If you bring a camera, mobile phone, MP3 player or other electronic device on a long ride chances are it could end up out of juice before you do. But now Silverback is offering a way to use pedal power to power up your digital devices. The German bicycle company has added a USB port, powered by a dynamo hub, to its Starke 1 and 2 models.
The USB port is located in the head tube of the nickel alloy frame bicycles, which also feature Shimano components including front and rear hydraulic disc brakes. The dynamo hub also provides power to the bikes’ lights, while the Starke 1 even features an integrated electric motor that provides pedal assist.
The only drawback so far seems that devices can only be powered when the dynamo isn’t being used. So if you were hoping to do some riding to power up the mobile phone, or to listen to some tunes while resting your legs you might be out of luck. But it is still a good way to juice up your devices. The Silverback cycles will be ready to roll as part of the company’s 2012 line up.
Silverback Official Website
[Via Gizmag: USB port-packing Starke bikes deliver pedal-powered mobile charging]
We first profiled the Silverback Starke 1 last November when the nickel alloy frame bicycles were announced. What stood out then still has us excited. This commuter bike, which is now available, offers a USB port that is powered dynamo hub. The German-made Starke 1 features Shimano Alivio 9 speed, dynamo lighting and as noted the charging system so riders can juice up their mobile devices while they ride.