Calling these bike lights “Ultra” is an understatement. There really should be a warning label on the box saying “DANGER! Do not look directly into the light as permanent eye damage may result.” After fully charging these monsters I plugged them in, lightly tapped the switch, and POOF! I can’t see. OK, so maybe the label would just be for people like me

Light & Motion introduced the Seca 900 Ultra bike lights (MSRP $699.99) this year for the serious rider and XC marathon / 24-hour racing crowd. These lights come with six Cree R2 LEDs which are the highest rated LEDs available anywhere. And as if it wasn’t enough to have six R2s in this lamp, Light & Motion also designed a very high quality reflector to efficiently direct and sculpt the beam pattern to maximize light output (this is key and where other lights fail). The Seca 900 includes a nine cell 11.1V  Li-Ion battery capable of tossing out 900 true lumens* for 3.5 hours of run time on the high setting. Other settings include medium (450 lumens for 7 hours), low (250 lumens  for 14 hours), and a flash setting that will run for 100+ hours.

The included Multi-Chem smart charger uses the ultra-efficient Delta temperature method of charging. This method basically monitors the temperature of the battery over the charging cycle to ensure that the battery gets both a full charge while not overheating. And it does the job in just 3 and a half hours.

The graphic on the right shows the test data for the Seca 900 and you can see that it produces more than the advertised 900 lumens. Actual light output during testing was more like 953 lumens but for sake of honesty and accounting for possible production variances Light & Motion keeps the rating at 900 (besides, Seca 953 just doesn’t have the same ring to it). You can also see most of the light is in the light-blue to white area of the spectrum which keeps everything as bright as possible.

Light & Motion uses a custom array to optimize and maximize the light pattern for night riding. The Seca 900 features a gem shaped beam that’s flat on top and converges toward your tire in a V-shape. Extra light converges toward the center of the beam for maximum distance.

Installing the Seca 900 Ultra literally took less than 5 minutes on my bike. The handle bar mount is a one-handed breeze: simply loop the light through the mount, stretch the strap to secure it on the hook, and adjust the angle. In setting the angle you’ll want the outer pattern to just touch your tire with the lower edge of the spot about 20 feet in front of the bike. Installing the battery was a matter of simply feeding the strap through the adapter slots, slipping the battery into the adapter, and strapping everything down securely.

On the trails I have to say these are by far the most powerful set I have tried. These lamps toss so much light it’s literally like riding in a perfect bubble of daylight. Even when the terrain got bumpy or required a lot of steering, I felt very comfortable thanks to the light intensity and pattern. I found I could go as fast as I wanted without fear of missing a root or obstacle in the shadows. The video below shows me on a pitch black trail with no external lighting. The only light in the video is coming from the Seca 900 which basically has about as much power as a nuclear reactor. Notice how the light illuminates the trail even when cresting bumps!

The Seca 900 system also includes something called “Race mode” that allows you to quickly toggle between low and high intensity light settings for climbing and descending (respectively). This means fewer clicks to get to the two light modes you really need during the race!

Overall I can honestly say if you can afford to spend the extra bucks on this bike light, you will not be disappointed in any way. With the Seca 900 Ultra you’re getting a superior product with incredible battery life and leading on-trail performance in a svelte, easy to use package.

If you don’t think your riding isn’t quite up to the level of the Seca 900, consider giving the Stella 300 Dual a try. At half the cost of the Seca 900, this system is a bit more affordable and provides enough light to navigate dark trails with a good degree of comfort.

* One lumen is defined as the amount of light produced by a light source that emits one candela of luminous intensity over a specified angle. This is a more consistent way of measuring output rather than using Watts.

