Garmin 010-02376-00 Varia RTL515, Cycling Rearview Radar with Tail Light, Visual and Audible Alerts for Vehicles Up to 153 Yards Away

After about 6 rides of more than 20+ miles each, I feel comfortable writing a review about the Garmin Varia RTL515. First, let me say that this Radar with Taillight works exactly as advertised and I can easily recommend it to any bike rider. That said, here are what I hope may be some helpful notes: - I use the radar with my iPhone 14 Pro and the associated Varia app - It took me less than 10 minutes to unpackage, mount, install the app and pair to my phone (note that for my rides my iPhone is attached to a mount on the handlebars) - Some have reported issues with the mounting hardware that comes with the device. I encountered no issues at all (installing or while riding) - Be sure to use the audible sounds and not just the visual (in other words, keep the volume on and up) - The radar detected approaching vehicles 100% of the time and about 85% sooner than my hearing did - I found the biggest benefit comes when I have to merge from the shoulder of the road out into traffic to make left hand turns or move out from a right only lane. As I have aged (now 65 years old) I don’t have the flexibility to turn around and look like I once had and this device helps in indicating if there is oncoming traffic and if there is, I can adjust my speed to slow down (or speed up) until it is clear. But make no mistake, DO NOT RELY SOLELY ON THE RADAR. Always use your eyes and ears! - I can say, from my limited experience, that the battery life seems solid and unless you’re doing 6+ hour rides (just my estimate), you will be fine and won’t run out of juice - Speaking of battery life, using the Varia app while using the Strava app to log my ride, I used up approximately 15% of my iPhone’s battery on a 2 hour ride My only gripe is that there is no integration with my Apple Watch. It would be very beneficial to have haptic alerts. I did find a third party app that supposedly does this but have not purchased it ($5.99). This device may not be for everyone but if you are looking for some added, reliable safety when you ride, it is worth it and, in my opinion, at a reasonable price.

After several uses, I kept asking myself... Why didn't I get this radar much earlier? Cynics saying a mirror would do the job that the Varia does isn't completely wrong Except Varia does much more than a mirror. Firstly the Audible beeps to warn me of approaching car more than 150meters back, without taking my eyes off the road. Trying spotting a car on a small bicycle mirror that far back while keeping 100% focus on road ahead. Secondly, mirror users are partly replying on sound. The unit picks up another cyclist riding overtaking at higher relative speed to avoid collision or wheel touch. I discovered that the unit can be mounted both ways, lights at top or bottom. Doesn't appear to impact radar signal. It does send out conservative and overly cautious signal when u r on a bike path with passing cars on main part of road. Overall a great defence tool to minimize probability of being hit from the rear. Great investment.

Muito bom,agora tenho segurança pra pedalar na estrada,o radar indica ate motos. Estou muito satisfeito.

Excelente lámpara trasera por su iluminación y el radar que utiliza para poder identificar los vehículos que vienen detrás de ti

It is a very simple device but works well. I have it paired to a Garmin 1040 and they sync up on boot with no issues. The red LED is visible from a significant distance and has different modes (pulse, solid, etc). The radar is phenomenal and is a game changer for my road cycling. The unit beeps when a car is approaching and then beeps again as it overtakes you. This eliminates a lot of unnecessary turning around on your bike and gives you more comfort/confidence. In my experience it works 100% of the time, I have yet to see it fail even in inclement weather. Battery life is fantastic and its a very simple but effective device. The price is fair considering the cost of a potential accident and how specialized it is. Very happy with it.