It would be nice to have a long term-review of these products as well. All these are great space-saving ideas in theory. The questions is, can you trust the manufacturer with a power bank and can you trust the manufacturer with a bike part? Those are two very different competencies. Great video.
I've been using the accessory bar for years. It has survived XWA, a 750 mile tour across the Northeastern U.S. and many other smaller rides. We will see how the others fare over time.
3,500 mAh is not a lot of capacity (in the stem), and that stem length and angle will fit only a few people. These products solve a problem I don't think I have. The solution is clever mounting techniques, but my batteries fit OK in my luggage. Next time I buy a battery, I will look for one with a pass-through feature. This is where it can charge something while also BEING charged. I will also make sure my gadgets can work when being charged; some can, and some can't. My favorite among the products you review here is the accessory mount, as I might need one anyway.
The stem indeed is the most limiting. It's too long for any of my bikes so is not something I can use long term. But the capacity is perfect for those times your bike computer dies unexpectedly. The accessory bar joins me on most trips and I think the Rockbros will be joining me as well mostly for my radar taillight.
I have that accessory bar power bank. Got mine off wish for like $10 a couple years ago. If you upgrade the batteries to something like a Samsung 30q, molicel or vapcell it'll work even better. It's best for regcharging lights and bike computers as it doesn't utilize fast charging. (It will still charge your phone with no problems, it just takes longer.) I pair that accessory bar with a small (4" x 3" x 1/2") 10k mah power bank which has fast charging.($20) The bread and butter is an allpowers sp002 solar panel/powerbank.($50) It has a built in 10k mah battery that also utilizes fast charging and has 2 outputs to charge the accessory bar AND small power bank at the same time. I've fully charged the panel battery in under 4 hours just riding around town. Both the accessory bar and power bank are small and serve their purpose well. I strap my solar panel/bank to my sleeping gear on the rear of my bike. This set up (paired with decent weather) has allowed me to charge devices on the go without having to stop along the way. 🤙
I got that bar extension yesterday just to mount my floods on it, but the posts are too thin for a light clamp and slide around too easily with the ugly plastic spacers that you hopefully still have from your lights! I had to slightly grind the inside of the clamps as I have 35mm thick bars, so don't fit them in the middle next to the stem. It's just that my lights were sitting in my dropper and brake cable too much being direct mount to the front of the bars. I'm not bothered about the batteries inside it and might design my own and 3D print an extended mount.
Great info! I see the Rock Bros battery comes in 50000 and now 100000 sizes. Any idea on tradeoffs for the larger capacity one other than a slightly higher price?
Have you in any way, shape or form, tested the capacity of theese things, or are you just reading the spec sheetprovidede by some chineese seller? The garmin/wahoo option is listed as both 5000mah and 10.000mah depending where you look, eventhough they are the same. I use a Sandberg (genuine) 10.000mah powerbank, with a built in handwarmer feature. It works wonders, and is real treat when trown in the bottom of a sleeping bag, or used for drying your socks. It also has a built in light for use around your tent ect. The price is good too, and it takes op less space than a phone. Thats my reel life experience.
I did not test the capacity. I don't have the instruments to validate this. But the stem is a UK company and UL tested. The accessory bar uses industry standard 18650 cells with a well known capacity. The Rockbros battery appears to be offered in two sizes. The Amazon link in the description gives you a choice of the two sizes with the 10,000 costing more.
I just bring a 20k mah anker battery bank and shove it in my handlebar bag or panniers. It lasts long for a two nighter charging cell, camera and drone.
