my new summer wheel

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Date: 10 Apr 2007 16:29:29
From: Claire Petersky
Subject: my new summer wheel

I have a friction-powered headlight. Rather than ride another summer
grinding energy for a headlight I don't use from about March to October, I
bought myself another wheel. Nothing fancy, a Shimano 105 hub, some sort of
ordinary Mavic rim.

Wow. It's like another bike. I probably picked up at least 10% on my speed,
I swear. And climbing hills is like a dream.

A friend asked me, "does this mean you aren't going back to your friction
hub headlight?" I replied that, since nearly all my October to March miles
are in the dark, commuting, that I'd switch back without hesitation. I
really do like the convenience of an always-available,
never-have-to-recharge, can-never-overcharge light.

But dang, I can't believe I rode for two summers with it. Yeah, on Thursday
night I came back late, and I used just the cateye see-me light. But I'm
usually never riding all that far under those circumstances (in these, less
than 5 miles, in a street-lit urban environment), and it's well worth it not
to have the drag.

--
Warm Regards,

Claire Petersky
http://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
See the books I've set free at: http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky

Date: 13 Apr 2007 00:28:16
From: Tom Keats
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

In article <1176418773.233952.7140@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com >,
frkrygow@gmail.com writes:
> On Apr 10, 6:51 pm, "Leo Lichtman" <l.licht...@worldnet.att.net>
> wrote:
>> "Bill" wrote: What is a ***friction*** powered headlight?
>>
>> I was wondering the same thing, Claire.
>
> Maybe a Van de Graaf generator light? Could be those million-plus-
> volt headlamp bulbs aren't very efficient, hence the high drag. ;-)
>
>
> See http://www.myra-simon.com/bike/dynotest.html for info on real
> generator drag.

I don't think Claire has a Van der Graaf generator
on her bike. Just an erstwhile hub generator that
impinged a drag and weight penalty during daylight
hours. Now she's got a lighter, free-er rolling
front wheel and she detects a noteworthy difference.
Same as switching to a pair of lighter tires.

A Van der Graaf generator would be fun, though --
make yer hair stick up through yer helmet holes.

cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
Above address is just a spam midden.
I'm really at: tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

Date: 12 Apr 2007 15:59:33
From:
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

On Apr 10, 6:51 pm, "Leo Lichtman" <l.licht...@worldnet.att.net >
wrote:
> "Bill" wrote: What is a ***friction*** powered headlight?
>
> I was wondering the same thing, Claire.

Maybe a Van de Graaf generator light? Could be those million-plus-
volt headlamp bulbs aren't very efficient, hence the high drag. ;-)

See http://www.myra-simon.com/bike/dynotest.html for info on real
generator drag.

- Frank Krygowski

Date: 11 Apr 2007 14:27:07
From: SlowRider
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

Date: 11 Apr 2007 13:29:40
From: limeylew@gmail.com
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

On Apr 10, 10:29 am, "Claire Petersky" <cpeter...@mouse-potato.com >
wrote:
> I have a friction-powered headlight. Rather than ride another summer
> grinding energy for a headlight I don't use from about March to October, I
> bought myself another wheel. Nothing fancy, a Shimano 105 hub, some sort of
> ordinary Mavic rim.
>
> Wow. It's like another bike. I probably picked up at least 10% on my speed,
> I swear. And climbing hills is like a dream.
>
> A friend asked me, "does this mean you aren't going back to your friction
> hub headlight?" I replied that, since nearly all my October to March miles
> are in the dark, commuting, that I'd switch back without hesitation. I
> really do like the convenience of an always-available,
> never-have-to-recharge, can-never-overcharge light.
>
> But dang, I can't believe I rode for two summers with it. Yeah, on Thursday
> night I came back late, and I used just the cateye see-me light. But I'm
> usually never riding all that far under those circumstances (in these, less
> than 5 miles, in a street-lit urban environment), and it's well worth it not
> to have the drag.
>
> --
> Warm Regards,
>
> Claire Peterskyhttp://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
> See the books I've set free at:http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky

Hi, Claire, if the friction of your generator concerns you, maybe you
would like one of these:-

http://tinyurl.com/22o888

Hope this helps.

Lewis.

