A dynamo front wheel can now power your smartphone and other electronics using one of several dedicated USB chargers. This article reviews all available charging options and ranks them by power output at 20 kph (12 mph). At present, there are 33 different USB chargers designed for use with hub dynamos.
Personally, I use the Cinq Plug6 Plus to charge a range of devices, including my iPhone, AirPods, speaker, eReader, headlamp, Insta360 camera, Garmin InReach, and a battery pack.
This article was originally published in March 2012 but has been updated in May 2025.
If you’re bikepacking off-road or tackling steep mountain trails, you might want to consider using a power bank or solar panel instead of relying solely on a dynamo charger. Dynamo systems aren’t very efficient for charging high-power devices like smartphones unless you’re maintaining an average speed of 12 to 15 kph (7.5 to 9 mph).
That said, hub dynamos are still capable of charging low-power devices such as GPS trackers, navigation units, or small battery packs – even at speeds as low as 5 kph (3 mph). This makes them a reliable option for off-road ultra-endurance racing.
If your route involves a mix of riding speeds, especially stretches where you’re often below 12 km/h, it’s a good idea to include a buffer battery in your setup. This helps keep your devices powered during slow climbs or stops, like waiting at traffic lights. Thankfully, many modern hub dynamo USB chargers now come with integrated buffer batteries.
The above is a very brief introduction – if you want to learn it all, it could be worth digging into my full series:
Dynamo Hubs
Dynamo Lights
Dynamo USB Chargers
Dynamo Wiring
Buffer Batteries
Rim Dynamos
Key Stats For Benchmarking Hub Dynamo USB Chargers
To make comparison easier, I’ve detailed the key specifications of each hub dynamo USB charger in this guide and grouped them into three distinct design categories:
Steerer Integrated – These chargers are built to fit cleanly inside your fork’s steerer tube for a sleek setup.
Front Light – These are dynamo-powered front lights that also function as USB chargers.
Inline – Typically compact boxes or tubes, these chargers need to be mounted externally or carried in a bag.
The main specifications used for comparison are:
- Speed at 2.5W – The speed required to generate 2.5 watts, the baseline requirement for charging a smartphone.
- Power at 20 kph – The maximum USB output power when riding at 20 kph.
- Power Output Graph – A graph showing the charger’s power output curve, if available.
- Buffer Battery – If the charging system includes a built-in buffer battery, its capacity is noted here.
- Price – The retail price of the hub dynamo USB charger.
Within each design category, chargers are also ranked by their power output at a steady cycling speed of 20 km/h.
Integrated Hub Dynamo USB Chargers
Cinq Plug6 Plus
The Cinq Plug6 Plus is the hub dynamo USB charger I currently use, chosen for its sleek integration and strong power output at speeds below 18 kph. It includes a 1100 mAh buffer battery hidden within the steerer tube, which kicks in when your speed drops below 12 kph. The unit allows you to power lights and charge a device simultaneously, although with both running together, it’s better at maintaining a phone’s charge than fully recharging it. The USB-C port is neatly concealed beneath a rotating, ratcheting top cap.
One drawback is its limited waterproofing – water can collect inside during heavy rain. Because of this, I avoid using it in downpours and always cover it with the included waterproof cap. Also, if you’re looking for a short USB-C-to-iPhone cable, there’s a 15 cm option available on Amazon, and for USB-C to USB-C, there are 15cm options and 10 cm options.
Speed at 2.5W: 12 kph
Power at 20kph: 4.6 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: 1100mAh
Price: US $359
Forumslader V6 Ahead
The Forumslader Ahead V6 ranks among the most powerful dynamo USB chargers at higher speeds, featuring built-in buffer batteries that ensure a stable charge even when stopped. The bigger battery requires more length inside the steerer tube (290 mm) than the smaller battery (190 mm).
A key advantage of Forumslader products is their continual updates, incorporating the latest technology and circuitry, made possible by their small-scale production. For extra protection of the USB port, an aftermarket dust- and water-resistant cap is available HERE.
Speed at 2.5W: 14 kph
Power at 20kph: 4.6 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: 2100 or 7350 mAh
Price: €255
Cycle2Charge V3+
The Cycle2Charge V3+ dynamo USB charger provides great value for its price. It generates the minimum power required to charge a smartphone at 15 kph (2.5W), with the majority of its output occurring between 20 and 25 kph. Like the Plug6 Plus, it includes a rotating dome that protects the USB port when not in use.
