Hokey Spokes -

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about Hokey Spokes:

What colour combination works best?
Any selection is eye-catching! It is a matter of personal taste but three different colours on one wheel seems to work best.

Which is the most popular Hokey Spoke?
The most popular Hokey Spoke is the Rainbow, a combination of different LEDs all on one blade: 4 Reds, 3 Greens, 3 Yellows, 3 Orange and 2 Blue LEDs

How many Hokey Spokes do I need on one bicycle wheel?
We have experimented with one, two, three, even as many as six! One may create an imbalanced wheel at higher speeds. Two Hokey Spokes mounted opposite (180 degrees) one another would balance it but you have to go 12 mph to get the full visual effect. Having three different Hokey Spokes on one wheel (spaced at 120 degrees apart) gives the best visual effect at 7 mph. You can load as many as six but you don't seem to have better images. So we recommend three on each wheel.

Why are Blue & White Hokey Spokes more expensive?
It is to do with the individual cost of the Blue & White LED lights from the supplier. Since there are Blue LEDs on the Rainbow Hokey Spoke, the price is a little higher.

What makes Hokey Spokes work?
Each Hokey Spoke contains a microprocessor chip which runs on specially patented software developed by the inventor, Dave Hoch. At the base of the Hokey Spoke there is an LED emitter which sends out an infrared signal allowing it to "talk" with all of the other Hokey Spokes installed on that wheel. When you turn on one Hokey Spoke, they all turn on. When you shut off one Hokey Spoke, they all turn off. There are no wires between the Hokey Spoke blades.

I have one Hokey Spoke that blinks when it is turned off. Why is that?
With the first version of Hokey Spokes the inventor, Dave Hoch, wrote the software so that the one LED would blink when the unit was shut off as a battery indicator. Dead batteries left in the battery chamber could eventually leak and damage your Hokey Spokes beyond repair, voiding the one-year limited warranty. The blinking LED consumes very little power and will not drain your batteries but people thought they would. Mr. Hoch later changed the software to remove the blinking LED. The only other change was on the blue cap that went from a pressure spring to a brass plug designed to tighten the batteries in the battery chamber. Other than that, your Hokey Spokes are all the same! Just be sure to remove dead batteries to protect your Hokey Spokes!

I turned on my Hokey Spokes and now they are on and they won't shut off. What's the problem?
In "Program" mode, the spokes will not turn off when you press the PWR key. You must press PWR-SEL keys at the same time to get the spokes out of programming mode first. Another solution is to remove the batteries, reinsert the batteries and then PWR up again. (See second solution below...)

I turned on my Hokey Spokes and now they are on and they won't shut off. What's the problem?
We've noticed, too, that sometimes a Hokey Spoke will not turn off. In examining this, it requires three 1.5 volt batteries for a total voltage of 4.5 volts. When we check the voltage of a Hokey Spoke that would not shut off, it measured 3.0 volts (the total of all three AA batteries). Hence, when your batteries begin to fail, there is not enough voltage for it to work properly. It will not respond to the infrared signals from other Spokes on your bike and is sluggish or refuses to power down... Try replacing all three batteries and it will work just fine.

Are Hokey Spokes difficult to install?
Not at all. You may want to carry a small Phillips head screwdriver but you can put them on and take them off in minutes using a Phillips screwdriver.

How do you program the graphics on Hokey Spokes?
You don't. Each Hokey Spoke comes with a pre-programmed microprocessor that contains six different images. You turn one on, they all light up, and once every 10 seconds or so, the image pattern change on all of your Hokey Spokes as they communicate with each other.

How do I enter text messages?
You may enter text messages manually by using the PWR and SEL keys. Instructions are on the back of the insert card that comes with each Hokey Spoke. You may download an Instructional Sheet for more detailed information.	DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

The second way to program text messages is by using your Palm Pilot. You may download special software that will enable your Palm Pilot to "talk" to your Hokey Spokes! But the inventor, Dave Hoch, wanted your Hokey Spokes to be "computer independent"... so you can program them and change the message manually.	PALM PILOT DOWNLOAD

Can I use Loctite on my Hokey Spokes to keep the screws tight?
Absolutely not! There are dangerous chemicals in Loctite that interact with the plastic resins used on the Hokey Spoke housings. It dissolves the plastic and will cause permanent damage. While some people think this will keep Hokey Spokes on "tight", it has the opposite effect. When properly installed, Hokey Spokes will not come off the spoke. Check your attachment screws occasionally to make sure they are tight at all times.

Where can I buy my Hokey Spokes?
We are the UK distributor for Hokey Spokes and they can be purchased directly from this website.

If I order on-line, how long will it take to get my Hokey Spokes?
Please allow approximately 2 working days for your order to arrive. They sent using Royal Mail 1st class recorded delivery.

What is your policy on returns if I have a problem?
At Hokey Spokes, all sales are final with the exception of mechanical defects. Hokey Spokes (purchased from us) have a one year limited replacement warranty. Please read our returns policy for more information.

Hokey Spokes UK