The Cycliq Fly12 has become one of the most talked-about pieces of tech in cycling circles. It combines a powerful front light with a high-definition video camera, offering visibility and security in one solid package. Designed for people who want to document their rides or have reliable footage in case of an incident, the Fly12 aims to bridge the gap between a dedicated front light and an action camera. But does it really live up to its premium price tag?
Design and Build Quality
The Fly12 makes a strong first impression with its clean, minimalist design. Its aluminium housing feels tough and confidence-inspiring, giving the impression it can survive rough handling and bad weather. It’s rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, which means it can handle heavy rain or gritty roads without issue.
That said, it’s not a compact unit. At around 250 grams, it takes up noticeable handlebar space. On smaller bikes or those with aero cockpits, finding a good position might require some adjustment. The mounting system is simple to use, but a few people have mentioned that the included mount doesn’t feel as robust as the main unit itself. Cycliq sells improved mounts separately, which may be worth considering if you ride frequently.
The Fly12’s dual-purpose design means you get both a front light and a camera in one device, but it’s also the reason for its size. The trade-off is convenience: you only have to charge and mount one unit instead of two.
Video Quality and Camera Features
At its core, the Fly12 is designed to record high-definition video as you ride. It captures 1080p footage at up to 60 frames per second, which delivers smooth, detailed video. The wide-angle lens offers a 135-degree field of view, providing a broad picture of the road ahead. For commuting, training rides, or weekend explorations, the footage is sharp and stable enough to clearly show traffic, scenery, and key details.
The camera’s image stabilisation system does a good job of smoothing out vibrations from uneven roads. It’s not at the level of a top-tier action camera like a GoPro, but it’s more than adequate for capturing reliable footage of your rides. The six-axis electronic stabilisation keeps things steady even on rough surfaces or cobbled sections.
Low-light performance is acceptable, but not outstanding. In well-lit urban areas or at dusk, the video remains clear, but in near-dark conditions, headlights and reflective surfaces can cause glare or reduce the readability of finer details such as number plates. This is common for small sensors in compact cameras, but it’s worth noting if you plan to rely on the footage for evidence.
One of the standout features is the incident protection mode. If the Fly12 detects a sudden tilt or impact, it automatically locks and saves the most recent video clip so it isn’t overwritten. This is particularly valuable in the event of an accident, ensuring crucial footage is always preserved.
Light Performance
The Fly12’s front light outputs up to 600 lumens, which is bright enough for commuting and city riding. It provides good visibility for others to see you, and it offers sufficient illumination for moderately lit roads. However, for completely dark or rural routes, it doesn’t quite replace a dedicated high-power bike light.
The beam pattern is wide and even, avoiding the harsh hotspot effect that some cheaper lights produce. There are several brightness and flashing modes that can be customised via the Cycliq app, allowing you to adapt it for different environments. The light is especially effective in daytime flash mode, making you far more visible to oncoming traffic.
While 600 lumens might not seem high compared to specialist lights, the Fly12’s purpose is to balance visibility and video performance. Using higher brightness settings continuously will naturally reduce battery life, so there’s a trade-off between brightness and recording duration.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is one of the Fly12’s strongest points for everyday cycling. On a full charge, the unit can record for several hours, depending on your chosen light and camera settings. Cycliq quotes around eight hours of runtime in camera-only mode, and roughly four to five hours when recording video with the light on medium brightness.
Charging is handled via USB-C, which is convenient and relatively quick. The device also supports pass-through charging, so you can power it from an external battery pack during long rides. For people who commute daily or do longer weekend rides, that flexibility is a real advantage.
There’s an LED indicator on the back to show charging and battery status. The Cycliq app also provides estimated remaining battery life, although some people report minor inconsistencies between the app and real-world performance.
Connectivity and App Integration
Cycliq’s companion app allows you to adjust settings, change recording modes, and configure light patterns. You can also overlay speed, distance, and other ride metrics onto your videos using the CycliqPlus software.
The app is functional but not perfect. Connecting the Fly12 to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi can occasionally be slow, and large video files can take time to transfer wirelessly. Many people prefer to remove the microSD card and transfer footage directly to a computer for faster performance.
Firmware updates are delivered through the app, and regular updates have helped improve stability and add new features over time. Still, it’s an area where Cycliq could continue refining the experience to make it smoother and more intuitive.
Everyday Use
In practice, the Fly12 feels well thought out for daily riding. It powers up quickly, starts recording automatically, and loops video segments in 5-, 10-, or 15-minute blocks. Once the memory card is full, it overwrites the oldest footage unless the incident mode locks a file. This means you never have to manage storage manually, and the device effectively acts as a cycling dash cam.
People appreciate how seamlessly the Fly12 integrates into their routine. Mount it, power it on, and ride. The peace of mind that every second of your journey is being recorded is worth a lot, especially for those who commute or train in busy environments.
That said, there are some practical quirks. Because of its weight and length, the Fly12 can slightly affect handlebar handling on lightweight bikes. It’s not dramatic, but noticeable if you’re sensitive to front-end balance. In wet conditions, the camera lens can collect droplets that distort footage. A quick wipe before setting off usually prevents this.
Durability and Reliability
The Fly12 feels solid, and the construction quality is generally high. However, some long-term reports have raised concerns about the durability of the mounting system and the longevity of certain components. Plastic mounting tabs can weaken over time, and a few people have mentioned water ingress after several months of heavy use.
Cycliq’s customer support record is mixed. Many have received replacements under warranty with little hassle, while others found the process slower than expected. It’s fair to say that the brand has made significant improvements with the newer Sport and CE models, which appear to have addressed many of the reliability issues seen in earlier versions.
As with any electronic bike accessory, keeping firmware updated and checking seals periodically helps maintain performance and prevent problems.
Value for Money
There’s no denying that the Fly12 sits in a premium price bracket. However, when you consider that it replaces both a front light and a camera, the cost becomes easier to justify. A comparable GoPro and a decent front light would cost a similar amount combined — but you’d need to mount, charge, and manage two devices instead of one.
The Fly12’s real value lies in its convenience. It saves time, simplifies your setup, and gives reliable footage without needing to think about it. For people who ride regularly in traffic, that alone can make it worth the investment.
If your main priority is top-tier video quality for creative content, an action camera might be better. But if you value safety recording, ease of use, and solid lighting in one neat package, the Fly12 offers a strong all-round solution.
Final Verdict
The Cycliq Fly12 delivers a well-rounded combination of visibility, security, and recording power in a single, well-engineered device. It’s not flawless — the app experience could be smoother, the mounting system stronger, and the light output higher for completely dark routes — but it’s a versatile, practical tool that fits the needs of most cyclists who want extra peace of mind on the road.
Its ability to automatically capture and protect crucial footage sets it apart from standard action cameras, while its bright, intelligently designed light ensures you remain visible in all conditions. For people who commute, train, or explore regularly, the Fly12 makes a convincing case for being one of the most practical cycling accessories available today.
