We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new warehouse to serve our riders in the European Union and the United Kingdom. This expansion is a significant step forward for our business, as it will enable us to better serve our overseas customers in the EU and UK while enhancing our overall logistics capabilities.
Our new warehouse is strategically located in the Netherlands, providing easy access to major markets and transportation hubs. We launched the warehouse in tandem with our own EU and UK company VAT registrations. These will allow us to deliver products to our riders throughout the region quickly. Updated pricing/shipping information will automatically apply when viewing from EU and UK locations. Further details on this page show how costs are displayed at checkout.
We are excited about the opening of our new warehouse. With faster, more affordable shipping and improved customer service, we are confident that our riders in the EU and UK will love our new shopping experience.
PedalCell can easily be used indoors with a stationary bicycle. This can be quite valuable if you want to keep using your gear indoors during Winter months, to set up a permanent indoor charging station, or go green by juicing up with pedal power! Follow the steps below to get up-and running.
Bicycle trainers allow riders to get exercise whilst stationary. They usually contain a metal stand that elevates a bike's rear wheel by screwing over the rear axle. Trainers also tend to use magnetic flywheels that generate riding resistance. A trainer with a flywheel is optional, and can be used if riders want to get a bit more of a sweat while charging!
Follow the installation instructions to mount PedalCell onto your bicycle's rear seat stay. Doing so will allow PedalCell to spin and generate USB charge while in the stationary trainer. Installing on the rear chainstay is also an option, however, seat stay installs usually have less of a chance of interfering with your pedals/feet!
Once you're finished with installing PedalCell on the rear of your bicycle, place the bike on the trainer. At this point, you should be ready to start charging! Hop on the bike, plug in your devices, and spin away! Within a minute, you should start to see charge generated from PedalCell.
PedalCell converts your bicycle's motion into charge for your USB devices. It is the perfect companion for charging indoors as well as staying charged on longer bicycle trips. Spend less time waiting to charge up and more time adventuring on your bike.
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Tyler Postema is a Michigan native who recently did his first bicycle tour. The PedalCell team sat down with Tyler to hear about his experiences and lessons learned on his trip.
Tyler came from a bicycling background primarily of 40-60 mile day trip loops. In 2022, he decided to set off on his first multi-day bicycle tour from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Mackinaw City, Michigan. The trip totaled ~250 miles.
Unlike most tourers, Tyler opted for a lighter touring setup, "I put my work lunchbox on my rear rack with some food held in a zipped compartment. I had a backpack with my hammock, blanket, spare clothes, and bug net." He further mentioned that getting bicycle bags and panniers is a must for future tours to keep the weight off his back.
Tyler found his PedalCell to be essential on his tour. He used PedalCell to keep his phone and bicycle light powered without stopping at charging points like restaurants and gas stations, "I didn't have a problem keeping my devices at 100%, even with heavy screen and GPS usage. Having a charged phone was very important, especially on a first tour where I wanted to keep my network in the loop in case of an emergency."
Tyler found the most significant difference between his day trips and bicycle tours was the fatigue, "I'd wake up in the morning feeling sore and legs like jelly... but it was important to keep moving forward." He plans to do another cross-state tour soon and keeps an ongoing log of his trips on his Instagram: @westmichiganbiking.
Check out the above interview for the full video. Stay tuned for more PedalCell bicycle adventure stories coming soon!
]]>PedalCell has streamlined the ordering and import process for its international customers (non-USA, UK, and EU). Our international customers can now:
- Prepay all duties, taxes, and other import fees
- Faster transit with less customs slowdowns
- Lower cost shipping rates
After entering address details at checkout, international customers are automatically presented with shipping options for International Standard/Express with or without Duties and Taxes. Each of these service levels provide a detailed breakdown on the freight, taxes, and other accompanying fees:
Our international customers can now purchase PedalCell with more certainty and faster transit! For additional information, visit our international shipping FAQ or contact info@pedalcell.com
]]>How to Set Up Your Bike for Bikepacking
You’re not the guided-tour type who thrives on a punctilious schedule. You prefer marching to the beat of your own unconventional rhythm, spending time off the beaten path in the great outdoors.
