For a long time, I didn't think a Varia was necessary. I used a "dumb" rear light for several years. But, given some of the roads that we ride, I decided to try it out.
I'm impressed. The combination of the Varia with my Garmin head unit provides a much better than expected warning of approaching cars. There's an additional measure of awareness that I'm sure that I didn't know I was missing.
I' can't ride without it now.
I'm a recreational cyclist and prefer lonely country roads. However, I need to ride urban roads in order to get to them. The Varia taillight/radar gives me warning without having to constantly look over my shoulder. Highly recommended.
My Second Varia, pairs easily with the 1040 and 830.
It is like riding with a group that is calling out car back!
This has been great can't believe I waited so long to by it. It is great on narrow and busy roads. If riding on a frontage rd it will pick up cars from the highway. Can't imagine riding without it.
I use the light when I'm doing my training rides by myself. It's helps out a lot. I don't have to keep looking back for cars behind me. I also use it during group rides too. I helps keeping the group together and safe. This is a awesome product.
I recently purchased this light to go with my 830 head unit.
No regrets and no more craning your neck to see whats about to hit you.
This thing really works and provides you with real metrics to gauge traffic proximity and speed.
It's a game-changer - highly recommended
The radar feature works great paired with my Element Bolt. Red light indicators and audible beep when vehicles come into range and visual indicator remains red until coast is clear. The light is also very visible and has various options to choose from. The app looks cool for the virtual overlay of the vehicle location on your map if using a smart phone.
The light is small, but more than adequate during the day or night. But the most important aspect is that I can pair it with my i-phone and it gives me clear warnings when there is a car(s) behind me. It generally picks up the cars at about 75 yards, which I think is more than adequate. I am more than happy with it.
It is very nice knowing that a car is approaching without having to use a mirror. The light seems to be very bright and noticeable. Because of the pandemic I have been riding alone so have not determined how it affects other riders in a paceline.
I really like this product. Before having it I was always wondering about traffic coming on behind and getting distracted with looking back. Now I know what's coming well before it passes me. I also know that the light is helping with visibility as it kicks in to high gear flashing when it detects a car approaching. Fantastic
Easy to set up and link with my Garmin 1000 and phone if needed . Such a great device now you don't have to be Surprised by a car on top of you . Now you'll know When a cars coming from behind.
Out of all the money I have spent as a cyclist this is the greatest investment I've made I feel so safe riding my bike let me know a block and a half away that a car is behind me! And the number of cars to how great is that!
I feel so much safer with this light. I paired it with my new Garmin 1030 & I can control it from the computer! No more twisting around in my seat, or having to get off my bike to change the settings.
This is my second Varia. First unit's mounting 'ears' broke after several years of use. To me, the Varia has become as essential as wearing a helmet. It's worth every bit of the purchase price!
I use the rear tail light (rtl) radar every time ride on roads. It has really given me the confidence to ride on roads with cars approaching me from behind. I feel like it's a third eye (rear-facing).
I thought it would be gimmicky but it's my new must have item for any ride! While I still shoulder check for oncoming cars when moving into traffic it's great for taking the lane. I can just ride until it beeps to let me know a car is approaching. And it works great with my Garmin 830.
Paired with my edge 530, this thing is a great addition to my road cycling. I feel much less exposed knowing when cars are coming without craning my head around to look, the face that the light gets brighter when a car is coming is also great. The only downside is somewhat limited battery life and the fact that it identifies people who are cycling behind you fairly often.
The ability to detect multiple vehicles and a general idea of how quickly they are approaching you is great. I still check my mirror to confirm, but I hear the beep well before the vehicle. My only wish is that my garmin would sound a little louder, particularly with a headwind (which has nothing directly to do with this unit).
The Varia RTL515 rear radar works well and was easy to install and pair with the Garmin 1030. I only gave it four stars because it seems to run out of battery if I try to get more than one ride out of a charge.
