RubeRad

I'm not associated with the makers (or even a backer of the kickstarter), but I thought commuters might be interested in this.

The light it outputs up front looks pretty weak, but the rear might be up to par with a regular blinkie. BUT, it should give something like the ultra reliability of a full hub dyno system at a fraction of the price/performance -- and with none of the friction of a regular bottle dyno.

Could be a viable backup for a primary battery-operated system, especially as there are plenty of slots available for an $18 backer vs projected $60 msrp

canklecat

It'd be interesting to see that tech incorporated into the frames of mid-priced and better bikes as part of a standard basic always-on light kit.

SlvrDragon50

I would have joined if there wasn't a 12 dollar shipping charge. For 30 bucks I'd rather just get a second back up light, but it is a very cool concept.

Giant Doofus

That's a really good idea. I wish the front one put out more light, but it might work fine as a "be seen" light.

RubeRad

I didn't see that, you're right that kind of tips it over the edge.

IrishBrewer

Keep in mind that even though there's no friction from a bottle dyno, there will still be magnetic resistance from the generator built into this system. The intro video doesn't really say how much. The only way you could get "free" power from such a device would be if it only drew power when braking.

RidingMatthew

@canklecat
It woudl be really cool if they could partner with a bike manufacturer specifically for those who make bike commuter oriented products and incorporate the technology into the bike. It would be really cool to see the technology a little more streamlined into a rack or racks or something!

tcs

Well, they're claimed to be brighter than Magnic eddy current lights, so I guess that does represent an advance of some sort, but 118 lumens is still only as bright as a 'no-friction' $5 flashlight.

HardyWeinberg

Sweet, I am in for a set. I had a different reelight set for my son, w/ magnets for the front wheel, and it lasted through middle school for him. Died around the end of headlight time in 8th grade. So this new set will go to his sister who starts middle school in the fall, see if it lasts longer for her than the clunkier one did for him.

Can't overstate the value of lights for kids that you don't need to remind them to turn on/off.

RubeRad

I'm glad to help hook you up with that!
@RidingMatthew, you're right it would be cool to see something like this integrated into a rack system. Also I've always wondered why more racks don't have integrated or optional built-in fenders, since a rack could be considered a super-heavy-duty fender mount (that can also carry a load)

RidingMatthew

@RubeRad that is a good idea too


shh dont say anything someone will steal it and make a kickstarter out of it.

corrado33

"Friction free"

"Environmentally friendly"

Where is the power coming from if there is no extra "friction" on the wheel?

Another kickstarter playing on the ignorance of the masses.

I think this would be interesting as a rear light, but at 118 lumens, not worth it's weight for a front light.

RubeRad

There are a couple already, like this (which doesn't look like much of a fender, maybe that's why the concept hasn't taken off?) or this blackburn says it has "integrated fender mount", but I don't really know what that means.

Anyways, I find that the deck of my current rear rack, practically speaking, acts as a pretty good fender already.

tcs

I think they're doing a semantic dance with 'friction' and 'drag'.

Gresp15C

Looks like a cool idea. This patent application describes the concept:

Patent US20140132155 - Device for contactless current generation, in particular bicycle dynamo ... - Google Patents

This application was referenced at the Magnic website. I'm not a patent lawyer, but a delay of a couple years from filing to issuance is not surprising. I'm half tempted to try and make one, not because I think that I can save money, but just because it's interesting and I'm curious.

alan s 

I already have friction free tail lights that are much brighter and cost less. OK, so I have to charge them up once in a while, but it's really easy. Don't quite see the appeal of this light. Plus, it won't work on my helmet, which is the most visible tail light I use.

RubeRad

Once in a while, your batteries will conk out before your ride is done. The appeal is that this can act as a backup light for scenarios like that, at way less than the cost of going full-dyno. Also, it's as easy to move from bike-to-bike as a battery light. But you're right it's not for everybody. Many people are not concerned about the low chance of failure of battery light systems, but some people are very concerned about it. That's why hub dynos exist.

Moe Zhoost

This is correct. Eddy currents generated by metal moving through a magnetic field will induce current, but also cause drag. This effect has been exploited for bike trainers as well as locomotive brakes. The drag is proportional to the velocity of the rim.

Unlike most kickstarter campaigns, I like this design, although for $240 (front and rear units), you could probably put together a hub dyno system.

hooCycles

Haha. "No friction". Sure, no loaded mechanical rubbing of two surfaces, but they are definitely trying to play off of public ignorance for this one.

I'm going to put 500 of these things on my bike and solve the world's energy problems. Who wants some free energy?

RubeRad

$240? Right now there are still spots available for $18 single-light (can you do that twice to get both for $36?) and there are double-light spots available for under $100 (plus shipping, as mentioned above)

Gresp15C

So I got some little magnets. I held one of them up to the wheel, and it sticks. I was puzzled for a moment, until I remembered that all of my wheels have steel wire beads.

Moe Zhoost

I was looking at the recommended retail price. All the permutations of pledges/offers confuse me.

kickstart

Just because it won't meet your needs, or mine doesn't mean it can't be the perfect solution for some folks, and their needs.

himespau 

I think it looks cool. Don't know it'd work for my needs, but cool.

kickstart

Lots of ambient light, and moderate traffic, or mostly paths and trails?

Naturally one isn't limited to just them if they don't meet all their needs.