Gloworm is hands down one of the best mountain bike light manufacturers in the world. Last year, the Gloworm XSV LED lights scored an impressive 4.5 stars with the only gripes being the awkward-to-read battery gauge and the sliding battery. The new versions solve both those problems in particularly fine style, expand output-tuning options with an app and add a bit more power. Plus you can still keep all the reliability and ultra comprehensive spares/options bundle versatility we’ve always loved about Gloworm.
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Gloworm head units
Gloworm Generation 2.0 XSV
The Generation 2.0 XSV (eXceSsiVe) head unit keeps the same three-LED format inside a machined metal head with built-in radiator fins. Full power from the three Cree XHP 35.2 emitters, which has been upped from 3,400 to 3,600 lumens with three different power settings (20%, 70%, 100%, plus a ‘special mode’) as standard. The new Gloworm Link app uses Bluetooth to let you fully customize the power percentage and number of steady/flash modes. You also get a Bluetooth TX bar remote that can operate two sets of lights at once.
The default setup of the central honeycomb lens (medium spread flanked by two spot lenses) gives tons of punch and reasonable peripheral vision. You can unbolt the faceplate (hex key provided) to swap these lenses for either another spot or honeycomb lens or a wide-ribbed diffuser lens to suit trail conditions. A bolt-on GoPro mount (plus ‘Fastlock’ helmet clip and strap mount) are also included as well as a long lead if you want to put the XSV on your head. A secure, quick-release 35mm bar clamp with a 31.8mm shrinker is included, as are all the hex keys, zip ties, helmet and battery straps you might need.
Gloworm X2 Adventure
The X2 Adventure lends itself more naturally to helmet use as it's a lot lighter and more compact. It uses two LEDs to give a 2,000 Lumen output (up from 1,700). It comes with a spot and honeycomb lens as standard which is great for head- or bar use. There's also a ribbed wide lens or a spot lens included in the box. The double spot is definitely a win in terms of faster road/gravel-bar use boasting impressive range and clarity. Modes are again fully customizable via the Gloworm Link app and you get a Bluetooth TX bar remote so you don’t have to rummage around on your head. You get the same totally comprehensive accessories bundle as the XSV, too.
Battery power
As if more power and fancy Bluetooth tuning options being added to our favorite lights weren’t enough, the big news is the new batteries. The new hard-case designs are longer and flatter - even the ‘Power Pack 10’ battery of the XSV (155mm) won't take up much real estate.
Gloworm Generation 2.0 XSV
The Gloworm logo wrap strap and rubberized feet keep things stable on your frame. The 10,000 mAH capacity of the PP 10 gives over two hours of run time at max power (we got 2:10 after a few charge cycles) and there’s now a super easy-to-read OLED bar display on the strap mount to keep track of charge. You can also check battery health in the Link app and it recharges nice and fast with the supplied USB C smart charger. The new USB C cords provide excellent sealing (they're IP67-rated) and a right-angle plug neck makes for a tidier setup.
Gloworm X2 Adventure
The X2 Adventure gets a 50 per cent smaller capacity than the XSV but run times are identical. This can be synced via the Bluetooth remote to help provide a more efficient and less stressful riding experience - no more trying to remember/juggle modes. You get the same OLED and Link charge info and super-fast recharge but the big win here is the ability to use both batteries as power banks (granted you've got some charge left to spare). There's even a USB C to standard USB adaptor included in the box.
Verdict
We were already big fans of the Gloworm for its excellent, multi-source light output and ultra-comprehensive bundle packaging. The remote switch is another win, as are the multiple, really well thought-out mounts and the almost comically comprehensive bombproof reliability. We've experienced zero issues with its products over years of rigorous all-weather use, and the lights and mounts are tough enough to take hit after hit over rugged terrain. Being able to tweak menus on the fly is also useful, we basically simplified things to 50- and 100 per cent power options plus a disruptive flash for daytime road use, but you could go entirely the other way if you want. Factor in the new batteries and the neatly configured cords and wiring, and these New Zealand-designed lights have fully cemented their position in our highly competitive best mountain bike lights segment.
Tech Specs: Gloworm Generation 2.0 XSV light
- Price: $389.00 / £305
- Weight: 541g complete (battery and strap 366g, lead 16g, head unit with bar clamp 136, remote switch 21g
- Lumens: 3600 Lumens
Tech Specs: Gloworm X2 Adventure light
- Price: $269.99 / £225
- Weight: 318g overall (battery 196g, lead 48g, head unit with GoPro clip 74g)
- Lumens: 2000 Lumens