Sound familiar? Then you need to try bikepacking.
Bikepacking offers all-terrain cycling adventures on forgotten roads to places less traveled. And you only carry what’s absolutely necessary.
Whether you’re a veteran or a first-time bikepacker, before you take your journey, it’s necessary to give some thought to the type of trip you’re taking.
The style of your bikepacking tour will affect the amount of gear you take, and the way that you pack.
There are a few different types of tours:
Proper Pannier Packing
Riding a bike loaded with gear is going to feel different from one that isn’t. But the secret lies in the way you pack.
Your gear should be accessible without affecting the balance, stability, and performance of your bike.
Pannier bags are the go-to storage containers for bikepackers. They offer spacious storage, clip onto the front and rear racks easily, and they can be easily removed and taken with you on a stop-off. It’s best to purchase panniers that are waterproof. But if yours isn’t, pack your belongings with waterproof bags or cover the panniers with rain covers.
For a self-supported tour, your best choice is to take four panniers—two in the front and two at the back. This ensures that the load on your bike is distributed equally from front to back and side to side, eliminating wobbliness.
One way of achieving this is putting aside your tent and sleeping bag and packing about 60% of your gear in the two front panniers and 40% in the rear panniers. Then, when you pack your tent and sleeping bag on the rear rack, which is common practice, you will have an evenly distributed load.
If you’re planning a solo bike tour, that’s just a few days, you won’t require a lot of gear. Two rear panniers may be all you need. If you find that not everything fits, you can strap items onto your rack—many riders strap their tent to the top of the rear rack—or you can take along additional bags such as a saddlebag, a handlebar bag or a top-tube bag. For longer journeys, you can add a front rack.
Rear panniers are well suited for items that you use less often because you usually have to stop your bike to access them. They are good for extra clothing, a stove, and cook set and extra food. Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the pannier for stability while cycling.
Front panniers are often smaller than rear ones and are usually used for extra supplies. Because they’re easier to access, they’re also perfect for items that you’ll use regularly. Place your snacks and food for the day, first-aid kit, bike tools and rain gear in the front pannier. As with rear panniers, place the heaviest items at the bottom to maintain stability.
What To Pack
Bike gear
Shelter and Food
Clothing and Toiletries
Miscellaneous Items
Less is More when Bikepacking
If you are new to bikepacking, you won’t need as much as you think you do. So, try to avoid additional, unwieldy weight. Aim to carry about 50 pounds of gear (including the weight of the panniers and other carriers) and if you’re taking a supported or shorter trip, you can carry much less than that. Bringing too much clothing is a common mistake, so keep it to a minimum. A good rule of thumb is to pack 4-days’ worth of clothes.
Our team is excited to announce the rollout of our new PedalCell packaging with sustainable materials, new accessories, and updated branding. The design was constructed over 3 months with new manufacturing partners.
Sustainability was a key goal with this new packaging design. We challenged ourselves to move away from foam in this new layout. Foam's impact on the environment is quite poor, both from a manufacturing and recyclability perspective. We replaced nearly all of our foam with RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate). The plastic had the necessary strength to protect PedalCell in transit while reducing our environmental impact.
We also took the opportunity of new packaging to update our banding. The box's two-piece design brought an exciting unboxing experience to our customers.
After listening to customer feedback, we added new accessories in the box, including our large spacer kit and our new right-angle USB-C-to-A adapter.
We're proud to evolve our packaging to be more sustainable and continue improving our customer experience. Stay tuned for our new packaging rollout in the coming months!
]]>On March 22nd, 2022, PedalCell placed first at Poets & Quants IdeaBounce 2022 Pitch Competition at Washington University. PedalCell was amongst 170 applicants. The top 3 competitors advanced to a live pitch event held at WashU's Olin Business School. Each participant gave a 3-minute pitch, followed by 12 minutes of Q&A from accredited judges in the entreprenuership space.
