Niterider MiNewt Mini-USB Plus Headlight Review - BikeRadar

Niterider’s MiNewt Mini-USB Plus is one of the tiniest high-power single-LED lighting sets out there yet it packs a considerable wallop that belies its diminutive size. 

The bare lamp head weighs just 64g and the minuscule 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. There's no need to bother with the included extension cord – we strapped the battery right on to the back of the helmet and were perfectly comfortable.

The palatable £100 (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 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 centre 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 ensure you’re not ignored.

The helmet mount deserves some attention as it’s one of the best we’ve used – a good thing considering it adds £15 (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 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, but it isn’t quite bright enough for trail use and the slightly bluish hue isn’t ideal for colour 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.

Run time for the single mode was 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 into a wall charger or into a computer via 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, though, and since there is no charge indicator of any sort there is no way to know when the battery is fully charged – or if it’s even charging at all.

Speaking of the battery, heavy users will 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. Also, the lamp head's 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 won't have to be done more than once for most users. Otherwise, the Niterider MiNewt Mini-USB Plus is a hands-down winner.

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