*****

Date: 13 Apr 2007 01:58:46
From: Fred
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

<limeylew@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1176323380.910913.290660@n59g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> On Apr 10, 10:29 am, "Claire Petersky" <cpeter...@mouse-potato.com>
> wrote:
>> I have a friction-powered headlight. Rather than ride another summer
>> grinding energy for a headlight I don't use from about March to October,
>> I
>> bought myself another wheel. Nothing fancy, a Shimano 105 hub, some sort
>> of
>> ordinary Mavic rim.
>>
>> Wow. It's like another bike. I probably picked up at least 10% on my
>> speed,
>> I swear. And climbing hills is like a dream.
>>
>> A friend asked me, "does this mean you aren't going back to your friction
>> hub headlight?" I replied that, since nearly all my October to March
>> miles
>> are in the dark, commuting, that I'd switch back without hesitation. I
>> really do like the convenience of an always-available,
>> never-have-to-recharge, can-never-overcharge light.
>>
>> But dang, I can't believe I rode for two summers with it. Yeah, on
>> Thursday
>> night I came back late, and I used just the cateye see-me light. But I'm
>> usually never riding all that far under those circumstances (in these,
>> less
>> than 5 miles, in a street-lit urban environment), and it's well worth it
>> not
>> to have the drag.
>>
>> --
>> Warm Regards,
>>
>> Claire Peterskyhttp://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
>> See the books I've set free at:http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky
>
>
> Hi, Claire, if the friction of your generator concerns you, maybe you
> would like one of these:-
>
> http://tinyurl.com/22o888
>

Has anyone tried these things?
>

Date: 12 Apr 2007 15:29:05
From: Leo Lichtman
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

"Fred" wrote: Hi, Claire, if the friction of your generator concerns you,
...(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Fred, Claire has solved her generator friction problem with a new
generator/wheel combo. The link you provided is for a generating blinking
light--Claire uses a headlight.

Date: 13 Apr 2007 10:36:37
From: Fred
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

"Leo Lichtman" <l.lichtman@worldnet.att.net > wrote in message
news:5fsTh.288505$5j1.87806@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
>
> "Fred" wrote: Hi, Claire, if the friction of your generator concerns
> you, ...(clip)
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> Fred, Claire has solved her generator friction problem with a new
> generator/wheel combo. The link you provided is for a generating blinking
> light--Claire uses a headlight.
>I didn't provide the link. I just wondered if anyone had tried these
>flashing lights..

Date: 11 Apr 2007 11:43:23
From: Will
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

On Apr 10, 11:29 am, "Claire Petersky" <cpeter...@mouse-potato.com >
wrote:

> Wow. It's like another bike. I probably picked up at least 10% on my speed,
> I swear. And climbing hills is like a dream.

You know I gotta believe the reason you feel it's another bike is that
it's spring again <g >. You're out of your cocoon clothes. The d a r
k s e a s o n is over!!!

My bike always feels faster in the spring.

Date: 11 Apr 2007 21:46:57
From: Patrick Lamb
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

On 11 Apr 2007 11:43:23 -0700, "Will" <waller.william@gmail.com >
wrote:

>On Apr 10, 11:29 am, "Claire Petersky" <cpeter...@mouse-potato.com>
>wrote:
>
>> Wow. It's like another bike. I probably picked up at least 10% on my speed,
>> I swear. And climbing hills is like a dream.
>
>You know I gotta believe the reason you feel it's another bike is that
>it's spring again <g>. You're out of your cocoon clothes. The d a r
>k s e a s o n is over!!!
>
>My bike always feels faster in the spring.

Mine too, but I think taking off the tights is responsible for 2 mph
extra all by itself!

Pat

Email address works as is.

Date: 11 Apr 2007 09:59:55
From: Dane Buson
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

Claire Petersky <cpetersky@mouse-potato.com > wrote:
> I have a friction-powered headlight. Rather than ride another summer
> grinding energy for a headlight I don't use from about March to October, I
> bought myself another wheel. Nothing fancy, a Shimano 105 hub, some sort of
> ordinary Mavic rim.
>
> Wow. It's like another bike. I probably picked up at least 10% on my speed,
> I swear. And climbing hills is like a dream.
>
> A friend asked me, "does this mean you aren't going back to your friction
> hub headlight?" I replied that, since nearly all my October to March miles
> are in the dark, commuting, that I'd switch back without hesitation. I
> really do like the convenience of an always-available,
> never-have-to-recharge, can-never-overcharge light.

Right, rechargable lights are suboptimal IMHO. And with the money saved
from not replacing them every year[1], I've already payed for my dynamo
wheel + light.

> But dang, I can't believe I rode for two summers with it. Yeah, on Thursday
> night I came back late, and I used just the cateye see-me light. But I'm
> usually never riding all that far under those circumstances (in these, less
> than 5 miles, in a street-lit urban environment), and it's well worth it not
> to have the drag.

