LIGHTS FOR NIGHT RACING

[Lucky Fish]

Our team planning was that I was to do 6 laps in darkness at the recent Rietvlei 24 hour race. I visited a couple of stores and then, fortunately, I listened to Frans of Tour de Frans Cycles to fit an Exposure MaXx-D light. As it happened I decided to fit not only one but two of these lights as well as an Exposure Diablo helmet mounted light.

 

Well I can vouch for riding in vitual brilliant daylight. When passing other riders I had the feeling that they 'made way' for me far to early - I was not yet ready to pass but I was given space. In a discussion with a rider that I passed, his comments were: "Your lights are so bright that they dim out my own lights. I could not see the route, only a vague haze and I needed to let you pass."

 

These lights are by no means inexpensive and at full strength the lights only last for about 3 hours before going on to the 'medium' strength mode. My plan was to ride 4 laps (about 36 min each) with medium strength (which was more than adequate) and then switch to full strength for the last 2 laps. As it happened on the last lap the lights went into 'medium' mode.

 

A bonus for me was that the lights and the battery pack come as a self contained unit with no additonal wires running to a battery pack.

 

For night racing I think it is important not only to have lights on the handlebars but you also need a helmet mounted light. A helmet mounted light is also useful if you have to dismount and make repairs en-route.

Edited December 7, 2010 by Prince not Toad

[Tieffels]

So to be objective, how much did the whole setup cost? Seems to me that Frans at Tour the Frans made a huge sale..

[Velouria]

Almost seems like overkill - I ran my Exposure Enduro Turbo (the old 2006 model) on medium and low, and my helmet mounted Joystick on low and had more than enough light, and they lasted the whole night.

 

Still - those are awesome lights, and one day I will upgrade my Enduro to the MaXxD (when and if I win the Lotto)

[Cois]

Yeah what is the Price.... Arm, leg, liver, kidney.... Should I sell my camera gear?

[Lucky Fish]

So to be objective, how much did the whole setup cost? Seems to me that Frans at Tour the Frans made a huge sale..

Now that would be telling. Besides my wife could be reading this. It could mean that, as per agreement, I have to reciprocate and treat her to something of the same value!

[Tieffels]

Now that would be telling. Besides my wife could be reading this. It could mean that, as per agreement, I have to reciprocate and treat her to something of the same value!

 

Say no more, say no more.. But riddle me this: How many Magic Shines could you have bought for the price? One for every lap?

 

PS: I'm in NO way a supporter of the MJs (CCC*), busy building my own light and have to say they are dirt cheap, but zero class..

 

* cheap chinese cr@p

[The Guy in Pink]

I have an Exposure Maxx-D . It's Brillant, But why not go for the new Exposure 6 Pack. It's twice as bright as the Maxx-D but not twice the cost.

[Lucky Fish]

I have an Exposure Maxx-D . It's Brillant, But why not go for the new Exposure 6 Pack. It's twice as bright as the Maxx-D but not twice the cost.

 

Because, after the race, the one light will go on to my road bike and the other on my wife's bike.