Cycliq Fly 12 CE

Here is the latest generation of the Cycliq Fly 12 CE, which is an integrated front camera and front light. The first generation was called just the Fly 12, and it was a rather bulky unit. It was useful as a front camera to record incidents, and also as a front light.

However, it was always a pain to charge the original Fly 12, as there was no quick release mechanism to release the Fly 12 from the bike, in order to charge it. I had to park the bike next to a power socket, and connect the USB cable directly to the Fly 12. Also, the Fly 12 had to be loosened at the Gopro-style mount, in order to swivel it to access the charging port at the rear.

The alternative was to loosen the Gopro-style mount and remove the Fly 12 entirely, but it was troublesome as the interface was tight, and the angle had to be set again every time I removed it from the mount.

I mainly used it on my commuting bikes, the Avanti Inc 3 and then the Fabike C3. It is just too bulky and ugly to use it on my road bike, the Canyon Endurace.

Finally, the Fly 12 was retired ingloriously when the power button finally broke after long usage. Despite my best attempts to fix it, it only got worst after more usage. I finally decided to give up on it with little regrets.

Now, the second generation Fly 12 CE is out (June 2021), and it looks much smaller in size. Also, more importantly, there is now a quick release mount which will allow me to detach the Fly 12 CE easily for charging.

New Fly 12 CE!

Specifications of this new Fly 12 CE, with a more powerful front light.

Accessories that are inside the box for the Fly 12 CE. There is the Universal Adapter (middle) and the handlebar mount (right).

The locking shape of the Universal Adapter may look similar to the Garmin design, but it is not the same.

Before I installed the Fly 12 CE on the Focus Paralane, there was only a Garmin mount upfront for the Edge 530.

Comparing the Cycliq Duo Mount (aluminium) with the stock Garmin mount (resin).

New Fly 12 CE is more compact and squarish compared to the first version.

Camera and light positioned side by side

Charging port, SD card slot and reset buttons can be found under a waterproof trapdoor at the side. Much easier to access compared to the first generation design.

Power and Q button located at the side for easy access, as opposed to at the rear for the first version.

At the rear, there is only some holes for the beeping sounds to emerge.

Quick release tab located at the bottom of the unit, for easy removal from the bike. Very important feature.

Cyclic Duo Mount weighs 48 grams

Universal Adapter will be mounted to the Cycliq Duo Mount with a bolt using a Gopro-style interface.

Fly 12 CE unit itself weighs 195 grams, about 50 grams or 20% less than the previous version.

The total additional weight would be around 250 grams, which is roughly the weight difference between Ultegra and Dura-Ace. It is worth the additional weight if you want to record traffic incidents, or just record your ride.

Mounted under the Garmin, on the Cycliq Duo Mount.

Looks more compact compared to the first generation Fly 12. A big improvement.

Looks better with an all-black exterior, as compared to a large silver strip on the first version.

There are many noticeable improvements for this new Fly 12 CE, compared to the first generation. From the more compact size to the improved appearance, quick release function, easily accessible ports at the side as well as easily accessible buttons, it is much better.

Also, there was another issue with the first generation Fly 12, where the front light always turns on when you run the camera. It was not possible to use just the camera alone, without the light draining the battery unnecessarily. With the Fly 12 CE, the camera and light modes can be set independently.

I mostly use it as a camera only mode, as it ensures that the battery life will last the longest. I already have other front lights, so the Fly 12 CE front light only serves as a backup. 

It might seem like a waste to use this Fly 12 CE as only a front camera, when there are alternative cameras that are much cheaper. However, which other front camera can last more than 6 hours on one charge like this Fly 12 CE?

Overall I think that this is a good device to add to your bike, even though it is a pricey one.