In this post, I will show you how I made a cheap but very effective bicycle reflector that can be seen from far away.
First, let’s begin with the needed materials:
- Plastic folder (this will serve as the back of the reflector)
- A high-visibility wrap for your pants (the type used to protect your pants from the chain and chainring)
- Sticky reflective tape (you only need 2 small pieces)
- Glue (I use epoxy)
- Cutting tools (scissors, utility knives…etc.)
- Zip-ties
- Perforator flap, a drill, or an awl.
Step 1: Cut a triangle.
Cut a triangle from the back of the plastic folder. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Only somewhat accurate.
Tip: If you have a wood plane, you can use it to straighten the triangle’s sides. It’s not necessary, though.
Step 3: Cut the Neon/Reflector/High-visibility Envelope of the Pant Wrap
The next step is to cut the pant wrap and remove the flexible body in it. We only need the enclosure of the wrap, not the folding spring inside.
Step 4: Glue the Neon Envelop To The Body
The next step is to glue the neon envelope to the triangle’s body.
Step 5: Glue the Reflective Tape
The next step is to glue the white reflective tape to finish the reflector.
Step 6: Make mounting holes with the perforator flap
Step 7: Mount the reflector to your saddle with zip-ties
Done.
If you have any questions, please ask them in the comment section below.
