Garmin Varia RCT715 - Long Term Review

[@sunshinecycling]

There still is a big missing market for a proper rear bike camera. We don't need 5.7k, but probably 1440p/60 with image stabilization with 4+ hours with a good interface to find footage should be the minimum. An no one is close.

[@Sean-vz7zw]

I’ve been using one for about 8 months, it just makes you feel so much safer especially when cycling along quiet country lanes here in the uk and with the increase of electric cars coming up behind you

[@lawyal]

Exactly. From nz.

[@litespud]

The term “gamechanger” gets bandied around a lot, but I think the Varia lives up to it. Combined with a mirror, it’s excellent - the Varia alerts you to an approaching vehicle, and the mirror tells you what it is (eg, 18-wheeler vs motorcycle) and - more importantly - if it’s giving you room.

[@havefunandbikestuffOver40]

Very cool. I'm a new varia user. (Non camera version). And I like it. It helps me just enjoy the ride more.

[@DialedCycling]

Thanks for watching and enjoy your Varia!

[@antonioparamo2048]

I’ve been debating on whether get it or not and you guys definitely make me set up my mind. I have the RT515 and I’m quite happy with it. It provides and does the job as it suppose to. All the issues you guys pointed out about the sd card and quality really got my thinking if it is worth to pay over 4 hundred for it thanks guys

[@shawntwing3602]

Nice review. Not too long but long enough to cover all the good necessary things. It was fun getting to see myself in some of the riding video clips! It must of been on one of Jakes recovery days. ha!

[@DialedCycling]

Nah, you're just getting too darn fast! Thanks for watching, Shawn!

[@shawntwing3602]

@@DialedCycling I so wish that was actually the case!

[@alberttom1610]

Excellent review, and answer all my questions. Others reviews were out weighting the pros on the 715 (heavy, bigger etc.). But how good it is to know a car is coming at you, hitting you or killing you, without knowing who did it, and more important (evidence of the hit and run).

[@gerardmurray9912]

Thanks for a great review, I purchased based on your shared suggestions. Pro tip on your presentation, if you used half round or round table you'd be more forward facing each other and not lose presentation view. Thanks again!

[@bikesbarksandbooks]

I'm SO excited about trying out this device! My group rides get hairy, so this will maybe help me relax a bit...I hope.

[@Ngamer834]

Nice device this and can record for any evidence. I wouldn't solely rely on the radar though without a shoulder check because it doesn't seem to detect any other traffic doing the same speeds as you. Does improve safety I feel because in the UK people seem to be getting away with speeding all too often or not overtaking cyclists at a safe distance. When this device starts blinking brightly as a car approaches no way they can use the old chestnut excuse "I didn't see you".

[@edwardebel1847]

You guys are a lot kinder in this review than DC and GP...just saying. I love my 515 tail light and have paired it with a GoPro...front and rear... But I had high hopes for the RCT715...well, maybe something new coming up! Thanks

[@EllenCiubaParkhurst]

"wrong side of the road" sometimes the bike lane is on the left though! It's nice bc you're better protected from being doored by a driver entering/exiting their vehicle.

[@keithk888]

this was very helpful, thanks guys

[@Cycle774]

Nice coffee mug!

[@DialedCycling]

😎☕️

[@honzabrumlich]

Card size is in GB and not MB as per video, right?

[@KernelFault]

I think one of them is measured in bowel movements? (BM)

[@orrinkelso9295]

I have a cycliq fly 6. It is there for safety only. I access the videos only if an incident has happened. I used to use a go pro for the same thing, it is a pain to use like that. What you want is something that you turn on and it works. It records what happens and you never have to do anything to maintain it. It is not an action camera! Don't compare it to one!

[@lawyal]

Yes. I use a 715, and I don't bother to download or watch the clips. One tried the first time. Happy to just turn it on and leave it there. Yes, many of those things are there, but don't seem to bother me at all. I'm also happy with the battery life.

[@WillEDC]

10:44 There’s a new firmware update that adds a useful feature 🎉🎉 kzbin.info_dxHbPtbzQA?feature=share

[@estherdoesntanimatestuff]

What kind of camera would you recommend for the front view to pair with this one?

[@DialedCycling]

It's hard to go wrong with a GoPro as they have a solid platform and you can usually get a big discount on the model that is about to be replaced or the prior model. Right now that would be the Hero 12 and Hero 11. If you have a few extra dollars to spend and don't mind a slightly larger form factor, the new Insta360 X4 if pretty incredible. It gives you an entirely different perspective to work with given that it's shooting in 360 degrees. In short, you are capturing everything around your and you simply reframe your shot as needed.

