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Infini Mini Luxo Front Light

6
£26.99

VERDICT:

6
10
Useful thimble-shaped safety light for contingencies but poor value compared with more powerful compact models
Weight: 
33g

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The Infini Mini Luxo USB rechargeable front light is a well-made, user-friendly safety light, and brighter than I was expecting, though its bijoux dimensions mean modest side-on visibility. Boasting three modes and occupying nominal bar space, it could be a clutter-phobe's perfect main-light companion.

  • Pros: Well made, brighter than expected
  • Cons: Pricey compared with direct rivals

The outer shell is beautifully machined aluminium with a similarly robust black anodised finish. Inside we have a single diode, lithium polymer cell and companion electrics. In common with its rear sibling and the Lucas KOTR R15, the charge port and similar sensitive regions are protected by a screw-down backing case. I've subjected ours to the usual wet weather and sudsy scrub down with no signs of ingress or it missing a beat.

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It features a silicone foot to provide finish-friendly, slip-free tenure and attaches to the bar/similar tubing courtesy of a silicone strap. As I've come to expect, it works well across the full zodiac of handlebar diameters, though benefited from a bit of gentle pre-stretch before entertaining oversized bars/brackets.

Combining switch and lens is great aesthetically and simple to operate with a thumb or wearing stodgy winter-weight gloves. There are three modes, so a memory function isn't a must, and they require a definite double-prod before powering up, which is a good thing. Subsequent prods change settings and another double-press powers down. All pretty intuitive.

Output

Lumens aren't cited for the three different modes, but it's suprisingly potent compared with similar designs. Okay, if you're coming from models with high-power daylight modes it'll feel a bit impotent, and the Lucas F40 Sport packed a mightier punch, but catch an eyeful at close quarters and your retinas will smart a moment or two.

I tried it on Constant during the day, to see whether it had any impact, but it was negligible. Late afternoon, though, just before lighting up time proper, other traffic seemed to note the bright white diode from about 40 metres in town, 55m along open roads. In this mode it's managed the full 2hrs run-time without faltering.

Peripheral punch is pretty poor in the constant setting, so I've been inclined towards Flashing as my default, especially through town. It has a nice, distinctive tempo. Hustling through the concrete jungle, oncoming traffic clocked me around 75 metres, dipping to 35m when approaching me from the side.

Arguably at this point, you'd have some proper, main lighting engaged, but if you didn't, it might save your bacon. I've found it particularly useful in town with a dynamo. A run-time of 4hrs 57mins in flashing has been consistent from a full charge, which is still pretty good.

> Buyer's Guide: The best 2017/2018 front lights for cycling

The third mode, pulse, has economy on its side and is still relatively eye-catching, taking size into account. I've tended to use this as back-up when doing longer night runs and paired with an 800-lumen dynamo or 1200-lumen rechargeable main.

Charging is via the standard android pattern, so pretty much any from my stash worked just fine; those with a slightly higher voltage cut charge times by around 15 minutes. I've had ours fully fuelled within 2hrs 15mins. The diode holds steady during this phase, then switches off when fully charged.

Conclusion

In comparison with other thimble designs, the Mini Luxo is well made and on par with several I've used in the past couple of years. Its obvious appeal is to time trial or best bikes, where some lighting is a must but clutter a sin.

Pricing is also competitive relative to the breed, less so when it comes to other compact front lights, such as the Xeccon Link 150, which are not only cheaper but more versatile. Moon's Gemini is another great option and can be purchased as a front and rear combo for just a few quid more than the Mini luxo.

Verdict

Useful thimble-shaped safety light for contingencies but poor value compared with more powerful compact models

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Infini Mini Luxo Front Light

Size tested: 50 Lumens

Tell us what the light is for

Infini says: "The Mini-Luxo is a classy way to keep yourself seen in low light conditions."

It's a well made contingency light, brighter than the size would imply, but expensive relative to other compact lights with greater power.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the light?

Infini lists:

* Single LED housed within aluminum outer case

* Main body unscrews from back plate to reveal USB port for recharging

* Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery

* Flashing, Constant and Pulse modes

* Push button lens is easy to operate, even with winter gloves

* Supplied with handlebar bracket mounts

Rate the light for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Nice machined shell, screw-down back is another nice touch. Feels solid.

Rate the light for design and ease of use. How simple was the light to use?
 
7/10

Intuitive for the most part, even wearing winter gloves. However, the lens-cum-switch was less positive than I was expecting, which made powering down trickier than switching on.

Rate the light for the design and usability of the clamping system/s
 
7/10

Simple, reliable and compatible with all handlebar diameters.

Rate the light for waterproofing. How did it stand up to the elements?
 
7/10

Resisted the usual heavy rain and hosepipe tickling without missing a beat to date.

Rate the light for battery life. How long did it last? How long did it take to recharge?
 
6/10

Quick charging and reasonable run-times.

Rate the light for performance:
 
6/10
Rate the light for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the light for weight:
 
6/10
Rate the light for value:
 
5/10

Reasonable compared with similar designs, but pricey compared with more powerful compact lights.

Tell us how the light performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Pretty competitive in terms of build, output and overall performance when compared with similar thimble designs. Its unobtrusive and quite perky in the pulsing/flashing settings, so handy with dynamos or nipping home before dusk. Charge-times are relatively quick and run-times reasonable too.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the light

Well made, brighter than expected and simple to use.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the light

Pricey compared with more powerful compact models.

Did you enjoy using the light? Yes

Would you consider buying the light? No, not at full rrp.

Would you recommend the light to a friend? Worth a look if they wanted a thimble type, but otherwise, there are much better models for less money.

Use this box to explain your overall score

By no means a bad light and competitive by genre standards, but it's pricey alongside a host of more potent alternatives.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 1m 81cm  Weight: 70kg

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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