Wanting to build a Bicycle Generator

[Travis Linds]

I am wanting to build a bicycle powered generator. Anyone interested in helping me? I have an old, small gas powered generator with a blown engine, I was going to try to use that as the generator. But I need electrical help, I hooked up my bike and spun the alternator section of this generator but was not able to get any electrical generation, I think I need to connect a small load to it in order to get it to generate? If this unit does not work, I was going to just buy a 12 volt DC motor (1/6 to 1/4 hp) and follow the www.makeshiftproject.com plans to build one like theirs shown below. I ordered their plans.

[Rob Van Arsdale]

wow Travis,
this guy looks serious, hes not working to hard though.. I built one using plans from pedal- a- watt from a stationary bike stand and an old generator. Ive got plans back home (Im in the southwest till jan) maybee we could build two? good luck!
Rob

[Heather K]

Hi Travis, I used to work as a bicycle mechanic years ago, but don't have the electrical knowledge...just lots of old spare bicycle parts...
I've used a bicycle powered machine to run a smoothie blender while gardening in Maui, and I have pictures.
The smoothie stands' bike was very simple and I don't think any batteries connected.
Brian at Inspiration would also be interested as we've visioned about getting folks together to build something.
I think if we got Laura S interested, the 4 or more of us could make something happen by mid January.

[Travis Linds]

Thanks for the input, I am currently trying to find a suitable electric motor for cheap, I placed a wanted add on craigslist but no hits. I would be very interested in build more than one unit, or get others involved. The demand is no doubt there.

[Laura J Sellens]

Hi Travis,

What did you use to determine whether you were generating electricity or not?  A meter?  A lightbulb?  Your tongue?