Got lights?

[skyhand]

the MiNewt X2 at REI was $189 while the MiNewt (regular) was only $86-ish after discount + sale, so it was worth the brightness hit for me. i don't do hardcore / long rides at night and mainly the flash mode with a headlamp combo. i figured i'd give it a whirl and see how it does — REI has a great return policy, so i've got nothin' to lose.

[DebW]

The MiNewt X2 doesn't have a flashing mode. It does have two brightness modes. I've tested it on my very dark hilly curvy street, and the light output is excellent. I did buy the helmet mount because curvy streets and handlebar mounts don't go well together. I picked up a much smaller light with a flashing mode to mount on the handlebars so I can be seen at dusk. The MiNewt will be for full-on pitch-black rides commuting home from work (no street lights around here).

[sbctwin]

[QUOTE=DebW;243195]The MiNewt X2 doesn't have a flashing mode.QUOTE]

I bought the MiNewt X2 from REI during their Labor Day Sale. It was $149. When I first turn my light on, it is in the flashing mode. I have to push the button again to get a steady light. If I push it again, I get a lower beam of light.

I like the light, but I am not sure that it provides me the strongest beam. It does light the road in front of me, but I liked the way my nite rider halogen light thru out the light. I had to replace that light because the cable leading into the battery was frayed and it finally wouldn't come on, even with me trying to 'jiggle' the wires.

I like the compactness of the MiNewt and the battery is so 'light' compared to my last light. I find it really takes me pushing the 'on' button for 10 seconds (which seems a long time) for it to come on and if I don't push the button hard enough, I have to start over, so I am not happy with the on/off function. I worry that I am not 'as seen' as I was with my halogen. I would occassionally get a car flashing their brights at me with that light, so I knew I was 'seen'.

I am sold on the size and the weight of the battery and that is why I will keep it.

[divingbiker]

The MiNewt X2 doesn't have a flashing mode. It does have two brightness modes.

Deb, if I remember correctly, to get the flashing mode on the MiNewt X2 you have to hold down the on/off button for a few seconds.

[skyhand]

i've gotta do the "few seconds" thing for last year's MiNewt to enter flashing mode too.

i dig how small and lightweight this light is!

[northstar]

Yesterday, my commute was nearly all in the dark. My handlebar light (probably $30) isn't cutting it. So, I think I am in the market for a heavier duty light...and I'd like to get one with a helmet mount. I'd probably leave the handlbar one on, and just run it on flash while I'd like a steady setting for the helmet mounted one. I ride on off-street paved trails for my commute, and it is not well lighted - lots of potential for debris/branches/puddles/sand washed onto the trail...so I need a light that will help me actually SEE, not just be seen.

Last night I spent a while at REI experimenting, but I don't want to go on the cheap and regret it...but I don't have a zillion dollars to spend, either.

What do people have and love? Or have and hate? I don't want to quit commuting before the weather forces me indoors (hopefully I have at least another month left!).

[TsPoet]

Yesterday, my commute was nearly all in the dark. My handlebar light (probably $30) isn't cutting it. So, I think I am in the market for a heavier duty light...and I'd like to get one with a helmet mount.
What do people have and love? Or have and hate? I don't want to quit commuting before the weather forces me indoors (hopefully I have at least another month left!).

I have a 5 w Dinotte. I've seen the MiniNewts. they are similar in size. I think the Dinotte is slightly brighter. The 3 w Dinotte is really more meant as a helmet mount, but the 5 w comes with a helmet mount, too.
IMHO - for a reasonably priced, reasonably small, reasonable good light - it's between these two.
The Dinotte comes with a neat battery setup - rechargeable AAs that are easy to get and charge and can be replaced with non rechargeable if you get out somewhere and need batteries.
Now if money isn't a factor and you are doing a lot of bike riding, some of the $$ halogen systems (Vega's especially) might be a good choice. Or, if doing randonnearing and need all-night light, a hub regenerator system.
Just saw this little business writup on WallStreet Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1190...-Business-News

[northstar]

My Dinotte 200L showed up at REI today. I got it home and mounted on my helmet, and boy am I ready to go! Such fun toys! (And costly ones too...yikes!)

I haven't been commuting by bike the past few weeks because our morning light had all but vanished. I'm psyched to get back out there!