Speed at 2.5W: 15 kph
Power at 20kph: 4.3 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: No
Price: €80
Sinewave Reactor
The Sinewave Reactor is known for its solid reliability and decent performance. Its electronics are cleanly integrated into the fork steerer, giving it a sleek look and making it more resistant to theft. Made in the USA, it has earned high praise from numerous users. It’s also available in eight different anodised colours!
Speed at 2.5W: 17.5 kph
Power at 20kph: 3 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: No
Price: US $220
Cinq Plug5 Pure
The Cinq Plug5 Pure is a more affordable option compared to the Plug6 Plus, as it doesn’t include an integrated buffer battery. Since its maximum output is only 3.1 watts, it’s better suited for low-power devices like a Garmin GPS or Spot Tracker, rather than charging a smartphone.
Speed at 2.5W: 14 kph
Power at 20kph: 3.1-watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: No, but it is designed to be used seamlessly with the Smart Power Pack II
Price: €159
Gunzel Charge Elite
The Gunzel Charge Elite is an unusual hub dynamo USB charger. Its performance from dynamo input is relatively weak, but it stands out for its ability to be externally charged at 30W and to deliver power just as quickly to a compatible device. It’s better to think of this as a fast battery bank that’s conveniently located inside the steerer tube of your bike.
Speed at 2.5W: 40 kph
Power at 20kph: 1.7 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: 7000 mAh
Price: €170
Lights With Hub Dynamo USB Chargers
Purple Dog Companion
The Purple Dog Companion is a combined light and USB charger, designed and built by Nicola Banishki. A handlebar-mounted remote allows you to toggle between charging the internal battery and powering external devices like a phone, with adjustable power levels for each mode.
Optimised for road use, the Companion features a soft-colored LED, a cut-off beam pattern for oncoming traffic, and the ability to dim the light down to around 20% brightness, regardless of your speed. When extra brightness is needed, it can draw from its internal battery to maintain full output.
Speed at 2.5W: 15 kph
Power at 20kph: 5 watts (manufacturer claim)
Power Output Graph: No
Battery: 1600 mAh
Price: €395
Purple Dog Stalker
The Purple Dog Stalker is an even brighter light than the Companion, equipped with a high beam and automatic power management that intelligently switches between charging its internal battery and powering a USB device. It uses the same USB circuitry as the Companion.
Instead of a single LED, the Stalker features an LED matrix that emits a brighter white light and supports both road and high beam modes. In high beam mode, it delivers significantly more light above the horizon, though road-level illumination is slightly reduced compared to the Companion. A remote control lets you dim the light at any speed (~20% brightness), and the internal battery ensures maximum brightness is maintained even when you slow down or stop.
Speed at 2.5W: 15 kph
Power at 20kph: 5 watts (manufacturer claim)
Power Output Graph: No
Battery: 1600 mAh
Price: €425
SON Ladelux
The SON Ladelux is not only one of the brightest dynamo front lights on the market, but it also delivers some of the best USB charging speeds. It’s integrated USB charger enables easy charging of external devices via a magnetic port, with a status indicator conveniently located on the handlebar switch.
As for lighting performance, it boasts a powerful 150-lux low beam and an even brighter 200-lux high beam, providing outstanding visibility in all conditions. The built-in 1200 mAh buffer battery ensures the high beam remains available regardless of your riding speed, as well as power to your devices when you stop.
Speed at 2.5W: 12 kph
Power at 20kph: 4.7 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Battery: 1200 mAh
Price: €479
Igaro C1
The Igaro C1 is another ultra-bright dynamo light that delivers fast device charging. Above 23 km/h (14 mph), it outperforms all other dynamo lights in terms of USB power output.
What sets it apart is its exceptional configurability. Through an app, you can control how the generated power is allocated between storage, lighting, and USB output. These preferences are then automatically adjusted based on your speed, battery charge, and surrounding light conditions.
