Converting from battery lighting to dynamo
 

I've already made the decision when I take my main commuter in for major service (replacing front hub with dynamo, rear hub to match centerlock rotors, replace rear derailleur/ cassette/ all cables, upgrade calipers, bottom bracket with sealed, add dynamo lights) that I want a dynamo light setup. I just don't know which way to turn, since I like having a nice bright headlamp ( riding the canals to/ from work in Phoenix)
What headlamp would keep a nice bright beam ahead of me, and what taillights mount to the rear of a rack?

Edit; Current lighting situation, dim blinky in front with a bontrager ion 700, usually in 400 lumen mode, tail light is a cheap thing from performance bicycle that has held up strangely well

Best bang for the buck is a shimano hub, and either the B&M IQ-X or Cyo premium front light (IQ-X is brighter and wider), for taillights check these out:

https://www.rosebikes.com/products/b...d/tail-lights/

Dynamo lighting is generally designed to comply with German law. The law does not permit blinking lights. If you want a blinking light, you'll need to use batteries. That's OK because a lot of blinking lights don't discharge batteries fast. If the battery does discharge, you'll still have your steady lights powered by dynamo. This is my approach. On my regular commuting bike, I have one B&M headlight that has proven to be reliable. I use a dynamo powered tail light plus a rechargeable battery powered blinky tail light plus a button cell powered spoke light in my rear wheel. If either of those batteries discharges unexpectedly, I'm still good. I only have to charge the tail light once a month. The button cells last a few months, and I keep spares around.

All of the B&M headlights look great. I've used a few models.

Like Tom, I use a rear steady light (BuMM something-or-other) and a battery-powered blinkie on the rear.


It's easy to get caught up in the lighting arms race. For riding the canal path, a BuMM Eyc will probably be sufficient. The Cyo R is good enough to take on the streets, and the near-field illumination may light up rocks or ruts on the path. The Cyo Premium has a lot more light for a bit more, and the IQ-XS is just a few dollars more for even more light and a metal housing.


See what I mean about an arms race?


Any of the upper end (more than about $75-100 from a European shop) BuMM lights will work well, as will the Supernovas. Supernova and the high-end BuMM lights have metal housings, which may help dissipate heat, which might be important in Phoenix.

Peter White Bicycles is a good source of information. It takes a while to digest but there's lots of info there. They import a lot of lighting products. In my case, I figured out what I wanted, went to my LBS, they suggested some tweaks, then ordered the parts from Peter White. They charged me the same prices shown on Peter White's web site (apparently he has lower pricing when selling to other shops). That was several years ago and the system is still working great.

Even if you don't buy from them, their web site has a ton of info.

I love dynamo lights.

I currently have three bikes with dynamos - two SON hubs and an SP. I consider Shimano to be at the bottom of the heap. The hubs power various Bausch and Muller lights; I could not tell you now which ones, but they all seem to give adequate illumination for night riding. I also have Light and Motion 360 Vis helmet lights (largely for visibility) so between the two I am well prepared for just about anything.