Bicycle Power Source vs Power Storage
Adventuring on a bicycle tour or bikepacking trip can lead to new experiences; checking out an off-route town, accidentally stumbling onto beautiful scenery, or even discovering a technical path that can push your riding skills. However, one issue that always dulls a biking trip is access to power. Keeping your essential devices charged is imperative to navigate, document your journey, and add an extra layer of safety. Carrying a battery bank and some outlet route planning can help. But the only way to truly stay comfortable off-grid is to have a self-sustaining power source such as a dynamo generator or solar panel. Here are the top 3 reasons why it’s good to have a power source not just power storage:
Less Planning, More Freedom
Don’t be Anxious using your Devices
Reliable Performance
Okay but aren't there downsides to power sources? Yes, here's what they are:
Dynamo generators always produce power from your motion, but they were built to energize low-power lights, not modern USB devices. As a result, a dynamo generator can take about 9 hours to fully charge a smartphone. Furthermore, they require professional installations that are permanent and expensive; in fact, a complete dynamo system can cost upwards of $700!
Solar panels can work great when stationary with perfect alignment to the sun. However, this is rarely the case while biking. If solar panels are slightly off-axis or catch a shadow, their output efficiency is significantly stunted. While riding a bike, the panels need to be constantly adjusted to maintain direct contact with sunlight. Setting up and continually changing a solar array while riding is not practical for most bikers. Even if you can get solar set up correctly, they only perform perfect weather conditions and output zero power at night.
PedalCell: No-Compromise Power for No-Compromise Journeys
PedalCell allows cyclist adventure seekers to truly travel untethered from outlets and battery constraints. PedalCell converts your bicycle motion into a continuous USB charge, similar to a dynamo. However, PedalCell uses a completely bespoke patented design that produces up to 3X more power with ½ the drag per watt than dynamo generators. In addition, PedalCell installs in minutes on nearly any bicycle design and has 11 weather-resistant seals. PedalCell has performed throughout tens of thousands of miles to provide power in rain or shine, day or night, even surviving a multi-day tour throughout the Mojave Desert! PedalCell is the ultimate journey-enabler for cyclists.
