How Does The Garmin Varia Bike Radar System Work?

[@billwiecking7763]

I've been using one of these for months now, and there are several points missed in the comments: 1. The range on this unit is 170 meters, which is far beyond the range of any mirror 2. The lights are not just amber, they depend on approaching speed: red is for a fast approaching car 3. False positives: the radar ignores other wheel suckers. It does oddly pick up riding lawnmowers. I suspect there is a metal reflection part of this, which makes me wonder if a Tesla would trigger the unit 4. Headphones-are you crazy? I know it is nice, but as a survivor of several serious car attacks, defensive driving is much more important on your x kg of carbon than the x1000 kg of steel. Be smart. 5. Integration: I have tried with the 520 unit, which also has an audible alarm, which the head unit that comes with the base unit does not have. This is helpful, and enables you to focus on the ride, not the head unit. No sign of any integration with the 810 unit, though Garmin promised this months ago. 6. Feedback: the lights on the rear actually activate differently as cars approach, giving them feedback that I know they are there. This changes the dynamic significantly, and enables me to pull over as I see them approach. When you can do this starting at 170 meters out, it must appear to the drivers that I have some sort of spidey-sense going on. This may also be true. I hope these help. aloha b

[@chadgregory9037]

hey man, where I come from people juice their tractors... them things can go!

[@TheSgt93]

I'm a little shocked at the negativity in the comments, but then again, I'm not. This is the world we created. Having been through a couple combat tours, my hearing is shot. I just got into road cycling this past Summer and live in a rural area. I was thinking about radar for a bike. A few days ago, researched and of course, found someone had already created it. I will be purchasing it. The amount of people that haul butt down country roads is scary. On a typical ride in the early morning I may see about 5-7 cars, half of those are flying. Kids doing it with cellphones in their hands is scarier yet. Will it protect you from impact? No. But I will pay a little extra attention when I see the unit light up. It's a bit pricey, but it is radar. Anything to help me get home safely to the family. An extra level of awareness will be appreciated. Thanks for the review.

[@JackLebowitz]

Yes, it's another gadget. Yes, it's pricey. But any reviewer or cyclist who has used the Varia taillight radars especially with the heads up Varia Vision sunglass mounted displays knows these things are really useful safety devices and allow more concentration on the road and avoiding overtaking cars. Not sorry I bought them.

[@PackerBronco]

Some of my fellow cyclist have this and they absolutely love it. I've always used a mirror but I've also been surprised by cars, especially the car that's behind the car I've already noticed. I know of too many cyclists that have been hit by the car "that wasn't there" to so easily scoff at a safety device like this.

[@papis408]

I have one and love it. You can't always hear vehicles due to wind conditions. I believe the Varia picks up a vehicle at 140 yards. So unless the vehicle passing you is revving or passing you at a high rate of speed you might not hear it in time to warn those your riding with or yourself. It definitely doesn't replace a mirror or your senses.

[@GLBProductions]

I have a mirror mounted on my helmet - that does everything this unit does plus it allows me to personally identify wheelsuckers so I can call them out by name :D

[@McClimber234]

Tech is cool stuff. all I need is a 5k bike to put 2.5k of electronics on it.

[@CopiousJohn]

I've had my radar for 3-4 years, and I think it's great. I feel naked and vulnerable whenever I don't have it. I've only picked up other riders once, when there were two together, not all that far behind me. My assumption is that there just isn't enough mass in a single rider to create a radar signature. Metal may be part of that as well. 140 meters seems about right. I always see cars way back, long before they register. (Do NOT rely on radar alone; I HIGHLY recommend the "Take A Look" mirror.) If a car chooses not to pass me for safety reasons, but instead matches my speed until they can pass, they no longer register on my radar. I've thought cars had turned off, checked my mirror, and found them right behind me, matching my speed. When I lost the display that comes with the radar (and before my Garmin 1000), I splurged and bought a Varia Vision, and now I would never rely on the radar display on my Garmin 1030 unless I had to. I am so spoiled to not have to take my eyes off the road to see my numbers and radar. Theoretically the Vision gives you a vibration when a new radar contact is registered, but except in the near absolute quiet of a country ride I rarely hear or feel it. None of these electronics are cheap, and my guess is that Garmin has a hellacious profit margin on each unit. I can't compare them to other units. I can only say that, disregarding price, and whether or not it's a good value for the price, I highly recommend the Varia Radar and Varia Vision.

[@javieraguirre9088]

The more I get into cycling the more I appreciate you guys' videos, whether they are about tips or about tech. Thanks +GCN and greetings from Oax, Mexico.