Technical specification from Light & Motion:

Battery Type: 9-Cell Li-Ion
Battery Weight: 486g
Mounts: Helmet, Handlebar
Modes: Race, Cruise, Flash
Charge time: 3:30min
Charger: Multi-Chem Smart
System Weight: 686g

Run Time (HR:MM)

• High - 3:30
• Med - 7:00
• Low - 14:00
• Flash - 100+

Output (lumens):

• High - 900
• Med - 450
• Low - 225
• Flash –
  

This is part II of an article on prepping for a 24 hour mountain bike race (here’s part I in case you missed it). Whether you’re part of a team or riding solo, these tips will help you focus on the ride so you can enjoy your race!

PART I
Bike preparation
What to have on the bike
Riding clothes and accessories
What should be in that hydration pack

PART II
Base camp
Foods
Personal preparation

Base Camp

Your temporary home for the 24 hour race has to provide you and your team with a comfortable place to relax between stints on the course. Base camp should have all the food, shelter, and equipment  your team will need to finish the event no matter what the conditions. To be successful you need to bring more than you think you need and for some, this can make or break their event.

Get a tent that is larger than you would think you need - I tend to use a tent that will house 6 people. A good tent will keep everything inside dry so make sure you tent has adequate waterproofing and a solid base tarp to sit on. Don’t just lay your tent on the ground - set it on a tarp that will not allow water to seep in from below. Pitch your tent so that the winds of that day are not blowing into the door, but rather away from it. A sleeping bag and some kind of foam or air mattress is a must to ensure you stay well rested.

Another key item is a large cooler to hold all your food for the race. Bring a water container that can hold all your drinking water and keep it separate from any other sources of water that you would use (cleaning water, for example). I also recommend bringing a portable wood or gas stove; either way make sure you have enough fuel to warm up food and drinks during the race. For a gas stove you will probably need 3 to 4 small canisters of fuel - and don’t forget the matches!

A portable generator will allow you to power various items such as battery chargers, air pumps, and fixed lights for working on bikes at night. Some riders bring electric kettles which can be useful for quickly heating water for cooking or just coffee.

You will more than likely need to repair your bike at some point during a 24 hour race so tools are a must. This is where you will want to bring everything plus the kitchen sink. Imagine what the fellas bring during a NASCAR race and you’ll have an idea of what tools and spares you will need. When I do events like these, I bring spares of nearly everything. I typically bring a complete driveline with front derailleur, rear derailleur, chains pre cut to correct length, derailleur hangers, pre-cut cable sets, and a rear shifter pod. I also bring two extra sets of wheels with different tires - one aggressive set  for muddy conditions and another fast rolling set. Bring several extra spare tubes as well as replacement brake pads. For tools I bring my main bike tool box and bike stand. (see my previous post on bike tools).

Here is a list with options for your base camp:

• Tent bigger that you would think you need OR an RV (Ohh yeah!)
• Spare pegs and rope (just in case of high winds)
• Sleeping bag, pillow, and air mattress OR sleeping bunk in Winnebago
• Stove, grill, OR gas stove (foldable/ portable)
• Frying pan, 5L pot, sauce pan (not shown)
• Cooking utensils (big fork, cooking spoon, tongs. Don’t forget personal utensils: fork, spoon, knife)
• Fuel for stove or grill (not shown)
• First aid kit (make sure it includes polysporin, benadryl, afterbite, alcohol pads and antiseptic)
• Cooler - the larger the better or two smaller ones (one for fresh fruits and drinks, the other for meats and dairy)
• Food for your event (not shown)
• Drinks (not shown)
• Fresh water in collapsible 25L containers
• A tarp or two (not shown)

For tools and spares:

• 2 large plastic tote boxes ( clear see through labeled with contents)
• Tool box which must contain at least allen keys 2- 10mm, cable cutter, cone wrenches 12-19mm, hammer, spoke wrenches, phillips and slotted screw driver, chain whip, chain pin tool, bottom bracket tool (for your bike), pedal wrench, torque wrench and sockets, and shock pump
• Floor pump
• Repair stand
• 2 spare wheel sets (inflated and complete with tires, tube, and rear cassette). Have one pair set up for mud.
• 1 complete cable set (pre-cut and ready to install)
• Front and rear derailleur (cable stops already set)
• 2 rear derailleur hangers
• 2 or 3 sets of brake pads (use sintered pads, organics tend to wear out too quickly when wet)
• 4 tubes or more (I keep mine in a zip lock bag with baby powder)
• Lubricants and cleaners (chain lube, grease, WD-40, bike wash), brushes and picks (for getting the crud out)

Foods

Here you have to be smart because it’s too easy to pack junk high in sugars and empty carbs. Fortunately there are plenty of food choices to satisfy even the hungriest racers.

