Frequently asked questions about Magnic Light

In most cases, yes, provided there is a suitable mounting position and a conductive aluminium rim. The decisive factors are the brake type, rim and the distance between rim and fork or frame.

For road-bike, V-brake and cantilever rim brakes, the usual choice is Magnic Microlights .

For disc brakes, either Microlights Disc or Wega can be suitable. Microlights Disc is particularly suited to compact installation spaces; Wega is designed for larger distances between rim and fork or frame.

With Microlights Disc, generator and light are mounted compactly together directly at the rim. With Wega, generator and light are separated and connected by a cable. Wega is therefore particularly suitable for wide forks and larger clearances, for example on mountain bikes. Wega lights can also be used for special solutions, such as bicycle trailers.

No. A pure carbon rim does not work. Magnic Light requires an electrically conductive rim area, typically aluminium.

Yes, provided there is a sufficiently wide conductive aluminium ring in the correct position.

Yes. Microlights Disc and Wega are designed specifically for this.

Yes. The compact dimensions and low weight are particularly attractive for road bikes.

Generally yes. The key factors are rim material and the available space at the fork and rear triangle.

Generally yes. With wide forks or larger clearances, Wega is often the more suitable solution.

Yes, Magnic Light also works with small wheels. For use in accordance with the German StVZO, additional legal requirements may have to be observed, particularly regarding minimum mounting height.

Yes. Ideally send photos of the rim, fork and rear triangle – from the side and diagonally from the front or rear. We can then usually assess quickly which version is suitable.

A rotating magnetic field in the generator creates eddy currents in the passing conductive aluminium rim. Their magnetic field in turn acts back on the generator and sets its magnetic rotor in motion. This generates electrical energy – contactlessly.

No. No magnets are attached to the rim.

Magnic Light is itself a contactless generator. A conventional sidewall or hub dynamo is not required.

No. The energy is generated while riding.

No.

No.

The eddy-current principle requires an electrically conductive material. Aluminium rims are particularly well suited and are the intended standard solution. Steel rims can also react in principle, but their magnetic properties make them less suitable.

No. A small air gap remains between the generator and the rim.

All energy generation requires power. However, the power taken for the bicycle lighting is very small. In addition, Magnic Light has no mechanical friction from a roller rubbing on the tyre or rim.

No. The electrical energy comes from the bicycle's kinetic energy. Magnic Light simply uses a different generator principle from conventional bicycle dynamos.

The interaction between the rotor's magnetic field and the eddy currents generated in the aluminium rim creates torque.

From the bicycle's kinetic energy – via electromagnetic eddy currents in the aluminium rim.

The underlying physical principle of eddy currents has been known for a long time. The challenge is to use it to develop a small, efficient generator suitable for bicycles.

No.

Depending on speed, one Magnic Light lamp reaches about 10–20 lux.

Magnic Light follows a different concept: permanently available lighting without charging and without a battery. Very powerful rechargeable headlights can achieve substantially higher light output.

From about 3–4 km/h the lighting already starts to work. As speed increases, light output initially continues to rise.

Up to about 50 km/h light output increases with speed. Above that, it rises only slightly.

Yes. When braking, rim and generator move closer together. Generator output and therefore brightness increase immediately. This creates a clearly visible brake-light effect for following traffic and when riding in a group.

This effect applies to Microlights mounted on the rim brake. It does not occur with Microlights Disc or Wega because these systems are not mounted on the rim brake.

No.

Yes. The rear light has a standlight function using an electrolytic capacitor and continues to shine for several minutes after stopping.

Typically about 4–10 minutes, depending on the previous riding time and operating conditions.

Implementing a suitable standlight for the front light is technically more complex than for the rear light. A front standlight function is under development.

Yes. The systems are designed for self-installation.

No. The tools needed for the respective installation are supplied, or standard bicycle tools are sufficient.

With Microlights, the distance is automatically readjusted by a sliding mechanism. In general, the generator should run as close to the rim as possible without touching it continuously. A small, even air gap ensures optimum performance. Details are provided in the relevant installation guide.

Generator output then drops and the light may be dimmer or may only work reliably at higher speed.

Continuous contact should be avoided where possible. The protective stickers supplied and pre-installed on Microlights are made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, are highly abrasion-resistant and low-friction, and protect the housing during occasional contact.

With Microlights, the distance is also automatically readjusted as the brake pad wears: the generator is moved further outwards.

Depending on the product and mounting position, suitable versions and installation options are available.

Yes.

Yes.

Technically, several independent Magnic Light modules are possible. For road use, the applicable approval requirements must be observed.

When installed correctly, Magnic Light operates very quietly. Because no friction wheel touches the rim, there is no typical sidewall-dynamo noise.

There is physical resistance, but it is so small that it is practically imperceptible while riding. Magnic Light has also been used in racing. The power loss per light is below one watt and therefore very low.

No. An aluminium rim is not permanently magnetised by it.

Yes. The system is designed for bicycle use and riding in all weather conditions.

Magnic Light is rated IPX6 for protection against powerful water jets and is designed for normal bicycle use in rain.

Yes. Magnic Light is very well suited even to extreme conditions and low temperatures. Unlike rechargeable lights, its energy supply does not depend on a charged battery.

Normal cleaning is possible. Do not use cleaning agents or additives that attack plastics. As with bearings and other bicycle components, a pressure washer should not be directed straight at the product.

Because no mechanical contact is required, light dirt is normally less critical than with a friction-wheel dynamo. Heavy contamination or metallic foreign objects should be removed.

The system is designed for long-term use. Essential components are replaceable and Magnic Light also offers repair options for older products. With good care, significantly more than 20,000 km is generally possible.

Yes. The product is deliberately designed to be repairable.

Yes. Various spare and mounting parts are available.

Contact Magnic Light. In many cases, an individual component can be replaced instead of replacing the entire light. You can also find more information in our repair promise.

In many cases, no. The modular concept allows individual components to be replaced.

Steel rims are magnetic. This makes installation more difficult and performance can be lower because of the system's magnetic holding forces. Aluminium rims are therefore the intended and recommended solution.

Yes, that is no problem. The system works contactlessly via an electromagnetic field. A thin anodised layer does not prevent it from working.

No. Because no mechanical contact is required, the generator does not cause abrasion on the rim.

Yes. The relevant Magnic Light products have the required German StVZO approval for their intended use.

Yes. The approval numbers are:

• Rear light: K 2239*00
• Front light: K 2240*00

Because the light is generated automatically while riding: no charging, no flat batteries and no forgetting the lighting.

Magnic Light can be retrofitted without installing a dynamo wheel and does not require a cable connection from a hub dynamo to the light.

There is no mechanical contact with the rim or tyre, so there is no friction-wheel slip or corresponding mechanical wear.

Magnic Light is designed as bicycle lighting for regular use, not merely as an emergency light.

Riders who want lighting that is permanently available on the bicycle without having to think about charging or changing batteries.

Yes – that is exactly what the system is designed for.

The light or generator and the mounting components required for the respective version.

Yes.

No. Magnic Light starts working automatically when you ride. Manual switching is not required.

First check the distance between generator and rim. A gap that is too large is one of the most common causes of low output. Also check that the generator is correctly aligned with the conductive aluminium surface of the rim.

Check the gap setting, the rim's run-out and that the mount is firmly secured. With Microlights, occasional contact is additionally cushioned by the protective stickers on the housing.

First check whether the housing shows heavy abrasion marks. With continuous rubbing, pressure on the housing can mechanically slow the generator. The protective stickers normally prevent this. Also check mounting, gap and alignment.

No. Many mounting parts can be replaced separately.