What Cycle Lights Do I Need For The 36ONE MTB Challenge? 

What Lights do I need for the 36ONE MTB Challenge is a question we often get asked. The 36ONE MTB Challenge is the ultimate single-stage MTB race in South Africa - 36.1 hours to ride 36ONE kilometers around the Klein Karoo, featuring 5 250 meters of elevation gain. Every rider will need lights for at least one full evening.  Those that are a bit slower, or have encountered technical or physical difficulties en route, will require lights for a second night.

For the 36ONE MTB Challenge, you should have three lights, each serving a different purpose:

• your primary handlebar light,
• a red tail light, and
• a front backup light. 

Primary Handlebar Light: Endurance+ Bicycle Light 

The Endurance+ Bicycle Light is the ideal bicycle light for long-distance off-road races such as the Trans Baviaans and 24-hour events.  This light has been specially designed for off-road mountain biking.  It features a medium-width hotspot, which fades into an even wider flood beam for a near 180°  beam!  It delivers unmatched performance and striking a perfect balance between size, weight, performance, and reliability.

The Endurance+ Bicycle Light produces a near-perfect beam pattern, with a maximum beam distance of 223m. The Endurance+ Bicycle Light produces natural white light of up to 2 100 Lumen and features a maximum run time of 40 hours.

Specs

- Light and Battery Weight: 410g
- LED: 3 X Cree XP-L, natural white light
- Beam Width: 18° Hot Spot, 180° Side Spill
- Optics: Triple Lens Optics
- Max Beam distance (according to ANSI-NEMA FL-1 Standard): 223m
- Thermal Management System: Built-in overheating protection to prolong the lifetime of the LED, and allow maximum performance.
- Battery: 4 Cell 8.4V 5200mAh Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery with 3 layers of physical protection
- Battery Pouch: High-quality stretchable neoprene
- Charger: SABS approved 2-pin wall charger
- Waterproofing: Splashproof; not submersible

 

Rear Light: BackUP USB C Rechargeable Rear Bicycle Light

The new ultra-durable BackUP USB C Rechargeable Rear Bicycle Light keeps you visible from the rear - in the dark and especially during daytime.  The BackUP USB C Rechargeable Rear Bicycle Light will make you visible to vehicles approaching from the rear - Be Seen, Be Safe!

Specs:

• 75 Lumen on Max Mode
• Aluminum alloy + Plastic
• Up to 18 Hours runtime on flashing
• Internal Lithium Battery 
• Adjustable Rubber Quick Release Mount - Fits seatposts 18 - 34mm
• COB LED
• Charging:  5V 1A Ma
• Although the BackUP Rear Bicycle Light has a water-resistant design, the warranty does not cover water damage.

Backup Front Light: Basecamp Headlamp

The purpose of a backup light is to:

• Get you home safely if your primary light fails (due to crash, damage or running out of battery)
• Let you work on your bike when you have technical problems en route.

A backup light has to have its own batteries. The Extreme Lights Basecamp Headlamp is ideal. We suggest this light specifically because it's small, super lightweight and won't add any strain to your neck during long riding hours. You can keep it in your rear pocket, and wear it on your forehead, beneath your helmet, in case of an emergency. It comes with 3 AAA batteries in the box.

With run times of 120Hours, it will be more than sufficient to get you through to your next checkpoint safely.

Specs:

• 2 Red switching modes (Constant and strobe)
• 4 light modes (High, Medium, Low and Strobe)
• 160 Lumen
• CREE-XP-E-LED
• Up to a 110m Beam on high
• 30 Hours battery life on 3x AAA batteries
• 3x AAA batteries included
• IPX6 rating (Water resistant)
• Warranty Period: 12 Months

Do I Need An Extra Battery? 

There are a few different aspects to the 36ONE MTB Challenge, and depending on which race category you fall under, you can determine if you'll be needing an extra battery for your adventure. 

The 2 Person Relay riders will have the chance to charge batteries between legs, or will only ride partly at night. As you can either ride leg 1 & 2 (3 & 4) or leg 1 & 3 (2 & 4).

The 4 Person Relay riders will only need one battery each as you won’t be on the route for more than 6-8 hours for each 80-100km section.

The Half starts at 06:00 and while it is dusk still when you start, you won’t need lights for more than 45-60 minutes and as such you should have enough light to finish the race. The slowest Half riders might be finishing just under 15 hours, meaning you only need a light for ±3 hours.

The Challenge, for those of you taking on the full 361 km solo or in a team, it's best you think about getting a secondary battery. Riders aiming at finishing in record times, you probably only need a backup headlamp, but we always suggest having an extra battery in one of your boxes, in case you have a breakdown along the way. Intermediate to slower riders will DEFINITELY need a secondary battery. Around half the riding group of The Challenge will go over 24Hours into the race and will ride into the second evening. 

We have three Battery Packs available with different capacities.  Housed in an awesome Neoprene Pouch, small and compact and are all compatible with all our lights. 

	4 Cell Bicycle Light Battery 5200mAh	4 Cell Panasonic Bicycle Light Battery 6800mAh	6 Cell Panasonic Bicycle Light Battery 10,200mAh
Run Time (Endurance+ Light)	Low: 40 Hours High: 3.5 Hours	Low: 52 Hours High: 4.5 Hours	Low: 78.5 Hours High: 6.9 Hours
Charge Time (0% to 100%)	4.5 Hours	7.5 Hours	9.5 Hours
Dimensions (approx)	85 x 50 x 50 mm	85 x 50 x 50 mm	80 x 60 x 50 mm
Waterproof Rubber Cover	✓	✓	✓
Padded Neoprene Velcro Strap Pouch	✓	✓	✓
Compatible with all 8.4V light systems using 5.1mm plugs	✓	✓	✓
Weight incl battery bag	232g	289g	381g
Warranty	12 Months	12 Months	12 Months

 

 Image Credit: www.oakpics.com