@@TroyOnTrails it all depends on your bagging setup and how long you're going for. Charging is situational for me, I don't normally charge my devices 24/7. That 20k mah battery bank isn't too bulky to shove somewhere, snackbag, daypack, heck maybe tape it to the frame with electrical tape. Out of the 3 battery solutions you demo'd, I liked the bike mount battery (10k-mah), extendable mount to an already existing mount. The accessory bar (if you don't have one is a plus) I'm not too keen on carrying extra batteries around. 4x 18650 batteries prob the same weight of 1-20k mah battery bank. The NRG, too expensive for only 3.5k mah (1 full iphone charge). I have a short reach anyways. I just don't know if I'd do any of those 3 if I already have a battery bank Just have to plan out your trip and hope you can make it to the next stop that has a way to recharge everything. I'm not sure if there is a better solution other than, go old school. Papermaps and no cellphones/cameras. LOL
Over the decades I’ve thrown away so many expensive devices that were still in terrific condition. They were thrown away because the electrical aspect became inoperative. Sometimes corrosion, sometimes software or database updates no longer available, sometimes the connections became obsolete. If you’re the kind of person that is constantly buying all new stuff then go for it. If you’re the kind of person who is fussy about maintenance and makes stuff last for decades then don’t be integrating hardware with constantly obsoleting electronics.
Stem power bank is useless. 3500Mah is less than the battery in my phone. A 5000Mah battery bank is the size of a lipstick. Extender bar looks ok, but as no rubber o- rings can be seen it won't be waterproof for long. Rockbros charger light is old school tech, very large, very heavy to only have 5000 Mah. Just buy an Anker power bank
The stem is best used for a cycling computer or to get bring your phone back from the dead. But the killer feature of the Rockbros is that it can mount under your cycling computer and have a wire where it is needed for charging while riding. I pack ultra light and simply don't have space for a battery. I love these solutions for having a battery where I need it without sacrificing ANY storage space.
The first one only 3500mha wont charge any thing maybe top up a little and it not having usb c is point less .. .. the solution is carry 3 x 10,000 battery waterproof banks .. and a usb c 100 watt charger .. with 3 usbc sockets .. so when you stop for a coffee or lunch you can charge 30,000 mha will charge your gps in reach iPhone iPad bike lights etc no problem last a few days ..ps good video just subbed
Now, help me piece together a system to charge the following (sometimes simultaneously): 1 device needs a lightning cable, 3 devices need a usb mini, 2 devices need usb c, two devices need a shokz headphone cable, and one needs the Garmin watch cable. Go!
It all depends on time between power outlets and what you want to charge. I use my phone very sparingly so only really end up charging my bike computer. The accessory bar has served me very well for this. The Rockbros light will likely replace this in some situations for me as it is easier to use. But it may also live on the back of my bike for my radar.
Thanks for testing out some cool gadgets that I wasn't aware of. I did the GDMBR last year with two power banks, 26,000 and 13,000. Yes it adds weight and bulk but I never worried about running out of juice. Why two power banks, years ago I ran one and it failed, just died and stopped working. I will probably buy the Roc Bros cycling computer unit now that I see it is available in 10,000.
@@daveebert7747 I use my smart phone a ton on my touring. I have been living on my bike fulltime for the last 13 years, without housing nor an auto. I use 3 portable battery banks that are supposed to be 20,000 mah each, and two smart phones. Each power bank plugs directly into wall outlets without a cord. I hunt down parks with outlets, libraries, fastfood joints, and laundromats for charging, in that order. Two battery banks get plugged into one outlet. The third battery bank and two phones get plugged into another outlet. I use one phone while it stays fully charged, to pass my time, while my other phone gets charged up. That also allows me to have a backup phone in case I lose or destroy a phone, which must have happened a dozen times. This technique allows me to recharge at 4 times the rate of my prior technique.
What are your tricks to keep your electronics charged for multi-day adventures?
It would be nice to have a long term-review of these products as well. All these are great space-saving ideas in theory. The questions is, can you trust the manufacturer with a power bank and can you trust the manufacturer with a bike part? Those are two very different competencies. Great video.
I've been using the accessory bar for years. It has survived XWA, a 750 mile tour across the Northeastern U.S. and many other smaller rides. We will see how the others fare over time.
3,500 mAh is not a lot of capacity (in the stem), and that stem length and angle will fit only a few people.
