Article from the most recent edition of http://www.roadbikerider.com/currentissue.htm
Maybe the government should give everyone in the UK one of these. That way we could be sure of golds in 2012, save the planet and solve our obesity problem in one (many pedal) stroke...
"Kinetic Energy Trainer
If you need good grounds for ignoring your significant other to spend time on the trainer this winter, how about: "Hey honey, I'm going downstairs to charge your cell phone for you." Then with permission and gratitude you can hop on a Kinetic Energy Trainer and create electricity while turning yourself into butter. It's done with a generator that retrofits to any Kurt Kinetic trainer and charges a portable power storage unit. (A Black & Decker Electromatic 400, available at stores such as Home Depot for about $100, was used at Interbike.)
According to Kinetic's Paul Carlsen, about 2.5 hours of riding will generate 0.5 kwh of electricity, which, he said, "will charge 50 cell phones or run a television for a couple of hours." Imagine the benefits if kids had to pedal to watch their favorite TV programs. Better yet, imagine the benefits of this technology in third-world countries where power lines don't reach. Let there be light bulbs and refrigeration.
Carlsen said 25 Energy Trainers were made for Interbike, 20 were sold to dealers, 4 were provided to publications for review, and 1 was saved for display. The price is $499 for a Kinetic trainer with the generator installed, or $300 for a generator retrofit kit. Then all that's needed is a bike, a power storage unit and a green attitude. Look for December availability. Not yet shown on the website as this newsletter was published. http://www.kurtkinetic.com
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