Review: NiteRider MiNewt Mini-USB LED Li-Ion

Link: NiteRider MiNewt Mini-USB LED Li-Ion

I had been thinking about a new commuting light for a while. My off-road light is a bit overkill for the road and I don't want to blind drivers, just alert them to my presence. During the Salsa Two Four I talked to the NiteRider rep that was in the trailer and could have gotten one from him for a discounted price. I thought about it but didn't have the authorization to drop the cash and cell reception sucked acorns down at the bottom of the hill.

As I was manning the MORC tent I saw that one of the items to win was this light. To enter all I had to do was re-up my expiring MORC membership. You know I did. And if you haven't guessed yet, I won. Sweet.

My Impressions:
Nice. Easy on, easy off. To mount it figure out what size bars you have and put the corresponding rubber band on the light. That is a one time step. Then all you have to do is rubber band it on, and pull it off to take on and off. Easy. The battery mounts easy too. It is just a space age velcro strap and goes on the stem nicely. On and off in 30 seconds or less.

As for riding with it it stays in place and lights up the road. About all I can ask for. Their website states 3hrs of run time and I know I have used it for well over 3 hours continuously and it stayed lit the whole time. Charging via USB works well but telling if it is fully charged is impossible and probably my only gripe with the light. How about some little led indicator! I would pay an extra $5 for that! The whole system fits easily in a jersey pocket and bathes the road in a nice white light and seems to grab attention from cars. So that is a plus in my book.

Other Info:
As far as riding in weather, I have used it in conditions from about 90F to 34F and from sunny skies to downpour and it hasn't fazed the light one bit. I can't say the same for my blackberry. Poor think never stood a chance in that rain. So if you are looking for a commuter light that can do some off road too pick one of these up. Totally worth the price.

$ and Where:
MSRP is $99.99 and you can find it online or at your local bike shop.

-pete