Hybrid to tour conversion
 

Because of my size, it is virtually impossible to get a touring bike that fits. I've tried a Terry Classic, and felt almost immediate neck and wrist pain. My Terry Flora is the only bike that I've found that is comfortable for me, but it is meant as a shorter ride bike& uses two 24 inch wheels with 1.75 in tires.
1) what would be a good wheel & tire combo to use on mostly gravel roads?
2) Would I be better off with a hub generator or sticking with my SLA lighting system?

If your bike is comfortable, then you can tour on it.
If you want a bike designed for touring with a load, then you sound like a candidate for a custom sized frame. There are a couple of decent framebuilders in MA, so you should have no problem. Peter White does mainly touring stuff, and stocks some nice short cranks.

Alesa do a good 24" (507) touring rim
see http://www.rigida.com/anglais/default.html

If you are going on long tours, a generator more useful than batteries. The latest sidewall generators by Lightspin are pretty good, but the dyno-hubs are better.

Are you referring to the Swiss Dynosys LightSPIN dynamo? Do you know where you can get one? All I can find are the website of manufacturer but no links or references to dealers.

Jean,
I have been touching base with Dynosys about availability of the LightSpin in the US for several months. My last contact was in August when Mr. Werner Stettler wrote me the following. I have not checked back. Feel free to check and let us know what he says.
Regards,
Raymond

Werner Stettler <wstettler@dynosys-ag.ch
Dear Mr. Perry,
Call back in September, the test prints are soon ready we however have to
improve the switching mechanisme.
Regards
DYNOSYS AG
Werner U. Stettler