Originally Posted by
brianinc-ville
Right. Like I said, I already have an LED lamp from B&M, and it's not good enough -- but it's one of the lower-end models (25 lux). My question is whether there's any point in buying one of the higher-end B&M lights (say, the IQ-X, rated at 100 lux), or whether the limited current output from the vintage hub simply won't do the job.
I have the same experience and the same question. As @
nlerner mentioned, I have done quite a few experiments with these hubs running LED lights I assembled myself. But this was a dozen years ago, and at that time, my home-made lights seemed to be as good as anything I could buy. But LED lights have come a long way since I started making my own.
My Armstrong bike has a GH6 hub and rather weak modern LED lamp. I don't remember what it is, 30 or 40 lux, and it's not really enough. I have much better lights on other bikes but haven't tried them with the SA.
My suggestion would be: you need a better light regardless whether your SA hub can power it or not. So get a better light. I like the B&M cyo premium 80 lux model, but I don't think it matters as long as you get something good. I can't promise it will be as bright when powered by an GH6 as it would be when powered by a modern hub, but I'm sure it will be brighter than what you have now. If it's still too weak with the GH6, then you can consider upgrading the hub (but I hope it doesn't come to that) or using the more powerful light on a different bike (with a modern hub).