BikeCharge Dynamo and Bicycle USB Charger

This item came in an already opened box without any instructions. Even without the instructions I was able to install the dynamo somewhat easily however the cable management for the system was a complete mess. I read many of the other reviews about needing to charge the battery before I was able to charge a device via USB so I was not concerned when I did not get any charge on my first ride (only 13 miles). I went out for another longer ride and still was not getting a charge via the USB to my phone and started to get concerned. I then went out of the country for three weeks and the first day back I went for a 20 mile ride (putting total charge at about 52 miles) and the lights work sporadically but still no charge. I tried to return the device today, but the return policy expired yesterday :( so I am left with a heavy poorly positioned bike light.If you do decide to try this product (I hope your luck is better than mine), please make sure that you dedicate time to charging and testing the device right away and don't just assume that it will eventually start working if you ride more. If it does not work on your second ride I would suggest pulling the plug and returning it.

First thing to say is that it works as advertised. But I do have problems with it.The first unit I got from Amazon was defective, no sweat because ez returns. However this is one of those "ship from China" products so after I decided I wanted it replaced rather than a refund I found out it would take a month and a half to get the replacement.That turned out to be an overly pessimistic estimate and I got the replacement in a couple of weeks. Great!The replacement installed easily and charges correctly but it is noisy. It is like a metallic version of putting playing cards in your spokes at any speed between 7 and 17 mph. I also crimped the remote cable when turning my handlebars too far loading my bike on the car. Can't for the life of me figure out how to order a replacement in a fast cost effective way.

Mine made so much noise, it was unbearable. It never held charge and wouldn't charged any item even after an 8 hour ride. While riding, the charge would start and stop, which can't be great for a battery. By the time I realized this was junk and the atrocious noise wasn't going to go away and tried to return it, it was past the return period. I'm extremely disappointed I wasted my money.

THIS DOES NOT WORK, SEND PHOTOS FROM MY INSTALLATION

Product does a great job and seller delivered as promised!

First, full discloser, I was sent one of these units at no charge to use and review by the distributor. I have used it for several long distance rides including one across a state over multiple days. The charger does do what it is supposed to do, provide a backup charge for a portable technology device such as a cell phone. The unit does take about 1.5 hours of riding to get to a full charge, then it can be used while riding, an really does keep the phone charged to 100%. Assembly is easy and takes only a few minutes, though attaching the wiring can take a little more time, and requires additional zip ties to fix the wires since they cannot be otherwise shortened. But, that is done only one time. There are several light functions for the front and rear lights that have then flashing or steady. The unit did not have an impact on steering.Here are the pros and cons:Pros –It does charge a phone and keeps it charged as advertised.Cons –It does put a drag on pedaling the bicycle. This probably does not matter for riders who are really in top shape, on level roads for the rest of us, or even short grades since it is only the effort of about 1-2 mph. But when on long climbs and on steep hills I really wished I did not have that extra drag, especially after three or four hours of pedaling. It would be a great modification if there was a way to turn the charging function off and on remotely instead of having to turn the engagement tab around with the wheel stopped.There is a button to remotely turn the lights on and off, but the attachment system depends upon the use of o-rings that I have had to replace with each ride because the button assembly cuts through the neoprene. I finally resorted to fixing several small zip-ties to hold the button in place.When riding on bumpy roads, the unit tended to slip down until the light is pointing toward the ground. Maybe if I was not concerned about over tensioning and stretching the skewer. This may not happen if the wheels are held on by lug nuts on a traditional axle.The first unit I was sent had a bad bearing that resulted in a terrible vibration at about 12-14 mph, the exact range for minimum charging to take place.Overall, this is solid unit that works well. For someone who does daily commuting or goes on long distance rides, and does not mind the extra weight and drag, this something I would recommend.