A well-lit bike is equipped with front, side and rear lighting to ensure your visibility to motorists and pedestrians.
For commuting or riding after dark—especially on trail rides that are far from ambient light sources—your front light needs to be a high-output lighting system so you see well ahead of you.
High-output lighting systems: These usually are rechargeable light systems that offer maximum illumination. They are higher priced but much brighter than safety lights, and they help you see where you’re going on the trail or road in nearly all conditions.
Front, side and rear safety lights: These help motorists see you in dim light conditions. The brightest ones also improve your visibility in the daytime. However, they’re not bright enough to help you see where you’re going for most night riding. The main differences between safety light models are in mounting options, the number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and whether they use rechargeable or disposable batteries.

Comparing Light Performance

All lights offered by REI use durable housings sealed with weatherproof gaskets. Count on these lights to shine in any weather. What to consider:
LEDs: Energy efficiency and durability make LEDs the predominant light source used in bike lights. They come in a wide range of brightness levels.
Lumens: A lumen is a unit of measurement that quantifies the amount of light falling on the object you want illuminated. Measured at a uniform distance, a lumen describes the light intensity of each lighting unit. Most light manufacturers provide a lumen rating; this is shown on REI.com product pages.
Beam pattern: If you commute on streets with streetlights, you may want to choose a front light with a narrow-focus beam. On darker roads or trails, you’ll want to go with a wide-focus beam for better peripheral vision. Beam patterns can be difficult for shoppers to compare; check online product descriptions or ask an REI sales specialist for help.
As a general rule, higher price equals higher light output.