I was enjoying the bike traffic on Lyndale last night from the sidewalk tables at French Meadow. Saw a guy riding with very cool, hi-vis, spoke lights. I am interested in getting spoke lights... I really like the increase visibility to cross traffic.

Anybody using spoke lights? Got any recommendations? Any lights you would not recommend?

Thank you!

Pretty sure that MMason and Kirk Logan use these.

I once tried a pair of Schraeder valve stem caps with LED lights that used a centrifugal force design for activation. Not recommendable because there was no way to turn them off (for stealth purposes or daytime riding), short of removing the multiple watch batteries, and the internal spring mechanism would frequently stick on or off.

It's fun to buy cheap little gadgets with free shipping from Hong Kong, though. I usually forget, and then one day it's Christmas when the Par Avion air mail packet arrives.

Good luck with spoke lights.

I just picked up these a couple of weeks ago for basically the same reasons. When I'm driving in low light, I find I'll actually pick up pedal reflectors before tail lights, and spoke lights before headlights.

I think the reason is there are lots of lights (flashing or otherwise) in the city when driving but not much that goes in a regular circular pattern. Only had them for a bit but really dig them.

http://freewheelbike.com/product-list/nite-ize-b595/safety-lights-spokelit-t784-m14938-qc37/

Not exactly on topic but I used to use this and liked it a lot. It broke after two winters, and I haven't gotten another. It's VERY bright at night.

I suppose it could be wrapped up in a wheel. There. On topic.

Funny, I just looked at this during my search and was wonder if they could be mounted on a wheel. I do like it, good visibility on the frame.

Thank you everyone for the input!

I use these Cat Eye "orbit" lights:

http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/SL-LD120/

Got them in a set that included two orbits, plus a front and rear light; easy to move between bikes, good battery life, does the job.

I agree. I saw someone on the Greenway this morning with those and it really jumped out at me.

Marc has or has had both the Monkey Lectric lights and the Bike Glow. The Monkey Lectric just clips onto a spoke. It's survived a few winters and is very, very bright. It think it's cool that one of the settings gives your rpms. The only problem is that it gets in the way of our trailer attachment.

The Bike Glow fell apart quickly, even with liberal application of hockey and duct tape. It was cool while it lasted and made me feel a lot better about him biking home on University at bar close in January. I was sort of a pain to install given how long it lasted.

I forgot about the installation... To get it right I had to strip my bike down to the frame, otherwise brake/shifter cables would get in the way of my OCD need to have the coils spaced evenly.

One nice side benefit of the bikeglow came up, though... One evening, when I was getting out of class at the U, a sketchy looking dude who was obviously casing the bike racks asked me what was wrapped around my frame. I told him it was an alarm system, and he grunted and quickly walked away.

I'd like to give the Monkey Lectric a try this winter, but finances are tight and I want to be sure it's money well spent. If anyone would be willing to meet so I can check theirs out before I buy, I'd be much obliged.

Looks like Monkey Lectric folks have a new product coming soon called the "Mini Monkey". Looks cool. Kickstarter Link. Hub mounted battery would be nice.

I got a SpokeLit light as a gift a couple of years ago. Works well and it seems unbreakable.

Was this person headed eastbound somewhere between Bryant and the River sometime between 645am and 730am with an orange backpack, white helmet, woodchipper handlbars and two yellow panniers?

I don't remember the bike, but more than likely, it was between Park and 28th crossing at about that time.

Cool, well assuming it was me, glad to hear the lights are working as hoped.

More info: http://gizmodo.com/5847040/mini-monkey-lights-turn-bike-wheels-into-spinning-8+bit-art