Ultra cyclist, João Pombinho, used PedalCell across 4500+ km over 2 weeks during the 2021 North Cape 4000 unsupported bicycle tour. PedalCell kept João's essentials fully charged, including his Garmin and power-hungry smartphone. João chose PedalCell due to the device's fast-charging output and quick install design that moves easily between his different bike setups.
"I can say about any multi-day event is you don't want to plan stops around power sources. PedalCell's fast charging was immediately noticeable. When my Garmin stopped working mid-trip, I had to charge my higher-power smartphone for navigation. PedalCell had no trouble keeping up with this demanding scenario."
João also enjoyed PedalCell's easy install and flexibility,
"I have a lot of bikes: road, MTB, rim brake, disc brake, and different wheels. I really value a solution that doesn't tie me to a specific bicycle."
]]>
PedalCell should be at the top of your gift-giving list for that special cyclist in your life! Here are four people who may be a good fit:
Most cyclist enthusiasts already have their ride setup tweaked to perfection. While new gear is always exciting, it can sit on the shelf for months if it requires complex installation. PedalCell installs in minutes without any frame modifications, allowing your loved one to start charging on their current setup.
Dropout width, frame size, spoke count; these bicycle specs can all get quite confusing. Buying compatible gear for a cyclist's ride can get quite tricky without the technical know-how. PedalCell works on nearly any bicycle design, with options to mount in both the front and rear. Everything is included in the PedalCell box, no special versions here! Rest assured, you can be confident with PedalCell that your gift will work without a hitch. And if your cyclist owns multiple rides, PedalCell can be moved between various bikes easily!
Watts, amps, volts can get quite overwhelming. So we won't even try to explain them. Instead, know this: PedalCell is reviewed by top publications to be the best performing bicycle power source on the market. Just tell your loved one that it has 3X the power output of any generator alternative. Now, you'll look smart AND have gotten a killer gift.
The gift-giving season is fast approaching. Don't wait! PedalCell is available and shipping now. What are you waiting for?
]]>On October 1st, 2021, PedalCell placed first at USPAACC's 2021 "What's Your Pitch?" Competition. PedalCell was amongst 30 companies in the preliminary round spread across three separate regions in the USA. The top 3 competitors from each region advanced to Nationals. Each participant gave a 10-minute pitch, followed by 5 minutes of Q&A from industry professionals in venture capital, supply-chain, telecommunications, and more.
The PedalCell team has released a new mounting spacer kit designed around rider feedback for more mounting options on seat stays and smaller forks.
The new space kit consists of three parts:
1) A thicker spacer with revised teeth that's placed on the front clamp (same area as the in-box spacers).
2) A small spacer that's placed in the rear clamp to eliminate metal-on-plastic rubbing from smaller frame members.
3) An 18mm fastener to account for closer mounting to the spokes.
Both spacers must be installed together to ensure proper mounting. Riders who need the spacers can email info@pedalcell.com to receive the kit free of charge. See below video for full instructions:
]]>
After nine months of testing, the cycling publication Bikerumor.com published their PedalCell review, "PedalCell: outpowers hub systems, works on any bike." The write-up highlights how PedalCell's superior charge rate, simple install, and value-for-dollar over a dynamo hub,
"PedalCell offers a very powerful charge, no matter the temperatures, and maybe more importantly, it does so even if you’re not fast… my cell phone was running with the screen on and charged noticeably faster than with my riding buddy’s SON dynamo hub."
After nine months of testing, the cycling publication Road.cc published their PedalCell review, declaring the product as "Really Good." The write-up highlights how PedalCell's charge rate, easy install, and killer value-for-dollar create a new standard for bicycle power,
"design is robust... critically delivers a lot of power at lower speeds more associated with long-distance riding. Price-wise per watt delivered, it beats out any dynamo hub/USB charger combination, without the special skills or tools that building charging into a wheel require."
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:
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 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.
]]>PedalCell was used by Econo Bike shop owner, Eric Shamp, to power his multi-day tour throughout the Mojave Desert. Eric needed to power his smartphone, lights, Garmin, GoPro, and battery pack off-grid. He found PedalCell was the only solution that provided the charge he required,
"Keeping all of my devices charged was a difficult undertaking. My power needs are too high for a hub dynamo, and orienting solar panels towards the sun while riding is impractical. PedalCell had zero problems keeping me charged on my trip".
