Remove bike reflector
 

I want to put my rear bike reflector on the back of my saddle bag. I know how to remove it from the seat post, but is there a way to remove the reflector from the little clamp?

You can find better reflective material than the crud that the bike manufactures put on. A light would be even better.

I disagree that installed bike reflectors are "crud." Any reflector is better than no reflector.

I do agree that you'd be better off installing a quality light on your bag as opposed to moving the reflector to the back of your bag.

Leave the reflector on and buy an additional reflector or light.

The reflector would be covered by the bag so it's useless there. Removing it also allows more room for the bag

If it's the typical inexpensive CPSC-mandatedone-piece plastic unit you are out of luck, they are glued together. I suppose you could cut the reflector off of the mount and glue a large safety pin to it and pin it to your bag.
A better idea might be to get some kind of flashing rear light to put there instead. I use a Planet Bike Superflash SuperFlash but there are tons of others out there.

If you feel you need a reflector or rear light you probably should consider a headlight as well. I got these Blaze 2 Watt as combos with the rear lights for a decent discount.

If you really want a reflector for the saddlebag, there are tons of them with flat backs at auto parts stores, Ebay, Amazon, etc. Amber can be seen a lot farther away than red, btw.

Just go to your local bike shop. They'll be happy to give you a reflector for free. They've got tons of takeoffs and just plain extras.

This.

Reflectors do squat for visibility compared to a decent tail/head light combo. Reflectors are only one marginal step above nothing at all on a dark night.

+1 That's what I did. I got one that matches the original shape/size.... except it has a hole in the back for a screw.

Then I made a template and marked my bag for two holes. One hole is for the screw and the other hole is for a stud (built-into the reflector). I used a propane torch to heat a nail (held with vise-grips) and burnt [the two] holes in the saddle bag. Then I used the template with some scrap plastic (a jar lid) and made the back-up bracket.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=468104

I totally agree with those who say that a tail light is far better, but batteries, dynamo wires and lights can fail and it can be sometime before you notice (unless you ride facing backwards).
Most states require a red rear reflector, so I have one each of my bikes, usually as part of the rear light although my daily commuter/nasty weather bike has two - one dynamo rear light and one battery rear light, each with integral red reflectors.

Some great points here.

I believe in some level of redundancy with lights and reflectors. I never take off reflectors. Why? It's just a few ounces and they can bail you out and save your rear end.

The more reflective material you have on your bike, the better. Add some to your clothing too when you ride, too.

You really want to err on the side of being as visible as possible.

I know what you mean, but this reflector will be covered by my saddle bag anyway rendering it invisible. Also, removing it will provide more room for the bag. I was hoping to at least clip it to the saddle bag for the time being.

I have a "large" saddle bag and still keep the reflector on there. There's plenty of room for both, even with not that much post showing. This is a road bike after all.

I'm not saying that the obscured reflector will help. I'm just saying the more reflective material you have, the better off you are. The reflector, if it fits with your bag installed, will not hurt, and it may help in some small way: a small glimmer of light from the side? Who knows. With no drawbacks of keeping it on, I elect to keep it on. :)

Bikes and riders are almost always less than optimally visible, especially at night, so always better to err on the side of having more rather than less reflective material.

I am always pleasantly surprised when bikes, clothing or accessories have reflective material. I know it drives up costs for manufacturers, so it's always a "+" to see it anywhere: shoes, jerseys, bags, tire sidewalls, wherever.