Below are the four things I want in a headlight/taillight generator set:

1. Lights are bright
2. Lights are relatively high up on the bike (30" above ground or more)
3. Built to last (I'd expect to get a minimum of two years out of the lights)
4. Affordable ($100 for the set is my limit, but I'd prefer to spend closer to $50).

I'd prefer if the lights blink, but I'd settle for steady beams if they are nice and bright.

I've done a fair amount of research and there seems to be a large gap. Either you get affordable lights that are positioned near the wheel axles, barely a foot above the ground (not good for being seen!), or you spend a fortune for bright lights that are higher up, near the height of the top tube.

Currently I have a very bright AA-powered LED blinking headlight mounted to my handlebars, and an equally bright AAA-powered Superflash red blinky attached to my seat post . I'd like to get generator lights for the convenience of not having to remember to turn them on and not having to think about replacing the batteries. Plus they'll ALWAYS be on. This comes in handy, safety-wise, if I'm riding through periodic shadows from trees or buildings on a bright day, etc. However, I want something that will allow me to be seen just as well as my current battery-powered setup.

Is there anything out there that meets my criteria?

Are you looking for a total package for under $100 - generator + headlight + taillight? That's going to be a challenge. You might be able to find a bottom bracket generator, a B&M Lyt, and a taillight under $150.

BTW, there's a reason many (most?) dyno lights are mounted on the fork crown. That arrangement shows the road surface really, really well; potholes, washboard pavement, and sticks are very visible.

If you want to be green and are most worried about car drivers seeing you, perhaps you should check out USB-rechargeable lights. There's some cheap lights that are pretty bright.

You will get what you pay for. I have a Lumotec Lyt that retails for around $50 and it puts out OK light (about the same as my 350 lumen usb rechargeable light). It has some dead areas in the light spread that annoy me and it is off if the wheel isn't moving.

Something like this would be way better, if imported from UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...pf_rd_i=468294

I think it matters less with the taillight, I assume that any will probably work sufficiently.

Yeah, my limit is $100 for the generator, headlight and taillight combined. I don't mind lights mounted to the fork crown. That's about 30" above the ground. What I don't like is the ones that are about a foot above the ground. Motorists won't be looking so low, and there will be plenty of instances in which a light so close to ground level will be obstructed from view. Not safe IMO.

USB is a no go for me. I want lights that I can permanently mount on the bike. Currently I have a cheap LED headlight that I attached to the handlebars by wrapping a TON of electrical tape around. In the rear, my taillight is intentionally located directly below my reflector. This makes it so the light can not be slid off by would-be thieves. They'd need either tools or have to rip it off with brute force. The lights haven't been stolen for the past six months or so. I absolutely LOVE the freedom of leaving the lights on the bike.

Most battery lights are removable, so you can take them with you and recharge them. A single cell 18650/XML U2 light can be had for $35 that is plenty bright, and it comes with extra battery, charger, head mount, bike mount, and I forget what else. And there are a lot of lights that are cheaper still. Hmmm, I can't find the light anymore on the Keygos website.

Yes they are made in China, and yes they exaggerate the lumens. But are they junk? I'd answer an emphatic NO!

For the rear there are better lights than the PB Super Flash these days, but I still use mine. '

For generator/dynamo lighting you really have to spend more than you are willing to get anything decent. Wheel + light is going to cost about $250 to get what I have. Bottle generators are a lot cheaper than hubs/wheels, and there are cheaper lights too. I really like mine though, a Cyo Premium with a Shimano hub and Mavic XM317 rim.

If you spend $100 on everything, you will eventually replace some or all of it, spending more than $100.

Then again, you can get an ancient sidewall generator cheap. I bought a few off ebay, and they work! They are quite reliable, but they are noisy, and the drag is noticeable.

I spent about $160 on my setup on my Bianchi Volpe, which is pretty economical. The good headlights are really, really good. I do not notice the drag that the dynamo hub introduces.

Axa Traction Control dynamo, ~$30
Lumotec IQ Fly, ~$30
Various dynamo tail lamps, $20~$30
Wire, mounting brackets, shipping, tax, etc.

Well, then, you're right. You can do it well for $100.

I understand your point about accessories that are "quick release". However if you want to leave accessories on your bike while parked ( locked ) somewhere "thief" is always going to be a potential threat. Judging from what you wrote and the amount of money you're willing to spend I think the idea of a cheap(er) rear friction dynamo and light is likely the best idea. The products that "tcs" recommended sounds like a plan.

On the other hand if it were me I likely go with a good self contained LED lamp that has the option for removeable battery. Yes, you would have to remove the lamp when you leave the bike for extended periods but in my view I would be willing to do that. Since I'm likely carrying a bunch of other stuff anyway I figure a couple more small items wouldn't be too much more to deal with. Takes just a minute or so to put back on. Since it takes me a good while to prepare to ride my bike anyway I figure, "Whats an extra minute"? If I'm going to stress out over something it's likely going to be about whether or not the entire bike gets pinched but that's just me.

All said, no matter what you leave on or take off your bike, there is always going to be the threat of someone stealing your entire bike which would be my major concern. If I were to leave a bike locked outside everyday I would just have to equip the bike with less expensive accessories or with accessories that are easily removed ( by me ).