The BEST Way To Charge Your Electronics On A Bike Tour

Summary

In this video, Bike Touring Mike explores the three main ways to charge electronics during bike tours: using a battery pack, a solar charger, or a dynamo hub. He discusses the pros and cons of each method, offering tips on when to use each depending on the type of tour and location. From the affordability and convenience of battery packs to the eco-friendliness of solar chargers and the reliability of dynamo hubs, Mike shares practical advice to help viewers choose the best charging solution for their needs.

Takeaways

• 🔋 The video discusses three common methods for charging electronics on a bike tour: a battery pack, a solar charger, and a dynamo hub.
• 🌐 Battery packs are widely available and easily replaceable, making them a practical choice for worldwide travel.
• 🔌 When touring in developed countries, there's often daily access to wall sockets to recharge electronics and battery packs.
• 📱 It's recommended to charge your electronics directly before charging battery packs to minimize energy loss.
• 🔌 For those who frequently vlog or use power-hungry devices, carrying larger capacity battery packs (10,000 to 20,000 mAh) is advised.
• ⚡ Solar chargers are most effective in southern countries with intense sunlight and should be angled directly at the sun for optimal charging.
• 📱 Advised against charging phones directly from solar chargers due to the fluctuating power supply which can harm the phone battery.
• 🌞 Solar chargers are a good option for long tours in sunny regions, but consider a larger capacity (20 watts) for faster charging.
• 💸 A dynamo hub setup is the most expensive option, costing over three hundred dollars including the hub, cables, and wheel modification.
• 🚴‍♂️ Dynamo hubs add significant weight to the front wheel, affecting the bike's balance and potentially slowing the rider down.
• 🏞️ Dynamo hubs are suitable for remote areas with less sunlight and can be a good investment for long tours with varied terrain.

Q & A

What are the three common ways to charge electronics while bike touring?

The three common ways to charge electronics while bike touring are using a battery pack, a solar charger, or a dynamo hub.

What is the biggest advantage of using a battery pack during a bike tour?

The biggest advantage of using a battery pack is its availability. You can easily find battery packs anywhere in the world, making it easy to replace or recharge them.

Why should you prioritize charging your electronics over charging your battery packs?

Charging your electronics directly reduces energy loss, which can occur when charging battery packs first. It's more efficient to charge your phone or camera before your battery packs.

What size battery pack is recommended for a bike tour?

Battery packs up to 26,000 mAh (100 watt-hours) are recommended. The speaker suggests bringing two packs of 10,000 to 20,000 mAh for backup.

What is the main consideration for using a solar charger on a bike tour?

The main consideration is the location of your bike tour. In sunny, southern regions, a solar charger is effective, but in areas with less intense sunlight, like Scandinavia, it may not work as well.

Why is it better to charge a battery pack with a solar charger rather than a phone directly?

Charging a phone directly from a solar charger can harm the phone’s battery due to inconsistent power input from varying sunlight. Charging a battery pack first allows for steady power supply to your phone.

What should you look for when buying a solar charger for a bike tour?

You should look for a solar charger with at least 20 watts output, as it will charge your electronics faster. Foldable designs are also recommended for easy storage.

What are the downsides of using a dynamo hub for charging?

The downsides include its high cost (over $300 with setup), additional weight on the bike (500 to 1000 grams), added drag while cycling, and reduced charging efficiency at lower speeds.

When is a battery pack the best option for charging on a bike tour?

A battery pack is the best option if you're new to bike touring, on a short trip (overnight or weekend), or staying at campgrounds or hotels where you can recharge regularly.

When should you consider investing in a solar charger or dynamo hub?

A solar charger or dynamo hub is worth considering for longer tours (a month or more) or when touring in remote areas without regular access to power outlets.