How To Remove Reflector From Bike Wheel

I've been meaning to remove my spoke reflectors but haven't gotten around to it. The topic of spoke/wheel reflectors came up today while on a thirty mile grouping ride and I learned that a friend just removed hers. I can't look like the only rookie of the group! 😉 Time to remove these ugly "useless" things.

Of course safety is of extreme importance to me, so I wasn't going to remove them without installing a new prophylactic feature. Enter Lightweights. Pace ane: Remove the heavy, old wheel reflectors with a screwdriver.

I used a coin for my front wheel and it came off hands. The dorsum wheel was a little tight and needed a screwdriver.

They are a simple two-piece construction and were easy to remove.

At present that I had my dorky spoke reflectors off, information technology was time to install my super lightweight, super absurd reflector tape. For each reflector that I removed, I dropped 16 grams. Adding the wheel reflector tape just added 2 grams. That is a total savings of 28 grams! I'm not too concerned with the weight of my bike. Let's be serious, losing the reflectors is non going to make me ride any faster, but it is squeamish to have a sleek bike.

Let me be clear, it is non just well-nigh appearance, these pre-cut Lightweights for Wheels Power Reflectors are 400% more reflective than plain wheel reflectors! It actually seems like a no-brainer – your bike looks amend and is safer.

I outset cleaned the spoked with Uncomplicated Green. And so I used the awarding guide ruler in the instruction booklet to perfectly position each pre-cutting reflective rectangle. With a petty rubbing and burnishing with your fingernail, you can wrap each spoke super tight. There is a white paper backing that is removed and while a straight-forward process, information technology is a bit fourth dimension-consuming. Sitting outside enjoying the summer weather and listening to Pandora makes the process more enjoyable.

My wheels accept 36 spokes. My bike is tilted in this picture, but they are indeed all lined up perfectly.

I didn't want to await until night to take a photo so this was taking during the day with a flashlight shining on it. My basic point and shoot lacks a slow shutter speed and so I couldn't capture the perfect spinning issue the fashion I wanted, simply in person it appears as a continuous circumvolve of light and is very noticeable even during the twenty-four hours. This reflective spoke tape, along with a skilful forepart and rear light, is far more constructive than the stock plastic spoke reflectors. Don't forget to add together some reflective tape to your helmet or clothing!

My wheel is lighter, brighter, safer and looks better. Why did I wait so long to remove them?

Here are some mutual reasons why people remove the stock wheel reflectors that come on their bikes.

• They are "heavy".
• They make your bicycle look slower.
• They can loosen upwards and slide around making racket.
• They can make your wheels wobble.
• They can fall off and litter the road.
• Most people ride during the day, and if y'all are riding at night you should have lights anyway!

Exercise yous have annihilation to add together to this list?

Tin can't wait to continue a night ride and try out my new 400% more than reflective spokes. 🙂

Source: https://runningoncloud9.wordpress.com/tag/removing-spoke-reflectors/

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