Speed at 2.5W: 13 kph
Power at 20kph: 4.5 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Battery: Supercapacitor
Price: £317
Spanninga Nomad
The Spanninga Nomad is by far the most budget-friendly light and USB charger combo on the market. Its compact design includes a discreetly placed USB port on the side of the lamp. Although its light output is lower at 40 lux, compared to 90 lux from B&M and 70 lux from AXA, it provides higher USB power at 20 kph than both competitors.
Speed at 2.5W: 18 kph
Power at 20kph: 3.4 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Battery: No
Price: US $50
Sinewave Beacon 2
The Sinewave Beacon 2 is a powerful dynamo light with a round beam pattern and an integrated USB charger. It uses the same internal electronics as the Sinewave Revolution and Reactor, providing reliable smartphone charging from around 17 kph.
A key highlight is its versatile power options – you can run it via a dynamo hub, an external USB battery pack, or both simultaneously. When connected to a battery pack, it also supports a blinking mode for added visibility.
Speed at 2.5W: 17 kph
Power at 20kph: 2.9 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Battery: No
Price: US $350
B&M Lumotec IQ2 Luxos
Originally launched in 2012 (so it’s a bit dated now), this 90-lux dynamo light features a built-in handlebar switch and USB charger. Its sleek, integrated design is a strong point, though its charging performance has received mixed feedback. Nonetheless, it’s a reliable dynamo light with a well-shaped beam that’s ideal for on-road use.
Speed at 2.5W: No data
Power at 20kph: No data
Battery: No
Price: US $260
AXA Luxx70 Plus
The AXA Luxx70 Plus is comparable to the Lumotec IQ2 light, featuring a handlebar switch that lets you toggle between the LED light and USB charging. Its standout advantage is the excellent price, and by all reports, it performs reliably as well.
Speed at 2.5W: No data
Power at 20kph: No data
Battery: No
Price: US $150
In-line Hub Dynamo USB Chargers
Igaro S1 Pro
The Igaro S1 Pro is a notably high-performing dynamo hub charger, especially at low speeds. It has dual USB-C ports, status indicators, and super-capacitors that add power to your device when you’re cycling at slower speeds. The S1 Pro is IP69 waterproof and mounts directly to your handlebar near the stem.
Speed at 2.5W: 14 kph (manufacturer claim)
Power at 20kph: 6.8 watts (manufacturer claim)
Power Output Graph: HERE (manufacturer claim)
Buffer Battery: Internal super-capacitors with four minutes of stationary power
Price: £260
Lumi-Con Bike Harvester PM
The Lumi-Con PM offers amazing specs for the price. It integrates up to 3500 mAh worth of batteries that can kick in when you drop to low speeds, or store any excess power for when you’ve finished your ride.
Speed at 2.5W: 15 kph (manufacturer claim)
Power at 20kph: 5.5 watts (manufacturer claim)
Power Output Graph: HERE (manufacturer claim)
Buffer Battery: 3500mAh
Price: €161
Busch and Müller K-Werk
The B&M K-Werk is a new dynamo-powered USB charger from the renowned dynamo lighting specialists at Busch & Müller. It’s one of the most powerful options available, reaching maximum output at around 20 kph. A strap mount allows it to be attached to your top tube, and its large internal battery keeps your devices charged even when you slow down or stop. At a steady 15 kph, it takes roughly 10 hours of riding to fully charge the battery.
Speed at 2.5W: 14 kph
Power at 20kph: 4.6 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: 4900 mAh
Price: €180
Forumslader Pro V6
The Forumslader Pro V6 comes in a more budget-friendly inline version than the Ahead V6 (mentioned earlier), designed to fit neatly inside a handlebar bag. It’s one of the most powerful dynamo USB chargers at higher speeds, with built-in buffer batteries that maintain a stable output even when stationary.
A standout feature of Forumslader products is their ongoing evolution – thanks to small-scale production, they’re frequently updated with the latest technology and circuitry.
Speed at 2.5W: 14 kph
Power at 20kph: 4.6 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: 7500 mAh
Price: €122
Fahrradlader V3.1
The Fahrradlader V3.1 is a small open-hardware project by an electrical engineering student in Germany. The Fahrradlader V3.1 delivers big power at 20kph for very little money, plus it has four supercapacitors that keep the power flowing temporarily when you ride at low speeds. This model is not waterproof and appears to only be made in small numbers (you might need to get your name on a list).
