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On test: Niterider MiNewt Mini-USB Plus, December 19, 2008
Perfect choice for the nine-to-fiver
Winter’s shorter days are firmly upon us but that shouldn’t keep dedicated commuters from making their daily round trips in safety. Cyclingnews' technical editor James Huang finds Niterider’s MiNewt Mini-USB Plus to be among the best options out there.
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Niterider’s MiNewt Mini-USB Plus is one of the smallest high-power single-LED lighting sets out there, yet it still packs a considerable wallop that belies its diminutive size.
The bare lamp head weighs just 64g and the miniscule Li-ion battery pack is only slightly heavier at 102g. Since the handlebar mount is fully integrated into the head, complete on-bike weight is 174g (the mounting straps add a few grams); the extra helmet mount of our ‘Plus’ model adds just 46g. Don’t even bother with the included extension cord, either; we strapped the battery right on to the back of the helmet and were perfectly comfortable.
The palatable US$129.95 price tag makes the MiNewt Mini-USB an obvious choice for commuting and the claimed 110+ lumen output is powerful enough that you can actually clearly see the road ahead of you and not just be seen. The tight 8° lens yields a tightly concentrated beam with a well defined hot spot right at dead center but there is still a reasonably broad apron that lends a good ‘big picture’ view of things.
Given the modest overall output and tight beam, we would recommend going with our helmet mount-equipped ‘Plus’ version instead of the standard Mini-USB so you can better aim the limited candlepower exactly where you want it. Adding the helmet mount also lets you cast light directly into the path of oncoming or side traffic to help ensure you’re not ignored.
The helmet mount itself also deserves some separate attention as it’s one of the best we’ve ever used from any company – a good thing considering it adds a surprisingly hefty US$30 to the price tag of the standard MiNewt Mini-USB. The thick and generously sized padding stays put even when straddling the biggest of vents and the twin straps can easily be pulled super tight for rock-solid stability. The cam-lock buckles also mean there is no pesky Velcro to fiddle with or catch on helmet padding.
The MiNewt Mini-USB will undoubtedly draw its share of bargain-oriented off-road riders its way, too, but it honestly isn’t quite enough for real trail use and the slightly bluish hue isn’t ideal for color or texture definition, either. However, it’ll do the job in a pinch as long as you’re not going too fast and the compact dimensions make it an ideal backup light for something more potent.
Run time for the single mode was actually a hair longer than the claimed three hours and charge time from a totally dead battery is pegged at 4.5 hours. Conveniently, Niterider uses a standard mini-USB interface (hence the name) for the charge port meaning that the battery can either be plugged directly to a wall charger or into a computer with a USB cord, both of which are included.
Actual charge times can be longer, depending on the power output of your computer’s USB ports. There is no charge indicator of any sort, so unfortunately there is no way to know when the battery is fully charged – or if it’s even charging at all – nor is there an remaining charge indicator, either.
Speaking of the battery, heavy users will likely have to replace it at some point and the integrated electronics (the on/off switch is on the battery, not the lamp head) will make for a more costly replacement someday. Also, the lamp head aim can be adjusted left-to-right while installed but the position can’t be locked in place without removing it from the bar or helmet mount – thankfully this will hardly have to be done more than once for most users.
Otherwise, the Niterider MiNewt Mini-USB Plus is a hands-down winner.
Price: US$129.95
Weight: 174g (complete on-bike setup); 246g (complete helmet setup with
extension cord and helmet mount); 64g (head only); 102g (battery only)
Pros: Excellent output for modest cost and tiny form factor, clean beam
pattern, solid 3hr+ run time, superb helmet mount, convenient mini-USB charging
Cons:No charge indicator, integrated electronics in battery, cumbersome
lateral aiming procedure, helmet mount is superb but expensive
Cyclingnews rating: 
More information: www.niterider.com
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
- Niterider's MiNewt Mini-USB Plus is tiny and light yet packs considerable power.
- The diminutive head weighs just 64g and houses a potent 3W LED emitter.
- The entire package easily straps on to a helmet and the added weight is more than agreeable.
- The small Li-ion battery pack also houses the electronics and on/off switch.
