I had an old Union sidewall tire driven generator on my errand bike. For a mile and a half to the grocery store, it was ok. But if using every night, I would look for something better.
And in fact, the Axa HR and B-M Dymotec are better than your old Union. I run the Axa on one of my bikes. I was promised by anonymous internet experts that if I fitted one I'd wind up cursing the grave of Baron Karl Friedrich Christian Ludwig Freiherr Drais von Sauerbronn, but around town IMO it's just dandy.
Anyway, I was thinking the ne plus ultra answer for our OP is perhaps something from Reelight or Magnic.
Say, do the fender-mounted rear facing lights shine into the rider's peripheral vision?