[@SolidCopy1]

Been using my Varia taillight and headlight for a few weeks now. It's fantastic and revolutionary.

[@D.Eldon_]

Interesting system. I checked the prices in the U.S. The Varia radar tail light by itself (with two mounts) is US$200. If you don't have a compatible Garmin cycling computer and/or want to buy the radar display unit also, it adds US$100 (the bundle with both the radar tail light and display unit is US$300). I can see the benefit of this clever gadget for limited applications where visibility is poor and a cyclist needs to know when it's safe to turn across traffic. But, for most conditions, I agree with others that a mirror is far more effective, provides better information and costs way less. However, I disagree with those commenters who think their ears are sufficient -- they are NOT!!! I've got excellent hearing and have worked in the pro audio industry for many years as a recording engineer and mixing engineer. There are many times when a motor vehicle has surprised me because I didn't hear it until it was starting to pass me. All it takes to kill you is a small aerodynamic car with quiet tires and a quiet hybrid engine _if_ you rely solely on your ears. Always LOOK with your eyes before turning!!!

[@roderickformosa2423]

would be brilliant if it could be coupled with a rear camera and turns on the camera when it senses oncoming traffic so you get a visual display

[@TheLookingOne]

The BEST $300 cycling accessory -- for Garmin ! You have just got to love the cycling and golf market spaces.

[@palmer3977]

First thoughts, the light needs to be a lot better & why doesn't it have a camera with recording ability & video display on the Garmin edge 1000?, now THAT I would buy.

[@echtogammut]

+palmer3977 Yep that was my first thought as well. If this started recording every time a car came behind you, it would be a huge safety feature. Or at least something could be used in disputes.

[@palmer3977]

MKTech EXACTLY mate.

[@Saterik82]

+palmer3977 I've been using one for about a month now. I don't feel they really touched on the light function in this video, it's really bright, like any decent rear light. In automatic mode, it will increase the number of LED lights and rate of flashing based on when it detects cars approaching and getting closer to pass you. Even with just two leds illuminated its bright and with them all on, even more so.

[@bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

any chance of the pros using this. would be handy for timing the exact moment for a sprint finish

[@MrSKOHC]

Finally! A decent review on the Garmin radar! Thank you lads!

[@derekwildash2683]

I get so sick and tired of reading the smug condescending remarks on issues like this. If you dont like the system then dont fucking buy it, pretty simple really. This is an expensive bit of kit, no argument there, but there are multiple situations where it will prove beneficial to cyclists. Every day cyclists of all skill levels are being hit from behind by motorists. Any device that can give you a heads up of whats approaching is a blessing. Its not perfect but a great addition to mirrors and senses.

[@ericfleetwood6744]

The critics assume that everyone rides a bike like theirs. I ride a racing recumbent. I have dual mirrors, but (1) I cannot look over my shoulder, and (2) my mirrors don't provide an audible alarm or any kind of alert. My Edge 810 is right below my line of sight, so a flashing LED would be helpful. I already use a powerful taillight, so a motorist should see me, but once alerted to an approaching vehicle I can move farther right, and/or assess the threat level. I spent a heck of a lot more on my Dinotte lights than $199. Agreed, this product is not for everyone. But there are good reasons for many of us to consider it.

[@andybrown141]

I ran my first test with Varia and a clip on mirror on a 2-1/2 hour ride. There were certain instances where the mirror allowed me to see things before the radar picked it up. Also there is no audio indication on the head unit it comes with, so unless your eyes are on the unit and not on the road, you will not always catch it. I don't run a garmin cpu so thats why I used the head unit it came with. Im baffled they put an audio alert on the garmin bike computers but nothing on the one that comes in the box. Also with a garmin computer it shoves the data to the side and is not as visually impactful as the head units bright lights indicating something is coming. Audio aside, I would say a simple clip on mirror probably gives just as much rear view feedback as this unit if your to pick just one source. Running both together is probably the most complete solution to see behind you as the lack of audio forces you to always look at the unit for an update. Lastly, like most recreational cyclists I run a saddle bag with a spare tire, co2, etc. There really wasnt any mounts to put the radar on a clip to attach to the saddle bag. I had to go with a smaller saddle bag and physically attach the varia unit to the seatpost underneath so it could see through the back without the saddlebag obstructing its view.

[@kayleightuck]

This thing has been life changing here in South Africa.

[@cathoderay7202]

Garmin Varia is great... Now I cycle with headphones on and without ever looking over my shoulder before changing lanes/turning.

[@JTS21]

Good luck with that!

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

Headphones are fine. Instead of buying the Garmin, spend it on more music!

