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The intelligent GPS computer or smartphone with numerous options such as navigation, communication, camera and music consume power. So much so that for most touring and travelling cyclists, the question arises as to how they can avoid refuelling the batteries at a stationary power socket or delay it for as long as possible.
Powerbank
The simplest and cheapest solution to extend the "range" of the devices are so-called power banks. These additional batteries are available from electrical retailers everywhere and can be stored in a handlebar bag or top tube pack, for example. The smartphone or GPS computer is connected with a (preferably robust) short USB cable. Depending on the battery capacity and features, power banks are available from around ten euros. If you want to invest more money, you can find powerful storage devices with capacities of over 20,000 milliampere hours and even models with solar cells that can be recharged with sunlight. Depending on the power consumption, however, the mobile battery packs usually have to be plugged in again after a few days on a longer cycle tour.
Hub dynamo
Most modern trekking and touring bikes are now equipped with a hub dynamo on the front wheel to supply the lighting system with power. At moderate speeds, the small power stations supply a voltage of around six volts and an output of three watts. If you don't use the lights during the day, you can use the dynamo power to operate devices or charge batteries. This option is the first choice for campers and adventurers who are travelling to remote regions for longer periods of time. However, in order for the power from the hub dynamo to be fed into a smartphone, GPS device or power bank, it must be converted and processed by a USB charger. On the following pages, MYBIKE presents four offers ranging in price from around 70 to 240 euros.
E-bike battery
For pedelec riders, the question of power supply is a daily occurrence. After all, the large bike battery needs to be charged regularly. Theoretically, e-bikers always have enough electrical energy on board to power their smartphone or GPS device. However, a power socket - comparable to a cigarette lighter socket in a car - is not a matter of course. This is the responsibility of the motor manufacturers, who also supply the displays. Bikers with Shimano and Brose drives will search in vain for a charging option on their displays. Panasonic displays and the compatible Fit displays used by Flyer, on the other hand, have a USB socket with a charging current of up to 1,000 milliamps.
Market leader Bosch is equipping the Intuvia and Nyon displays (until model year 2021) with a USB output with up to 500 milliamps and the Kiox display with up to 1,000 milliamps. Interesting concept: With the new smartphone hub from Bosch, you can connect your own mobile phone and operate it with up to 1,500 milliamps of power via a USB cable. A Bosch app and Bluetooth connection turn the smartphone into a large e-bike display with all the important displays and navigation options. Without a mobile phone in the smartphone hub, a mini display ensures control of the minimum functions. And you save power at the same time.
USB power from the dynamo
The hub dynamo on the bike can do more than just power the lights: with special charging electronics, the electricity generated can be processed in such a way that it can be used to charge batteries and operate devices. MYBIKE presents four USB chargers between 70 and 240 euros.
THE CLASSIC
USB factory from Busch and Müller
- Weight 46 grams (without accessories)
- Dimensions 88 x 32 x 22 mm
- Buffer battery Yes
- Scope of delivery USB charger, connection cable to dynamo, output cable with USB socket, connections, mounting material
- Special features Proven for many years. Simple mounting on the frame - or you can stow the device in the handlebar bag.
- Price 100 Euro >> e.g. available here
THE BASIC MODEL
Cycle2Charge V3 from Cycle2charge
- Weight 51 grams (without accessories)
- Dimensions 43 x 28 mm
- Buffer battery no
- Scope of delivery USB charger, connection cable to dynamo, screw, mounting material
- Special features Rotatable cover cap to open/close USB socket. Mounted on the Ahead stem (cable routing through the steerer tube). Alternative mounting with adapter (approx. 9.90 euros) on the handlebars.
- Price 70 Euro >> e.g. available here
THE SPECIALIST
Appcon 3000 from NC-17
- Dimensions 155 x 22 mm
- Buffer battery Yes
- Scope of delivery USB charger with LED display, carbon protective cover, connection cable to dynamo, output cable with USB socket, USB charging cable, connectors, mounting material
- Special features A free app for Android and iOS is available for the Appcon 3000. The charging data can be displayed on the smartphone via Bluetooth. You also get the functions of a bike computer with map display and logbook. There are three options for mounting: Transport bag (19.95 euros), attachment to the bottle cage (14.95 euros) and integration into the steerer tube (69.95 euros, installation only by a specialist dealer). When integrated, the Appcon can be easily removed.
- Price 250 Euro
THE DUO
Power Kit/Plug 5 Pure + SSP-II from Toutterrain
- Weight 123 grams (without accessories)
- Dimensions 36 x 21 mm, 96 x 29 mm
- Buffer battery Yes
- Scope of delivery USB charger with LED display, separate buffer battery (torch/tail light) with handlebar mount, USB-C cable, headset expander, screw, connection cable to dynamo, mounting material
- Special features Cover cap of the Plug 5 Pure can be rotated to open/close the USB socket, mounting on the Ahead stem (cable routing through the steerer tube with special Aheadset expander). The SSP-II can be used as a buffer battery and as an LED torch/rear light.
- Price 280 Euro
