Bounce

Monday, 9 December 2002

Does a dynamo
really slow down
a bicycle?

My impression is: yes it does. Those dynamos must be really inefficient. So much energy for two tiny light bulbs?

Given that the nights are longer than the days at the moment, I often cycle without daylight. With the Dutch cycle tracks lighted, I doubt the advantage of the tiny headlight.

  • Does that bit of light really counter balance the heavy cycling?
  • Why does the light dim when I stand still?
  • Why is cycling harder the only way to get more light?
And... why should a dynamo slow down my horizontal speed? The speed I would like to get rid off is the vertical bouncing.

Idea: bouncing dynamo

Bicycle dynamo's should
  • be mounted below the saddle,
  • with a smart spring mechanic,
  • that transforms bouncing into electricity.

Advantages

  • The dynamo slows down the bouncing, a yet unknown increase of comfort,
  • Need more light? Bounce harder!
  • Need light during a standstill? Bounce!
Till next week,
Nut

Related story: Ditch