Dynamo Lights

Warning: Long and dull dynamo review ahead...

tl:dr - budget Shimano dynamo with B&M lightsets are good, but only for commuting really, with a lamp upgrade.

Had some Xmas money so decided to waste it on a new dynamo set-up, trading up from rechargeable lights, and pressed the button on Spa Cycles bundle of the Shimano XT 1.5W Rim Brake Standard Commuter Bundle. Here's what I found:

• The unscientific test is based nearly three weeks use, but bought specifically for weekday commuting of 46 miles a day, mostly unlit roads, really dark lanes, a good km of 10% climbing and a little town riding. Ride time around 90 mins each way so if I have to stop / go slow (and especially in the very cold) get close to battery limit and have been carrying two front lamps.
  
• Nice wheel build and light, but the dynamo seems to make a ticking noise which am guessing is the magnets spinning? It's not too bad, a bit like a old clock ticking but if you're used to near silent running it might annoy.
  
• Setting it all up was simple enough, but the instructions that come with the front lights don't tell you as much as the one that comes with the back one. Bizarre. Still, all wired up.
  
• Did call Spa (who were dead helpful answering my dumb-ass questions) to ask if I need to cover the connections at all, for waterproofing, but they said not to worry. So the set-up has passed the light-rain test but not the downpour run.
  
• Rear light is super good (Selectra Plus) and fits my Tortec rack perfectly.
  
• Loads of wiring supplied.
  
• Front light (Eyc T), initially was happy but the novelty wore off after three night rides. The 50 lux is ok but coming down from 1100 lumens meant it was hard to spot pot holes and turning into corners was almost blind. Plus points were no flicker or dimming on climbs (and I'm a slow as, being old and fat.)
  
• Traded up and rode the 80lux version (not the 100lux after reading the beam strength is all forward facing, see the next bit about corners) yesterday and today. Major improvement. More light (duh) and while not as bright as the battery lamps, much easier to spot potholes, much better beam spread and really importantly, corners are all lit up nicely so much safer ride / confidence.
  
• Climb home tonight, the lamp dims alarmingly but didn't go into flicker / strobe mode so manageable. Plus extra incentive to pedal my lazy arse faster.
  
• Wouldn't go hooning along dark lanes but would be happy now to tackle unfamiliar rides at night - wouldn't have done with the first lamp.
  So, said it would be boring; but if you wanted to try dynamo's would recommend with the lamp upgrade for night-commutes and longer night rides I guess.
  Total cost was £200 including the handlebar bracket (to fit my old Cinelli's) and the new lamp.
  Oh, anyone want a Eyc T lamp for £20 posted?