Bicycle generators

[TheFlyingDingo]

Would these things ever die?
I got a few that wont light up lights, i dont think its the bulb in the light either

 

[user 135]

Are you talking about the ones that run on the tires? Check your wires. and test the ground. You should be able to use a test light or multi-meter.

Unless they they have been taken apart I would assume they would run forever.

 

[CCR]

rewire your lights, thats the most frequent problem i have, ive picked up lots of em and ive only had 1 that didnt work and i assume it was due to being left outside for most of its life.

also make sure the friction gear isnt "slipping" on the tire, ive got a few that give me troubles when the tires get wet just because of the angle and bracket position wasnt the best.

 

[ratina]

I had a couple off brand generators that wouldn't work, and I'm pretty sure one was even brand new. I ended up grabbing an old schwinn one because I knew that would work, and sure enough the lights came right on. I don't really see how they could stop working though.

 

[Markm]

...also, some, mostly taillights, have the ground connection in the clamp so the light needs to be mounted when checking it. If its that type, it will have a pointed screw that bores through the paint to make a connection.

 

[TheFlyingDingo]

yeah, running on the tires

 

[GooneyBird]

Mine usually suddenly bind up suddenly, grinding the hell out of the sidewall. (Usually when going downhill at a reasonable speed at night on an unlit path somewhere in the sticks) :lol:

 

[aka_locojoe]

If you need to replace a generator and don't care if it's new, Walmart sells (or at least did) a generator light kit pretty cheap. Probably Bell brand.