Commuting - Question on Dynamo lights for my commute

I'm presently using the old school dynamo generator that goes against my front tire. Don't get me wrong it works; however whenever i engage it to the tire it feels like i'm pulling a VW behind me.
I came across this company that sells this nonfriction setup:

http://www.freelights.co.uk/

They also have it on fle^ay auction as well. What do u all think of these kind of lights?
Do u think it's worth $25. to try?

thx jim.......................

A few points... I think they're worth the $25 to try. Then report back to us. I've seen several bikes with these http://www.goodbyebatteries.com and they work pretty well. The problem is they're speed variable so at a stop they're off. Plus those little single LEDs won't throw out much light even at speed. And I don't like all the exposed wires with the Freelights, that kind of stuff gets ripped off my bike pretty quick.

Most people with generators still run battery-opperated lights in the back exactly because you need backups. I would say go for a magnet powered system along with a few battery powered blinkies. Redundency is key with lighting systems.

New generation tire-generators and generator-hubs have made big improvements over older models. I use a Shimano Nexus hub in the front and really like it. But I've got it paired with a small battery powered front and only battery powered rear lights. Also look at the new generators at Peter White Cyles.

"friction" the problem with generator lights. If you were to disconnect the wiring there probably woudln't be much more load on your pedal stroke, even if the generator was engaged to your wheel.

The cause of the the extra pedaling effort is from the resistance of the magnets and the coiled wire inside the generator. The picture you're showing is simply turns your whole wheel into a generator. Every time the magnets pass each other, they produce an electric pulse. the resistance is from the pulse pushing electrons through the wire. If the wires aren't disconnected you'll get a pull and a push so you may not notice the magnets. but if the connection on, then you'll notice the resistance of the electrons through the wire and the energy required to make light.

The difference will be in light size (wattage), or how much light is being produced, efficiency of bulbs, etc.

There will be a slight difference because there is no physical contact, but most of the energy required to light a generator bike light goes directly into the light.

But, you don't have to recharge batteries, disconnect stuff, or worry about forgettin parts, have heaby batteries (although the newer methal hydrides are much much lighter than the older style rechargeables) and you use more of your own energy, thus staying in shape. But you're slower, and working harder.

Your choice.

I don't think you'll see that much of an improvement in ease, unless you're not gettin enough light. Unless its just a matter of chaning the lamp. In that case I'd try to just change your lamp to a newer more efficient bulb (halide, or LED but with the same output of candlepower) maybe with a better focusing lense, but leave your old generator in place because that probably isnt' the problem.

^^I don't think the resistance would be quite as great - even for similar power output between the two generators. The inductive method would have a braking force associated with it when connected, as would the friction generator. But with the friction generator you have the actual friction in the device itself, i.e. gears turning through some lube in a case.

I could see the inductive device have additional benefits as well - you could add another magnet and increase the power output, or you could get fancy and change the size of the inductive coil.

At any rate, for twenty-five bucks, you can't really go wrong. At worst the thing would be fun to play with.:D

I just looked at the link again, (a little closer this time). The lights in the link don't seem to have a "solid on", they'll just blink. So you'll be visible, with very little pedaling resistance, but you won't be able to see the road any better than whatever the surrounding ambient lighting provides (street lights, & general city glow).

I've seen similar ones to this that are a LOT smaller, I can't remember their brand names of course, but I remember them seeming much smaller which would mean less weight, and less chance to get knocked and broken.

I think this is a great option for a rear light. For a front light, however, I like to see stuff in front of me so I'd go for the generator solid on option (yes with resistance) or with a battery operated version (which is what I normally ride if I ride at night.)

Modern sidewall dynamos are a lot more efficient than the classic 1970s Union style with better output and lower resistance. You also need to consider the mounting system. Seatstay clamps are the worst method. You should be using a solid brazed-on metal tab or one that bolts to the cantilever brake bosses.
For everyday riding, hub generators are a better solution.