The 10 Best Bike Wheel Lights
Special Honors
Nori Lights These bright wheel stripes can be purchased in a kit that comes with everything you need to install them on both sides of both wheels of your bike. They’re advertised as “the coolest thing to happen to the bicycle since the wheel.” Although they’ve certainly got lots of competition in this space, they do stand out thanks to their powerful brightness. (They’re even said to cast a green glow in the area around your bike.) Rather than using LEDs, they’re simply stripes made of a flexible material that conforms to your wheel’s shape, while sticking to the surface of your rims. Helpful installation videos are provided on the manufacturer’s website. norilights.com
Editor's Notes
June 26, 2019:
Bike wheel lights are great for providing visibility in the dark for riders of all ages. When combined with some bright white headlights and red taillights, they can help to ensure you’re seen from all angles, whether you’re riding on a residential street, bike trail, or off the beaten path. What’s more, this type of colorful illumination can be an easy conversation starter and is ideal for anyone who enjoys being at the center of attention.
Three new additions join our list in this update. The HeroBeam Set is a great one-stop shopping option for those who want to be seen from all sides. It includes two mountable headlights that can be set to high, low, or a flashing mode, as well as two red tail lights and bright blue pieces that attach to the spokes of each wheel. Some users don’t feel the need for both powerful headlights, so they can either keep one as a spare or give it to another rider in the household. The set comes in a high-quality, foam-filled box with slots for each component -- so come winter, you have a convenient spot to store them for the next year.
The Nite Ize model attaches to your spokes and shines with every color of the rainbow when you ride. It comes with a weather-resistant, plastic build that can handle much of what Mother Nature sends your way. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, the touch of a button changes the lights to a flashing red. You can buy this kit with confidence, thanks to its CE safety certification as well as its satisfaction guarantee.
The Tinana Waterproof has a built-in motion-sensor that enables the 32 bulbs to turn on only when you’re riding, and they’ll cycle through dozens of patterns. In addition, you can program it not to turn on when you’re on your bike during daylight, thanks to its light sensor. Just be aware that the included clips won’t fit larger spokes, so some zip ties or additional hardware might be necessary.
Leaving the list today due to issues with availability are the XuanWheel S1, the Rottay Rim, and the Pesp CDYcam.