[@TheMonsterPool]

+Cathode Ray You shouldn't do that. Your eyes is still the most important tool when it comes to your surroundings. Sound is very important too. The Varia is just an extra feature to help you out. Looks quite nice though.

[@massspike]

+Cathode Ray Your troll caught 4 in 1 hour...good job.

[@Toastybear1]

+Cathode Ray 5 in 3 :P

[@cup_and_cone]

What's the point of it? Am I supposed to jump into the nearest ditch/shrubs when I see a car coming? Or just brace myself for the impact of being rear-ended by a car?

[@reginaldscot165]

love the comment. :)

[@cup_and_cone]

+dan110024 What country do you live where the law burdens cyclists with such foolishness?

[@thatwolffe3802]

+Xel Lotath I too brace myself, drivers are crazy around here

[@jimbobeire]

+thechosendude Would you ask the same question of a mirror? It's to alert you of traffic, what you decide to do with that isn't the point of radars or mirrors, their function is simply to let you know what is behind you.

[@reginaldscot165]

+jimbobeire a mirror would be cheaper and more useful...

[@elmin2323]

It's actually AWSOME I love myn Parried with my 520

[@Holdit1988]

Do a video on the Garmin frontlight. difficult to find a video that demonstrate if it works or not.

[@BaconBaconBaconable]

Why replace using your ears and regular looks over the shoulder?

[@jimbobeire]

+BaconBaconBaconable Where's the profit in that? looking over your shoulder advocates don't sponsor the show.

[@seikibrian8641]

Only an idiot would use this to REPLACE looking and listening. Prudent riders would use this as an ADDITION TO looking and listening.

[@TimothyFish]

So, it works, but what good will it do me? It isn't like I can speed up and outrun them, there isn't any danger of me reversing into them, and moving out of the center of the lane when it isn't wide enough to share is dangerous.

[@jamesheath4845]

could be handy for the more enthusiastic local TT riders, I suppose

[@scootosan]

Nice idea, but seems you'll be watching the monitor more than the road ahead

[@haydenguynes5712]

How functional is it at detecting cars from behind if you've also got a few riders sitting on your wheel? Or if it's a winding road, can it detect cars on the other side of the bend and not just on sections of straight road?

[@johnmilliken982]

Total digital 'coolness,' gents. However clever this bit is, my my bar end mirror works just fine scoping vehicles and wheel suckers approaching from the rear, requires no batteries and allows me to spend my paltry disposable income on coffee and snacks. Give me a shout when Garmin releases the 'heads up display' upgrade though! You guys are top drawer. Cheers from a fan across the pond.

[@DjangoUnhinged]

you gcn guys should test this revolutionary new device called ears...I think they are designed by a company called evolution or is it God..hmmm

[@ypoulin74]

When paired with the Edge 1000, how's the battery consumption like?

[@jonnyflanders1229]

"mount it to your rear seat post" oh I was gonna mount it to my front one instead!

[@J-Post86]

What happens if you ride in the rain and the sensor gets all muddy? Does it tell you that, or do you get the green light?

[@AindriuMacGiollaEoin]

what is the Varia like with the Garmin 810 ?

[@aaronwalker1678]

This looks so cool, and very very expensive

[@tomnickdelonge1]

What rain jackets do you guys wear?

[@LeeCrashD]

sure I've seen something like this on another video, it wasn't garmin or gcn but it also had a built in camera which recorded close passes, I know which is more useful...

[@joshwooley4924]

Garmin. Making everyone ride like Chris Froome

[@pulser955]

Nice test but I want to know how well drivers can see the light in the daylight. It looks kind of useless compared to the Bontrager Flare.

[@tjd171717]

Dan....Dan....Dan....How can THE BOSS present a video without his hair "A" game. Frankly, I'm devastated. I may have to take down his poster from my bedroom wall (with Dan in his glorious white Cervelo Test Team kit).

[@KeenxLimit]

This would be useful for those who are not confident turning their heads but the price point doesn't suit this group of people Also the light brightness changes/more erratic pattern(?) as vehicles approach, so it's not as pointless as shown

[@CoolInOlympia]

That is cool! Does it come with a GPS/speedometer system?

[@gonzalobrig]

Does it has turning lights when paired with the remote control?

[@david029014]

Whats the difference between this and rtl 510?

[@jimbobeire]

A question for GCN, are there any hearing-impaired pro road riders that you know of? And do you know if there are any adaptations in tech for them? It seems to me that a tactile output (like a phone style vibration) might be more useful than a beep for hearing -impaired cyclists who might use this device.

