Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Back to REVIEWS
review
Lights - front
Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light
Beamshots - High end lights

Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Dec 5, 2010

0
£99.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Superb commuter lamp that genuinely copes in unlit settings
Weight: 
196g
Contact: 
www.2pure.co.uk
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

Nite Rider’s MiNewt 150 cordless could be the ultimate commuter/training lamp for those wanting high power without the clutter and faff of external battery systems. Lifetime warranty covers mechanical defects while the lithium ion battery can be charged either from the computer USB or mains socket thanks to a sensible adaptor. That said the twin lamp MiNewt Cordless 250 comes with helmet mount as standard and has the edge if you’re looking for adventures sans asphalt.

Boasting 150 lumens, the compact MiNewt packs an almighty punch in the highest setting returning three hours from the integral li-on battery-enough to navigate those nocturnal rides that take in town centres, suburbs and rural seclusion. A translucent switch incorporates the battery indicator, which engages when charge levels deplete to approximately fifteen per cent, giving the option of toggling down to the lower 110 and 65 lumen mid, low or indeed flash settings as appropriate. By this stage you’ve between ten and twenty-five minutes (temperatures allowing) before being plunged into darkness.

Lens quality is crucial not so much in terms of output but quality of light (old-fashioned ten-watt lead acid types belt out a bright beam but optical clarity makes navigation of shadowy areas tricky). Nite Rider has chosen a Borofloat type lens combining flawless mirror like quality with similar heat tolerant properties to Pyrex while a Fish mouth cowling addresses peripheral presence at the crucial points.

Solid design extends to the tool free universal bracket that accommodates the standard 25.4, 26.0 and oversized 31.8 diameters while the lamp dis/engages well. Weather resistance is every bit as good as more traditional types under normal inclement riding conditions so long as the rubberised charge flap is securely home but a two year electrical component warrantee should give peace of mind.

Performance had me really excited; it’s the first lamp aimed at the commuter market that in the highest setting genuinely brings country lanes to life. Medium setting takes the edge off a bit and is best for town and around whereas low is strictly for urban runs and flashing for low/overcast mornings or emergencies.

Verdict

Superb commuter lamp that genuinely copes in unlit settings

road.cc test report

Make and model: Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product 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?

"The MiNewt.150 Cordless offers all of the great features found on the 250 Cordless, the only difference is a lumen output of 150. The new 150 Cordless features a one piece modular design, 3 light levels, flash mode and quick release handlebar mount. A commuters’ dream light at a price that won’t break the bank".

No disagreement here.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Rechargeable LED
Niterider MiNewt USB LED front light
Niterider MiNewt 150 cordless LED front light
NiteRider
LED cycle light
LED commuter light
LED
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

Latest Comments