Originally Posted by
Kimmo
Hmm, wonder if the magnetism could substitute for springs, for about the same drag...?
It could but I don't know for how long the engagement ring will stay magnetic enough. Embedding rare earth magnets under the engagement ring might work better. If it works just as good as springless freehubs with magnets in pawls then it should have been tried out and tested already. All I know is that ferrofluids get used as lubricants and can also form a vacuum tight seal if necessary, bicycle might not be the most justified and appropriate application for it though.