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

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.

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