[@NathanBudd]

Any chance you could post a pic of the aero mount on Instagram or Twitter?

[@ShadowzKiller]

While it's cool technology, I still question it's accuracy and reliability. I have a small mirror and it works wonders. Yes, I know that's ugly, but I live in a large and crowded city with cars EVERYWHERE. Also I can never afford to buy that new tech, while a nice discreet adjustable mirror cost me about US$18.

[@iancornish2501]

Does GCN not have any branded jackets to wear? I've noticed a lot of the recent uploads not much GCN kit is visible?

[@cup_and_cone]

They're Santini jackets...same as they're clothing sponsor.

[@SlowBoyAthlete]

Interesting device but I can't help but think that taking attention away from the road and onto a small device in the cockpit (copyright Matt Stephens) isn't the safest way to go about things. #PayAttentionToTheRoadAndNotYourComputer. Also, I detect the film quality was different this video. Filmed in HD possibly? Curious.

[@inhousecounselco]

Is Dan's haircut the new "Rooster Do?"

[@Orgakoyd]

Only if Bradley Wiggins could have one at the time, so the team car could radio Froomey quicker every time he was about to drop him.

[@DiegoRijos]

+Aryan Adibmehr this have to be top comment

[@TurkiyeCumhurbaskani]

But what good does it do? if a car is going to rear end you it will rear end you anyway unless you have wings to fly. A powerful good flashing rear light is a safer choice

[@nkacher]

+Cornelius Maximillianus I'd think of it as a warning not to pass a rider in front of you/swerve around an obstacle, or to move a bit further to the side if I've drifted a bit further than necessary into the lane. The problem is, I'd find this most useful when riding in a bunch - i.e. don't swing wide to pull off the front or to attack when a car is coming - but if it picks up other riders behind, it won't really tell you whether there's a car unless you're at the back of the group.

[@Velogi]

Wow - almost as good as mirror...

[@FlorianVB]

😂👏🏻👌🏼 well done guys

[@lloydusdavies]

I find it hard to see the point in this thing. It's not going to tell me if the car that is approaching from behind is going to hit me or not is it and presumably as experiment54 indicated you can hear cars anyway!

[@MotörheadMickey]

I'm with you on that one. Surely it would be distracting this thing also.

[@firstnamesurname7089]

Chris Froome will never have to look up again, it'll even tell him when Nibali and his teamcar are approaching.

[@g.popstefanov5948]

So by staring at your screen, you are now safer ;)

[@melbman43]

was only thinking the same

[@cccycling5835]

As opposed to looking over your shoulder. Yeah I’ll take the Radar. I’ve been in so many hairy situations trying to pull across a highway and trying to look over my shoulder going down hill at 25 mph+

[@mjcrites1738]

I lost the hearing in one of my ears for a while thanks to a really nasty ear infection. From that experience I can see how this would be great for people with a hearing impairment.

[@jaycollins6792]

interesting Tec

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Do you know if Garmin are planning an upgrade to alert you of wayward strands of hair?

[@RadioSnivins]

I like bar end mirrors. They sound obscene, you can see behind you at a glance, and they cost about the same as a hoity-toity hamburger.

[@karlmitchell1307]

I love the concept but what on earth are you supposed todo with that information? The cars are still going to come up and past you, regardless of if you've got an indicator on your screen.

[@drKamishirasawa]

+Global Cycling Network is that water proof right ?

[@No_Track_Limits]

+Bryan Lubrica Of course, IPX7...

[@CrazyCyclingVlogger]

Turn on your radar, radar, radar, radar...on...sung by Prism in 1981.

[@yanimator]

Dan pls start bringing a comb on your rides #notlikeaboss :0

[@kodiakrider7612]

Can it distinguish between a car and a biker? Didn't seem like it from the video.

[@gunkshunter2519]

I have a drop bar mirror, it cost $9.

[@nickhumphrey4833]

car coming is it going to break my leg? lets find out, its coming its coming its coming...oooowwwww

[@leedorney]

I've thought about this but this but I've a mirror and ears...

[@edoedo8686]

Interesting. I suppose good for open roads. But in heavy, unregulated traffic, this would not work.

[@MostFolkCallMeOrangeJoe]

If only evolution could save us £200 by creating a some way of hearing approaching cars and allowing you to see what is behind you to confirm these noises and respond to them accordingly.

[@experiment54]

is this for deaf people?

