I ended up buying a Vistalite 5+5W halogen with a NiMH battery. The LBS was getting rid of all things Bell, so it was cheap (by local standards at least). I also bought a nice basic Bell helmet at 50% of their normal price. Total cost 75 euros for the light and helmet.

I could not check out the light in the shop because their few remaining Vistalites were out of charge, so they agreed to let me test it for a week and return for a full refund, if I am not happy with it. Now I am forced to do some night riding to see how it works !

--J