I really should dig out my other front wheel. It's not so much the
drag, but I could do with a little less weight. My bike is somewhat
heavy admittedly...

[1] Commuting year round in Seattle is not kind to anything except a
*very* well sealed device.

--
Dane Buson - sigdane@unixbigots.org
For reasons beyond the comprehension of most people, many fixed-gear riders insist
on riding with no brakes. They just fight the pedals and hope that their rear tire
alone will stop them or that they can dodge.

When informed of this bizarre cult, a friend of mine remarked that riding with
deliberately ineffective braking offers all the exhilaration, sense of
superiority, and irresponsibility of driving drunk without the hangover.

I haven't thought of a good rebuttal yet.
-- Carl Fogel in r.b.tech

Date: 11 Apr 2007 00:38:48
From: mark
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

Claire Petersky wrote:
> I have a friction-powered headlight. Rather than ride another summer
> grinding energy for a headlight I don't use from about March to October, I
> bought myself another wheel. Nothing fancy, a Shimano 105 hub, some sort of
> ordinary Mavic rim.
>
> Wow. It's like another bike. I probably picked up at least 10% on my speed,
> I swear. And climbing hills is like a dream.
>
> A friend asked me, "does this mean you aren't going back to your friction
> hub headlight?" I replied that, since nearly all my October to March miles
> are in the dark, commuting, that I'd switch back without hesitation. I
> really do like the convenience of an always-available,
> never-have-to-recharge, can-never-overcharge light.
>
> But dang, I can't believe I rode for two summers with it. Yeah, on Thursday
> night I came back late, and I used just the cateye see-me light. But I'm
> usually never riding all that far under those circumstances (in these, less
> than 5 miles, in a street-lit urban environment), and it's well worth it not
> to have the drag.
>
>
By "friction powered headlight" and "grinding energy for a headlight I
don't use" do you, perchance, mean a hub generator? If so, what kind of
hub generator? I've got a Shimano 3N-71 hub generator powering my
headlight, and it certainly doesn't cut my speed by any 10%. If your hub
generator is a cheaper model, treat yourself to a higher quality
generator hub like the 3N-71 or a SON (Schmidt Original Nabendynamo).

Or have you just been riding around with your bottle generator engaged
during daylight hours? :-D

mark

Date: 11 Apr 2007 02:01:45
From: Bill
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

mark wrote:
> Claire Petersky wrote:
>> I have a friction-powered headlight. Rather than ride another summer
>> grinding energy for a headlight I don't use from about March to
>> October, I bought myself another wheel. Nothing fancy, a Shimano 105
>> hub, some sort of ordinary Mavic rim.
>>
>> Wow. It's like another bike. I probably picked up at least 10% on my
>> speed, I swear. And climbing hills is like a dream.
>>
>> A friend asked me, "does this mean you aren't going back to your
>> friction hub headlight?" I replied that, since nearly all my October
>> to March miles are in the dark, commuting, that I'd switch back
>> without hesitation. I really do like the convenience of an
>> always-available, never-have-to-recharge, can-never-overcharge light.
>>
>> But dang, I can't believe I rode for two summers with it. Yeah, on
>> Thursday night I came back late, and I used just the cateye see-me
>> light. But I'm usually never riding all that far under those
>> circumstances (in these, less than 5 miles, in a street-lit urban
>> environment), and it's well worth it not to have the drag.
>>
>>
> By "friction powered headlight" and "grinding energy for a headlight I
> don't use" do you, perchance, mean a hub generator? If so, what kind of
> hub generator? I've got a Shimano 3N-71 hub generator powering my
> headlight, and it certainly doesn't cut my speed by any 10%. If your hub
> generator is a cheaper model, treat yourself to a higher quality
> generator hub like the 3N-71 or a SON (Schmidt Original Nabendynamo).
>
> Or have you just been riding around with your bottle generator engaged
> during daylight hours? :-D
>
> mark

Or,
Maybe she turns off her headlight by shorting it out. Ouch, what a load
that would be.
Bill Baka

Date: 11 Apr 2007 02:55:49
From: Leo Lichtman
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

"Bill" wrote: Maybe she turns off her headlight by shorting it out. Ouch,
what a load
> that would be.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Now we have drifted to the topic of another thread: "The speed of dark."

