NiteRider MiNewt Dual X2 Question

[willcogs]

I'm new to mountain biking and want to start getting involved in the night rides at Wakefield. I noticed that REI is having a sale on the NiteRider MiNewt Dual X2 for $200.00. Is this a good price for these lights? Any other suggestions on lights to get for the night rides?

[PunkRock]

There have been some recent forum discussions about lights. Here's (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12449&highlight=lights) one of them that you may find useful.

[g_barr]

I noticed that REI is having a sale on the NiteRider MiNewt Dual X2 for $200.00. Is this a good price for these lights? Any other suggestions on lights to get for the night rides?
I checked Performance Bicycles' website for the Dual X2 ($250) and the single MiNewt ($210). So $200 at REI for the double sounds good - especially if you're an REI member.

I've been very pleased with my NiteRider Trail Rat and Sol lights. The NR customer service has been good as well. However, the Gimbal mount isn't NR's best. While it's a good idea on paper, if the O-ring holding the light on the bars isn't TIGHT, it will slip and rotate down. In my last email exchange with NR CS, they didn't indicate a replacement mount would be available anytime soon. I haven't had a problem with the Gimbal on my helmet.

I prefer one light on the helmet and on on the bar (I don't think you can do this with the Dual X2 or easily fit both on your helmet - ask/check though). As a beginner, I only had the 10-watt Trail Rat mounted on the bar. It worked well until I got better and faster - a wiggling bar doesn't keep the light where you need it the most. Going to the LED Sol was a huge improvement although it has a relatively narrow beam.

As far as other manufacturers (Light & Motion...), you should get the best value and light out of any LED set-up. You might want to compare beam patterns, weight, battery life and charging times. The advantage of the Dual X2 is that you can adjust the lights for wider coverage, up-down and left-right. Search for lights in the MORE forums and you'll find plenty of links and opinions to help in your comparison.

[toros]

I do have those lights, and they are very bright and small. I'm not sure if this is the case with all NR lights, but, mine came with three pairs of o-rings. The smallest one was a perfect fit for my standard sized handlebar. I doubt that there is a way to get one on your helmet and one on your bar, you'll probably have to go with both on your bars.

One thing you might want to pay attention is the run time. When they say around 1.75hrs on high and 3.5hrs on low, they mean it. It will not get weaker but it will cut-off once the runtime is up (I believe this is like that with most of the lights out there). There is an indicator on the battery, but, depending on your setup, you may not be seeing it easily, so you have to think about how long your ride will be, and make sure that you will not run out of light. But don't get me wrong, the lights on low are still very bright.

Also, do a google search on them. I have seen prices around $185...

toros

[Squirrel_Girl]

Don't forget there are older ones and newer ones. The older ones aren't as bright. It think by now the older ones are gone now. I got a Dual MiNewt a year or so ago and it was right during the transition. There is a also a problem with the button cover coming off and being lost, then you have to use a stick to poke the light on and off until NR mails you some extras.

I think it's OK, but the burn time is short. I don't think you can helmet mount them. I kinda like the L&M Stella that I have. I didn't like the Trail Rat as well. It had cable issues, and REI had to replace part for me. And it just wasn't bright enough.

[DaveG]

The NR customer service has been good as well.

Unfortunately w/ NR, you often have to use it. I've had issues w/ most of their lights. I've decided to never get NR again; L&M for me from now on.

[rciracing]

I'm new to mountain biking and want to start getting involved in the night rides at Wakefield. I noticed that REI is having a sale on the NiteRider MiNewt Dual X2 for $200.00. Is this a good price for these lights? Any other suggestions on lights to get for the night rides?

Night riding is great. In my opinion having a brighter light will make the experience more enjoyable and safer. The Minewts are nice. If you can afford the NR Trinewt or an HID light, I would highly recommend it.

[willcogs]

Thanks for all the information. I think I'll go with the light and motion solo logic, it looks to be a great light for the price.

[tsunayoshi]

Thanks for all the information. I think I'll go with the light and motion solo logic, it looks to be a great light for the price.

I've been using that light for 2 winters now (upcoming will be 3rd)...you won't regret it.

Just don't let all the HID users shame you.