"Reelights" - Magnetic induction lights

[Grog]

I have seen these in a bike shop:
http://www.reelight.com/

In theory it's the best idea ever.

But I wonder if it works just as well in practice.

They are not cheap: around $55 for the regular style and almost $95 for those that stay on for at least two minutes when you stop moving.

I am partly worried because I find them pretty low on the bike. A good "backup" to always have on the bike, but how safe on its own?

Anyway, if someone has tried them or knows someone who has, it would be great.

Thanks!

[smilingcat]

From an engineering principle, it will work.

However,... the part you don't want to hear.

The brightness of the light depends on how fast the wheel is spinning or how fast the magnet is travelling by the pickup coil. This can be corrected with today's electronics.

The conversion efficiency is also dependent on how far the pickup coil is to the magnet.

Now lets say you ride at 100W output. and the light needs 15W then your work out is 15% greater.

Still this idea beats the old fashioned generator with the knurled metal wheel rubbing against your wheel to turn the magnetic rotor inside the generator.

Definitly much more elegant. I like the idea. and with today's rare earth magnets, the weight of the system is going to be so much less than yester-years generator. I love the idea. Why didn't I think of it??? cause I'm stupid.

I'll save the 45 euros and try a home brew...

smilingcat

[Biciclista]

we have them on the tandem. they are not useful for lighting our way, but they help us be seen.

[Geonz]

I like my reallite better :

[Tri Girl]

My local LBS owner has them on his Globe that he uses as his commuter. He says he wouldn't trust them to be his only light, but they are nice when it's gray/darkish out during the day when he's running errands to the bank, PO, etc. They look cool and seem like it'd be nice to have on the bike all the time "just in case." I always have a taillight on my bike "just in case" and it's much brighter, but these are nice because they don't require those blasted earth destroying batteries.