the right side of the road, then you have better light for the edge of the pavement if you are out in the country at night.

On one of my bikes (photo at link below) I have the light on the right side, but the light is high enough above the tire that an oncoming car driver can see the light without the tire blocking it. If my light was on the left side of the bike, the edge of pavement could be in shadow.
https://www.bikeforums.net/20938699-post8.html


***

Is there enough tire clearance if you use this bracket which would be between your brake and the tire?
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/ima...&m475DUPB3.jpg

That is the B&M474DUPB light bracket from Peter White, link to the page I got that from is here:
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/light-mounts.php

But, if you mount the light low and close to the tire without a fender, you run the risk that water from tire spray could get in the light and damage it. So, I really would not recommend this option.

In the photo below, I have a bracket that I made that is similar to the B&M bracket I cited above, my bracket is a bit higher and note that I have fenders to protect the light from tire spray.

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Old 10-04-19, 10:46 AM
  #3  
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I'm enough of a vehicular cyclist that I don't want to ride so close to the edge of the pavement that I need the light on the right. I'd rather have some more visibility to oncoming traffic, so if I was running a light on a fork, I'd choose the left side. If that means I don't light the road up within four feet of the wheel, that's OK by me.
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Old 10-04-19, 11:12 AM
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Well worth a look at SJS’ listings for ideas. I used a SON mount with my B&M light and it worked perfectly.

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/search/?term=Light%20bracket&page=1
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Old 10-04-19, 11:54 AM
  #5  
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Oddly enough, the left or right question doesn't really matter. I didn't believe it until I tried it. I still prefer mounting on the left in a country where we drive on the right, but now that I have it, I realize it wouldn't be terrible to have it on the right.
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Old 10-05-19, 07:26 AM
  #6  
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I know someone that uses a Topeak Barxtender https://www.topeak.com/global/en/pro...09-barxtender-
Depends on how low your bag goes. I use a randonneur front rack and mount my lights to that
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