Eric also enjoyed PedalCell's ability to disengage from the rim and easy install,
"I disconnected PedalCell from the rim on long ascents to conserve my energy. When I needed a power, I just connected it to the rim. I also love the no-commitment mounting. I had PedalCell on my touring rig for this trip, but I now have it mounted on my daily commuter to power my lights. It takes me minutes to swap on/off of my bikes".
Econo Bike is now an official PedalCell dealer.
]]>The PedalCell team has published a white paper in collaboration with CyclingAbout.com: "Maximizing USB Charge from Bicycle Motion".
PedalCell is shown to have leading charging performance out of current bicycle dynamo generator chargers. The White Paper further details:
Read the full white paper here.
Read the Cycling About article here.
]]>Are you looking to harness and store PedalCell's energy if your devices are fully charged? A battery pack equipped with "Pass-Through" charging may fit the bill.
"Pass-Through" charging allows a device to be charged and discharged at the same time. In the case of a battery pack, pass-through allows a cyclist to plug their battery into an energy source, such as PedalCell, while simultaneously charging USB devices. The functionality can be game-changing for long-distance cyclists such as tourers and bikepackers. Not all battery packs are equipped with this pass-through. Manufacturers will typically list if their battery packs are equipped with pass-through in their specifications or FAQ.
Pass-through can result in a seamless, care-free, charging experience for cyclists:
Pass-through charging does contain downsides that must be kept in-mind:
Battery packs equipped with pass-through charging can be popular with long-distance cyclists thanks to their ability to store energy on long trips while simultaneously charging USB devices. While the batteries do contain power and longevity limitations, they can be a great option for cyclists who want to make the most of PedalCell's charging capabilities. PedalCell provides up to 4X more power than other bicycle generators with leading industry-leading efficiency. These advantages make PedalCell a great fit for the power demands of a cyclist's pass-through charging setup.
]]>It’s no secret; 2020 saw a cycling boom like never before. COVID-19 secured the bicycle as the preferred, socially-distant method to exercise, commute, and adventure seek (see how to safely cycle here). If you’ve been eyeing a bicycle recently, it’s time to manage expectations on a delivery timeline; demand is so high that some bikes are back-ordered through Summer 2021!
Industry analysts highlighted that the booming electric bike (eBike) sector received an even greater boost this past year. However, another fast-growing sector is also emerging; Gravel Bikes. Gravel is the only segment besides electric bikes to have over 100% growth this past year.
Gravel Bikes modify a road frame to achieve geometries more oriented for comfort and off-road. The gravel segment tends to use larger tires and lower gearing than their road counterparts. These “do anything” bicycles have taken the place of once-common light, front-suspension mountain bikes, providing all-terrain prowess with less complexity in a more svelte package. Gravel bikes are typically used in bikepacking, adventure, mixed riding, and in some race series (cyclocross bikes are performance-oriented gravel bikes).
Gravel offers a wider range of options and intensity levels for their riders. Road bikes used to be the quintessential performance category. However, their comfort trade-offs and hyperfocus on “watts,” “cadence,” and “cutting grams” have historically initimated novice riders. Gravel has a wider intensity range than their road counterparts. A fixation in adventure and comfort allows Gravel riders to grow into their bicycles without the intimidation factor. However, competitive riders do have their place in Gravel at the other end of the spectrum. Competitive events within the Gravel sector grew significantly, with over 450 U.S. events held in 2019 (Source).
Safety is also pushing the adoption of Gravel Bikes. Nearly half a million U.S. cyclist traffic accidents occurred in 2015 (Source). As paved roads and highways become more dangerous for riders, alternative routes without the worry of cars are becoming preferred. Gravel bikes are best suited for riders to tackle these new terrains.
Gravel Bikes are growing at a break-neck pace. Their comfort, adoption, and flexibility benefits are appealing to most riders. As Gravel cyclists explore away from populated roads, their devices must remain powered to stay connected and safe. This can prove difficult, as devices can consume up to 7X more power while biking (read here for top cyclist battery killers).
