Shopcast

Using dynamo charging units to keep your devices charged up on an extended race, event or tour gets a bit tricky as there are many variables at play.
The simplest way to be sure you will be successful is to use your dynamo generated energy to power a power bank (battery). We had 2 customers that did the 2019 Paris-Brest Paris (1200K!) and both of them used the Power Pack II to charge their GPS & phones with success.
One of the tricky parts of using dynamo energy with devices is the constant fluctuation in power output. Many electronic devices lock onto a small trickle of power and do not take in more power when it becomes available. This leads to NOT charging the device. Some devices re-assess and take in higher levels of power when it becomes available (my iPhones have always seemed ok at this), but not all. So the only sure bet is to use a power bank that is designed to adjust intake as it is available. Not all (in fact few) power banks can handle this power management.
The Cinq5 Power Pack II as well as Goalzero Power Banks have been specifically designed not only to accept an ever-changing flow of power, but also are capable of acting as a pass-through. This means that the power bank can be used to charge a device at the same time that it is being charged.

We do a lot of dynamo lighting setups at Perennial Cycle. We have customers using dynamo power to light up their way home from work, keep them well light and fully charged on massive road rides, heading into the woods bike camping or cross country touring.
Lights for dynamo are pretty straight-forward and info can be found HERE.

Personally I've used the Plug III as well as the Igaro D2 Pro R2 to charge a few different iPhones over the years with great success, but how successful you are at charging a device with dynamo charger will depend on the amount of daylight you have (dynamo chargers do not charge AND run your lights), the device you are charging and the speed you ride at.
If you have time, it is best to do a fair bit of testing.

While we are huge dynamo lighting fans at Perennial, we understand that it's not always the right choice. USB rechargeable lights are very impressive thanks to advances in battery & LED technology. If your Brompton is going to be used for transportation, whether you are riding in your home turf, or you are traveling, lights are a must for riding at night. And who wants to be limited to riding during daylight hours).

Here are some options that we sell to Brompton customers

Cateye Volt400 for Brompton
The Volt400 comes with a bracket that positions the light very cleanly above your front wheel. This kit is fully compatible with all Brompton front bags.
While we like this light for it's tidy fit on the bike and it's ability to make sure you are seen in traffic, it's not bright enough for all conditions.
Its biggest shortfall is availability. If we have it in stock and you like it, don't waste time getting it in your hand as it is challenging for Brompton (and us) to keep it in stock.

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Cateye AMPP for Brompton
The AMPP for Brompton fits the light nicely under the front bags and above the front wheel.
The options of 500, 800 or 1100 lumens make this headlight very appealing to anyone needing to increase their visibility as well as spreading a brighter, broader light in front of them. Like the Volt400, the AMPP series is USB rechargeable.

Busch & Muller Ixon Core
The Ixon Core is our only rechargeable with a mirrored beam that shines the road with a nicely spread pattern yet doesn't shine in the eyes of oncoming riders and drivers.
A handlebar bracket mounts to the bars and the light slides on and off this bracket. The Brompton can be folded with the light still attached to the bars (all types), though the folded package will be a touch wider until you remove the light from its bracket.

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Light & Motion Urban 500
The Urban 500 is a light with great optics and at full power it can guide you through unlit streets. In more lit conditions you can dial back the power and use less battery consuming power settings.
The super grippy mounting strap is easy to wrap the light onto the bars and hold the light securely enough to the bars to hold steady beam on the bumpy trails. Mind you, it's plenty stretchy to have some give if you bump it hard.

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NightRider Swift 300
At 82 grams with 5 light modes and a run time from 2 all the way to 27 hours, this economical rechargeable light gives a lot of bang for not so many bucks. The Swift 300 is also very compact, so whether your Brommie is folded or unfolded, the light is not going to cause any problems.

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NightRider Lumina Micro 650
The Micro 650 is a bit larger than the Swift 300, but still a nice tidy package that fits very well on all the Brompton handlebars. A good and strong light with a great beam pattern to keep you comfortable pedaling even on the downhills.

