NiteRider Lumina 750

The NiteRider Lumina 750 is an incredibly powerful light, boasting five different modes. With a solid build and cheaper than the RRP (if you shop around), it makes a pretty good value light for those needing a higher lumen count.

Of course 750 lumens is a lot of light to throw out there. NiteRider do make 400, 550 and 650-lumen lights for those needing less. This light is perfect for unlit country lanes, or cycle paths with low/no light. Using it about town isn't a huge problem either thanks to the options of low, medium and high beam.

When you first turn on the light it's in low beam. The small button on the top doubles as a charging and battery indicator. One more press sets it to medium and a third press takes it to high beam.

NiteRider claim that it will last one and a half hours in high mode, three hours in medium and five and a half hours in low. You can also use a daylight flash mode to increase visibility or use the low-power walk mode which will last up to eighteen hours. In real time use, the high beam lasted almost two hours after a full charge. It was done over a split time though and the light was switched off after one hour, then back on again after a coffee length break.

Charging is via a short micro-USB cable that can charge via laptop or a plug. The light can detect the difference between charging sources and it changes its charge speed accordingly, a feature NiteRider calls 'intellicharge'. It takes two and a half hours to charge via a socket and five via a laptop. The LED indicator on the on/off button pulses accordingly to let you know what charge speed it's on.

The LED indicator also changes from blue to red when the battery is getting low and it changes the light to low beam to help reserve energy.

The lithium-ion battery is integrated into the light, meaning once it's done, it's done. However the light comes with a two year warranty on electrical components and a lifetime warranty on all mechanical parts.

The build is really solid and it feels good. The metal in the body work gives it a much better look too. I did notice this metal got a little hot when in high beam. Weighing in at 133 grams (172 grams with helmet mount), it doesn't feel too heavy either.

The beam is straight and clear. It is centralised directly in front of the bike, but wide enough that you can easily see off to the side and avoid any potential dangers. Have a look at the light comparator below for more details.

The light has a slight hooded cover, which means no upwards glare for the rider. The light is very directional, as in straight ahead. This may make you less visible from the side, but I don't think drivers would fail to miss the actual beam.

The box also comes with a handlebar and helmet mount. The handlebar mount is suitable for a range of handlebar sizes and the quick release system is exceptionally easy to use. The helmet mount is pretty secure. It did give an initial wobble, but adjusting the tension on the straps made it sit in place.

These mounts make it really easy to remove the light when it needs charging, or you are taking a coffee break. The handlebar mount is so easy to fit (no tools needed) that it's also easy to remove for an opportunistic thief, though I'm not sure mounts are high on their wish-list.

On the road the light was barely noticeable, in that once it was in, I almost forgot about it. It did the job it needed to do, it never drooped or rattled as I put the bike through its paces. If for some reason the light did come loose, it could handle a good knock due to the good construction.

A compact little unit that's ideal for cycling where no one else really dares. It's a light that allows you to see a good distance ahead and to the side in front of you. It isn't as visible as other lights in terms of drivers seeing you due to its casing and this is worth noting. However it really does do the job for winter cycling on darker roads and trails.

Verdict

Compact, fairly lightweight and solid; will suit riders in a range of situations

The light comparator

If you have a nice big screen you can click here for the widescreen version (1400x1000px)