Put the wee bottle dynamo lights set on the wee Raleigh folder this afternoon. Just enough room between the rear stays: the left crank has about an inch and a half clearance when the bottle dynamo is disengaged. So a tight fit, but it fits and it works. Schwalbe Marathons have a special strip around the sidewall for engaging the dynamo - nice touch. The front light bolted on to a built in mount on the front rack, the rear one fits neatly in the bolt holes on the rear mudguard. Great!
By the time I was finished it was twilight, perfect for testing out the new setup. First thing you notice is the increased rolling resistance, and a wee hum as the dynamo rolls on the rear tyre sidewall. The front light is surprisingly bright, and the rear is fine too. They're no halogen beams, but bright enough for town use. Think old school Dutch bike / British roadster and you'll get the picture. No capacitor on these cheapo lights so they go dim when the bike is stationary, and peter out a bit when pottering to a halt. Most of the time they are pretty bright though.
Went on errands in the dark: delivering a penultimate batch of Spokes newsletters then a trip to the supermarket. Lights were great.
Not sure how long the lights or dynamo will last, and they haven't been tested in the rain yet. So far though I'm really pleased, especially for the price. Eight quid off fleaBay.
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