Date: 10 Apr 2007 16:10:42
From: Tom Keats
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

In article <CbTSh.15920$Um6.5428@newssvr12.news.prodigy.net >,
Bill <bbaka@comcast.net > writes:
> Claire Petersky wrote:
>> I have a friction-powered headlight. Rather than ride another summer
>> grinding energy for a headlight I don't use from about March to October, I
>> bought myself another wheel. Nothing fancy, a Shimano 105 hub, some sort of
>> ordinary Mavic rim.
>
> What is a ***friction*** powered headlight? That reminds me of those
> 1950's type generators that just rubbed against the tire and did take a
> lot of effort for a little light. A center hub generator is supposed to
> take almost no power if it is not being used.
> Curious.

I believe she's talking about a front wheel hub generator.
Those things are reputed to inflict somewhat more drag when
switched off, than when switched on.

As for your "1950's type generators that just rubbed against
a tire," the modern versions don't require much work at all.

Even the old Union generators (of which I have a few) don't take
that much effort, either. At least, not for a stronger rider.

cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
Above address is just a spam midden.
I'm really at: tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

Date: 11 Apr 2007 09:55:42
From: Dane Buson
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

Tom Keats <tkeats2005@hotmail.com > wrote:
> In article <CbTSh.15920$Um6.5428@newssvr12.news.prodigy.net>,
> Bill <bbaka@comcast.net> writes:
>> Claire Petersky wrote:
>>> I have a friction-powered headlight. Rather than ride another summer
>>> grinding energy for a headlight I don't use from about March to October, I
>>> bought myself another wheel. Nothing fancy, a Shimano 105 hub, some sort of
>>> ordinary Mavic rim.
>>
>> What is a ***friction*** powered headlight? That reminds me of those
>> 1950's type generators that just rubbed against the tire and did take a
>> lot of effort for a little light. A center hub generator is supposed to
>> take almost no power if it is not being used.
>> Curious.
>
> I believe she's talking about a front wheel hub generator.
> Those things are reputed to inflict somewhat more drag when
> switched off, than when switched on.

Yes, she has a Shimano hub dynamo.

> As for your "1950's type generators that just rubbed against
> a tire," the modern versions don't require much work at all.
>
> Even the old Union generators (of which I have a few) don't take
> that much effort, either. At least, not for a stronger rider.

I've never really noticed any extra effort. My average speed declines a
little, but not enough for me too care much about. Especially in winter
when I'm already riding slower because of poor light and extra wind drag
from extra clothing.

--
Dane Buson - sigdane@unixbigots.org
A Dublin lawyer died in poverty and many barristers of the city subscribed to
a fund for his funeral. The Lord Chief Justice of Orbury was asked to donate
a shilling. "Only a shilling?" exclaimed the man. "Only a shilling to bury
an attorney? Here's a guinea; go and bury twenty of them."

Date: 10 Apr 2007 21:19:30
From: Bill
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

Claire Petersky wrote:
> I have a friction-powered headlight. Rather than ride another summer
> grinding energy for a headlight I don't use from about March to October, I
> bought myself another wheel. Nothing fancy, a Shimano 105 hub, some sort of
> ordinary Mavic rim.

What is a ***friction*** powered headlight? That reminds me of those
1950's type generators that just rubbed against the tire and did take a
lot of effort for a little light. A center hub generator is supposed to
take almost no power if it is not being used.
Curious.
Bill Baka
>
> Wow. It's like another bike. I probably picked up at least 10% on my speed,
> I swear. And climbing hills is like a dream.
>
> A friend asked me, "does this mean you aren't going back to your friction
> hub headlight?" I replied that, since nearly all my October to March miles
> are in the dark, commuting, that I'd switch back without hesitation. I
> really do like the convenience of an always-available,
> never-have-to-recharge, can-never-overcharge light.
>
> But dang, I can't believe I rode for two summers with it. Yeah, on Thursday
> night I came back late, and I used just the cateye see-me light. But I'm
> usually never riding all that far under those circumstances (in these, less
> than 5 miles, in a street-lit urban environment), and it's well worth it not
> to have the drag.
>

Date: 11 Apr 2007 14:17:53
From: nash
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

I have a friction-powered headlight. Rather than ride another summer
> grinding energy for a headlight I don't use from about March to October, I
> bought myself another wheel. Nothing fancy, a Shimano 105 hub, some sort
> of ordinary Mavic rim.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<,

Using narrow tires at 100 psi you will also fly faster if you are not
already.: )

Date: 10 Apr 2007 22:51:03
From: Leo Lichtman
Subject: Re: my new summer wheel

"Bill" wrote: What is a ***friction*** powered headlight? That reminds me
of those 1950's type generators that just rubbed against the tire and did
take a lot of effort for a little light. (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I was wondering the same thing, Claire. Besides, doesn't the ***friction***
drive generator lift off the tire when it's not needed, resulting in NO
power loss?