HelenP

Sub: Monkey Lights

So I live in a big city. And some intersections have better drivers than others. Monkey Lights are a solution I’m considering for “the others”: aggressive drivers with more than the standard 2 blind spots. The lights are very bright and hard to miss which makes them ideal for the issue.

The problem is that these tire fixtures happen to be gaudy. It sort of interferes with the healthy, practical, not-wanna-standout look we might feel more comfortable projecting as bicycles commuters. I know a few cyclists in my shoes who simply will not give this option the time of day because it’s marketed for a) children b) “fun” adults.

And maybe your observations are different from mine, but the people who I’ve seen use them are indeed a) children b) grown children. By grown children, I mean people who commit dangerous traffic violations zipping around hazardously - how do I know? Because they’re so noticeable!

So what’re your thoughts? Would you buy a pair for your bike

holytrousers

Nop, attracts too much attention. I think a good headlight mounted on the helmet is better..

Darth Lefty 

Wheel reflectors and reflective tire stripes would be better

timdow

I agree here... I run tires with reflective sidewalls, and they are very bright. I can't even get a picture of the bike with flash. Doesn't help much when headlights aren't on, but wheel lights won't help much either in that situation.

One tactic that most know, but it is worth repeating is to ensure that eye contact is made or otherwise ensure that the driver sees me before proceeding. Difficult if they have limo glass.

fooferdoggie 

a rotating flashing light is very attention getting from many angles. defectors only work mostly straight on. but monkey lights are no more the company is history. I see them on bikes before other things. I gave up on trying to look cool I rather been seen than be cool.

pdlamb

Obnoxious flashing helmet light lets you direct the beam towards drivers who need some "help."

The bad drivers O.P. is concerned about are as likely to be fascinated by Monkey Lights, and neglect driving their vehicles, as they are likely to be alerted by them, IMHO.

fooferdoggie 

monkey lights had just plain flashing less too without the pattern I use those as they turn on and off automatically. I also have a lumos helmet and a flashing and steady back light. I ride in all kinds of weather and darkness rain and fog.

Darth Lefty 

A single light that's all directions and not pointed at the driver just sounds... weak, maybe

BobbyG

HelenP My sister bought me a monkey light a few years ago. I was commuting home at night in the winter. She was not aware of my other lighting at the time.

The Monkey lights are okay, but I feel what works better is helmet mounted lights with 180 degree visibility (equalling 360-degrees), and of course the ability to turn one's head to direct the main beam at traffic on the side and the lights are above the hoods of most vehicles.

Also, I have used an AirZound Airhorn for 25 years (you pump it up with your bike pump).

Also, I mounted my forward flashers (with side discharge) on the front fork so the light would also dance off the spokes.

But in the greater scheme of things, the Monkey Lights can be pretty, but they are not magical.

Digger Goreman

I concur with the separate helmet light. Recently run two Cygolites (one on helmet, one on bars) in the morning and cars are taking more notice. I believe the ability to swivel ones helmeted light is more visible from the ambient city light clutter than just a handlebar mounted light. In the day I run one flashing bar light. Hotshot Pro flashing to rear at all times.

Korina

If you still want spoke lights but simpler than the Monkey Lights, Nitize makes a couple of styles. You still want a good headlight and taillight(s).

ETA: Ankle lights are great too. I might need a pair. (Not endorsing this brand, just the first one I ran across.

fooferdoggie 

so far I have not seen anything in the same quality range. plus I chose their cheaper model because it was auto on and off. I hated having to stop and turn on the light when I forgot. I had ant+ tail light and headlight I turned my garmin on and all the lights would start and stop and I would get notifications when the batteries were low.

HelenP

Thanks all. I already got into one car accident and safety is very important to me. I road my bike back last night and there’s 6 particular blocks of anxiety I have to be as practical as I can about.

I ended up getting a pricey Lumos Matrix helmet, the Nite Rider MLs, and a light up belt to strap over my backpack. Whatta load!

fooferdoggie 

the lumos is good and its moves from bike to bike