SON 28 Dynamo Hub
SON SON 28 Dynamo Hub Review
Tested and reviewed for bikepacking use
The SON 28 is the benchmark dynamo hub, hand-built in Germany with ceramic bearings and vanishingly low drag. It produces 3W at 6V from walking speed upward, and the sealed cartridge bearings are designed to last tens of thousands of kilometers without service.
Who Is the SON SON 28 Dynamo Hub Best For?
Long-distance tourers who want set-and-forget power generation for years of riding. If that describes your riding style, the SON 28 Dynamo Hub should be at the top of your shortlist. It sits in the Electronics & Power category alongside 10other products we've reviewed.
How It Compares
At 420g and $300, the SON 28 Dynamo Hub is 370g heavier than the lightest option in this category (the SP Connect Bike Bundle at 50g). The most budget-friendly option is the Anker Nano Power Bank 5000mAh at $20.
The price-to-weight ratio comes in at $71 per 100g — a premium price point, but you're paying for quality, materials, and design that justify the investment for serious bikepackers.
What We Like
- +Industry-lowest drag when not charging
- +German-made with ceramic bearings
- +Virtually maintenance-free for years
- +Consistent power output across speeds
Watch Out For
- −Very expensive for a hub
- −420g adds noticeable wheel weight
- −Requires a wheel build around the hub
The Bottom Line
The SON SON 28 Dynamo Hub earns a 4.8/5 rating. It's one of the best options in the electronics & power category and a product we confidently recommend. The combination of industry-lowest drag when not charging and german-made with ceramic bearings makes it stand out from the competition.
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