Peter:

There are two types of dynamos -- the sidewall (bottle) dynamo and the hub dynamo. The Breezer Villager appears to have a sidewall dynamo. My bike originally came with a sidewall dynamo, which worked quite well until the metal roller wore out from the sand and grit. However, in a sand-free environment, a good one can last for many years. It might be a good match for your riding situation. I wouldn't rule it out -- however --

The one big problem is that you need to have european touring tires, with a special "dynamo track" on the sidewall for them to work well in rain. Continental and Schwalbe both make great tires that have this -- however, the fact remains that a sidewall dynamo will limit your tire options. For example, the Specialized Armadillo -- a popular commuting tire -- is not compatible with sidewall dynamos.

My primary bike is a German Kettler -- an internally geared "trekking" (touring) bike. I switched to a hub dynamo from a sidewall unit a year ago and wish I had done the switch earlier. It is hassle-free, quiet, very efficient and happy in rain, mud, and snow. The sole disadvantage is the price.

I see a lot of the Specialized Sirrus around here at office bike racks. I have not ridden one, but a many people seem to like them. That must mean something.

Paul