Garmin's radar for cyclists v3 is out

NorthCascades

If you already have a Varia radar unit, especially v2, there isn't much reason to upgrade. Improvements in v3 area a less bright mode for group rides, Bluetooth connectivity (still has ANT+), and there's a new unit that has the radar and no tail light. I don't personally see the point of that one, but to each their own. Also the mount is now compatible with aero seatposts.

If you aren't familiar, the Varia radar goes on your seatpost or bag, and tells you about traffic up to 500 feet behind you. That's before you can hear it or see it in a mirror. When a driver approaches, the tail light starts to flash at them to make sure they're aware of you. Your head unit shows you the position of all the approaching cars, you can see where the gaps in traffic are without looking backwards. (You obviously have to look before you move, but you have much more awareness at all times.)

It sounds a little silly the first time you hear about it, but the saying goes "there are two kinds of cyclists: those who love the Varia, and those who haven't tried it."

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/05/garmin-rtl515-rvr315-cycling-radar-review.html/amp

NorthCascades

By the way here's what a paired head unit looks like. This one says you're being overtaken by a vehicle moving too fast, and there are three more behind it. If you need to move into the lane to get around something, or to turn left, you have a pretty good idea when to go before you even look back.

I use mine with a watch instead, it vibrates noticably on my wrist when there's traffic behind me, and has the same display.

moonangel12

I had no idea such a thing existed! I have only just now started to ride on the road, and it was a quiet country road, but still a big step for me! I just ordered a small mirror for better visibility behind me, but WOW! That’s impressive technology! I would love to start riding more, but cars terrify the snot out of me...

NorthCascades

I rode with the setting sun behind me last night. That's a situation where even with a mirror you can't see vehicles behind you. Radar never missed a beat.

I've only got about 700 likes with it which isn't much. But in that span it's been correct every time. The closest I've seen to a false positive is when I'm on a path adjacent to the road, it still seems traffic behind me, but doesn't know the cars are physically separated.

icemom011

I love my varia, can't imagine cycling without it anymore. I got hit by a car over a year ago, didn't see it coming. With the radar, like you said, @NorthCascades , you always know what's coming up behind you. One of their updates (second to last) made the connection with phone and sensors really glitchy, it was driving me up the wall. Thank god, they have fixed that pretty quick and came up with a new update. All's well now. Varia isdefinitely a great deal of help for cyclist.