[@fun-life]

The safe spot on the road for cyclists is NOT as close to the side of the road as you can. (you mention the opposite at 1:30) The safe spot on the road for cyclists is about in the middle of the lane or close to it. This makes you more visible and it forces motorists to only overtake when there is no oncoming traffic, as they have to change lane and can not overtake while there is oncomming traffic. This makes more motorists keeping a safe distance while they are overtaking and makes overtaking more safe for everyone. You can see that in your own video around minute 07:25 or 10:09. As a cyclist, you should keep a distance of about 0.8 m to the side of the road, for safety resons, 1.2 m if there are cars parked. This complies with rules about riding as much at the side of the lane as it is safe to do so. Next, Cyclists are supposed to need 1 m for themselves (because of the way they move sideways while they ride; cargo bikes or bikes with trailers 1.3 m) and motorists are supposed to keep a safety distance of at least 2 m while overtaking outside of cities and at least 1.5 m in villages. If the road is not wide enough, like less then 6 m wide outside villages, motorists shall not pass cyclists. Unfortunately, many motorist do not know or ignore that. In that case, the camera comes in handy. Please report dangerous driving to the police. This will make the roads more safe, for cyclists and for motorists.

[@DavidIknaian]

Is this able to be used as a live feed rearview camera? I've been looking at rearview cameras but a lot of rearview cameras that come with a front mount screen have issues snapping where the screen meets the mounting point on the bracket. I like the radar feature along with the camera, but nothing I've seen shows or mentions that it has a live feed capability.

[@bobwells1517]

Current pricing is discounted by $50 (which tells me an updated version is soon to be released). That cost compares favorably with the latest Cycliq camera, which only includes a (inadequate?) light, no radar.

[@DialedCycling]

We have not heard anything swirling around, but you never know. Garmin does run these sales somewhat regularly without releasing a new product, but it would be great if your were right and something new was in the works!

[@225rip]

Great video

[@DialedCycling]

Thank you for watching!

[@plinkspot8750]

Will never ride without radar again. Camera also helped us track down some "pesky kids" thinking they were funny with their moms vehicle

[@ricardomaduro2042]

can the battery be replaced at all?? by the vendor maybe?

[@shaunbassett5093]

Hi guys, I have been contemplating this device for several months, reviews such as yours, DC and LamaLab are leading me there, the cons still worry me though. Any idea from Garmin on battery life, stabilisation, frame rate updates? If so, are these software driven or worse, a hardware update (in which case my 'now purchase' would be obsolete), software is a no loss issue.....

[@DialedCycling]

Thanks for the question! We have not been made aware of any firmware updates on the horizon, or any new product releases in the pipeline. Regarding stabilization, they could address this in a firmware update, but given the fact that it is not using 4k, you would lose some resolution in the process that would likely make for a less than idea video clip. However, given what the video is intended to be, the non-stabilized video is not terrible. If you're looking for something to make videos with, we would suggest going with the RTL515 and an action camera of your choice. If you're looking for an all in one unlit, this is a solid option. Hope this helps a little!

[@zlatkosmole]

Forgive me ignorance, but why I would want to record the rear part? I can see two scenarios: 1. for fun, if i go with a team 2. for the court, if i got hit? what else?

[@DialedCycling]

You pretty much nailed it. We did have a friend go down while on a ride and we were able to show him the video so he could determine what happened. Also, we have dealt with trucks "rolling coal" a few times, and with the camera, you are able capture the front license plates while they are in the act, which can be turned over to the authorities. Finally, if more motorist start to realize that more and more cyclists are riding with cameras on their bikes, we feel it would slowly start to change some of the bad behaviors out there. Thanks for watching!

[@yohon11]

I have a Garmin Edge 1040. Will I be able to view live footage on the edge 1040?

[@MichaelDaitzman]

Can you read license plates? If I don't use a a trip computer (Garmin or otherwise) would you use it?

[@DialedCycling]

Yep, you can definitely read license plates. Yes, we would for sure use this or the RTL515, and you can use the Varia app with your phone if you don't have a bike computer. Hope this helps!

[@johndemarco7483]

Is this compatible with wahoo element roam? If so, is there any lost functionality?

[@lheppler]

It works exactly the same with the Roam

[@tomrasmussen3990]

I have the non camera version now. will the camera version show the cars on my garmin 1030 headset as a video or will it be same as my current garmin with dots showing on my 1030 ?? the camera version would be worth it if u could see cars on my garmin -thx

[@lheppler]

It does NOT show video on head units. . Just the dots moving up the screen.

