Drummerboy1975

So how many here are like me and remove the reflector's from your wheels? Personally I don't care for them nor do you see them on race bikes. I know that they serve aperpose but them again I never ride at night.

bradtx

Drummerboy1975, If one is actually restoring a bike to original showroom condition, then yes the reflectors should be left installed, along with the pie plate. Otherwise I remove them.

Brad

miamijim

+1. 100% correct reto leave them on, otherwise pitch 'em.

UberGeek

If you intend to ride, be aware that many states require the reflectors on the wheels. Just food for thought there.

Drummerboy1975

Really now, I didn't know that.....

due ruote 

First thing to go. I do use lights, though.

UberGeek

Well, NYS does (And others as well):
https://www.nysdot.gov/divisions/ope...laws/laws.html

Section 1236

Not applicable to outside of the US, obviously, as laws vary from place to place...

As an aside, you can do reflective whitewalls on the bike, and nix the reflectors. You'd still be in compliance (Again, NYS only, other states may vary).

Catnap 

i left the reflectors and pie plates on my touring bikes but removed them from my racing/road bikes.

Drummerboy1975

I always remove the pie plates simply because most are usally brittle and or discolored. To me those ans reflectors make a bike look cheap and take away from whats really needed. A form vs. functionality thing.

Snydermann

In Pennsylvania you are required to have a front white headlight and rear and side reflectors visible to 500 feet if you ride at night. Maybe the police won't stop you, but it you get in a collision at night you've probably increased your liability if you don't have them installed.

I'll admit I remove the wheel reflectors because I think they are ugly, but if the front and rear reflectors are attached in a quality way I'll leave them on the bike. I do note which wheel reflectors came on which bike and I save them as original. I do leave the spoke protector in place on my vintage bikes, it's part of the character of the bike.

Coop500

I don't ride at night and I my bike is not a collector so removed them (as I do on all my bikes). The pie plate/dork disc was discolored on my 330 so I removed that too.

Chris_in_Miami

I leave them in place (or add them) on bikes that I'm selling, but I remove them from most of my bikes. My commuter has reflectors, and I'll be adding some reflective tape to it as well.

Bianchigirll 

Races are normally held during the day so they don't need reflectors. to my knowledge every bike is to come with the CPSC mandated reflector kit.

as for the purpose they serve...... like pedal reflectors they try and keep stupid people from being killed.

I don't have wheel reflectors but almost every bike hasd a rear flasher. my commuter from back in the day still have reflective tape on the rims.

bikemanbob

Very good question, and one I considered asking!

I think reflectors hurt the look of sportier road bikes, but typically look appropriate for touring/recreational bikes.

Also, because I tend to upgrade my collection often, very few bikes are beyond being sold. I tend to leave the reflectors for the next buyer to determine. I doubt it helps much, but reflectors may help resale value.

Ex Pres 

I know in AL a rear reflector of a minimum size is required (reflective tape, jacket, ankle bands, etc qualify). Even if you have a blinding rear red light. Car hits you at night, and you don't have that rear reflector, the driver's insurance is not covering your injuries, or your bike.

But the wheel ones are not required, and I don't (and wouldn't) have any.

tiger1964 

"Officer, he hit me so hard the reflector got knocked clean off!"

'Flectors and pie plates "go" immediately, with me. Hmm, my wife want to cycle to work more (2.25 miles), when the days start getting shorter I might need to re-think that.

auchencrow

I almost always ditch the reflectors for aesthetics, but use active lighting in darkness instead.

jimmuller 

When I bought my first 10-speed it didn't come with reflectors. It didn't have to.

ColonelJLloyd 

+1

New Yorker

I used to take 'em off, but now, if they're in good shape, I leave 'em on. I ride at night a lot in Manhattan and I figure they probably make me a tad more visible.

frenchbikefan

now, this is going to sound obnoxious, because it is. I have a backback covered in reflectors and a red flashing jager light. keeps the bikes clean and me visible

lostarchitect 

I can't stand reflectors, but I use very bright, flashing lights from dusk onward. No problem with reflective sidewalls, though.

rootboy 

This is the first bike I've ever owned that had fenders. I left this on, even though it's not original, and it's broken. I guess I need to find a suitable replacement cause without it, there's a big hole there.

rootboy 

Good Idea, I'd say!

-holiday76

i though this thread was going to be about "feelings", which is why i opened it. Let down.

Yeah, I throw them away most of the time. Lights are much more effective.