Infini Mini Luxo Front Light

The Infini Mini Luxo USB rechargeable front light is a well-made, user-friendly safety light, and brighter than I was expecting, though its bijoux dimensions mean modest side-on visibility. Boasting three modes and occupying nominal bar space, it could be a clutter-phobe's perfect main-light companion.

• Pros: Well made, brighter than expected
• Cons: Pricey compared with direct rivals

The outer shell is beautifully machined aluminium with a similarly robust black anodised finish. Inside we have a single diode, lithium polymer cell and companion electrics. In common with its rear sibling and the Lucas KOTR R15, the charge port and similar sensitive regions are protected by a screw-down backing case. I've subjected ours to the usual wet weather and sudsy scrub down with no signs of ingress or it missing a beat.

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It features a silicone foot to provide finish-friendly, slip-free tenure and attaches to the bar/similar tubing courtesy of a silicone strap. As I've come to expect, it works well across the full zodiac of handlebar diameters, though benefited from a bit of gentle pre-stretch before entertaining oversized bars/brackets.

Combining switch and lens is great aesthetically and simple to operate with a thumb or wearing stodgy winter-weight gloves. There are three modes, so a memory function isn't a must, and they require a definite double-prod before powering up, which is a good thing. Subsequent prods change settings and another double-press powers down. All pretty intuitive.

Output

Lumens aren't cited for the three different modes, but it's suprisingly potent compared with similar designs. Okay, if you're coming from models with high-power daylight modes it'll feel a bit impotent, and the Lucas F40 Sport packed a mightier punch, but catch an eyeful at close quarters and your retinas will smart a moment or two.

I tried it on Constant during the day, to see whether it had any impact, but it was negligible. Late afternoon, though, just before lighting up time proper, other traffic seemed to note the bright white diode from about 40 metres in town, 55m along open roads. In this mode it's managed the full 2hrs run-time without faltering.

Peripheral punch is pretty poor in the constant setting, so I've been inclined towards Flashing as my default, especially through town. It has a nice, distinctive tempo. Hustling through the concrete jungle, oncoming traffic clocked me around 75 metres, dipping to 35m when approaching me from the side.

Arguably at this point, you'd have some proper, main lighting engaged, but if you didn't, it might save your bacon. I've found it particularly useful in town with a dynamo. A run-time of 4hrs 57mins in flashing has been consistent from a full charge, which is still pretty good.

> Buyer's Guide: The best 2017/2018 front lights for cycling

The third mode, pulse, has economy on its side and is still relatively eye-catching, taking size into account. I've tended to use this as back-up when doing longer night runs and paired with an 800-lumen dynamo or 1200-lumen rechargeable main.

Charging is via the standard android pattern, so pretty much any from my stash worked just fine; those with a slightly higher voltage cut charge times by around 15 minutes. I've had ours fully fuelled within 2hrs 15mins. The diode holds steady during this phase, then switches off when fully charged.

Conclusion

In comparison with other thimble designs, the Mini Luxo is well made and on par with several I've used in the past couple of years. Its obvious appeal is to time trial or best bikes, where some lighting is a must but clutter a sin.

Pricing is also competitive relative to the breed, less so when it comes to other compact front lights, such as the Xeccon Link 150, which are not only cheaper but more versatile. Moon's Gemini is another great option and can be purchased as a front and rear combo for just a few quid more than the Mini luxo.

Verdict

Useful thimble-shaped safety light for contingencies but poor value compared with more powerful compact models