By After a few close encounters with vehicles on my regular training route, I realized that having a camera to capture potential incidents could be really useful. I didn’t want the hassle of a bulky GoPro, so after some research, I decided to try the Cycliq Fly 12 and Fly 6, a pair of compact cycling light and camera hybrids.
The Fly 12 is a front-facing 400-lumen light combined with a 1080p action camera, while the Fly 6 serves as a rear light and camera with 720p video and 30 lumens of brightness. Both devices are impressively compact considering they serve dual purposes. The Fly 12 offers 10 different light modes, including a strong beam and fast strobe, which make it highly visible to drivers day or night (though hopefully not so much that it causes a distraction). The Fly 6 also has several light variations, but its real magic is in the video recording. Most people wouldn’t even realize they’re equipped with cameras unless you point it out to them.
The Fly 12 comes with a GoPro-style mount, but I swapped it out for a K-Edge dual Garmin/GoPro mount for a sleeker, less cluttered cockpit. The Fly 6 attaches to the seat tube with a Velcro strap and a rubber shim. I did have an issue on one ride when the strap slipped off, causing the Fly 6 to fall. Fortunately, it was undamaged, and I’ve had no further issues since.
After using both devices on every ride for the past month, I’ve found them easy to operate. A single push of a button activates both the light and camera, though the Fly 12’s button can be a bit small for my fingers. It’s manageable, though, once you get used to it.
The Fly 12 connects to a smartphone app that allows you to review your recent rides. Creating shareable videos is simple, but the app does take a little time to process them—about six minutes for a one-minute clip. Video quality is solid, but it won’t replace a high-end GoPro. The sound quality is decent, but the wind noise can be overwhelming. Videos from the Fly 6 are saved in AVI format, which means I had to download VLC media player to view them on my MacBook Pro—minor inconvenience, but worth mentioning.
Battery life is generally good, though the brightness level will impact the longevity. Cycliq claims a 10-hour battery life for the Fly 12 and 5 hours for the Fly 6. I usually charge them after every other ride, and they’ve held up without issue. The devices beep when turned on—four short beeps mean fully charged, and one beep means less than 25% charge remaining. The lights can be dimmed to extend battery life, and the cameras automatically shut off if the battery gets too low to preserve power.
At $350 for the Fly 12 and $170 for the Fly 6, these light and camera hybrids provide great value. They offer peace of mind and help capture important footage while riding, making them a worthwhile investment for any cyclist looking for extra safety on the road.