These products solve a problem I don't think I have. The solution is clever mounting techniques, but my batteries fit OK in my luggage.
Next time I buy a battery, I will look for one with a pass-through feature. This is where it can charge something while also BEING charged. I will also make sure my gadgets can work when being charged; some can, and some can't.
My favorite among the products you review here is the accessory mount, as I might need one anyway.
The stem indeed is the most limiting. It's too long for any of my bikes so is not something I can use long term. But the capacity is perfect for those times your bike computer dies unexpectedly. The accessory bar joins me on most trips and I think the Rockbros will be joining me as well mostly for my radar taillight.
Great info, thanks!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate your support!
I have that accessory bar power bank. Got mine off wish for like $10 a couple years ago. If you upgrade the batteries to something like a Samsung 30q, molicel or vapcell it'll work even better. It's best for regcharging lights and bike computers as it doesn't utilize fast charging. (It will still charge your phone with no problems, it just takes longer.) I pair that accessory bar with a small (4" x 3" x 1/2") 10k mah power bank which has fast charging.($20) The bread and butter is an allpowers sp002 solar panel/powerbank.($50) It has a built in 10k mah battery that also utilizes fast charging and has 2 outputs to charge the accessory bar AND small power bank at the same time. I've fully charged the panel battery in under 4 hours just riding around town. Both the accessory bar and power bank are small and serve their purpose well. I strap my solar panel/bank to my sleeping gear on the rear of my bike. This set up (paired with decent weather) has allowed me to charge devices on the go without having to stop along the way. 🤙
Nice combination of tricks.
Thanks for testing all the amazon finds!!! Sves me a bunch of trips to the ups store :)
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching.
I got that bar extension yesterday just to mount my floods on it, but the posts are too thin for a light clamp and slide around too easily with the ugly plastic spacers that you hopefully still have from your lights! I had to slightly grind the inside of the clamps as I have 35mm thick bars, so don't fit them in the middle next to the stem. It's just that my lights were sitting in my dropper and brake cable too much being direct mount to the front of the bars. I'm not bothered about the batteries inside it and might design my own and 3D print an extended mount.
I’ve built up quite a collection of spacers over the years. The rubber ones work a million times better than hard plastic.
So you’ve got to get that stem right next to a wall plug to charge it? If so … nope.
It comes with a crazy long charging cable. But when touring, this does get a bit more challenging.
Great info! I see the Rock Bros battery comes in 50000 and now 100000 sizes. Any idea on tradeoffs for the larger capacity one other than a slightly higher price?
I have not tried the 10,000 option. I assume it's a little bigger but the extra juice is probably worth it.
Have you in any way, shape or form, tested the capacity of theese things, or are you just reading the spec sheetprovidede by some chineese seller?
The garmin/wahoo option is listed as both 5000mah and 10.000mah depending where you look, eventhough they are the same.
I use a Sandberg (genuine) 10.000mah powerbank, with a built in handwarmer feature. It works wonders, and is real treat when trown in the bottom of a sleeping bag, or used for drying your socks. It also has a built in light for use around your tent ect. The price is good too, and it takes op less space than a phone.
Thats my reel life experience.
I did not test the capacity. I don't have the instruments to validate this. But the stem is a UK company and UL tested. The accessory bar uses industry standard 18650 cells with a well known capacity. The Rockbros battery appears to be offered in two sizes. The Amazon link in the description gives you a choice of the two sizes with the 10,000 costing more.
Never leave the house :)
That can certainly solve a few problems. 😜
I just bring a 20k mah anker battery bank and shove it in my handlebar bag or panniers. It lasts long for a two nighter charging cell, camera and drone.
I never have that kind of room in my bags. The downside of always going super light.