For quick eats you can portion food packages in advance that you can warm up or eat cold. If you’re into camp cooking, bring raw foods and cook them at your base camp. If you’re crazy enough to be on your own or have just a few people with you, camp cooking may not be the way to go. But even solo riders should bring fruits which are nature’s energy foods!

As far as specific food recommendations, think of foods that can be digested with relative ease and foods that will not offend your stomach. Also consider your meal timing. For example: eating fruits after another food may give you gas and an upset stomach. On the topic of fruits, below is a list of fruits that will help you during your event, but remember to eat these on an empty stomach or before other foods.

Good fruits to consider:

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. The kiwi’s vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C.

STRAWBERRY: Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits. Plus they’re delicious and refreshing.

ORANGE: Sweetest medicine. Eating 2 to 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away and lower cholesterol.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost the immune system.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene which is good for your eyes and night vision.

As far as supplemental energy, find yourself an energy bar that is low in complex sugars and that you know isn’t disgusting. I found that Nature Harvest bars work great as well as Clif bars. Of course these bars work for me but you’ll want to experiment for yourself.  Trail mix is a good choice too - dried fruits and nuts plus chocolate (if you’re so inclined).

For base camp I tend to bring a stack of prepared burgers or simply chicken breasts that have been butterfly cut and marinated in a honey garlic sauce that will cook quickly over the grill. I also bring some prepared potato or pasta salad that will keep well in the cooler. For a nutritious cold dish I premix canned chickpeas, tuna, low fat sour cream, mayo, some crushed peanuts and spices, chopped onion, and a touch of hot sauce for flavor. This makes a delicious, high protein meal without any need for a stove! Fresh condiments such as tomato, lettuce and onions or some cheese work as well for your burgers and chicken. I also bring breakfast items like English muffins, eggs, bacon and cheese… sounds like a McMuffin but we’re talking home made here (hungry yet?). Warm food is a great pick-me-up when you’re waking up in the cold. It’s easy to make as well.

Personal Preparation

So now you have all your gear and base camp set up. You’ve gathered wood, set up the tent, and laid out a killer work space. But you’re outta breath already! Uh oh.

Preparing your body for a 24 hour race should take place well in advance (preferably before you set up base camp ). Before you sign up for a 24 hour race, consider how you’ll be racing. Will this be a corporate event where you’re riding 1 or 2 laps or are you going to be in a 4 person team where you will be expected to do more than 4 laps that day? Or are you crazy enough to do the entire event by yourself? Whatever you plan on doing, the first thing to find out is how long a lap is. Once you know the distance then you have a training target. From there you can build a training plan.

For the 24 Hour Summer Solstice I planned for a 4 man team. Each lap was 17Km or 12 Miles, and from previous results and looking at the score boards it usually took 48min for a lap. So seeing that 48 min is roughly 0.8 hours we can figure out how many laps will be done in 24 hours which comes out to 30. Now for the total distance you (or your team) will have to travel 360 miles. If you have a 4 man team that means each person will travel 90 miles each.

For training, I usually try to build up my rides to race distance +10%. So I end up making my rides 14 miles long and try and get in two or three laps a day at my local trails. I do that to slowly build up leg strength and endurance. There really is no substitute for putting miles on the trails.

