mjr wrote:pete75 wrote:I don't think it's brand prejudice. For two examples, I found mainly nice words about the Axa bits I was considering, whereas I saw the Shimano DH-3N20 and 3N30 often criticised by people who also praise the 3N80.
I have often recommended Shimano "Sport" dynamo hubs like the 3N80 instead their entry line hubs like the 3N30, but only because the discussion was about high mileage riders. For shortish commutes and utility bikes, it offers outstanding value for money.
The 3N30 is probably the currently most sold hub dynamo in the world, and I must admit I have never seen a 3N30 owner saying it was a bad hub, in fact, I usually hear owners say it has worked flawlessly for many years etc.
Sure, its bearings and sealing isn't as good as the modern Sport hub dynamos like 3N72 or 3N80, but that doesn't mean they are bad, just not as superb. Eg. I have just serviced my 3N80 hub, after estimated 6000 km there are almost no wear marks on the cones, and none on the bearing races.
The 3N30 is being succeeded by the new 3N31. Same low price (around 30 Euro), but without any inbuilt over-voltage protection (not needed with modern LED lights). Otherwise they seem very identical, including sharing many parts.
IMHO, the sweet spot between quality and price for hub dynamos is the 3N72. Cheap, strong, the same superb bearings and electrical output as all the other Sport dynamos. But on a fixed low budget, the 3N30 is a good choice too.