Retrobike Touring.

[widowmaker]

Question was posted by me but not for me and my type of touring. A colleague at works daughter is touring soon on another trip outside of the UK soon, wants a small solar panel to charge a powerbank, will not have access to mains power.

Anyone have experience of solar

 

[hamster]

In the US, people are using solar a lot for camping. Jackery do some excellent units.
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/solar-camping/jackery-solarsaga-100However, I would think them a bit big and heavy for bike touring.
I still don't see why a dyno hub isn't under consideration. The big problem with solar when riding is keeping it exposed. Sunshine is about 100W/sqm. Take efficiency losses (and on a small portable setup they will be large, maybe 90%) then you need a solar cell around A4 size to be any good. So you get more (3W) from a dyno hub, AND it will be lighter.

 

[widowmaker]

Thanks Hamster I've tried to pass on what little knowledge I have to her and recommended a Dyno hub.

I am planning on getting my front wheel built with an XT 3w hub which I believe is similar to what you have on your Marin. I may pick your brains about cabling etc.

 

[hamster]

The SP PV8 rim brake dyno is on offer for £49 at Spa Cycles at present, and might be worth a look. I have one on my road bike, it's 200g or so lighter than the Shimano.

 

[widowmaker]

Thanks, are you able to run lights and charge something like a small powerbank separately?

 

[hamster]

Yes, obviously not both at the same time. Some lights have a built-in USB socket (e.g. Axa Luxx70 with USB like mine) otherwise you need a regulator module.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/dynamos-charging-devices/or (better value)
https://cpc.farnell.com/kemo-electronic/m172n/bicycle-power-charge-controller/dp/HK01740

 

[widowmaker]

Thanks Hamster - much appreciated info as always.

 

[hamster]

And no problem to help out with the wiring etc.
It sounds like I ought to do a dyno build thread for reference.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

And no problem to help out with the wiring etc.
It sounds like I ought to do a dyno build thread for reference.

Yes please

 

[widowmaker]

And no problem to help out with the wiring etc.
It sounds like I ought to do a dyno build thread for reference.

Careful your not too far from me, I could turn up with a boot full of wheel spares and spokes one weekend