Fly6 launch a new light and a new brand – Cycliq
- by Christopher Jones
- Published: 18 November 2014
When the revolutionary Fly6 bike light with integrated camera was launched on crowd funding portal KickStarter, it attracted over $260,000 in funding, almost three times the $95,000 goal. After delivering all of the cameras to early adopters across the world, the Western Australian team behind the Fly6 have moved straight onto the next version. It was not the Fly12, a complimentary front light and camera version (as speculated in the Australian Cycling Forums), rather it was, and now is, the next generation Fly6, which has slimmed down and promises improvements.
On top of the new light announcement, there is more big news: Cycliq is now the brand behind the Fly6 and officially launches to the public today. This suggests future expansion beyond the Fly6, and perhaps the dreams of the cycling community for an integrated front light and camera will soon become a reality.
The new version of Fly6 has been in trials for months and BNA has also taken part in testing prototypes. I’ll only briefly cover the features here, but a complete review is in the works.
Side-by-side, the new and the original Fly6
Access to the mini USB port and Micro SD card moves to the side
If you are new to this lighting concept, you can read the BNA review of the original light here: Fly6, not an action camera, a safety camera. The obvious change with the new camera is that it loses about 2 centimeters in height, and is now down to 8.5 cm high. Though smaller, it puts on 8 grams and weighs 116 g (excl. clips, straps, etc.)
The Micro SD card slot and USB cable ports are now on the side and sealed with a more elegant cover. The cover is a little trickier to open, however, and conceals a (now smaller) micro USB port and the Micro SD slot.
The Fly6 retains the .avi format, which is better suited to PC’s, and 1280 x 720 (720p) resolution, though it boasts a higher quality camera to provide a richer video quality. The new Fly6 also has brighter rear lights up to 30 Lumens. The following short video demonstrates the light sequence and dimming.
Is it really a better product?
A comprehensive trial of the final production version will be able to answer this question, but until then only preliminary observations can be shared.
If you have the original Fly6, the overall concept and functionality remains the same. For cyclists with low-set seat posts and limited real-estate, it still may be a tight fit.
The clips and mounting remains the same, including the wedge so that it can fit on aero seat tubes. Two extra rubber straps are included for good measure. The buttons to turn the camera on and switch the light mode are nicer with clear tactile feedback and, overall, the light has been constructed well.
Fly6 CEO, Andrew Hagen explained that the video camera field of view has been reduced from 120 degrees to 100 degrees while the camera quality improved for better legibility of number plates, particularly towards the edges.
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The new Fly6 is priced at $275 (AUD) plus $15 shipping. Cycliq have announced an Australian distributer, Jet Black, who will ensure that the FLy6 is available from local bike shops. It will be available soon in-store at RRP $275. Further information and specifications are online: www.cycliq.com
Can the ‘original’ Fly6 still be purchased as a possible cheaper alternative?
Good question – I don’t believe it can as only the new one is being offered for sale. An option is to watch out for current owners who are keen to upgrade and will sell their original fly6.
Thanks Chris
Can’t say I’m too keen on the Fly6; several of the cyclists in my bunch ride have these devices and they are recording constantly while we are riding – this constitutes a breach of my right to privacy as there is no notice warning me that I’m being recorded and I (as well as the rest of the bunch) have not been asked for my permission to record during the ride. I have no control over where the video may end up, for example, if I stack it after touching the Fly6 owner’s rear wheel I could be embarrased publicly on social media or maybe on Australia’s funniest home videos.
I applaud the original intention behind these devices and I have no problem with them being used for solo rides, just keep them out of the bunch.
The law’s pretty clear on this one actually, there is no ‘right to privacy’ when you are in public nor any requirement for people to ask your permission before photographing or videoing you. There are provisions for grossly invasive or harassing actions, filming up a skirt for example, but nothing that would mean a cyclist can’t simply record a ride.
A very fair comment. A bike rider may prioritise recording video for their personal safety (or backup) and privacy.
In the case of bunch rides (and I trust the fly6 riders are using the courtesy dimming settings for the lights) I recommend discussing with the bunch. I assume that it will be hard to dissuade riders from using this however a code of conduct would be used for when / how recorded footage is used. For example, if footage is published on youtube or any other accessible media, that riders on camera expressly provide permission.
Discussing this alone raises the awareness and gives all riders a clear idea how and when to use / share footage.
It also raises another interesting topic, that you are aware of riders recording, does it change your behaviour. As you are tightly packed in the bunch it may not be comforting if you feel as though you are in the spotlight. But transition this to motorists, if they are aware that there are cameras, they are more likely to drive safely. In an earlier fly6 article I noted that it is not obvious to motorists that the fly6 is a recording device.
Rob. Some stores still offer the original Fly6 @ $175
Hi all,
I am a gadget man and a queen cyclist. I ordered my first Fly6 on a discounted promotional price and had to wait for long time to arrive. During the wait the new Fly6 was promoted and decided that I needed another since I own four bikes, also on a promotional price. The second one arrived in well in the promised time. I changed the micro SD card for a larger one as I like to keep some of the footage. Very happy with the quality of both units and also pleased with movie quality. Perfect video in good weather, night time is a bit of a hit and miss. Only problem that the new and old Fly6 not really use the same mounting rail (supposed to be the same) and old one is far too tight in the new fitting. Luckily each unit comes with 2 fittings. As for the privacy issue, being filmed in a bunch ride, just do the right thing and you got nothing to worry about. My mates are asking me for the footage, the best video of someone climbing and during descending. I am on the mailing list for the Fly12
Cheers, George
[…] to develop their product and, in November 2014, launched the redesigned Fly6 while simultaneously announcing Cycliq as their new company name. Now they are just about to launch the Fly12 front light with integrated camera on […]