A bike headlamp is is powered by a generator that rubs against the wheel. Is the bike harder to petal when ...

Question

A bike headlamp is is powered by a generator that rubs against the wheel. Is the bike harder to petal when the generator is lighting the lamp? Why?

I think it has something to do with conservation of energy. Help explain please.

Answer 1

I don't think it makes a difference. the radius of the wheel has not been changed, the peddling is still the same based on road conditions and terrain. It's is the preferred lighting method for cyclists/or pros/amateurs. They certainly don't want anything to slow them down.
Open the link and maybe there is something I missed.
(The narrow flanges reduce air resistance and the hub has lower drag than the regular SON28.)

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/schmidt.asp

Answer 2

The generator has to make it harder for the pedaler to keep the bike moving, if not, you would have a new form of power that gives off energy without consuming it. It is just a question of how much harder it makes it.

I used to have one as a kid, and it definitely was noticeable when you clicked over the generate to run against your wheel.

The best answer is that the motors, lights, and electrical conversion have gotten much more proficient. New halogen light bulbs do not require as much energy to light. The transfer of energy has become more efficient as smaller motors have become commonplace and allow more energy to get to the end of the current instead of being burned up in the process somewhere.

In the end, I would probably go for a battery operated one for my bike, but that is just flash-backs to that contraption I used to have strapped to my bike.

Answer 3

one situation you may desire to observe of suited away. in the journey that your physique is aluminum and you bend it including your arms, that's it. you choose a clean physique as which you may desire to fail catastrophically at any time. even if if it particularly is created from metallic it particularly is repaired yet that isn't something you're able to do and it will fee a lot. Assuming the physique is physically powerful. There are different issues to verify. The rim could have loose spokes. The axel could be bent or the two. additionally the bearings could desire to be mesh up. maximum probable you will choose an entire new wheel as a results of fact much less costly wheels are no longer nicely worth to restoration. you may desire to get journey of the washers and doubtless get new nuts. ascertain they are tight wisely.