This is my unsolicited and un-compensated review of the PedalCell device
A quick disclaimer on this review. This isn’t some sort of bro hand-up, where I get a free piece of gear and write glowingly about it (sound familiar?). I bought this item, (as a dealer), I installed and used this item, I relied on this item, and I am going to tell you what I think.
I also want to say that I’ve used a more traditional dynamo hub system for years, and will continue to support our great partners who are vendors of these fine products. Because of my great experience with this product, we do sell PedaCell in the shop or online to ship, check it out here.
Check out our video review here
In the Box
Here’s what you get. The dynamo device, which is connected with a 1m cable to the Smart Power Hub, a USB C - A charging cable (if you don’t already have one), 2 fork shims and an 4mm Allen wrench to help with install. There are 2 info cards with instructions and tips also included.
Install
When I say the install takes 5-10 minutes, I’m not kidding. Using the fork spacers, installing the device was as simple as positioning it and tightening 2 screws to clamp the device to the fork. A third adjustment bolt helps adjust angle of device so that it aligns with the rim properly. A 1m cable extends to the Smart Power Hub that houses the 2 USB connections (one is labeled “High Power”). Finding a good place for this box might include solutions such as a small top tube bag or feed bag (which is what I use).
The PedalCell can be installed on either side of the fork, as well as on the non-drive side chainstay if needed (note, special spacers are available form the company to help with some trickier chainstay installs).
Use
My interest and use-case involves being self-sufficient electrically on longer day trips, overnight trips and multi-day tours. Other applications would include commuting for sure.
Output
I am not a watts/volts/amps kind of guy. My understanding of the effectiveness of this system is comparing the results on many previous trips to what I experienced using PedaCell.
We do alot of rides and trips, and for many years I have used a dynamo hub system to charge devices. As a ride leader, I need my devices at maximum charge for safety reasons.
On our overnight trips (Micro-Tours), I generally run a phone and GPS device. In the past, I have used a dynamo hub connected to a light with a USB-out connection to charge devices. In this configuration, I would only attempt to charge my phone (and not my GPS device). Upon arrival to camp after 6-8 hours in the saddle, my phone usually was down to 40% charge, and my GPS was in the single digits. This means that I have to charge both on an external battery overnight to be ready for the next day. On multiday trips, this obviously posed a problem, and necessitated a search for an outlet.
I have used PedalCell on 3 overnight trips so far, and each time I arrive to camp with both my phone and GPS at 100%, no questions asked. I still bring a small external battery as a backup. I have a 5 day trip to the Catskills planned for the Fall where I use PedalCell as well.
Drag and Weight
When I first installed the PedalCell, I felt what I thought was drag as I rolled the bike in preparation for a test ride. On my subsequent ride, I assumed this drag was continuing, and that’s why I felt sluggish. After talking with Adam at PedalCell (who told me it was in my head, in a nice way), I ran some tests doing controlled laps in Prospect Park with the device engaged and not engaged.
Adam was right, there was NO DIFFERENCE in my moving speed with the device engaged or not. That slow speed “drag” I felt was just the slight vibration of the spinning devices on the rim. I was sluggish for other reasons.
I have compared my moving speed data on multiple 45+ miles trips that I have alot of historical data on, and I can absolutely say I am not slower or “dragged down” in any way using PedalCell. I compare my “moving speed”, and find no drop off.
The device (dynamo, connector cable, and junction box) weighs 544g (19.2 oz), which is comparable to a dynamo hub/charger set-up
Cost Implications and Convenience
Pedalcell costs $309 (plus applicable tax/shipping). Running the numbers on what a dynamo hub and wheel build would cost, Pedalcell is conservatively half of the cost.
Also, what can’t be understated is that Pedalcell can be moved from bike to bike with ease (no worries about wheel/tire size or axle configuration), AND it can be simply disengaged while installed with the push of a button.
Final Thoughts
For me, I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. It really never did. I am exceptionally pleased with the ease of install, use, output and value of PedalCell.