Of course building the miles and endurance is important but you also need to build the machine (your body). Changing habits can really help here: getting extra rest and cutting out junk food may be tough but it’s part of training. The night before long rides, try to eat extra carbs (pasta!).

In terms of a specific training diet, you should really consult a professional before making big changes. Everyone is different and although I could tell you what I eat, our bodies will not react the same.

Give yourself at least 2 months of prep time to gradually increase your saddle time. An event like a 24 hour race isn’t an overnight success story - it takes time and lots of patience to get your heart, lungs, and legs up to par.

If your 24 hour goal is to have fun, take my advice on the equipment side of this article and you will be prepared and comfortable for the event. If you want to win, start training with your team now so you can dominate this fall!

Just a few months ago yours truly was invited to compete in the Summer Solstice 24 Hour up here in ON. Fun times for sure, provided you’re physically prepared and have all the necessary equipment. One thing to remember in events like these is even if you think you don’t need something, you do. I am going to break this article up into two parts, each with several sections containing checklists of items you’ll want to bring for a great race.

PART I
Bike preparation
What to have on the bike
Riding clothes and accessories
What should be in that hydration pack

PART II
Base camp
Foods
Personal preparation

Bike Preparation

The first thing to keep in mind in an event like a 24 hour race is, unlike a regular ride, you will have to contend with anything mother nature tosses at you. Fortunately, if your bike has been prepared properly it shouldn’t be that bad. If the weather reports say it’s going to rain, you’ll be riding in mud - lots of mud to be exact. Once again it’s not like going out for a regular ride - those trails will very quickly be turned into slop.

You can eliminate a few worries by having your drive train bomb-proofed. How do you do that? For one thing, lubricate your components before the event using a lube that is slightly thicker than you would normally use. I tend to use a waxy oil - it clings a bit better and doesn’t wash out as quickly.

I also like to switch out my hollow pin chain for a more durable chain (such as the PC-971 from SRAM). I really like SRAM chains because of the Powerlink which provides a means to remove the chain on the trail without any tools. The Powerlink also makes removing the chain quick and easy so you can soak it in lubricant between laps.

To keep your drive train operating smoothly, it’s also a good idea to protect your cables from grime. I use the Gore Ride-on cable system which is sealed from shifter pod to the derailleur, keeping all the grime and water out of the cable itself. The last thing you want during a 24 hour race is a shifting jam so bad that you stop using your shifter altogether.

Choosing the right tires for race day course conditions can give you a big leg up on the competition. If it’s a dry day, a faster rolling tire is a good choice while a tire with a bit more tread is better for soft dirt. If you’re planning on riding in the rain you’ll need a mud tire. If you have a course with tons of fast switchbacks and turns, a tire with good transition knobs would be wise. On the topic of tires, if you have a spare wheel set it’s smart to set it up with a different type of tire so you can react to changing conditions.

To truly bomb-proof your bike, have it tuned up just before the race. You can follow one of my previous posts on servicing your bike to give you a good idea about what to check. For those who don’t have time to dig through the archives, start at the front of the bike checking wheel bearing smoothness/ looseness, brake operation, and the amount of brake pad life remaining (you may want to just put a new set of pads). On the topic of pads, if it’s going to rain, toss a set of sintered pads on your bike - organic pads will not last at all. Torque the handlebars and brake levers. Lube the shifter pods and torque all the bolts down on the front end (stem bolts, brake bolts, and rotor bolts) . If you have a FS bike, check the operation of all the bearings and pivots. Reset the pressure on your rear shock, checking for leaks using soapy water all around. Also check the front derailleur, cable clamp, and derailleur clamp bolts for proper torque. Test your rear brake action, torque, and pad life (replace as necessary). Check rear wheel bearings and cassette. Finally, examine the rear derailleur condition and movement.

In a 24 hour race you are going to ride at night so you need a good quality lighting system or two. I use the Princeton Tec Switchback 3 along with a few other systems as back up. You may want to consider having two systems with you - one on the bike and the other on the helmet. Make sure your systems are functioning and fully charged for the event. Bring a spare battery if you can or at least plan a way to charge your battery when you’re not riding (car charger or a generator).

