Cycle Bottle Dynamo - Why fit one?

In October 2021 I fitted an AXA bottle dynamo with a Kemo USB adapter to give 5V USB output for charging all my electronic devices. Here I explain how and why I fitted it and how much current it gives. It supplements a solar panel, for my USB rechargeable items, including lights, a GPS, a phone, video cam, camera and head torch.

[@alexmorgan3435]

I had something like this on my bike when I was a kid. I do not remember it fondly. So glad I now have hub dynamos - Shimano, SP and SON and they all work fine. Must admit I have only had them in the last 3-4 years preferring to rely on standalone battery lights (Exposure) very bight indeed and power banks but bought the SON for longer tours, not used as much as I thought, then recently got an SP PD8 with front wheel for my Brompton cost about £100 and then a few years ago Shimano Alfine dynamo hub with another bike I bought which gets a lot of use and works fine powering lights when dark and a power bank when lights aren't needed. I am now a convert.

[@MinackerMovies]

I agree, I had a Miller, noisy and hard work, but this one is quiet and easy to use for occasional use as intended. Thanks for the comments on the hubs, I may consider one if I get another bike or do a very long journey. Its ideal for a Brompton with smaller wheels and more rotations.😊

[@geezer8484]

Very useful. Thanks for posting

[@Cobwobbler]

Useful information 👍

[@LesCyclopreneurs]

Thanks for your share, i'm Watching for a dynamo and don't know which one to buy... I know now 🙂

[@CuddlyJon]

Out here in the USA, that small Kemo USB charger is going for $100... insane.

[@sgsuper1150]

I like the idea of using this for slowing down my heavy touring ebike if I can make a lever to engage with my brake lever.

[@MinackerMovies]

Haha, you may be disappointed, it has a rubber roller with relatively little drag and is very quiet compared with the old types.

[@Iwmunt]

Good vid, I’d have thought a Thorn would have put a dynamo lug/mount on the fork as standard.

[@MinackerMovies]

I think they tend to favour the hub type. I would too if doing a world tour or a lot of touring, but I don't need one for my purposes.

[@kevindean9613]

I see that you have a Thorn ,what make of rims do you have .Thanks .

[@timb171]

Thanks for the video, very helpful. Don't suppose you've happened to notice if the little "usb box" gets hot during use? I was thinking I might install it inside one of my bags to aid with weather protection.

[@MinackerMovies]

Hi, I've only used it in cool weather so far, but it did not get hot. As you can see it is not tiny for 0.5A output, so there is plenty of area to dissipate any heat. It might get warmer in an enclosed space with no airflow.

[@Merseysiderful]

Is the U.S.B. Charger waterproof ? The switch located on the top is vulnerable to rain ingress.

[@MinackerMovies]

Hi there, the switch is rubber booted and is said to be waterproof, as is the case, which has interlocking lips, suitable for rain, not for submersion. I haven’t used it in a downpour - yet.

[@MinackerMovies]

The Kemo adapter actually costs £40-50, sorry for the error!

[@MinackerMovies]

Ouch!