Lupine SL Nano AF: More power, better cooling, smarter connectivity

​Compact cycle lights often face a dilemma: bright light generates heat, and heat in turn limits performance. This is where Lupine’s new SL Nano AF comes in. The redesigned StVZO-compliant light is said to be brighter, more efficient and better cooled than its predecessor, whilst retaining the same compact dimensions.

The SL Nano has been one of the most popular road lights in the Lupine range for years. The new generation retains the basic concept: as much light as possible in the smallest possible housing. At the same time, the Upper Palatinate-based company has revised several technical details that may be more relevant in everyday use than the sheer number of lumens.

​Editorial conclusion

With the new Lupine SL Nano AF The German lighting specialist is consistently refining its compact street 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 lamps on the market. Stefan Frey, Test Editor

More light for fast journeys

According to Lupine, the new SL Nano AF delivers up to 1,300 lumens, 150 lux and a beam range of up to 250 metres. This is achieved by 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. What matters is not just how much light is produced, 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.

Bluetooth is becoming a core concept

The connectivity is also interesting. The SL Nano AF uses Bluetooth 5.2 Low Energy and communicates with the familiar Lupine handlebar remote control. This allows you to control daytime running lights, dipped beam and full beam directly from the cockpit.

At the same time, Lupine is continuing to expand its ecosystem. The optional Rotlicht Pro BT can be connected wirelessly and controlled in conjunction with the front light. For cyclists who wish to coordinate multiple light sources, the SL Nano AF thus becomes a connected lighting system.

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