[@5borough6g]

How does this compare to cycliq? In terms of camera.

[@DialedCycling]

It’s not a night and day difference, but the Garmin does have better video quality. Thanks for watching!

[@ginoasci]

Can it be paired with an iPhone or do you need a garment device?

[@DialedCycling]

Yep! Here is a video to walk you through the process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3WpZqBmnLuln7Msi=JAB9quuv8KSoiz4T

[@ginoasci]

@@DialedCycling : thank you

[@omidel.]

Does it work.with garmin fenix watch?

[@TanyaOwens]

Hey @TheAlibabamosu how do you like your fenix? Does it track well when you cycle? Do you use it with a cycling computer?

[@omidel.]

@@TanyaOwens what? I do not have it....

[@MrMartin246]

The short version of this video seems to be this: It combines the excellent varia radar+light with a shitty camera. Just get the radar tail light and forget this device.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

You are concerned about "wear and tear" of the SD card connector? SD cards and their connectors are designed for hundreds, if not thousands, of insertions and extractions. You will not wear out the connector, you'll wear out the gold plated pads on the card first, just go easy and don't gorilla it.

[@DialedCycling]

We were referring to the little hinged SD Card holder that pivots out so you can insert the card in the actual unit. You need to be very careful using it as it's not robust whatsoever and could be damaged with very little force. 👍

[@coolhand_leo]

Hmmm update your text to GB not MB

[@edwardebel1847]

A year later...didn't happen. :-)

[@edwoodsnowden]

128MB card wow that is massive ;) ;) Of course they meant 128GB you wallies as if you had to ask?

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

It's dumb to write dialog that is specific to RHD countries. Instead of saying "cyclists look over their left shoulder"... just say they look over their shoulder. Instead of saying "cyclists move to the right side of the road"... just say they move to the side of the road. Simple and concise yet broader applicability.

[@shepshape2585]

Nobody can justify this device. At least not at that cost. $400 for something that hopefully tells you if there's a car approaching, but won't be able to tell you if that car is passing safely around you, or is about to kill you. You know what does tell you that? A mirror. A $15 mirror. It tells me if there are cars coming, and I can clearly see if they're going to pass safely or if they're about to hit me. As for video, that would be great if Florida had license plates on the front of cars, but they don't. So all a video is going to do is show your next of kin what kind of car (sort of) and what color it was. And that's if the device didn't get completely destroyed in the crash. I know it's dangerous riding on the road, I do it all the time, but a simple mirror is the best solution, combined with good head and tail lights. Stop making rich companies richer.

[@GoneRidingBikes]

You’ve obviously never used one of these before. Yes, a mirror will show you if a car is coming *if* you’re constantly looking into it while subsequently not watching the road. My radar has worked pretty much 100% of the time, it gives me an auditory beep that a car is approaching, shows me how far back the cars is, how many cars there are, and I get videos of all cars that pass me that can be used when necessary - license plate or not, it’s better than nothing. Plus, I get a multifunction light that warns other cyclists with me that a car is approaching while creating a distinct flash that catches the attention of the motorist. Also, because I’m alerted that a car is coming, I can get as far over as possible, which the motorist appreciates. I’m happy to make this rich company richer so they can employ more people while giving cyclists fantastic devices like this. To each their own…

[@WillEDC]

You justify by adding device costs together. If you have to buy the radar , light and camera separately then you equal or at least get close to the price of this. It’ll streamline your seatpost and easier to charge one device

[@rjnmex]

Hi, I have the RVR 315 and I can't live without it at this point. We live in a densely wooded area and the sounds of approaching cars are absorbed by the trees. The biggest problem with the unit is the need to install a sound booster in my cell phone so I can hear it. And...lately the unit is disconnecting from the cell phone (Bluetooth) which means I'll be buying another unit.

[@WillEDC]

@@rjnmex I wish it had a hardware beep to turn on or off

[@normanprocopio3651]

I honestly would not buy the one with the camera, but I have the RTL515 and it is fantastic, totally worth the money. It detects anything that is coming from behind and tells you how fast and how far it is. It tells you how many vehicles are behind you. It detects the cars before you can hear them coming! It’s just great.

[@timoma6620]

There's an ecological alternative to this product, and it's a road bike specific mirror, replacing the bar end plug. I bought it and I'm never looking back. Electronics are bad for the environment, people, keep that in mind :D