Lupine SL Grano F review: Top pick with high beam for fast night-time cycling

Front-mount solution for modern cockpits

Modern road bikes are increasingly fitted with integrated aero cockpits. It is difficult to find space on these for retrofit battery-powered headlights with standard mounts. A suitable mounting solution is therefore crucial for a battery-powered headlight: the light must be securely fixed in place and should not restrict the space for your hands on the top of the handlebars.

The Lupine SL Grano F Silver Edition handles this task particularly well. Its GoPro mount for attachment to an extension arm is integrated directly into the aluminium housing. This allows the headlight to be positioned on a compatible extension arm without the need for additional clamps or a separate adapter on the handlebars. In our test, the mount scored 1.0 out of 10. It holds the 170-gram light securely and feels very stable, even on rough roads.

Uniform illumination with a long range

The light distribution profile is the key criterion in the headlamp test. Here, the SL Grano F achieves a sub-score of 1.5. The light pattern is evenly distributed from the near zone right out into the distance. There are no dark patches or abrupt transitions.

For fast training rides in the dark, its high beam sets it apart from the competition. It is the only headlamp in the test to offer the Lupine SL Grano F This function. It can be conveniently operated whilst driving using the remote control supplied. The full-beam headlight noticeably increases the range and illuminates the road far enough ahead, even at high speeds. The headlight therefore offers a functional advantage over traditional dipped-beam models.

Five modes and an eco function

The built-in rechargeable battery has a capacity of 2300 mAh. Lupine states that there are five lighting modes. The measured runtime is 2 hours 35 minutes, and the charging time is 3 hours 30 minutes. With a sub-score of 3.0, the runtime is not the best in the test field. However, the Eco function extends the range of use: those who do without maximum brightness and high beam can achieve significantly longer runtimes.

Two green and red battery indicators show the charge level. In everyday use, this makes it easier to assess whether the remaining charge will be enough for the return journey or whether the battery should be recharged before the next trip.

Workmanship of a very high standard

The aluminium casing is precision-engineered and provides effective protection for the internal components. The build quality received the top mark of 1.0 in the test. The Lupine also impressed in terms of ease of use, scoring 1.4: operation, the remote control and the automatic switch between daytime and night-time lighting all work very well.

The high price of 269 euros makes the SL Grano F Silver Edition the most expensive light in this comparison. However, for road cyclists who regularly train in the dark, use an aero cockpit with a front mount and do not want to compromise on lighting performance, the premium price is technically justifiable.