This is the entry level light from Niterider and it’s a neat package - a small light and a small light weight battery pack that can be either bar or helmet mounted.  There is also an extension lead so that you can run the battery pack in your jersey pocket instead of the top of your helmet.  We tried this option but despite not being tall we had to mount it high to get it to reach.  It is light enough to run on the helmet entirely though.

Off road we found it best as a helmet mount.  We did ride it on the bars at night but it needed a strong helmet light to allow any turn of speed on the downhills.  Another slight problem was that it fell of on a downhill!  The screw which holds it to the mount shook loose.  It was easily repaired on the trail (the screw cannot fall off) but a bit unnerving.  The helmet mount is excellent though.  As a helmet light in partner with a good bar light though its not a bad option, allowing you to see around corners.  We are big fans of this combo.  We raced the MiNewt as part of a combo very successfully at the Relentless 24 hour race in Scotland. 

Where this light really comes into its own though is as a commuter light.  It is light, easy to fit and most importantly can be charged of a USB port as well as a regular power socket.  It is pricey though but the USB charger is a big plus.  Burn time is quite good too at a full 3 hours.  We rode it to the trail head on its own from the middle of the city and it was more than capable on completely dark country roads, despite the low 110 lumen count.

It is worth pointing out that Niterider count lumens differently to most manufacturers.  They focus on what they call ‘actual lumens’.  They claim that other manufacturers talk about the maximum amount of lumens possible from the light rather than what is actually available.  Most lights pull back the power as at max power they overheat and loose efficiency.  We believe them having talked to some other manufacturers.

Available from most good bike shops including the Cycle Inn and on line from Chain Reaction at around €125.  There is a cheaper option available without the USB charger for about €20 less.