Several threads in LD with this going already.

I had a seperate set of wheels built.

Mavic Open Pros. Schmidt up front, powering 2 E6's.
Campy Hub rear (just had it rebuilt for my new ride).
I use a Danolite on top (head) for navigating, cue sheets, etc. This goes on and off depending on what I'm doing.
I'm experimenting with a chest mounted LED (on my relfective vest) for cue reading.

Read more about my setup here and here.


As to expense... well - everyone needs to balance that on their own.

I got tired of waiting for battery system to charge, and of it failing in odd weather, or not working at all.
Had I bought the Schmidt 3 years ago when I started commuting in the dark (over an hour each way!) - the batteries and various lights I've bought would have paid for it all already. Now I have a pile of "almost worked" stuff.

I ride alot in the dark - either in the morning, or at night. Somedays I'll return from a ride after midnight. My investment was worth it.
If you are commuting on it, you'll get even more use and piece of mind out of it...