Bike Prep Checklist:

• Get a tune up including nut and bolt check and new brake pads and chain
• Bring an extra set of tires or wheels for different weather conditions
• Pack spare parts (cables, derailleur hanger, nuts and bolts, chain, tubes, chainring and bolts)
• Get a spare lighting system and batteries tested and ready to go
• Consider a tail light as well (some races require one)

What to have on the Bike

Once your bike is prepped there are a few things you need to have on that bike during your race. The most important thing that should be on the bike is your timing chip (dongle or lap counting device). If that’s not on your bike, your laps won’t be registered! Also, don’t forget your number plate. Make sure the plate does not impede your cables or your steering. Bring a spare tube and an water bottle if you need it. Just remember that there will be mud flung onto everything!

Your Personal Riding Gear

Choosing the right clothing for a 24 hour race can be a daunting task. To be successful on the course, you need to stay as dry as possible. That means you need a few changes of clothing. Have at least 3 sets of shorts and jerseys - trust me, you’ll go through all of them. Bring clothing that will work with you during the evening portions of the race. Remember in some states and provinces there will be a big difference in temperatures in the evenings compared to the day time. Bring at least one windproof jacket and a pair of pants to keep warm during those hours.

Clothing checklist:

• Helmet (and optional back-up)
• 5 or 6 sets of socks
• 4 jerseys
• 4 shorts
• 2 sets of gloves
• 1 rain jacket and pants (wind proof and water repellent - consider Gore wind stopper products or Paclite)
• Casual wear and warm clothing for when you’re off the bike
• A 2L hydration pack which can also hold snacks for your lap (nothing too large - a simple pack like the Camelbak Octane XC will work)

What should be in that Hydration Pack

For those who choose to use a hydration pack during the race, try get one that will just hold the essentials. Remember you’re only going out for about 12 miles (17km) at a time. All you need for a lap is your water, nutrition and emergency items for fixing a flat tire (forget these and you’re running the rest of the way). For tire problems you’ll need a tube, inflator, and tire irons. You may also want to pack a simple multitool just in case something comes loose or needs tweaking due to mud buildup.

For on-trail nutrition, carry items that are easy to eat and digest - experiment with this one before your event. Get your electrolites and carbs from a gel like Hammer Gel or a sports drink in your hydration pack. You can also carry fruit like bananas (consume these items first) or nutrition bars. Just remember with any food item, especially nutrition bars, consume with plenty of water. For best performance, try to eat before you’re hungry and drink before you’re thirsty (just a tip).

In your Hydration pack (if you use one):

• Hydration pack with enough water for one lap
• Food items for one lap
• Inflator, tube, and tire irons
• A multitool
• Spare chain links

Tomorrow I’ll be posting Part II of this article, including tips on how to set up your base camp, food to bring, and the tools you’ll want to have for more serious race repairs.

Bummed by the NASCAR rain delays this weekend? This might cheer you up: NASCAR drivers Andy Lally and Craig Stanton will be competing in 24 Hours of Big Bear (West Virginia) on mountain bikes June 13-14. Rounding out the team are two other experienced racecar (and bike) drivers - Mike Simon and Michael DeNino.

Obviously these guys are competitive and they’re backed by some serious sponsors including Blue Competition Cycles (look for an upcoming review of the Blue XC Carbon by yours truly). Each driver, er rider, will complete 4 laps during the race - no word on whether the drivers’ regular sponsors will get placement on the bikes and/or jerseys

Although it may sound odd for racecar drivers to be competing on mountain bikes the crossover between the two sports is actually more common than you might think. Last summer we wrote about US Olympic mountain biker Adam Craig and MTB race organizer Mark Corbett, both of whom are into rally car racing. There’s something about a need for speed that both mountain bikers and car drivers can appreciate!