Tagged: MonkeyLectric

Product Review: M204 Monkey Light

monkey lights comparison

Welcome to a New Year! And to start a fresh year, let’s have a happy treat for your bike!

We have a product to review that you may like. It’s from Monkeylectric, made right here in Berkeley, USA. Nellie used to have the first Monkey Light, the Original M133 (now discontinued) and it was great while it lasted. However, it was really bulky, heavy, and conspicuous. In the recent times, they have come out with four new and improved different versions – M204, M210, M232 and Pro; price ranging from $26 to $900; in different sizes and in number of lumens.

M204 bike wheel light comes with 40 lumens, it's waterproof, and has 5 themes.

M204 bike wheel light comes with 40 lumens, it’s waterproof, and has 5 themes.

The smallest and lightest one is M204 model, which I found to be pretty affordable at $26. It claims to have 360 degrees visibility but it’s not so visible from either the front or rear view. The 40 lumens light is very visible from the sides but it’s still best to complement it with head and rear lights.

It takes 3 AA batteries, lasts up to 60 hours of runtime, and fits 16" and larger wheels.

It takes 3 AA batteries, lasts up to 60 hours of runtime, and fits 16″ and larger wheels.

M204 is solidly built with silicone material encasing a computer and 4 LED lights (two on each side), making it waterproof. Good for going through wet puddles and rain. There are two user-friendly buttons, one is an ON/OFF switch and the other one is for switching to different colors and themes – 8 colors and 5 themes, which is plenty to play with.

These are the parts that come with the package - a power supply storage for batteries, plastic straps to tighten to wheel spokes, and 2 steel anti-theft fasterners.

These are the parts that come with the package – a power supply storage for batteries, computer/LED lights, plastic straps with rubber blocks to tighten to wheel spokes, and 2 steel anti-theft fasteners.

And installation is a cinch. It took me about 5-10 minutes. First, strap the computer/LEDs with two fasteners and rubber blocks to the wheel spokes. Then tighten the battery hub to the wheel hub with two fasteners, making sure they are aligned with the computer/LEDs for balance. Then connect the black wires. Done!

The battery hub should be installed across from the LED lights for balance.

The battery hub should be aligned with the LED lights for balance.

The Monkey Light uses 3 AA batteries and has a run time of 60 hours. That is pretty long. Because of the 3 AA batteries, it makes it visibly bulky and somewhat heavy but a great improvement. I would prefer it to have a USB cord or a rechargeable battery pack although it may sacrifice run time. I just don’t like waste and batteries are not cost-effective.

These images to show examples of colors and themes. Note: this is a camera effect. You would have to ride super fast to get this and at the right speed.

These images are to show examples of colors and themes. Note: this is a camera effect. You would have to ride super fast and at the right speed to get this effect. Or it may help by combining two M204 lights on each wheel.

For an inexpensive light like this, it’s hard to beat. It’s fun and yet, has a practical function- safety. M204 model has a total of 24 colors/combinations from white lighting for even more visibility to pink lighting for those of you expressing cuteness to rainbow colors for Bike Party fun-ness! And a two year warranty to boot that will guarantee its worth.