Hi all.
First, Cheekytransport was advertising "The Plug" recently.
http://www.cheekytransport.com.au/2012/ ... echarging/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Next, just some collected thoughts.
I have 3 bicycles with dynamo lights. My best light (not
the best light out there) is the Busch & Müller Lumotec IQ Cyo. So pretty, such a contemporary design, and so bright. I say "not
the best light", simply because others are brighter. And over time the range keeps improving. e.g. the IQ2 is almost available. This light is paired with a Sondelux.
My 2nd one came with a Vivente Randonneur. Lumotec IQ Fly. Good light. A bit more utilitarian design. This is paired with the stock Shimano generator.
My 3rd is a Lumotec Lyt. This is on a bicycle that is sometimes properly locked but not in an enclosed space (i.e. accessories can be nicked). I got this mainly because it was inexpensive, and looks unobtrusive. Also paired with a Sondelux. I am happy with it despite the relatively low price and the advertised "low" brightness (25 lux). The standlight is noticeably less capable than the other 2 lights.
All 3 bicycles have the Busch & Müller Toplight Line Plus rear light, which I think is magnificent—low profile, unobtrusive, won't break if bicycle falls over.
All 3 bicycles have some form of front wheel protection to avoid theft. i.e. either Pitlock, Pinhead skewers and A-head protection. Or just requiring a special Allen Key to remove the wheel. This can be a pain if I get a puncture, which is why the 3 bicycles have either Marathon Supreme, or a My Tuffy tyre liners on them. I'm a bit torn as to whether Pitlock or Pinhead is better. The rear wheels still use quick releases since they are easier to protect.
I can't say I notice any increased drag from the Shimano generator (they are different bicycles with different variables). And the Vivente has front disc brakes, so the front is heavier. The Shimano generator hub is more noticeable (visibly bigger) than the Sondelux though.
Aside from obvious advantages, one other advantage of dynamo lights is when placing the bicycle on a bus rack (Canberra), I don't have to remove the lights.
Another "downside" is once I was riding home from work, and my Alfine rear internal hub stopped shifting properly. This is usually and easy fix: either some dirt or those yellow lines need to be aligned. But I had no portable torch, so could not see what I needed to fix until I reached a bridge with some lights (across Cotter Dam in Canberra). This was also Winter and around midnight, so I was quite cold while sorting this out. A simple portable torch would have made the fix much easier. i.e. sometimes I still need to deal with AA batteries and torches.
I had some struggles with mounting a front light when front cantilever brakes were present (Surly Cross Check), due to the clearance of the brake cables. I eventually got the proper Schmidt headlight bracket:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/schmidt-stai ... prod23927/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NB that none of the lights blink, so they can be used with battery blinkers if wanted.
I am very impressed with these German accessories. All were packaged nicely, had good instructions—for installation, and measurements (to calculate spoke length). All had the required connectors and reasonable quality and length cables. And every time I pass by the bicycle with the Lumotec IQ Cyo, I think "wow, that's gorgeous", which is a nice feeling.
Lastly, I have had Reelights for a few years now—would not recommend. Too small even for "be seen" lights, and axle mounted ones are too low. The magnets are also quite big. A lot of hassle for not much return. Durable though, no doubt. (NB this were the early axle-mounted Reelights. They now have fork crown, rack mounted lights).
.