Speed at 2.5W: 16.5 kph (manufacturer claim)
Power at 20kph: 5 watts (manufacturer claim)
Power Output Graph: HERE (manufacturer claim)
Buffer Battery: Four super-capacitors with stationary power
Price: €35
Igaro D2 Pro R3
The Igaro D2 Pro R3 charger features dual USB-C ports, status indicators, and a metal casing. It’s compact, IP69 waterproof, and hand-assembled in the UK. The charger comes with a five-year warranty, and Igaro will ship warranty replacements anywhere in the world for free.
Speed at 2.5W: 14 kph (R2 model)
Power at 20kph: 4.1 watts (R2 model)
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: No
Price: £160
Lumi-Con Bike Harvester P5
The Lumi-Con P5 offers excellent specs for the price. It integrates up to 7000mAh worth of batteries that can store any excess power for when you’ve finished your ride.
Speed at 2.5W: 14 kph
Power at 20kph: 4 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: 2x 3500mAh
Price: €159
Velotor Sport E2 Base
The Velotor is a compact dynamo charger that performs reasonably well at lower speeds, but really comes into its own above 30 kph. At higher speeds, like descending a mountain at 55 kph, it can deliver up to 10W of power, making it one of the highest-output USB chargers available.
Speed at 2.5W: 16 kph
Power at 20kph: 3.6 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: No
Price: €197
Sinewave Revolution
Weighing just 38 grams and fully waterproof, this compact charger connects directly to phones or power banks. It’s a popular choice thanks to its known reliability and Sinewave Reactor-matching performance at a lower price. Expect around 2.5W at 17 kph, 3W at 20 kph, and up to 4.5W at 30 kph. Like all Sinewave products, it’s proudly made in the USA.
Speed at 2.5W: 17 kph
Power at 20kph: 3 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: No
Price: US $120
kLite Micro
kLite, the small Australian company known for rugged lighting and dynamo systems built for remote backcountry adventures, now offers the kLite Micro – a compact, waterproof USB charger. While its power output is modest, it’s ideal for smaller devices like GPS units or trackers.
Speed at 2.5W: 18 kph (manufacturer claim)
Power at 20kph: 3 watts (manufacturer claim)
Power Output Graph: HERE (manufacturer claim)
Buffer Battery: No
Price: US $100
kLite Dual USB Charger
The kLite Dual USB charger is built with reliability in mind. It uses thicker internal cabling and smoothing capacitors to deliver ultra-consistent power, ideal for direct charging of sensitive devices (according to kLite, these components take up nearly half the unit’s volume). It also features dual USB output ports and an input for a solar panel, making it one of the most versatile options available.
Speed at 2.5W: 18 kph
Power at 20kph: 2.8 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: Available separately
Price: US $170
Busch and Müller E-Werk
Though somewhat dated, the E-Werk is notable for letting you adjust both voltage (2.8 to 13.3V) and current (0.1 to 1.5A) to suit the charging needs of various devices. While this flexibility sounds promising in theory, it can make the charger more complex than necessary. This feature is only beneficial if you frequently ride at very high speeds (over 40 kph). In terms of performance, the E-Werk delivers smartphone-level charging at around 17.5 kph and exceeds 7 watts by the time you reach 45 kph.
Speed at 2.5W: 17.5 kph
Power at 20kph: 2.8 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: Available separately for €105
Price: €179
Busch and Müller USB-Werk
The USB Werk is Busch and Müller’s newer model, though it’s becoming a bit dated itself. It’s a simplified version of the E-Werk, featuring a small built-in buffer battery. It can deliver smartphone-level charging (around 2.5 watts) at 20 kph.
Speed at 2.5W: 20 kph
Power at 20kph: 2.5 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: 300mAh
Price: €110
USB2BYK
Speed at 2.5W: 20 kph (manufacturer claim)
Power at 20kph: 2.5 watts (manufacturer claim)
Buffer Battery: No
Price: €39
Kemo M172N
The Kemo M172N is a dynamo USB charger featuring a built-in switch that lets you toggle power between your lights and USB devices. It’s a great value and reportedly performs very well when your average speed stays above 25 kph.
Speed at 2.5W: 22 kph
Power at 20kph: 2.3-watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: No
Price: £40
PowerBUG
Another affordable charger from Poland is the PowerBUG. Although it requires relatively high speeds to reach smartphone-level charging, it’s definitely budget-friendly.
