NiteRider Lumina Micro 850 front light

Tell us what the light is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

NiteRider says: "Producing 850 brilliant lumens, the NiteRider® Lumina™ Micro 850 is smaller, lighter, and more compact than the original Lumina™ series. Its compact profile and high light output make the Lumina™ Micro 850 ideal for helmet mounted applications, helmet mount available as an optional accessory. Using the included handlebar mount (fits up to 35mm) with quick release tab, prevents any chance of theft by allowing convenient removal and installation of the head light."

Considering it's advertised as an ideal helmet light, it's a pity you have to buy the helmet mount separately, especially as it costs £20.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?

NiteRider lists:

Lumen Output: 850

Run Times: 1:30 – 35hrs

Quick Charge Time: 1:45hrs at 1Amp

Normal Charge Time: 3:30hrs at 500mA

Weight: 130g

Battery: Li-Ion

All New Collimator Lens, produces a generous even widespread beam

4 Light Levels plus 1 Daylight Flash Mode

FL1 Standard IP64, dust and water-resistant

High output light using a CREE LED at 6000k

Lightweight; 130g including mount

Secure on and off-road handlebar mount

Fits standard and oversize 35mm handlebars

Small compact design that's perfect for helmet mounting (Helmet Mount Sold Separately)

Convenient USB rechargeable

Low battery indicator

Lock Mode, perfect for use during storage and transporting the light. Press and hold power button for 7 seconds to lock out operation of light

Like all NiteRiders I've seen, it's built very well. The housing is solid and will easily withstand a few knocks and drops.

The single button is simple to use, although to access the flashing mode you have to hold it down for 3 seconds, which is quite a long time if you want to do it as you're riding along. But then to return to steady beam you just press it again, no holding.

It's a new hinged clamp design that closes in an oval shape, rather than round, and fastens via a long screw that you can easily tighten by hand holding the plastic end 'twizzle'. It is designed to work with all bar diameters, up to 35mm. Once tightened it stays firmly put thanks to the rubber shim, which is good and secure but means you can't easily swivel the light up and down, like some clamp designs. There is lots of lateral adjustment of the clamp head, though, which is useful. Fitting and removal is quick and easy – just slide it on, and press the tab to release it to slide off.

It is IP64 rated, ie splash resistant, but I had no worries using it in quite heavy rain.

Claimed run-times:

Mode One: 200 lumens light output – 9 hours battery life

Mode Two: 450 lumens light output – 4 hours battery life

Mode Three: 850 lumens light output – 1.30 hours battery life

Mode Four (Flashing): 10 hours battery life

Mode Five (steady): 60 lumens light output – 35 hours battery life

My sample lasted a bit longer on full beam, nearly 2hrs, while the 450 low beam dimmed after 7 hours, so 2hrs less than claimed.

Recharging (via USB cable) times are quite adequate. They're cited as Normal Charge Time: 3:30hrs at 500mA, Quick Charge Time: 1:45hrs at 1Amp and that's about right.

Both mount and head unit feel sturdy, plus NiteRider offers a lifetime warranty that "covers any defects in mechanical components (housings, covers, mounts and fasteners) and LEDs". I've had other NiteRiders that lasted a good few years.

130g for light and mount is hardly noticeable.

It represents solid value for the performance, especially considering its durability and lifetime warranty. It's cheaper than some of equal lumenage, but more than others (see below).

Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well: it has a decent beam pattern and enough power to light up unlit country roads, a daylight visible flash, good run-times and quick recharging.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

Brightness, run-times, size, weight, build quality.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

Nothing really, although perhaps the beam could be a little wider spread. A helmet mount could be included, too, or be a lot cheaper to buy as an extra.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's the same price as the Kryptonite F800, which doesn't throw out as much light; it is significantly cheaper than the Cateye Volt 800 (RRP £90), which has a near-identical beam pattern, but it's a little more than the Lezyne Lite Drive 800XL (£57 RRP), which isn't quite as bright but has better peripheral illumination, although shorter run-times.

Use this box to explain your overall score

A very good and versatile light, suitable for daytime, urban and off-road use. Great build quality, easy to use, good burn-times and quick charging – all for a sensible price.