PedalCell is the ultimate bicycle power source. Its patented CadenceX technology converts rider motion into continuous and stable charge. PedalCell mounts in minutes on nearly any Gravel Bike frame and is housed in a weather-resistant housing to survive mother nature’s worst. PedalCell ensures that Gravel riders keep their smartphone, lights, GPS, cameras and other USB devices powered. Go on adventures worry-free with PedalCell.
]]>PedalCell was recently reviewed by an administrator of the "Bikepacking" Facebook group, Robert O'Kruk.
"One of the only devices with a chance of fighting against dynamo hubs for power generation on your bike".
"The charging speed was much faster than my dynamo hub. I was able to charge my iPhone 16% with steady stop and go riding on flat ground in 30 minutes."
"I am very impressed with the build quality—it just works."
Robert is keeping PedalCell long-term and will be posting periodic updates with his findings.
People started to use bicycle generators to power lights. Today, the concept has evolved to charging USB devices. However, the power conversion from pedaling to USB output can be quite inefficient. To avoid these pitfalls with PedalCell, our team looked at each step of this process to understand where power was getting lost.
The mechanical power input by a cyclist to move forward is expressed in watts (W). The speed, elevation, weight, and aerodynamics of the environment, a person, and the bicycle affect how many watts a rider must exert to maintain a set speed or accelerate. Cyclist athletes use wattage power meters while riding to measure how efficiently their energy transfers into a bike's motion. This measurement is also prominently displayed on indoor trainers used by companies such as SoulCycle and Peloton. On average, riders must produce about 120W to maintain a 16mph coasting speed on their bicycle (source).
Bicycle generators (also known as dynamos) use a series of magnets and coils to convert a bicycle's mechanical "input" into electrical "output" via harnessing a wheel's rotational energy. The efficiency of this process is known as mechanical-to-electrical efficiency. The efficiencies of such generators vary depending on the composition of their internal components and rider speed.
Riders must use electronics to convert raw generator power for modern USB devices. The efficiency of this electrical-to-electrical conversion measures the loss in power (watts) from the generator output to the electronic's USB port. Electronics in this category typically have efficiencies ranging from 30%-60% (source).
After all of these conversions, a great deal of power can be lost from a rider's pedal to their USB port. The efficiencies of average bicycle generator + USB electronic combinations are presented below.
A rider that tries to charge their phone with a common bicycle dynamo system can lose over 60% of their power. Poor efficiencies result in little charge and exhausted riders. You could be putting in 10W of power to charge your phone, but only get ~4W of output! The primary reason for lower efficiencies results from no company designing both the generator and electronics together. This siloed development process promotes poor optimization and excess power to be left on the table.
PedalCell maximizes efficiency by focusing on the whole system of the rider, generator, and electronics. We reach a 70%+ peak mechanical-to-USB output efficiency - the most efficient pedal-to-USB port bicycle power system ever made by a large margin. Moreover, PedalCell performs this feat while producing up to 4X more power than competitors.
We achieved this performance after years of research and development to integrate our patented electronic, generator, software, and mechanical systems. We use a clean-sheet design that shares zero components with any dynamo generator or USB electronics. This process is commonly used by others in various industries, such as Apple's integrated hardware and software. Now, PedalCell has brought this same process to bicycle power for the first time.
]]>PedalCell's power and efficiency numbers are validated by 3rd party Fahrrad Zukunft in their test, "Socket on the go - part 8". Fahrrad Zukunft is a German-based publication that validates bicycle dynamo, generator, and charging solutions via vigorous power and efficiency testing. Cycling About has highlighted these results here as well.
PedalCell sent the Fahrrad Zukunft team an early 3-D printed prototype in January 2020. It is worth noting that the PedalCell team made revisions to our hardware and electronics that have improved power output and efficiency since sending.
The publication plots PedalCell's USB power output against other bicycle power solutions. PedalCell is the most powerful bicycle generator the publication has tested to-date.
"PedalCell provides the highest power output we have measured at USB - at any riding speed."
