Exposure’s latest road specific Strada is a seriously smart, cutting-edge barrel of brightness if you can afford it.
The Strada built light continues the ‘CFD’ (Cable Free Design) battery and lamp in one self-contained can principle, which the UK manufacturer started. The three Strada models (1200 priced at £289.96 / 900 priced at £244.94 / 600 priced at £199.96) are dedicated road units that sit alongside six CTD MTB lights.
As a result, the optics for the two up and under LEDs are designed to give reasonable reach underlined with a deliberately flat and wide beam spread to give all-round context and corner entry confidence.
It also delivers reassuring debris detection right up to the front wheel. That means it looks nearer 800 than 1,200 lumens in output when compared to more focused spot lights, but you’re less likely to hit pot holes or be picking thorns out of your tyres.
A triangular shoe and matching mount plate with spring loaded locking pin mean the actual light can be slid on and off very quickly.
Long battery life and multiple pre-programmable menu options, including excellent DayBright flash, also reduce the need to throttle back, so you’re likely to have more light more of the time than theoretically more powerful systems.
Current mode (and the run time left in that mode) are clearly displayed in the OLED strip across the back of the light, which also gives percentage charge information.
An optional wired remote control (supplied with the light) can be used to instantly cycle through the various modes of whichever menu you select to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic and provoking full beam revenge.
The Strada is supplied with the same very secure lightweight bolt on round bar mount that the MTB lights use, and it’s available in 25.4/31.8mm and 31.8mm options.
A triangular shoe and matching mount plate with spring loaded locking pin mean the actual light can be slid on and off very quickly. The same triangular shoe is used on a very cunning new mount that piggybacks the bolts on four-bolt stems for a very neat ‘out front’ fit regardless of bar shape.
Contrary to my initial cynicism, it stays put very securely and stably, even when you’re definitely pushing the limits of what a drop bar bike should be ridden down.
General Exposure reliability is impressive for such a sophisticated family of lights, and UK manufacturer direct back up is excellent too. This all offsets the high purchase price in practical year after year use terms, and the Strada has become my go-to road/gravel light from several boxfuls of potential post test candidates.
- Weight: 257g
- Run time (max power): 3h 10mins