Speed at 2.5W: 25 kph
Power at 20kph: 2.3 watts
Power Output Graph: HERE
Buffer Battery: No
Price: €38 (169 zł)
Ullmann Power Station 4
Speed at 2.5W: No data
Power at 20kph: No data
Buffer Battery: No
Price: €130
VeloCharger MK2
Speed at 2.5W: No data
Power at 20kph: No data
Buffer Battery: No
Price: £105
BioLogic ReeCharge Dynamo Kit
Speed at 2.5W: No data
Power at 20kph: No data
Buffer Battery: No
Price: US $39
Learn About:
Hub Dynamo USB Chargers HERE
Dynamo Wiring Systems HERE
Buffer Batteries HERE
Dynamo Lights HERE
Hi
The Busch and Muller does not come with a battery but you can purchase a battery as a separate piece of kit adding to the cost of course.
Andrew
Thanks Andrew.
Since writing this post, we’ve discovered a bit more information about the eWerk battery! We’ve update the post accordingly, with a few more details.
Cheers
I notice that you mention you charge your iPad. I am curious as to what you use to do this. My initial testing with a PedalPower+ Super-i-Cable suggests it may not be able to to this.
Andrew
Andrew,
Apologises on the super late reply – your message got lost in the mix somewhere!
You are correct that the SIC doesn’t charge iPads. We use the V4i kit to do our iPad charges (iPad 3 gets ~25% from a full battery).
Regards
Alex
A little update. I have found the Super-i-Cable will charge the iPad but the iPad 2 in my case will say it is not charging when in fact it does, albeit slowly.
Bausch and Muller are producing a dynamo light with built in USB charger with built in lithium ion battery buffer. It’s an adjustable light, up to 90 lux!
It’s the Bausch & Müller LUMOTEC IQ2 LUXOS U.
http://www.amazon.com/LightCharge-Bicycle-Charger-Smartphones-iPhones/dp/B008E9L4AE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354142824&sr=8-1&keywords=lightcharge
https://www.facebook.com/lightchargeusb
I have ewerks. How do I charge my iPad?
Hello Issac. We have not had any experience with the ewerk so we are not actually sure. If you can contact your local B&M distributor I’m sure they would be happy to help.
I have the Lightcharge unit. I think for what you get the price is still quite high. It’s very basic and the quality is a little bit flimsy.
However, it does exactly what it’s meant to do.
The shortfall of not having a battery is easily and cheaply rectified on Ebay by buying a USB battery pack. (I think I paid £12 for a 5000mah pack).
I’m heading off on a three week tour soon, camping most nights. I’m confident this will keep all my USB gadgets topped up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ1LAaMdw58 lightcharge mobile
I have a USB Werk, an E-Werk and cache battery, as well as a bright lights device. So 3 different methods of charging devices. If anyone here in Australia has any questions about any of these, I’m more than happy to try to answer them.
Hi Peter,
I just got a USB Werk and am having trouble getting it to charge anything. I have it connected to a Son 28 by Schmidt and all the connections seem good. Any thoughts? Do you have to roll at a certain speed to get it to work? I got up to about 25 km/hr with no sign of charge on my iphone…
Thanks in advance for your ideas…
Scott
What model iPhone do you have? Some iPhones are sensitive to the way they are charged, that is they need a constant charge so a buffer battery has to be used between the e-Werk and the iPhone.
Also are you able to test the e-Werk with another device to see if it charges that device okay? If you have a light or similar that is charged via USB you should be able to test it.
Good luck.
The device I am using is the USB werk not the Ewerk. Any thoughts on that one?
What amperage does the phone need to charge? Without knowing what model iPhone you have and/or the specs it is hard to help.
Peter White has this warning on the USB Werk. It may or may not apply in your case.
You should check the specifications on your device and determine that the input amperage is below 1 amp before buying the USB-WERK. The USB-WERK can delivery 1 amp when the internal cache battery is charged. However, since the hub dynamo cannot produce that much power, the battery will steadily drain. Once it has fully drained, the USB-WERK can no longer charge your device while the device is running. And keep in mind that some devices cannot be charged and run simultaneously.