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Light & Motion Vis 360 Pro
This helmet light can be your one light, or it can complement lights on your bike. The Vis 360 Pro includes a front light, rear light and mounting hardware to easily set it up on your helmet. The USB rechargeable battery is integrated into the rear light. I like this light because it allows me to point it directly at drivers so I can know if they see me (or not).
Also it puts the light as high as possible which will help with visibility of all drivers.

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We have used a wide variety of lights with our Bromptons over the years. We certainly appreciate the Volt400 with its Brompton mount, but we also recognize that while mounting a USB rechargeable light to the handlebar isn't quite as clean, it is equally useful when it comes to shining the road ahead. The Cateye AMPP series is a welcome addition and with it's 3 models, you should be able to match the brightness needed for your riding conditions.

BTW: If you are using a Brompton saddle (either width), you should consider the Rapid Mini rear blinky light for Bromptons. It mounts very cleanly onto your saddle. We recommend having this on your bike, no matter what other lights you are using.

Rapid Mini Saddle Light for Brompton
We recommend the Rapid Mini Saddle light as it is a simple way to make yourself more visible out on the roads (always a good idea).

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Welcome
Fall brings no big changes to our COVID-19 response other than that we are hopeful that in one year we might be doing things differently (#fingerscrossed). The one real change is that we are closed both Sunday AND Monday, though appointments can be made for Mondays.

Front Door Only
The shop back door and Dunn Bros. entry are not customer entries at this time. Please come to front door to be met by staff. You won’t be allowed to enter beyond our entryway, but we will help you using our new procedures listed below:

‘No Contact' Bicycle Service Drop-Off
Repairs and tune-ups will continue, though you will not be entering the shop. Please fill out this form to give mechanics information about your service needs. Bring your bicycle to the front door of the shop. The mechanic will follow up with a phone call after they've looked over your bicycle to discuss service. No work will begin until you've approved it.

‘No Contact' Merchandise Pick-up
The majority of our merchandise is on our website and may be purchased online. Choose ‘curbside pick up’ and come to the front of the shop. If you need assistance, give a call at (612) 827-8000 or use the online chat on our website.

Bicycle Sales by Appointment
Bicycle sales are by appointment only. Test rides are available. Maximum two people per appointment. Sorry, but no children at your first appointment, though you will be given a chance to bring the kids for a test ride after the initial appointment (and an appointment is not required for family's test ride). Schedule your appointment HERE

Free Shipping
Order online and have accessories delivered. Shipping is free for qualified orders over $100.

New Hours
10-6 Tuesday - Saturday
Monday: Appointment only
Closed on Sundays

The latest "Minnesota Stay Safe" order began today. Staying safe at Perennial Cycle is a priority. We are working hard to keep our employees and customers as safe as possible. Due to our deep concern about safety, we will continue to be open but we will also continue with our modified manner of operation:

Front Door Only
The shop back door and Dunn Bros. entry are locked. Please come to front door to be met by staff. You won’t be allowed to enter beyond the entry of the shop, but staff will help you using our new procedures listed below:

‘No Contact' Bicycle Service Drop-Off
Repairs and tune-ups will continue, though you will not be entering the shop. Please fill out this form to give mechanics information about your service needs. Bring your bicycle to the front door of the shop, and knock or give a call. Staff will meet you at door to take your bicycle after you step away. The mechanic will follow up with a phone call after they've looked over your bicycle to discuss service. No work will begin until you've approved it.

‘No Contact' Merchandise Pick-up
The majority of our merchandise is on our website and may be purchased online. Choose ‘curbside pick up’ and come to the front of the shop. If you need assistance, give a call at (612) 827-8000 or use the online chat on our website.

Bicycle Sales by Appointment
Bicycle sales are by appointment only after the shop has closed for the day. Test rides are available. Maximum two people per appointment. Sorry, but no children at this time. The appointments are currently being grouped by style of bike. There are a maximum of 4 slots per evening. Please fill out this form if you’d like to schedule a sales appointment. Or call (612) 827-8000.

Free Shipping
Order online and have accessories delivered. Shipping is free for qualified orders over $100.

New Hours
10-6 Monday - Saturday
Closed on Sundays