Bicycle Dynamo Charger

[Farmon]

Hi guys,

I wanted ask, do you use Hub Dynamo during your trip on the Bike? What do you think is Dynamo useful tool to buy?

Thank you!

[John Nelson]

Batteries are too good, too inexpensive and too readily available. Hills are too steep. There's no need.

[RussSeaton]

Not positive what you are asking.  If its whether to use a dynamo hub to charge batteries and GPS and phones and such, then not much comment.  Don't do that myself.  I have heard there are various converters and resistors and such that allow these types of things.  Do some research.  If the question is whether to use a dynamo hub to run a light at night, YES.  Once a person has used a good dynamo powered light on a bicycle, they almost fall over laughing at the foolish, dumb, stupid idea of using batteries to power a light.  At least for constant night riding on a regular basis.  One off rare occasional night riding is still OK with batteries.

[Biggus Duckus]

I have a Shutter Precision dynamo with a Busch and Muller Luxos U light.  The light comes with a handlebar remote and USB connector and I highly recommend it for that reason.  I can charge my phone directly or charge a portable battery while riding.

[Pat Lamb]

I agree with everything Russ says except the falling over -- I just chuckle a bit.

I got my first dynamo after my long self-supported tour, and I've done several shorter supported tours since then, in addition to year-round commuting.  The dyno lights are best at winter commutes (or late rides home after summer/fall rides). 

I can't see the benefit for off-road tours, because most of the time you'll be riding fairly slowly, and the high-speed stretches are fairly short.  (My hubs hit full power between 10 to 12 mph.)  If you do road touring you may average fast enough to charge something during bright daylight; if you're only hitting civilization for grocery and water stops, that may be worth the dyno and electronics to charge your toys.  If you're going to hit diners for a meal every day or every other day, you can plug things in then (think GPS with internal battery, or cell phone).  If you're going to hit a motel, B&B, or warm showers host every second or third day, plug everything in there.  The external booster batteries available now should be enough to keep needed electronics going for 2-3 days, so you won't need to fool around with a dyno.

[indyfabz]

If you're going to hit diners for a meal every day or every other day, you can plug things in then (think GPS with internal battery, or cell phone).  If you're going to hit a motel, B&B, or warm showers host every second or third day, plug everything in there. 

Don't forget private campgrounds and even some state parks. They often have outlets in restrooms and other places.

[Farmon]

I got some good advises about using bicycle dynamo chargers from cyclists. I have hub dynamo and using for lights. But was thinking to buy dynamo charger for my gadgets. One friend said better connect power bank to dynamo charger and than connect phone or camera to the power bank to get more energy for long distance travelling. But first wanted ask you and to know what you think. Thank you guys for advises.

[John Nettles]

I am a user of both hub or only battery depending on the type of tour.  I have used a SON hub on my road touring bike and batteries on my off-road (non-pavement) touring bike.  I typically can charge around at least four 2,500mah AA batteries a day while road touring.  I can typically only charge up to two AA while off road touring due to slower speeds.

Since I carry way too much battery powered items (a 10k mah cache battery, a GPS, NiteRider 700 light used for a rear blinker, a satellite tracker (thank the wife), cell phone, micro flashlight, and a couple of small medical devices), I go through batteries like there are candy.  All of the above (or their batteries) can be charged by the hub.  I easily go through at least 4 batteries per day on average so the cost savings due add up on an extended tour due to them costing about $0.50 each when bought on tour.  Plus I don't have to worry about them being crappy no-name batteries that have been sitting on the shelf for two years in some village where they are my only choice.  Nor do I spend time looking for them.

For me, the hub allows me to charge and not have to carry a ton of batteries (they are heavy!).  I really do not like just trashing them by the roadside so the battery weight/space add up.  The bonus is that I can run the head and tail light in a heavy traffic urban area so drivers can see me better.  Like others, I use cafes, CGs, etc. to top off all the batteries and cache charger when possible.

The resistance is not noticeable so it works well for me, especially when compared to having to carry up to 16+ extra batteries.

While I would LOVE it on something like the Great Divide, the slower speeds really makes it hard to get any decent charging from a hub.

Decide what is best for you and do that.  Everyone has different needs/wants so there really is no "correct" answer.

Best, John

[Walter]

i have been using hubs for a very; very  long time; as a bike commuter. i prefer the Son hub. nowadays you can charge almost anything with a hub as well. batteries are heavy; $$; die when you need them most; die fast in cold conditions and are hard to recycle when you're touring.

walter

[RonK]

One friend said better connect power bank to dynamo charger and than connect phone or camera to the power bank to get more energy for long distance travelling.

Yes, this is good advice. A powerbank will keep charging at lower speeds when smart phones do not. You need one which supports pass-through charging.

[cyclistdave]

Based on customers I've worked with, you have dyno people ("dyno-ites") and you have non-dyno people.

The non-dyno people we're always quite hesitant about the ordeal and end up cursing the dyno for slowing them down.

The dyno-ites get giddy watching their stuff charge and it motivates them to keep pedaling. It ends up being a game for them.

Frankly, I think the dyno is worth it (I hate not having backup systems), but you've got to be willing to play the head game.

[RonK]

Frankly, I think the dyno is worth it (I hate not having backup systems), but you've got to be willing to play the head game.

Head game? What head game?

In the morning I plug my powerbank in and ride. I don't think about it again until I stop for the night.

Then I charge any device that needs it from the powerbank.

Or if mains power is available I connect my devices to a 5-port charger and top all of them up.

[John Nettles]

Frankly, I think the dyno is worth it (I hate not having backup systems), but you've got to be willing to play the head game.

Head game? What head game?

In the morning I plug my powerbank in and ride. I don't think about it again until I stop for the night.

Then I charge any device that needs it from the powerbank.

Or if mains power is available I connect my devices to a 5-port charger and top all of them up.

Exactly.  Only head game might be wishing it would charge faster but that is like wishing the wind would always be a tailwind, the roads are always downhill and newly paved, each campground has a nice level comfy shaded tent area with electrical, and dogs only want to play fetch with you.  If those are head games, I guess I am guilty.