Hi, thanks for such an extensive writeup!
I’ve pretty much decided what touring setup I’m going for:
– Schmidt SON 28 dynamo hub
– PedalPower SIC cable + v4i kit
– Lighting from Klite (a lesser known Australian brand that does a custom made 1000 lumen dynamo-powered headlight)
– Garmin Edge Touring GPS computer (for navigation, speed, mileage etc.)
– iPhone 5 (for taking pictures and checking occasional messages etc.)
However I’m not sure if there’s anything additional I’ll need for wiring this whole system up, or to make things compatible with each other. For instance charging my Garmin from the v4i pack at night – would I need an official Garmin cable or does a generic micro-USB cable work?
I can understand there may be some specialist knowledge required to answer these questions, but I’d appreciate any advice whatsoever from someone who’s actually used some of these things.
Cheers!
I use a Garmin Edge 810 and before that a Garmin Edge 800 and I charge them using the cable that came with my PedalPower+ Super-i-Cable. No issues there and would expect your Garmin Edge Touring to have no problems.
I would be more concerned about the iPhone. iPhones are known to be more sensitive to the power source. I would suggest checking with PedalPower+ on that aspect.
Thanks. The guy from PedalPower said the v4i pack can charge the iPhone 5 with any old lightning cable with no compatibility issues. He said he’s got some new iPhone 5 adaptors for the SIC cable though which without it wouldn’t be compatible.
So can you charge the Garmin Edge whilst using it at the same time? I’ve heard some of their models go into a mode that prevents you from doing so.
I have used both of my Garmin Edge models and a Garmin Oregon 600 on my bike whilst being charged by my dynamo/PedalPower+ Super-i-Cable without any charging/use issues.
Thanks for providing tech support, Aushiker!
You forgot the cheapest and most reliable – the BikeCharge USB Power Converter: http://www.bike2power.com/dynohub-powered-bike-phone-chargers/bikecharge-hub-dynamo-usb-power-converter.html
where I can find the number of bikes sold in Europe with dynamo installed
I have just bought it, it has a built in battery inside the lamp itself, no need to buy an additional battery.
That assumes you have brought the light with a “battery” built-in. Many riders myself included use other lights without batteries. My other issue with the “battery” in the Busch & Muller light is its capacity and functionality off the bike.
It seems that it is really only good for caching the power supply between the dynamo and say a Garmin GPS or phone than needs buffered power from what I can see. It sure and heck is a not 15,000 mAh battery for example.
I have recently purchased a HP Velotechnik Scoripion FS, and put USB head and taillight on it. Is there any USB charger out there with two or more USB ports? It would be nice to charge both lights at the same time, and perhaps even slow the drain on my phone if using GPS in town. (It would likely be best to turn lights off when doing that) Would the dynamo even produce enough current at 12v to do this?
Two USB devices will likely require too much power to charge effectively. You’re best off charging one device at a time using a dynamo.
Has anyone here had experience with the B&M e-werk on Sony xperia phones/tablets and an Apple Ipod classic? I bought a Reecharge recently but these 3 devices did not seem to accept the current for charging. Now I am considering buying the e-werk and the buffer bettary, but I would like to know if this CAN charge my devices on the go…?
And about magnetic induction bicycle dynamos?
I have a mountain bike for ~200km one day trips and use a Moto X 2014 instead a GPS unity. While it have a good batery life I would love to have some kind of dynamo that not remove my SRAM X-9 hubs and not screw up my tires over time.
Today I carry a 7.300 mAh power pack and would like to store energy in similar battery in my MTB for this trips, but as a MTB and doing one trips I probably will face hard paths, jumps, rocks and I’m afraid to put normal dynamos in this kind of path.
Hi Felipe
There are no magnetic induction USB chargers available as far as I know. Dynamo hubs are definitely strong enough for mountain biking though, you can even get them for a 15mm axle. People race 24hr MTB events, the Tour Divide and cross the world with dynamo hubs. Jumps and rocks are nothing! 🙂
Alee
Thanks for the reviews! We’re looking for a cheap option. I saw the reecharge dynamo kit with the micro usb cable for about 30 dollars. Is it feasible to charge a smartphone directly, meaning without the additional battery pack? Our main goal is to make sure the gps doesn’t run out of electricity as long as we’re riding.
