$3 Helmet-Mounted Bike Light
by Travis Daniel Bow in Outside > Bikes
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$3 Helmet-Mounted Bike Light
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If you bike at night, and you're too cheap to shell out $35 for a specially made light and helmet mount, then these instructions are for you. All you need is a $3 flashlight and a shoelace.
- $3 flashlight: I got mine at Big 5. It was in a basket at the check-out counter, and it was $3. The lady at the counter informed me that the ridges can be used for self defense. I cared more that it took AAA batteries and put out a nice strong beam. I'm betting there are about four billion other $3 flashlights you can find that will work just as well.
- Shoelace: You can take one from an old shoe, or buy a new one for $0.99, or use a piece of string. If you're a rebel, you could use a piece of tape or a Velcro strap instead. It won't hurt my feelings.
Make the First Loop
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- Set the flashlight on top of the helmet.
- Loop your shoelace over the flashlight.
- Put each end of the shoelace through the closest holes in your helmet.
- Tie half of a knot on the inside of the helmet.
- Note: by half a knot, I mean the first half of a granny knot. This is the first step you use when you tie your shoes. Don't finish the knot, your you'll have a big bump pushing into your head.
Make the Second Loop
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- Bring the ends of the string back up through the holes.
- Loop them over the flashlight towards the back of the helmet.
- Push them through the holes towards the back of the helmet.
- Tie a half-knot on the inside of the helmet.
Tie Off on the Top
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- Bring the ends of the string back up through the holes.
- Tie a nice tight knot (like a square knot).
- Loop the strings back down to the bottom and trim them short.