@@TroyOnTrails it all depends on your bagging setup and how long you're going for. Charging is situational for me, I don't normally charge my devices 24/7. That 20k mah battery bank isn't too bulky to shove somewhere, snackbag, daypack, heck maybe tape it to the frame with electrical tape. Out of the 3 battery solutions you demo'd, I liked the bike mount battery (10k-mah), extendable mount to an already existing mount. The accessory bar (if you don't have one is a plus) I'm not too keen on carrying extra batteries around. 4x 18650 batteries prob the same weight of 1-20k mah battery bank. The NRG, too expensive for only 3.5k mah (1 full iphone charge). I have a short reach anyways.
I just don't know if I'd do any of those 3 if I already have a battery bank Just have to plan out your trip and hope you can make it to the next stop that has a way to recharge everything. I'm not sure if there is a better solution other than, go old school. Papermaps and no cellphones/cameras. LOL
Over the decades I’ve thrown away so many expensive devices that were still in terrific condition. They were thrown away because the electrical aspect became inoperative. Sometimes corrosion, sometimes software or database updates no longer available, sometimes the connections became obsolete. If you’re the kind of person that is constantly buying all new stuff then go for it. If you’re the kind of person who is fussy about maintenance and makes stuff last for decades then don’t be integrating hardware with constantly obsoleting electronics.
It sounds like paper maps are your jam. Very cool!
Stem power bank is useless. 3500Mah is less than the battery in my phone. A 5000Mah battery bank is the size of a lipstick. Extender bar looks ok, but as no rubber o- rings can be seen it won't be waterproof for long. Rockbros charger light is old school tech, very large, very heavy to only have 5000 Mah. Just buy an Anker power bank
The stem is best used for a cycling computer or to get bring your phone back from the dead. But the killer feature of the Rockbros is that it can mount under your cycling computer and have a wire where it is needed for charging while riding. I pack ultra light and simply don't have space for a battery. I love these solutions for having a battery where I need it without sacrificing ANY storage space.
The first one only 3500mha wont charge any thing maybe top up a little and it not having usb c is point less .. .. the solution is carry 3 x 10,000 battery waterproof banks .. and a usb c 100 watt charger .. with 3 usbc sockets .. so when you stop for a coffee or lunch you can charge 30,000 mha will charge your gps in reach iPhone iPad bike lights etc no problem last a few days ..ps good video just subbed
Yeah. The stem is certainly best for topping off a cycling computer.
Now, help me piece together a system to charge the following (sometimes simultaneously): 1 device needs a lightning cable, 3 devices need a usb mini, 2 devices need usb c, two devices need a shokz headphone cable, and one needs the Garmin watch cable. Go!
@ easy just buy usb c adapters so all cables become usbc then use usbc battery banks
Think like an Indian, act like an Indian, be an Indian. 🚴🏼🚴🏼🚴🏼
Not sure where you're going with this. But thanks for watching.
Useless for multiday bike touring
It all depends on time between power outlets and what you want to charge. I use my phone very sparingly so only really end up charging my bike computer. The accessory bar has served me very well for this. The Rockbros light will likely replace this in some situations for me as it is easier to use. But it may also live on the back of my bike for my radar.
Agree wouldn’t use any of those for touring
Thanks for testing out some cool gadgets that I wasn't aware of. I did the GDMBR last year with two power banks, 26,000 and 13,000. Yes it adds weight and bulk but I never worried about running out of juice. Why two power banks, years ago I ran one and it failed, just died and stopped working. I will probably buy the Roc Bros cycling computer unit now that I see it is available in 10,000.
@@daveebert7747 I use my smart phone a ton on my touring. I have been living on my bike fulltime for the last 13 years, without housing nor an auto.
I use 3 portable battery banks that are supposed to be 20,000 mah each, and two smart phones. Each power bank plugs directly into wall outlets without a cord. I hunt down parks with outlets, libraries, fastfood joints, and laundromats for charging, in that order.
Two battery banks get plugged into one outlet. The third battery bank and two phones get plugged into another outlet. I use one phone while it stays fully charged, to pass my time, while my other phone gets charged up. That also allows me to have a backup phone in case I lose or destroy a phone, which must have happened a dozen times.
This technique allows me to recharge at 4 times the rate of my prior technique.