Writing a blog is really a personal experience and so I often write about things, events and people that I interact with. This past weekend, I rode in the BP MS 150 (a bike ride from Houston to Austin that helps raise money for MS research) and had lots of time to think about things as I cycled through the Texas hill country. A recurring theme for this ride, my sixth trip for this great cause, was technology and how riders are finding ways to implement it into their cycling. Cell phones, GPS devices, ipods, stereo speakers, etc. It seemed that the majority of riders had found some way to enhance their 150+ mile ride with a bit of cycling tech.
As with any technology, one thing is required for any extended period of time…. power! Most riders carry extra batteries and I even saw some who attempted to use small solar panels to power their devices. Unfortunately, each of these solutions has their own set of problems, including a mostly-overcast ride this year. One possible solution that I have kept my eye on for some time was the use of “pedal power” for our gadgets and devices. Why not use the power of our own legs to generate the juice needed for our devices? Thankfully, the folks of Dahon were working on an answer to the same question. Their answer, released just a few months ago, was the BioLogic ReeCharge.
DEVICE
The BioLogic ReeCharge is personal power system that can charge almost any gadget via a lithium polymer battery that can be charged by an outlet, a computer or the pedaling power of a cyclist. The device captures and stores energy created by magnets in a specially designed hub (not included). The idea is simple and, in my opinion, amazing! Any cyclist who is covering a long distance can now rest easy, as their device (cell phone, ipod, GPS unit) can be charged over and over again from a power source that simply needs nutrition and the occasional water break. The ReeCharge is small enough to stay out of the way and it looks as if it is light enough for the weight-conscious cyclists in the crowd, although I couldn’t find a “spec sheet” that identified the exact weight of the device.
A Dynamo Hub & ReeCharge Provide Power for Your Device
COST
Price is probably the only limiting factor for the “green power” BioLogic ReeCharge device. For interested parties, we are most likely looking at a $200+ investment. That’s $120+ for the ReeCharge and another $90 (or more) for the required dynamo hub. Avid cyclists will tell you that this is a minimal investment, compared to the cost of carbon-fiber components and accessories, but it is still quite a bit of money. Compare it with the hassle of cell phones gone dead, hauling batteries or charging cables all over the country-side or simply taking a wrong turn down a country road and finding yourself 15 miles in the wrong direction and the cost seems a lot more digestible.
REVIEWS
Unfortunately, I just learned of the release of this device and was unable to find any reviews from actual users online. There are many articles that mention the release of the BioLogic ReeCharge, but none from actual users. I for one would love to hear from some of the early adopters before shelling out the $200. Does anyone out there have this device in hand? If so, please let us know.
LINKS
Official Site for Dahon: http://www.dahon.com/accessories/2010/biologic-reecharge
Available From: http://www.electriccyclery.com/catalog/biologic-reecharge-p-283.html (Electric Cyclery for $120)
Required Hub: http://www.electriccyclery.com/catalog/biologic-joule-dynamo-p-284.html (Not the only compatible hub, but one of the least expensive)
Tags: battery, bicycle, Bike, BioLogic, cycling, Dahon, Dynamo hub, energy, GPS, green, iPhone, iPod, pedal, power, ReeCharge, Speaker, USB
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