Updates from KLite
At Graveleur, we’ve been relying on Klite Dynamo-powered lights since our Transcontinental campaign back in 2017. Quite simply, these lights are bombproof. They just work.
Recently an old school friend who has discovered the joys of gravel cycling, related how the chore of charging lights and hoping they go the distance was a concern they did not want to deal with on some upcoming bike packing plans.
Yes, she had considered KLite, did they work? How do they work? How are they powered were just a few of the questions.
And fair enough. Once you start adding charging capability, rear lights, switches and dynamo hubs, it can start to get a little techie for the uninitiated.
So we did some homework and specc’ed up a nice package that would get her out of USB charging land. The conversation then took a turn down a col-de-sac
“Annie, you do know you’ll need to build a new wheel with a dynamo hub, right?” to which Annie replied “Oh, I just spent $1500 on a new set of DT Swiss gravel wheels, I dont really want to spend money on yet another expensive wheel!”
Thankfully, Kerry at KLite had a solution. New to the range is the “Mini Dynamo Generator”. This neat bit of kit is a throw back to the days of running a generator on your tyre. (think heavy, noisy, inefficient)
Remember these old beauties?
Source: https://saleshedet.click/
As with any old idea, the addition of new materials and technologies, bring that idea back to life. And so we solved Annies problem and for a relaively small outlay, we came up with a whole package that ticked all the boxes.
Nice and neat. (Not heavy, not noisy, efficent)
The mini generator delivers all the power required to run lights or charge your device.
The generator can be mounted to any size seat stay and can run on the rim or the tyre. We opted for the rim as it will give a smoother surface for the generator to run on. The generator also has a handy little lever for disengaging it from the rim which is another advantage compared to the dynamo hub that is always on. There is a little noise from the generator, especially when it is under load from the lights. It is more noticeable in the work stand, but on the road you barely notice it. (check out the video below). The drag on the back wheel is also not too bad, if anything I’d say it is less than a dynamo hub on the front wheel.
Other updates for the KLite package include:
A custom plug on the loom for the rear light. This removes the need for a 2nd USB port on the charger.
The mode switch mounted on your handlebar (or tucked into your frame bag) is now simplified to EITHER charge OR run lights. Previously it was possible to run lights and charge but this sometimes caused issues due to the limited power available.
A button on the rear light to change modes. Personally, I would leave it on the original random setting, but having a solid on mode is good for some situations.
Graveleur are running a promotion on the whole KLite package while stocks last.
You get the front Ultra light, light mounts, cabling loom, USB-C charger, rear light and generator for $899 inc GST (that’s 15% off). Add an additional $100 and we will come and fit the whole kit to your bike and show you how it works.
