Originally Posted by
gecho
Dynamos barely generate enough power for adequate light let alone powering anything else. Assuming a generous efficiency of 150 lumens per watt, a 1500 lumen headlight needs 10 watts while a dynamo produces 3 watts. My heated gloves alone are 18 watts combined (though not drawn continuously), if I run them off a lower voltage USB battery I can run them continuously at 12.5 watts without them getting too hot.
Exactly. If you have to tangle with traffic anywhere, dynamo lights are just insufficient in my view. At their very best, they're at the lower range of utility. Your math is right.
Originally Posted by
cjenrick
batteries are a hassle.
getting ready for a winter ride takes longer than the ride.
No kidding. I live in MN and I love to ride my bike. I like riding year round, but there are so many extra little pieces and clothing that it just wears me out by April. A lot of "gotta wanna" is required, not so much to go outside, but to spend all the time getting ready.