-Andreas Oehler, Fahrrad Zukunft
Fahrrad Zukunft also tested PedalCell mechanical-to-electrical efficiency, measuring how effective a rider's raw energy is converted into USB power. PedalCell peaks at ~70% mechanical-to-USB output efficiency, making it one of the most efficient bicycle power sources to-date.
PedalCell allows you to stay safe and connected by keeping your essential devices powered. Its custom generator, patented CadenceX technology, and proprietary firmware work together to be the most powerful and efficient bicycle power source ever made. Better yet, it is dead simple to install and provides everything you need to start charging in minutes. Say goodbye to dead batteries forever with PedalCell.
]]>After years of development, the ultimate bicycle power source is here: PedalCell. PedalCell allows riders to stay safe and connected by converting their motion into continuous charge for their lights, smartphones, GPS, and other USB devices. For a limited time, you can save up to $100 on PedalCell orders placed before November 9th.
Unique and Patented
PedalCell is the first bicycle power source that keeps your charging output consistent at varying ride speeds with CadenceX tecnology. CadenceX is a patented electronic architecture that leverages supercapacitors. Supercapacitors are more efficient and has a 200X outdoor lifespan of any lithium-ion battery. The supercapacitors ensure that any sudden slowdowns, skips, or modulations are removed from PedalCell's power output. PedalCell combines CadenceX with a custom-designed Generator and proprietary firmware to deliver a safe and dead-simple charging experience for our riders.
Powered-Up
PedalCell's clean-sheet design allowed the our team to leapfrog dynamo generator competitors with up to 4X greater power output. 15-20W peak charging speeds allows riders to fast-charge multiple devices at once at wall-outlet speeds.
PedalCell is equipped with 1X High-Power and 1X Prioritized USB ports. Both outputs deliver dynamic output based on device power needs and riding speed. For example, PedalCell will provide less power to a fully charged phone with the screen off.
Riders can choose how to balance PedalCell's output and resistance. PedalCell automatically locks its max output at 3W when the prioritized port is used alone. Moreover, riders can mechanically decouple PedalCell from the rim to eliminate all drag.
Installed in Minutes
PedalCell comes with everything you need in the box to get up-and-running in minutes. PedalCell Generator can be installed on the front forks of most bikes and select rear chainstays. The Smart Power Hub can be mounted on a bicycle's handlebars, frame, seat-post with its durable rubber strap, or even left in a bag. Both components are discrete and neatly integrate within a variety of riding setups. Riders can get started by visiting: pedalcell.com/install.
PedalCell is housed in automotive-grade Nylon with 30% Fiberglass with Aluminum used in select components. The product is weather-resistant, supported by 11 moisture-resistant safeguards to protect against outdoor elements. Tamper-resistant bolts can be ordered at pedalcell.store and are included in every PedalCell Ultimate Bundle.
Shipments start November 9th
PedalCell is priced at $299.99; 4X the performance for less than half the price of competing dynamo hub systems. PedalCell's patented electronics, performance, and easy-to-use design deliver an unparalleled charging experience for bikepackers, tourers, commuters, and cyclists everywhere. For a limited time, you can save up to $100 on the ultimate bicycle power source on orders placed before November 9th.
Stay safe and connected with the ultimate bicycle power source and "Power. By You."
]]>Now more than ever, we are focused on minimizing in-person contact and the outdoors. However, cycling is an excellent activity that can get you fresh air and exercise while fitting the social distancing status quo. Here are a few healthy behaviors to practice for your next ride:
Ensure that your bicycle is clean and washed down before and after riding. Avoid touching your face during your ride. Using cycling gloves can also be a good measure, however, wash them before and after each ride thoroughly.
Ensure that your bicycle is clean and washed down before and after riding. Avoid touching your face during your ride. Using cycling gloves can also be a good measure, however, wash them before and after each ride thoroughly.
As with all other activities, governments around the globe are advising against gatherings of groups. These rules also apply to biking. If you do run into another cyclist on the road, keep a 6-foot distance.
