Anyone using the generators built into the front hubs ?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 155
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 97 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 40 Times
in
28 Posts
Anyone using the generators built into the front hubs ?
I read up on two different brands today for around $300 and you get 3 watts of juice. I dont really know what you can do with 3 watts but todays LED lights
dont need much electricity at all. Would be nice to strap my boom box on the rear rack and pedal uphill to disco music and downhill to blues.........
dont need much electricity at all. Would be nice to strap my boom box on the rear rack and pedal uphill to disco music and downhill to blues.........
#2
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,543
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3674 Post(s)
Liked 5,431 Times
in
2,759 Posts
You could put music on your phone and save $300....
Likes For shelbyfv:
#4
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,614
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10963 Post(s)
Liked 7,490 Times
in
4,189 Posts
You don't need a dynamo hub to play a speaker- just buy a bluetooth speaker on amazon thst fits in a bottle cage. They are $25-75 and can last a full day of play on a charge.
...or I guess you could ride around with your boombox. That'd be cool.***
Likes For mstateglfr:
#5
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,216
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2581 Post(s)
Liked 5,639 Times
in
2,921 Posts
If there was a way to recharge bike light batteries and a cell phone, that would be wonderful. Probably should talk to an electrical engineer that likes a challenge.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
#6
Senior Member
On the trails people are usually looking to relax and get away, and I’ve found that they generally react negatively to those who have loud music blaring while on trail.
Likes For yamsyamsyams:
#7
Newbie
Agree. I don’t understand those people who need to take their music to the outdoors.
Let me be very clear: when I go outdoors, I most definitely do not care for YOUR music. To me, that’s sound pollution and it should be prohibited.
Let me be very clear: when I go outdoors, I most definitely do not care for YOUR music. To me, that’s sound pollution and it should be prohibited.
Likes For totheDude:
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 155
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 97 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 40 Times
in
28 Posts
Actually the reason it first occurred to me is that I was searching for a wheel hub to build out a spare front wheel for a tandem bike
with 48 holes to match my rims and it appears that one of the hub dynamos with 48 holes would cost the same as an "apparently" exotic specialized
tandem hub. So in a way the generator would be free. Here is a wild thought... Say in the winter time, you could hook up to heated
gloves or heated socks etc.
Last edited by preventec47; 10-26-20 at 02:35 AM.
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 155
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 97 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 40 Times
in
28 Posts
watch a mini TV ? ? ? or with an inverter connected to a battery that is being charged with the generator output, could charge up about anything.
#10
nothing to see here
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Antioch, CA
Posts: 564
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 218 Post(s)
Liked 145 Times
in
78 Posts
The dynamo hub seems versatile enough to be used by bikepackers and commuters to charge their phones and bike lights. I would assume a power bank of some sort would be charged while riding and then that would be used to charge whatever was needed while off the bike. Maybe someone who likes long night rides while using bright lights would benefit as well.
Outside of those examples, it's hard to find a meaningful use for a charging port on your bike.
Outside of those examples, it's hard to find a meaningful use for a charging port on your bike.
#11
Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CT
Posts: 45
Bikes: Performer X-Low, Catrike Trail, Windcheetah Club Sport, HPV Grasshopper, FAW+ Velomobile (under construction)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 40 Times
in
17 Posts
I was hoping someone here already had it all figured out but if we have to figure it out, I think the best plan would include a battery that is catching all the generated electricity and then can give us back a specific voltage and current that we can use with our toys. That is what they do with solar power in RVs and in homes using solar panels.
Actually the reason it first occurred to me is that I was searching for a wheel hub to build out a spare front wheel for a tandem bike
with 48 holes to match my rims and it appears that one of the hub dynamos with 48 holes would cost the same as an "apparently" exotic specialized
tandem hub. So in a way the generator would be free. Here is a wild thought... Say in the winter time, you could hook up to heated
gloves or heated socks etc.
Actually the reason it first occurred to me is that I was searching for a wheel hub to build out a spare front wheel for a tandem bike
with 48 holes to match my rims and it appears that one of the hub dynamos with 48 holes would cost the same as an "apparently" exotic specialized
tandem hub. So in a way the generator would be free. Here is a wild thought... Say in the winter time, you could hook up to heated
gloves or heated socks etc.
#12
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,614
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10963 Post(s)
Liked 7,490 Times
in
4,189 Posts
Charge a battery pack/power bank with the dynamo wheel. Use that to charge whatever electronics you use. This is done because the power continually fluctuates on a dynamo and is sometimes under the needed amount to charge a phone. Also, the power needs to convert from AC at the hub to DC at the phone.
Another option is to use a Plug III or Plug V which is a stem cap mounted USB charging device. It does all the stuff needed to safely direct charge a phone while powering lights.
#13
Half way there
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,957
Bikes: Many, and the list changes frequently
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 986 Post(s)
Liked 880 Times
in
527 Posts
Seriously? You would intentionally destroy the contemplative peace of other trail users by this pathological attempt to draw attention to yourself? Life does not need a sound track, mate.
