Lupine SL Grano
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In real-world testing, the Lupine SL Grano impresses with a very strong, broad beam, high-quality construction and particularly neat integration beneath the bike computer.
What We Like
- Very strong, broad illumination
- High-quality, robust housing
- Clean cockpit mounting
- Can run from a power bank while riding
What You Should Know
- Comparatively high price
- An additional mount may be needed, depending on the cockpit
Lupine has long made a name for itself in high-quality bike lights, so we were especially curious about the SL Grano introduced at this year's Eurobike. Its compact shape, promised output and familiar Lupine quality make it particularly interesting. We wasted no time mounting it beneath a gravel bike and testing it where it needs to prove itself: outdoors, in cold conditions and genuine darkness.
Lupine SL Grano Key Specifications
Illumination (Real-World Test Video)
The Lupine SL Grano's illumination made a strong impression in real-world testing. Beyond brightness, it lights the road ahead very confidently. The beam is broad enough to cover the edges well on a gravel bike, while reaching far enough to show what lies ahead at higher road cycling speeds. Official specifications support that impression: 900 lumens, 110 lux and a stated range up to 230 metres. I filmed the following video on my iPhone, and it is unedited.
Battery Life
The Lupine SL Grano's battery life is ideal for performance riding, ranging from 1:45 hours to 12 hours depending on mode. In practice, around 1 hour 40 minutes on the highest setting meets expectations, although low temperatures can affect runtime. Two side LEDs indicate lighting mode and battery level: green for 100 to 66 percent, yellow for 65 to 31 percent, red for 30 to 16 percent and flashing red for 15 to 0 percent, signalling a need to recharge. An emergency reserve is also available, indicated by alternating red and blue LEDs, making battery monitoring easier while riding.
Charging Time & Charging While Riding
The Lupine SL Grano can charge at home or on the move while riding. In testing, this worked smoothly using a power bank. Lupine's dedicated charging cable with an angled plug is particularly practical, fitting a bike setup better than a conventional straight cable. A full charge from 0 to 100 percent takes around 3 hours 30 minutes, reaching 80 percent after about 2 hours 45 minutes. This is a real benefit on longer rides, allowing straightforward recharging or continued operation on the move.
Mount (Not Included)
For me, Lupine's separately available mount is almost the most elegant way to install the SL Grano. The computer sits above and the light neatly beneath, exactly what you want on a modern road or gravel cockpit. Direct attachment to a GoPro mount makes the setup particularly clean and much more refined than many conventional handlebar solutions. Lupine also offers versions for 31.8mm round handlebars and aero cockpits, depending on your needs.
Weight
At a measured 172 grams in our test, the Lupine SL Grano is not among the very lightest front lights, but its weight is entirely reasonable for its performance. Considering the strong illumination, integrated battery and high-quality aluminium housing, it feels more than fair. In everyday road or gravel use, its weight therefore barely registers as a drawback.
Lupine SL Grano with Garmin RearVue820 Rear Light
I rode with the Lupine SL Grano at the front and Garmin RearVue 820 at the rear, and the combination worked very well in testing. Both are StVZO compliant, making them an interesting option for anyone wanting a sporty yet road-approved setup on a road or gravel bike. I can also recommend the Garmin RearVue 820 for its useful additional radar functions. Find my detailed review here: Garmin RearVue 820 Review.
Pros and Cons
- Compact, attractive design that suits modern road and gravel cockpits
- Strong output and excellent illumination, among the brightest compact lights in our real-world test
- Clean integration using GoPro-compatible mounts, ideal beneath the computer mount
- Integrated battery with USB-C charging, usable with a power bank on the move
- StVZO approved and therefore legal for road use
- High-quality construction with a robust, carefully finished housing
- Side status LEDs make battery level and lighting mode easy to check
- Practical ambient light sensor for automatic switching between daytime running light and night mode
- High price for a compact front light
- Mount not always included; an additional solution is often needed depending on the cockpit
Rating
Buy the Lupine SL Grano
- 900 Lumens / 110 Lux
- StVZO Approved
- USB-C Charging
- GoPro-Compatible Mounting
- 172g (Measured)
- Up to 230m Range
- Integrated Battery
The Lupine SL Grano is a compact, exceptionally well-built bike light for road and gravel riding. In testing, it particularly impressed with strong output, clean cockpit integration and impressive illumination for its size.
- Very Strong Illumination
- Compact Design
- Clean Integration Beneath the Computer Mount
- StVZO approval
- USB-C and Power Bank Use Available
- High price
- A Separate Mount May Be Needed
Conclusion of Our Lupine SL Grano Real-World Review
With the SL Grano, Lupine delivers a bicycle light that particularly impresses with illumination, build quality and integration into a performance cockpit. Its broad, long-reaching beam made a very strong impression in practical testing. Compact mounting below the bike computer also creates an exceptionally tidy road or gravel bike setup.
Battery life is respectable given the high light output. For longer rides, being able to charge the light from a power bank and continue using it while riding is practical.
Limitations include the comparatively high price and, depending on the cockpit, an additional mount. Nevertheless, among the compact StVZO front lights tested by Rennradguru so far, the Lupine SL Grano offers one of the most convincing combinations of illumination, premium build quality and neat cockpit integration.
Rennradguru rating: 9.1 out of 10 points.
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