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EB14: Lupine Introduces Rotlicht Accelerometer Brake Light, Entry Level Neo & More

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Known for their eye-searing LED headlights, german Lupine just introduced an innovative taillight. Built with the same craftsmanship as the rest of their products the Rotlicht (translated to the very concise Redlight) offers exceptional rear visibility with the added benefit of an integrated brake light feature.

Lupine_Rotlicht_red_accelerometer_brake_light_taillight_back

Drop in below for the low down on how it performs, pricing and availability, plus their new lower-cost headlight, and across the board updates…

Lupine_Rotlicht_red_accelerometer_brake_light_taillight_assembly

The Rotlicht offers 160 lumens of bright red LEDs powered by an integrated and micro USB-chargeable Li-Ion battery. Built on a machined aluminum housing, the circuitry includes an on-board accelerometer that detects sudden deceleration of the light unit and increases the light’s brightness. We got a demo of the show and it seemed pretty effective. Regular movement and vibration (read: shaking) from use doesn’t activate the brightening of the light until a regular, significant deceleration occurs. We think it will work best during road riding use, and will likely only react to more sudden braking vs. just scrubbing speed slowly, but in reality that is probably where it is best served. We talked with Lupine about it for quite a bit, and hope to have one in hand to test in about a month’s time.

The light has a single button that cycles through several different steady light levels and flashing modes, with the braking feature automatic. Selecting the mode is a mix of pressing and holding the button that really only makes sense once you have it in your hand for a few minutes. Another unique feature of the Rotlicht is a light sensor that automatically adjusts light output as your ride gets brighter or darker. Mounting is with a simple rubber strap that will easily attach to most all seatposts or frame tubes (26-45mm diameter). Typical run time on a single 4hr charge is about 10hrs; 2hrs at full power to 80hrs in flashing mode. The light will be available to customers before the end of September for €85/$110.

Lupine_USB_power_stick_phone_charger

Also of note in the small bits area was the new USBOne, a USB dongle/convertor that allows you to charge a phone of any other USB powered device from a standard Lupine battery pack. It could be a great way to extend the usage of GPSes and mobile phones on extended tours. Pricing wasn’t available but expect it to be one of the more affordable accessories from Lupine.

Lupine_Neo_helmet_mounted_single_LED_headlight_mounted

The Neo 2 is Lupines newest entry-level helmet-mounted headlight, putting out 700 Lumens of light with a 120m long beam. It has a nice even light near-to-far distribution pattern that should make it a decent light off-road and perfect on the road. The goal in developing the light was to simplify technology and manufacturing of the popular Piko light to get the price down, which they did by €80. The biggest cost savings was by incorporating the LEDs into a a round bored head unit that drastically reduced manufacturing time vs. the more complicated CNC machining of the higher-end lights.

Lupine_Neo_helmet_mounted_single_LED_headlight_low_power_red_mode

One of the unique features of the light as we saw in the display is a mode that runs a series of red LEDs inside the lens. This provides enough light for viewing maps inside a tent for example, or for walking around at night when you do not want to startle wildlife. It also uses such low power that it doesn’t really affect your overall burn time.

Lupine_Neo_helmet_mounted_single_LED_headlight_studio
The Neo still uses the same CREE XM-L2 Chip as the Piko, and puts out more light than the Piko did when it was first introduced. It has several different brightness modes from 35-700lumens, which are again accessed from a single button, plus 2 SOS modes. The helmet mounted (or stuffed in a jersey pocket or Camelback) battery is the smallest and lightest offered by Lupine, but still delivers more that 2 hours of burn at full power or more than a week of commuting at a typical lower level. A separate €30 headband turns the Neo into a great headlamp as well.

Lupine_Neo_helmet_mounted_single_LED_headlight_FL1_standard_performance

Specifications

  • 50g lamp head
  • 115g Li-Ion battery
  • 2hour 15 minute runtime at full power 7W/700lumen to 50hours at the 0.3W/35lumen minimum

The Neo2 retails for €180, including the light head, helmet mount, 2.2Ah battery, diffuser cap/lens cover, 120cm cable extension, and wall charger, and is available now.

Lupine_Betty_helmet_mounted_seven_LED_headlight_updates

A last note from Lupine would be across-the-board updates to it headlights. Since the middle of the summer new versions of the Piko, Wilma, and Betty R have been shipping. The updates include:

  • a new “all-black” finish simplifying their appearance
  • new switching controls, that now go straight to off, instead of first to the next dimlevel
  • new improved male cable connectors for the Piko line
  • better thermal management, to keep lampheads from overheating, even when accidentally left on
  • optimized light programming for Wilma and Betty with an integrated flashing mode
  • optimized lens for Betty with more middle intensity, and smoother side illumination
  • software optimization of the SmartCore batteries, removing a potential for user re-calibration

Plus, don’t miss checking out Lupine’s very cool online comparison tool for their light systems. You can see a sample of the light output of all of their lights at each setting level, and also see the runtime at each setting.

Lupine.de

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sd
sd
9 years ago

I see a lot of gimmicks but the accelerometer-enabled-brake-light doesnt seem like a bad idea. The implementation doesnt seem correct however… it should work like cars.

ie always on, and brighter when it detects braking. It should also detect it quickly (it seems that it doesnt, and thats a software limitation – accelerometers input can be cleaned up and any bike deceleration detected properly in a few milliseconds)

too bad.

Moby
Moby
9 years ago

Love my first gen BettyR. Hope that new lens kit will be available separately, a little less distance and more width is the only thing I’d want to change about it.

Kevin
9 years ago

The best just keep getting better. Have been waiting for Lupine to introduce a tail light. This puts out more lumens than the amazing DiNotte 300R. The brake light is just another reason to like it. If it’s anything as good as the newest Betty, should be a wonder.

Sean
Sean
9 years ago

@kevin. I agree completely. Dinotte has a new quad tail light, it’s lighter, brighter and smaller than the 300r and it may be a bit brighter than the Lupine. I’m all about being seen during the day and these lights help with daylight visibility. I’m torn between the two. It’s amazing how far lighting tech has come the past few years.

Nik
Nik
9 years ago

Just ordered a Lupine Rotlicht from Gretna Bikes–can’t wait to get it. I’d imagine it will be a nice addition to the Lupine Piko 4 I already own. I looked at the DiNotte stuff a while back and elected to go with Lupine instead–I LOVE their build quality. I figure buy it once and forgetaboutit.

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