Lupine SL Nano AF: New premium light for gravel bikes and commuters

Gravel bikes are increasingly being ridden all year round. Whether it’s commuting to work, winter training on gravel tracks or long bikepacking tours during the darker months of the year: good lighting has long been more than just a safety feature.

This is precisely where Lupine sees the new SL Nano AF coming into its own. The redesigned light is designed to provide sufficient light output for fast sections on unlit cycle paths and gravel tracks, whilst remaining fully compliant with the StVZO.

​Editorial conclusion

With the new Lupine SL Nano AF, the German lighting specialist is consistently refining its compact StVZO-compliant light. In particular, the optimised cooling system and enhanced Bluetooth integration prove more relevant in everyday use than the raw performance figures alone. At 429 euros, the price remains confidently set; in return, you get one of the most technically sophisticated StVZO-compliant lights on the market. Stefan Frey, Test Editor

​High beam for dark cycle paths and gravel adventures

With up to 1,300 lumens and 150 lux, the SL Nano AF is one of the most powerful compact StVZO-compliant lights on the market. The high-beam function is likely to be of particular interest to gravel cyclists. Anyone who regularly rides on unlit farm tracks, forest tracks or remote gravel sections will benefit from the extra range and a wider field of vision.

Thanks to the specially developed optics, the beam is designed to provide not only a long reach but also a wide spread. On varied road surfaces in particular, peripheral vision can be crucial for spotting potholes, gravel patches or bends in good time.

According to Lupine, the new SL Nano AF has a range of up to 250 metres. This is achieved thanks to two automotive LEDs from ams OSRAM and a redesigned biconical TIR lens.

In modern cycle lights, the lens in particular plays a more important role than sheer light output. It is not just how much light is produced that matters, but how precisely it is directed onto the road. Lupine promises wide illumination, a long beam range and a clearly defined cut-off line. The high beam is designed to provide sufficient light for fast road cycling, gravel riding or commuting in complete darkness.

Redesigned casing is designed to dissipate heat more effectively

The biggest technical innovation lies in the housing. The cooling fins and airflow have been redesigned for this update. The cooling surfaces are now better positioned in the airflow and are designed to dissipate the heat generated more efficiently. Whilst this may not sound particularly spectacular at first, it is a crucial factor for high-performance cycle lights. This is because only efficient cooling enables consistently high light output without the electronics having to throttle back prematurely.

The CNC-machined lamp head is still made of aluminium and weighs just 62 grams. Even including the 5.0 Ah SmartCore battery, the system remains comparatively light.

Connected lighting system for everyday use and touring

Lupine is progressively developing the SL Nano AF into a connected lighting system. The light can be controlled via Bluetooth using the familiar handlebar remote control. On longer gravel rides or daily commutes, riders can switch between daytime running lights, dipped beam and full beam without taking their hands off the handlebars.

In addition, there is the option of integrating compatible rear lights, such as the Rotlicht Pro BT, into the system. Commuters in particular benefit from centralised control of all lighting functions.

Long service life despite a compact design

Power is supplied by an external 5.0 Ah SmartCore battery with a capacity of 35 Wh. Depending on the operating mode, Lupine states that the runtime ranges from two and a half to 17.5 hours. In Eco mode, it is said to be possible to maximise the runtime.

In addition, there is a three-stage battery warning, the familiar SmartCore display and an emergency reserve mode. These features are likely to be of particular interest to long-distance drivers and commuters.

Technical specifications: Lupine SL Nano AF

When it comes to bike lights, is maximum brightness more important to you, or a long battery life? Share your experiences in the comments!