Finally, we have a bike generator that allows customers to simply plug in regular devices with no intermediate box or circuit. You pedal, the device turns on. Direct, immediate, simple.
But not all devices are compatible. The Off the Wall Generator will only power devices that have a switching power supply.
How do I tell if my device has a switching power supply? If you look at the back it will read “INPUT: 100 – 240V” on the back of the device, as seen below. If the device reads anything differently it will not be compatible.
Once you’ve figured out if your device is compatible with the Off the Wall Generator. Here are some next steps to follow:
1. Once you’re set up and ready to pedal, DON’T plug in any device that is irreplaceable. A perfect example would be a vintage guitar amplifier. Why risk it?
2. DO plug-in devices with a Switching Power supply. You will know if your device has a Switching Power supply if you see “Input 100-240V” written on the power supply. Examples include most newer chargers and power cords for laptops, cell phones, tablets, and many other devices.
3. Pedal Power should be an attended activity. We do not recommend leaving your Off The Wall unattended for several reasons. 1) People could plug in the wrong kind of devices, ruining them and possibly risking electrical fire. 2) Any time people get on and off a bike there’s a chance your help will be needed to make that safe and easy. 3) Any time a bike is unattended there’s a higher chance people will get on and pedal really fast, which can cause damage to some devices. See #5 below.
4. Gearing matters. DO choose a bike with gears. Do put the bike in a medium-hard gear, probably not the hardest gear on the bike. If your bike has 3 speeds in the front, you probably want to be in the middle group, and then choose the hardest or 2nd hardest gear in the back. Once you determine what the best gear is for pedaling, DO NOT let your pedalers change the gear. You may want to tape the shifter or use the limit screws of the derailleur to lock the gear. You will know you need to be in a harder gear if your device turns off even when you are consistently pedaling. You will know you need to be in an easier gear if it feels too hard! You will know you are in the right gear IF, when you plug in a 60 Watt device, such as a laptop computer, pedaling feels like biking around town. You can use a watt meter of voltage tester (see below) to help with this test. Keep in mind a laptop that is fully charged already will consume no power. Best to allow your laptop to drop to 50% charge or lower before trying the test.
5. This product has no over-voltage protection. Some devices can be damaged by pedaling really fast, and this is more likely to happen if the bike is in too hard of a gear. In our experience, pedaling too fast is not something you will ever do by accident. It only happens when a pedaler gets on and wants to see what happens when they pedal like crazy. So as long as you don’t allow that to happen you will not have to worry.
6.DO use a watt meter or voltage tester rated for more than 240v or more. The a watt meter is a power measuring device intended for homeowners. We sell one and you can also buy it at hardware stores. When set to Voltage mode, it helps you set your gear. Voltage range should be around 120-200. When set to Wattage mode it shows you exactly how much power you are providing. Highly educational!
Given all these warnings, you may be wondering what an ideal usage is. Here are some examples:
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When ordering new wheel covers OR an Icycleta Ice Cream Bike Attachment it’s important for us to know what style wheel you have. Not sure how to tell? Let us help you find out.
“What wheel cover style is compatible with my wheel?”
Ordering new wheel covers? We need to know which wheel you have so we make sure to send you the compatible wheel cover. Take a look at your wheel hub and see which image below matches your wheel.
“Do I need a new wheel for my Icycleta attachment?”
Ordering the Icycleta Ice Cream Bike Attachment? If you have the new wheel style you can attach the Icycleta pulley on the same wheel without requiring anything additional. If you have the older wheel style we will send a whole new wheel to attach the Icycleta to the Pro.
Please let us know in the COMMENTS section when placing your order.
New style wheel :
Old Style wheel :
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Most hatchback style cars can usually fit at least one partially disassembled Pro frame inside. You’ll want to use a car with a large trunk; it’s even better if the back seats fold down to extend the trunk space.
A pickup truck can carry 2-4 fully built Pro frames in the bed. Most SUVs can carry a single Pro frame in the trunk with no disassembly. Smaller cars may probably require some small adjustments or disassembly such as lowering the handlebars, dropping the saddle, or removing the crossbar to fit in the trunk or back seat.
Most vehicles can fit 2 bike blenders with small adjustments or disassembly. We will provide the hex wrenches you’ll need to reassemble the bike again at your destination.
Any car will work if you’re using a regular bike rack.
Above: Tone transports a Fender Blender Pro on a sedan with a regular bike rack. Note the towel wrapped around the end of the crossbar to keep it from scratching the bumper.
A roof rack can help if you want to use a small car and don’t want to do any disassembly. Here’s a photo to show roof rack use and size comparison.
We encourage you to try bike towing with your rental bike. It’s fun, safe, practical and reduces the carbon footprint of your event, and there is no disassembly required! Any bicycle with a rear rack can tow the Fender Blender Pro. There is no extra rental charge for the trailer wheels and hitch, or you can purchase the Tow Kit to travel with your bike blender.
Read MoreMaker Faire 2016 is happening May 20th – 22nd at the San Mateo Fairgrounds. Join us and spread the word with our Facebook invite HERE:
Rock The Bike is pleased to announce it’s umpteenth year involved in creating Pedal Powered Music offerings for multiple days at the Maker Faire of San Mateo. This event has grown to be one of the largest Maker Faires in the country, boasting ten’s of thousands of participants per day, and new technology and inspirations to make your mind bend. Rock The Bike has been a huge part of creating and inspiring innovation at the Maker’s Faire and Bay Area, through pedal powered concerts that make us think of where our power is coming from, and how we might want to use our time and energy more efficiently as an individual or community. So let’s get to it! Here is the line-up and details of the Bike ride down to Maker’s Faire 2016:
Read More“It’s just plain impressive that one person can produce that much sound with moderate effort. I hope you’re proud of your work.
When our photographer gets us the shots, we’ll be sure to float some good times your way!”
-Joey, Climate Cycle
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