Searching for Handlebar Grips with Turn Signals? Discover the RideOut Firefly

I live in a small city, but one with plenty of bike lanes. Drivers and cyclists coexist with relative peace, and it’s one of the safest places to cycle in the world.

But have I nearly been wiped out a number of times? You bet. And it usually happens because the car can’t see me.

It’s a tough go as a cyclist. Not only are you sharing the road with bigger, faster vehicles, but you’re also difficult to see and far more vulnerable to injury if you get into an accident.

What about using handlebar grips with turn signals?

I’m a fan of any piece of gear that improves your visibility and safety. So when RideOut Technologies asked me to check out their Firefly turn signal handlebar grips, it was an easy yes from me. Yep, they’re grips with a signal light that you can control.

So how do the Firefly grips work?

Shockproof, Weatherproof Turn Signal Hand Grips

The Firefly is a very smart design. Engineered to fit modern standard handlebar dimensions (22mm), you simply need to remove your old grips and slide the Firefly into place.

(Pro tip: a tiny squirt of WD-40 or something similar really helps remove standard rubber grips. Just lift the lip and spray a tiny amount under and it’ll self-distribute. Just be sure to wipe down the bars really thoroughly afterward or your new grips might have trouble maintaining their purchase.)

Unlike standard friction grips, the Firefly is attached using a small hex bolt. Another size is used to remove the battery compartment, so if you’re making this purchase it’s a good idea to have a set of Allen keys on hand.

Fit, Feel & Finish

Coming from a simpler set of grips, the Firefly feels noticeably premium. Constructed from high-quality plastic, rubber, and metal, they’re very reassuring in your hand.

A nice wide end gives your hand something to naturally rest on. The entire design is nicely ergonomic and should fit hands of all sizes.

They look good too. With a neutral black design, they’ll fit virtually any bike style seamlessly.

The turn signal button itself is hidden right where your thumb rests underneath a raised, rubberized pad. You press with your thumb to turn on the signal on that side, and again to turn it off.

There’s no click or audible sound to the light, so you’ll need to keep an eye on it and be sure to turn it off again once you’ve completed your turn, otherwise, you’ll confuse drivers. They do switch off automatically after 30 seconds, but if you’re a fast cyclist like I am you could be a block away by then.

It kind of goes without saying, but the Firefly won’t work with a bullhorn or curly drop handlebars. You’ll want straight bars or risers because these grips are built to sit on the bar ends.

The Light

The light is a bright, amber LED that won’t use up much power. It runs on a pair of AAA batteries (included) and they should last a long time.

Once activated, the light blinks like a car’s turn signal until you press the button again. The light housing is angled backward, so vehicles beside and behind you will be able to see the light. The housing wraps around to the front a little so that your signals can be seen head-on as well, though it’s slightly less visible from that angle.

Durability

The handlebars are built to withstand shocks and bumps. I can attest to their durability because my bike fell over during installation and it landed right on one of the grips. Ugh. But to my surprise, the Firefly didn’t have a scratch on it and it worked perfectly despite the shock.

They’re also weatherproof. We’ve had uncharacteristically good weather so I haven’t been able to test a rain ride yet, but after close inspection, I doubt rain would be an issue since the electronic componentry is nicely sealed.

On the Road

It’s hard to explain how awesome it is to be able to signal directionally without taking your hands off the bars. We take turn signal lights for granted in a car, but it’s a super smart addition to a bicycle too. I had a lot more confidence when taking turns in traffic knowing that the vehicles behind me could see my intention in a manner they’re accustomed to. That’s huge.

Usability is pretty excellent. My only complaint is that it’s sometimes hard to know if you’ve properly activated the signal, so it’s worth double-checking.

Caveats and Thoughts

The RideOut Firefly turn signal handlebar grips review really well, and I do think they’re a very effective piece of safety equipment. They’re comfortable, they look really nice on the bike, and they are really, really useful.

That all said, they have limitations. Vehicles need a line of sight to your handlebars to see your signals. Also, they’re less visible during the day than at night and thus I’d still recommend pairing their use with your standard hand signals to maximize your safety.

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Verdict: should you be using Firefly handlebar grips with turn signals?

Do I think they’re a worthwhile purchase? Absolutely, and especially for daily commuters who spend a lot of time in heavy traffic. And they are a worthwhile investment for kids too; it’s a great way to initiate a young bike rider into thinking about safe riding practices and visibility to cars.

You can pick up a set for $45.75 at the RideOut Technologies website.