Originally Posted by
adamtki
I don't know how bright of a light you can have with the dynamo systems, but I'd want at least 400 lumens for the front. A battery based system would be better for me since I don't want to add any rolling resistance either.
Recently I was thinking about adding side lights in addition to the two rear and one front light, but that would be just too many things to turn on and off every time I ride.
You can have a ridiculous bright system with store bought equipment, and even more insane if you're a good electrical tinkerer.
I run a Supernova E3 off a SON28 hub, and it's bright enough that I rip down Novelty Hill at 40+ in the pitch black on my morning commute. I use the E3 tail light, and 2x PBSF blinkies, plus a flashing Princeton Tec Quad on my helmet. This setup is enough that I feel confident about visibility on 24 hour rides on roads like Rt 9, coming down from Granite Falls. (saw your location, figured the references wouldn't be out of line.)
If you want to check out a lot of dyno lights, head over to Sammamish Valley Cycles. They have a demo wheel and you can compare the output for the lights they carry. They have the Supernova line, Schmidt Edelux, and many of the Busch & Mueller/Lumotech lights including the IQ Cyo series.
If the SON28 is out of your comfortable spending range, check out the Shimano 3N80. Less than half the price, 200g lighter, same electrical output, and similar low resistance. But seriously, you're not going to notice the rolling resistance of a good dynohub. I leave mine on all the time.