Lezyne React Drive Front: better as a bundle

Patrick Bardelli

20/1/2026

Translation: Natalie McKay

Pictures: Patrick Bardelli

A maximum of 1,200 lumens and a standalone function make the React Drive front light from Lezyne an attractive bike light. Paired with the radar from the same manufacturer, the result is a unique safety system on two wheels.

Last autumn, I tested the new rear light with a radar function from American brand Lezyne. Apart from the fact I’m not a fan of mounting straps, I was disappointed that the compatible front light wasn’t available at the time. I would’ve liked to try out the standalone function without having to use the GPS bike computer or the app to control the light. You can find my in-depth review of it here:

Now the front light’s finally available, and the manufacturer’s provided me with one to test.

Lezyne React Drive Front and Radar Drive

Let’s get something straight right from the off: I don’t think it makes much sense to use the front light by itself. It’s simply too expensive, and there are various cheaper models from other manufacturers on the market. You can find all front lights in the Galaxus range here.

When the light is paired with Lezyne’s smart rear light with radar, it becomes a more appealing option, also in terms of its price. This combination offers no fewer than six different possible configurations, depending on individual requirements:

• Radar Drive only: rear light only
• Radar Drive with app: rear light and radar function
• Radar Drive with GPS bike computer: rear light with a radar function (as described in the review above)
• Radar React System: Radar Drive and React Drive standalone without bike computer or app
• Radar React System with app: front and rear lights with radar via app
• Radar React System with GPS bike computer: front and rear lights with radar via bike computer

Bike lights

Lezyne Radar React System

1200 lm, 300 lm

Better as a bundle

The major benefit of combining front and rear lights with radar is the standalone function I mentioned earlier. This means you don’t need a GPS bike computer, smartphone or the Radar Ally app from Lezyne when you’re out and about. A clearly audible alert and a red LED light on the front light warn of vehicles coming up behind you. But you still need the app to link the front and rear lights and configure the light settings. Having said that, you only do this once, then you can leave your smartphone at home or in your pocket. The different light modes can also be set on the devices themselves at the touch of a button.

From a distance of around 150 metres, the React Drive starts to beep and flash. Just before a car overtakes you, for example, it emits a steady red light until the vehicle has passed. The warning light and audible alert then stop. It all works as it should.

As I’m used to riding with a bike computer, it’s a bit strange at first not being able to see the traffic behind me on the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar. And to rely «only» on the audible alert and the red light instead. That’s why as soon as I’ve finished testing this function, I connect the Radar Drive to my bike computer again.

This covers numbers four and sixth in the list of possible uses. But configuration five with a smartphone and app also works perfectly. I haven’t had a close look at the other applications.

High manufacturing quality

At a good 160 grammes, the powerful front light is relatively heavy. However, with its CNC-milled aluminium body, the React Drive has a robust and high-quality finish. It’s waterproof (IPX7) and rechargeable via USB-C. And I’m actually a fan of this mounting strap, as it means the light even fits on the wide aero bars of the Bixs gravel racing bike.

In a nutshell

The smart features of Lezyne’s React Drive Front only become apparent as a bundle

See and be seen. That’s the golden rule of cycling, especially in winter. In recent years, the market has been inundated with solutions claiming to be «smart». The React Drive front light and its counterpart on the seatpost also belong in this category.

You can, of course, buy and use the front and rear lights separately. But in my opinion, it makes more sense to combine the two. The standalone function practically allows you to see behind you, especially if you’re not riding with a bike computer or smartphone on your bike. A function that could be of interest to commuters.

The bundle can be used in six different ways, offering a wide range of possibilities. And I think the price is also quite attractive.

Pro

• Six different possible configurations
• Standalone function
• Good value for money as a bundle

Contra

• Rather expensive individually
• Only really makes sense as a bundle

Bike lights

Lezyne React Drive Front

1200 lm

1

Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.

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