Nigel Goodwin wrote:

> These sort of bikes don't have any power supply to them, they use the
> energy produced from the pedaling to power the electronics. So you
> have to pedal before you can set the machine to your requirements.

  Sounds like a darn good idea to me!  Why on earth waste the energy?
Even better if it could be fed *out* and used to supplelement the
lighting!

 ..and Oliver Praudisch wrote:

> You might want to start off with a washing machine motor or even an
> altenator from a local boneyard.

  Not such a good idea.  Washing machine motors are mostly induction
motors and work poorly or with difficulty as alternators (I know it
*can* be done) particularly at low speeds.  Car alternators are a little
easier, but don't self- excite at all well, which is germaine to the
above comment!

  Cheers,
        Paul B.