#14
Not a newbie to cycling
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 911
Bikes: Omnium Cargo Ti with Rohloff, Bullitt Milk Plus, Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
199 Posts
Edited to add:
Buy a bell - either a manual for various shared paths and in traffic, and/or a bear bell that rings constantly. I prefer a spurcycle manual one myself to ring when it is needed. It's clear and loud (and bright in tone), making it more obvious to other people. It also rings for a long time, so it is easier for people to hear where it comes from after they notice it.
Last edited by CargoDane; 10-26-20 at 06:41 AM.
#15
Not a newbie to cycling
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 911
Bikes: Omnium Cargo Ti with Rohloff, Bullitt Milk Plus, Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
199 Posts
I was hoping someone here already had it all figured out but if we have to figure it out, I think the best plan would include a battery that is catching all the generated electricity and then can give us back a specific voltage and current that we can use with our toys. That is what they do with solar power in RVs and in homes using solar panels.
Actually the reason it first occurred to me is that I was searching for a wheel hub to build out a spare front wheel for a tandem bike
with 48 holes to match my rims and it appears that one of the hub dynamos with 48 holes would cost the same as an "apparently" exotic specialized
tandem hub. So in a way the generator would be free. Here is a wild thought... Say in the winter time, you could hook up to heated
gloves or heated socks etc.
Actually the reason it first occurred to me is that I was searching for a wheel hub to build out a spare front wheel for a tandem bike
with 48 holes to match my rims and it appears that one of the hub dynamos with 48 holes would cost the same as an "apparently" exotic specialized
tandem hub. So in a way the generator would be free. Here is a wild thought... Say in the winter time, you could hook up to heated
gloves or heated socks etc.
Heated gear takes a whole lot more power than 3-5 watts. And you're on a bicycle. Dress for the weather and push harder if you're cold. It's not like a motorcycle where you sit still and get really cold travelling at 40-80 mph. Heated gear on a bicycle is completely unnecessary. Also keep in mind that 3-5 watts is the very maximum the dynamo hub can put out. You will most often put out much, much less.
Last edited by CargoDane; 10-26-20 at 06:48 AM.
#16
cyclotourist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: calgary, canada
Posts: 1,470
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 443 Post(s)
Liked 205 Times
in
130 Posts
The dynamo/battery combination already exists. You can buy them ready-made if you're interesting in charging your phone in addition to running lights.
Heated gear takes a whole lot more power than 3-5 watts. And you're on a bicycle. Dress for the weather and push harder if you're cold. It's not like a motorcycle where you sit still and get really cold. Heated gear on a bicycle is completely unnecessary.
Heated gear takes a whole lot more power than 3-5 watts. And you're on a bicycle. Dress for the weather and push harder if you're cold. It's not like a motorcycle where you sit still and get really cold. Heated gear on a bicycle is completely unnecessary.
Tons of discussion of the dynamo/battery topic in the touring forum.
Likes For skookum:
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Down Under
Posts: 1,936
Bikes: A steel framed 26" off road tourer from a manufacturer who thinks they are cool. Giant Anthem. Trek 720 Multiroad pub bike. 10 kids bikes all under 20". Assorted waifs and unfinished projects.
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1188 Post(s)
Liked 1,154 Times
in
640 Posts
The absolute most you can get out of a dynamo hub is 10W, and that is with a bunch of electronics incorporated in something like a Forumslader dynamo to USB charger. It'll change phones and such like, definitely not run anything in the boom box category other than something like a bluetooth speaker like a UE Boom. It might run a set of heated gloves, but only if you rode fast constantly, otherwise you'd just be sucking charge out of the storage battery..
Likes For Trevtassie:
#18
Not a newbie to cycling
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 911
Bikes: Omnium Cargo Ti with Rohloff, Bullitt Milk Plus, Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
199 Posts
That's very true. But the OP was talking about adding a dynamo hub to his bike to add power, so I doubt he has an ebike. I mean, what would be the point of adding a dynamo hub to an ebike, lol.
#19
cyclotourist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: calgary, canada
Posts: 1,470
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 443 Post(s)
Liked 205 Times
in
130 Posts
I agree adding a dynohub to an ebike is redundant, but there is a how-to video from Shutter Precision that shows exactly that.
Maybe if somebody was primarily interested in running a boom box or heated gloves, that would be a valid, but somewhat unusual, reason for getting an ebike.
#20
Senior Member
Likes For Milton Keynes:
#22
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,216
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2581 Post(s)
Liked 5,639 Times
in
2,921 Posts
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
#23
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,543
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3674 Post(s)
Liked 5,431 Times
in
2,759 Posts
#24
Senior Member
You can make the safety argument, now the entertainment argument is a little bit harder, especially with the disco.
#25
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,519
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4355 Post(s)
Liked 3,993 Times
in
2,665 Posts
I do like dynamos I have two set up at the moment and a third just waiting for me to get the wheel built and wire the thing up which I have been slacking on. I think anyone who isn't racing and who might ride at night or is concerned about safety should get one. Having lighting front and rear that is powered by your front wheel moving is pretty awesome and if you want to charge up your phone you can get lights or separate chargers for that as well.
I do sometimes ride with my little boombotix speaker but I am not blasting it especially where I have it pointed up at my face and if I am planning on riding on MUPs or things like that I generally don't bring it.
I do sometimes ride with my little boombotix speaker but I am not blasting it especially where I have it pointed up at my face and if I am planning on riding on MUPs or things like that I generally don't bring it.