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Gloworm Lights Cuts the Cord With New Self-Contained CX Core Bike Light

Screen shot of someone riding with the new gloworm CX Core at night with the Gloworm logo superimposed over it.(All photos/Gloworm)
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New Zealand-based Gloworm Lights has been producing some of the best bike lights on the market for quite some time. The latest from the brand is the new CX Core Light System, which it is calling “our most advanced light yet.” This new light sets itself apart from other models in the brand’s lineup with its fully self-contained design, with the goal of making it more user-friendly without sacrificing performance. 

Gloworm’s existing product lineup is highly regarded for its performance and quality, but until now, all of its lights have used external battery packs. While external batteries have some advantages, self-contained lights have been growing quickly in popularity for the cable-free simplicity and convenience they offer, comparatively speaking. And that’s exactly why Gloworm made the CX Core.

We’ve been listening to riders tell us what they really need from their lights,” said Vaggelis Monogyios, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Gloworm Lights. “The CX Core is our answer to those conversations. Everything you need is built right into the light, without compromising on performance or safety.” 

Studio image of the Gloworm CX Core bike light
The CX Core is a cable-free light system that attaches to the helmet, your handlebar, or both.

Gloworm CX Core Details

The new CX Core light contains both the light and the battery in a single unit. The light itself has four LEDs and a maximum output of 1750 lumens with numerous settings to choose from and customization possible through the Gloworm Link mobile app.

Mounting

The light can be used on either the helmet or handlebar, but the “System” kit comes set up for helmet use with a universal helmet mount as well as a low-profile GoPro-style adapter. A Bar Mount kit is sold separately (or as part of a bundle), which includes a 35 mm bar mount (and an adapter for 31.8 mm) and a wide-beam lens optimized for handlebar use.

Battery

The CX Core has a 6000mAh internal battery that provides a claimed 80+ minutes of runtime at the maximum 1750 lumen output. It can reportedly go for up to 10 hours at lower output settings. It’s also compatible with the Gloworm PowerPack G2.0, an external power supply that can get you an additional 4 hours of runtime at max output. With USB-C fast charging, it reportedly takes less than 1.5 hours to charge from 0 to 100%, or just under 2 hours with regular charging.

Remote

The CX Core comes with Gloworm’s TX wireless remote, so riders can adjust output settings on the fly without needing to take their hands off the handlebar. This means riders never have to reach up to the unit on their head or on the handlebar to adjust its brightness.

stock image of the Gloworm TX remote on a handlebar
The wireless remote lets you change settings without letting go of the handlebar.

Gloworm CX Core Specs

  • Brightness: Up to 1750 lumens
  • Battery: 6000 mAh Li-ion
  • Runtime: 80+ at Max, up to 10 hours at Min
  • Water Resistance: IP67
  • Mounts: Included: Universal helmet mount and GoPro style adapter, Bar Mount sold separately
  • Remote: Gloworm TX Remote Button
  • App Control: Gloworm Link app (iOS and Android)
  • Charging 0 – 100%: USB-C 45 W ~ 1 hr. 25 min., USB-C 20 W ~ 1 hr. 50 min
  • Weight: 182 grams, 202 grams w/ Bar Mount
  • Dimensions: 89 mm L x 51 mm W x 33 mm H

What’s in the Box?

  • CX Core Light System with low-profile helmet mount adapter
  • Gloworm TX (BT) remote button (G2.x)
  • Gloworm USB-C Power Cable (G2.x)
  • Gloworm Universal Helmet Mount
  • Gloworm Universal Light Mount
  • Adhesive Helmet Mount (curved)
  • USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter
  • Instruction card

Compatible Accessories

  • CX-Core Bar Mount Upgrade (included in some bundles)
  • Gloworm Power Pack (G2.0)
  • Gloworm Fast Charger 45W
  • Gloworm Power cable (G2.0) 130 cm

Gloworm Lights CX Core: Pricing and Availability

On its own, the CX Core sounds like an excellent option for most people’s shorter-duration night rides. Add the PowerPack 2.0 into the mix, and it looks like it has the potential to become a versatile, one-light solution that covers both short and long rides alike.

The new CX Core light is available for preorder now at a 15% pre-order discount until October 15, 2025. The MSRP for the Gloworm CX Core Light System is $180 ($153 w/ discount). The CX Core Light System & Bar Mount Upgrade goes for $190 ($161.50 w/ discount). They also sell a CX Core Light System Bundle, which includes 2 CX Core lights plus a Bar Mount for $349 ($296.70 w/ discount). 

Estimated shipping starts October 15, 2025, with distribution through the brand’s established retail network. In the U.S., Gloworm has relaunched Gloworm USA and a distribution center in Portland, Oregon, to better serve the North American market.

glowormlights.com

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MTBiz
MTBiz
1 month ago

So, this is essentially a revised Outbound Portal, a smidge more lumens, faster pass thru charging to keep up with high mode.
I’m curious if either lens option is wider than the Portal.
I’m sure the stock lens will have more throw than the Evo, but will the upgrade lens also have more throw?
If the upgrade lens has more throw and more width,it’ll be more useful.

Gloworm Lights
1 month ago
Reply to  MTBiz

Heya from Gloworm, and thanks for being the first to comment!

To shed some light (pun intended) on the optics, the bar-mount upgrade lens is indeed wider and more even, while the stock optic is punchier and designed for helmet use.

There are only so many ways you can position a battery around LEDs, so many self-contained lights end up having a similar form factor. Outside of that limitation, we spent over two years designing this light so it would fit and perform well within the Gloworm lineup.

What you get, in addition to the flexibility of interchangeable optics, is a wireless button that works with all our other lights, custom mode control through the app, a high-end CNC aluminum housing, and fast charging with full pass-through capability that will work with existing GW batteries.

We believe these characteristics make the CX Core stand out compared to the current offerings in the market.

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