That is likely to depend on the smartphone. Some devices require a consistent buffered power supply such as earlier model Apple iPhones [I don’t know about the later ones]. My Garmin Edge 810 also prefers to be powered via a battery rather than from a dynamo.
Thanks. We are using a Sony Xperia Go and a Nokia Lumia 520 as backup. Not sure if they require a buffered power supply. How would I be able to tell? Will they simply not charge? From what I understand, The dynamo kit from reecharge smooths out the peaks in current, and will charge for as long as you move faster than 12 km/h. Makes me think of that movie “Speed”, for some reason 🙂
Here’s another called the D1. http://d1.igaro.com
Nice work, Andrew!
Thanks Alee – feel free to add to your list :). They are half price until I run out of the first batch, probably for another 7-10 days at this rate. Cheers! Andrew
It’s not really a buffered power supply they need but a stable voltage. Switch mode supplies work by creating jolts of electricity at high frequency, which confuses many devices when they try to detect whether there’s power or not. The best way around it is standard capacitors on the output, and a large amount. I found 6,000uF+ to be enough for the Shimano & SON Dynamo’s. You’ll find 6,800uF in the D1 I produce.
I don’t know why anyone would use a smart phone for touring as they generally aren’t waterproof and the battery only lasts a day.I use an E-werk to power my GPS and it also powers both lights at the same time even when walking.
Smartphones are excellent tools for touring! They’re not only great for navigation, but photos, emails, booking hotels, finding campsites, social media, warm showers, movies, music and much, much more.
I’d second what Alee says – you can use up very minimal battery if you put it into flight mode (and low power battery mode for an iPhone). My iPhone 6SE, running MapOut for routing, will use about 15-20% per day max if I don’t leave the screen on. That charge is easily topped up by my SON28 and Plug III in most normal touring scenarios…
Nokia DC-14 with some modes (connecting to dynamo hub and changing the cable to usb) I think is the best in price option
I’ll look into it!
I’ve started to look for such deviece recently and it’s crazy! Wall phone charger costs 4 USD and bicycle charger 12 to 80 times more… is here some rocket science involved???
There’s a few budget options in there. But think about the production here for a second. A wall phone charger will be made in batches of millions. Most of these wouldn’t even be made in the thousands. That significantly increases the production cost per unit. The R&D also needs to be covered somehow, adding to the price. Not to mention the ultra-high quality small components in each unit and the waterproofing etc…
Hi Alee, thank you for your articles. Take a look at this too…not expensive at all (between 70 and 80 dollars) and works great.
The website is in french
http://www.eurecart.fr/usb2byk/index.htm
http://www.eurecart.fr/usb2byk/commande.php
Thanks for sharing, hadn’t seen that one before. Some great tech info in there too!
My only requirement for charging from a Hub dynamo is to run a GPS continually. Problem is finding a waterproof solution to do this. It seems most options use USB which is not a waterproof connection. For motorcycles they have really good charging docks for GPS units which are waterproof, but there is nothing for bicycles. Ideally I want an all in one neat solution like for motorcycles. Or alternatively a waterproof charger that charges AA batteries with a built in voltage regulator. I love the simplicity / all in one solution of the Busch and Muller Lumotec IQ2 Luxos Light, but again that is useless to charge a GPS in the rain.
Alternatively does anyone know of a waterproof charger that charges AA batteries with a built in voltage regulator? It would also be cool if this had a quick release mount, so I could remove it from the bike when I stop to reduce the chance of theft.
Hello Alee u have delete lightcharge from the list? Tnx Davide
I must have thought that the product was discontinued. I’ll update this page again when I have time.
Tnx so much…lightcharge can be bought on amazon.it .de .fr or to lecyclo.com, system-s.com or twinheads.it …or local bicycle shop in Italy 🙂
Hello could u update 🙂 pls? Tnx so much…Davide
I just got a USB Werk and am having trouble getting it to charge anything. I have it connected to a Son 28 by Schmidt and all the connections seem good. Any thoughts? Do you have to roll at a certain speed to get it to work?
You should get 2.5w (USB power) between 12-15km/h. If nothing is happening (and you aren’t trying to run your lights at the same time) then you’ll have a faulty device, or hub. You can check if it’s the hub by connecting a light up.