Bicycle Powered Generator
Frequently posters on [misc.survivalism and alt.energy.homepower] will inquire about generating electricity using a stationary bike coupled to some sort of generator. Most replies are to the effect that while it’s possible to do this, the amount of power output by such a rig when pedaled by the average person wouldn’t be worth the effort. I wasn’t convinced that this idea was a lost cause. I decided to build one and see how well it worked.
I like that. Mythbuster-style, “Let’s try it” science makes for some pretty sweet reading.