Photo by Stepehen Regenold

Light & Motion Solo Logic MV

The verdict was sealed one evening when an oncoming car flashed its highbeams at me. I was a humble biker on the sidewalk, but the small light mounted on my handlebar was too powerful for the driver's comfort.

Nighttime bike riding is gaining popularity. Recreationally, 24-hour mountain bike races are sprouting up all over the country. And bike commuters like me often find themselves heading home after sunset during winter's short days.

Light & Motion's Solo Logic MV is a powerful halogen light made for after-dark riders. It has three brightness modes, the highest of which puts out 13 watts of power to illuminate dark forest trails or inner-city alleys.

You can mount the light to a bike's handlebar or your helmet. The large battery pack attaches to the bike's frame with Velcro straps.

The light's rechargeable battery is good for about two hours in the brightest setting and more than four hours in the dimmer mode.

In my tests, the Solo Logic MV lit up pitch-black trails and let me ride as fast as I desired in the dark. The 13-watt beam created a window of virtual daylight.

Initially, the $215 price tag was a surprise -- I expected something more like $100 for such a product. But after some research, I found that similar lights from competing companies are priced comparably.

For city riding, the Solo Logic MV will be overkill for most people. But serious off-trail riders that like to head out under the stars will be impressed with this little light's powerful beam.

Price: $215.

Contact: Light & Motion Bike Lights, 1-831-645-1538, http://www.bikelights.com.