Healthcare systems around the globe are under tremendous stress. Do not risk your health from overexertion or overtaxing your body, as medical attention can be limited. Instead, focus on familiar routes and rides that are well within your limit.
Using protective measures are of utmost importance. Lower your chances of needing immediate medical care and accidents by using helmets, avoiding busy routes, and keeping your lights on and charged.
Don't get caught without a way to phone for help. Most routes are less busy than usual due to social distancing measures. If an accident does occur, you're less likely to have bystanders nearby to offer assistance. Make sure to keep your phone charged and nearby when on rides as a peace-of-mind.
As always, make sure to check the most up-to-date information on your local government's containment procedures. Ride safe!
]]>Our team has been watching the effects of this virus unfold over the past few months. We are prepared to work through this unprecedented global pandemic while upholding our top priority of the health and safety of our team and customers.
We started to monitor the effects of COVID-19 on our Asia supply chains in December. Now, we are feeling the impact domestically. Our Chicago headquarters/production facility, mHUB, has enacted a stringent sanitary upkeep and containment action plan to limit in-person contact. We are complying with these procedures to keep our team safe. We continue to operate at mHUB for only short bursts to comply with these rules.
Our Asia supply chain is now back online, but our domestic production has experienced delays due to labor availability and slowed shipping services. While we have had chances to expedite development, at the cost of less stringent testing procedures, we did not want to do so while sacrificing the quality of our product. We have updated our commercial ship date to commence before September 14th to reflect this new landscape.
We are working through this crisis to maintain the safety of our people and deliver on promises to customers. We appreciate your understanding through this time and will continue to provide updates via our blog and email. For any questions, feel free to reach out to me personally: adam@pedalcell.com.
Stay safe.
]]>Ensuring that PedalCell can withstand a wide range of cyclist rides was one of our team's highest priorities. Whether you're a city commuter braving the urban jungle or a bikepacker traveling cross-continental trips, PedalCell was designed and built with components to mitigate failure and promote a long lifespan. Here are the ways we back up these claims:
Our casing material of choice had to be resistant against water, withstand high and low temperatures, and be extremely tough. These criteria lead us to choose fiberglass reinforced nylon (30% glass), a material commonly used on car fenders, brakes, and doors. The material is specced to endure over 2X of PedalCell's maximum clamping force (see finite element analysis "FEA" below).
Furthermore, our rotating puck utilizes anodized aluminum that is not only strong but also acts as a heat sink for our O-Ring at high speeds.
PedalCell's Generator and Smart Power Hub are connected via a weather-proof cable + connector combination. The connection attaches in seconds but is held securely in place via a threaded tip.
While our team designed PedalCell to be as durable as possible, we realized that extenuating circumstances could lead to failure, especially in the outdoors. In-case of failures, modular assemblies for the Generator, Clamp, and Smart Power Hub allow our team can quickly diagnose, replace, and certify parts for re-use.
PedalCell is built with durability in mind from the very beginning, and its modular components allow for quick repairs performed by our team.* Our product's long lifespan ultimately promotes cyclists everywhere to enjoy our product for years to come and limits the environmental cradle to grave impact of our product's waste ?
*Repairs are conducted within PedalCell's two-year limited warranty.
]]>On February 20th, 2020, PedalCell placed first at mHUB Chicago's 2nd annual Venture Challenge Pitch Competition. PedalCell competed against five other hardware-based start-ups for a chance to win dilutive-free seed capital. Each participant gave a 5 minute pitch, followed by 5 minutes of question and answer from mHUB's venture board.
The grand prize of $17,500 was awarded to PedalCell, followed by Insignia Health, scoring second place with $5,000, and Skate Kastle coming in third with $2,500. We are so thankful to have participated in this event and promote Chicago's physical product ecosystem. Click here for more information about mHUB and the event.
]]>PedalCell production samples have started shipping out to our media friends! We can't wait to hear their thoughts and reviews in the coming weeks. Our media shortlist includes:
- Road.cc
]]>Vote for us in the 2020 FedEx Small Business Contest! Every vote counts and we appreciate your support! Visit this link to cast your vote:
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