[@NielsHeldens]

+experiment54 I'am planning to give one to my deaf sister so she can ride her bike safely

[@experiment54]

Niels Heldens sounds cool, hope she loves it and has a lot of enjoyment :)

[@experiment54]

***** pull the other one

[@experiment54]

***** its a distraction, good for deaf people though. Its a solution in search of a problem and that problem is one of deafness. don't waste your money and in the process dull your senses

[@ilikelampshades6]

+experiment54 useful if you use headphones

[@blacklion79]

I hate Garmin for market segmentation. I'm using Oregon 600, not low-level or cheap device, but it doesn't support speed sensor (but cadence is supported to my surprise!) or this radar. I'm pretty sure, it has marketing, but not technical reason. And all Edge devices have built-in LiPol battery and very poor map support, so I could not use them in hiking! Why do I forced to buy two very expensive devices to do cycling, touring and hiking!? I'm ready to buy top-of-the-line device, but it should do EVERYTHING (including ability to run from cheap AA batteries or interchangeable NiMh accumulators).

[@bergonius]

Now think of how many ppl that thing will injure or even kill.

[@connriverdesign6708]

People are so angry... The wind noise when riding is often distracting and you can't hear the texting teen in a Prius. I don't know how many times I've been on a descent and think I hear something behind me but, nah, just paranoia and wind...if you knew a car was approaching and moving onto a shoulder for a minute was viable, wouldn't you? Seems like a genuinely novel idea, when the price drops a bit it seems like a sensible item. Lighten up y'all

[@elliothuntley9284]

hello

[@MagliaNera]

is there an option to -attack the driver- protect myself by lazer beam?

[@themikeymikechannel2947]

Put on car at night (dead center suction cup to inside rear window) and watch what happens!!!!??

[@szomorodian]

Say you're descending a mountain at 45km/hr and a car/motorcycle is approaching... Or if you're trying to pass in a peloton jammed in the bike lane and are so winded you forget to look before passing. How about when a Prius zips past? Even worse... Teslas when you're on a quiet solo ride? This unit does not substitute for common sense. I wouldn't stare at it to tell me about traffic conditions. But I do see it possibly saving my life descending GMR (mountains) here in SoCal. If you're on this comment area, chances are you've never been run over by a car that you didn't see or hear. The truth is that there will be at least one close call in every cyclists life. Think about the close call(s) that your senses missed and ask yourself if you'd benefit from this idea. This is the type of tech that may save your life from that really rare moment when you forget to look back or happen to miss something; otherwise it's useless. I think it's for the rational cyclist. I'd say good buy!

[@cyberst0rm]

Ok but if you forget to look back you may as well forget to look at the display. This tool is not going to magically save your life. Listening to approaching cars is already good enough, and even electric cars make enough noise because of rolling tires and air moving.

[@Sttuey]

Hmmm. Let me just attach this brick-shaped object to my expensive aero seat post....

[@No_Track_Limits]

+sTTu You can mount it vertically, it's a standard quater-turn mount so you just swap it round 90 degrees...

[@Sttuey]

+jem peter Sure, but tbh if I was going to do that I'd want the row of LEDs to be mounted centrally, otherwise they're going to be off-centre and look like it's not fitted correctly. Not a great design imho.

[@No_Track_Limits]

+sTTu Hmm, 'looking like' it's not fitted correctly is really going to slow you down ;)

[@Sttuey]

+jem peter Haha indeed, not the most crucial of points granted - but if they're going to design something to mount either way, why not make it work equally well? Some of the more anal perfectionists out there (can'y think who) may or may not part with their cash depending.... :)

[@yogeshshrama9739]

After my second Garmin Edge 520 died unexpectedly I decided to try something different - the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt instead of the Garmin 530. Boy! I'm glad I did. kzbin.infoUgkxXZCtB-wGdHVTBSz8RswePK5vllHNi06N The display on the Wahoo Bolt is much easier to read. I like the configuration of the display more (up to 7 items visible on page 1 without scrolling and the first item chosen is larger characters than the next 3 rows that have pairs of items (still very readable). I also like the configurable item selections. The Bolt synced with my Garmin ANT+ Speed sensors on both bikes easily so no additional investment was required there. While the rated battery life is a couple hours less than the Garmin 520/530, I easily get a weeks worth of 1+ hour rides before recharging (and it's never really low on charge). At the end of a ride syncing to the Wahoo app, Strava, and Apple Health app is painless.

[@elmin2323]

You can't hear a tesla electric car coming lads! Love all the old timers saying they use there ears

[@khadijagwen]

I was most interested in detecting other bike riders because they seem most interested in hitting me off. At my age that is not good.

[@kenk278]

How long until the UCI ban it?

[@briangessler1046]

Lets add more batteries because rearview mirrors LOOK stupid.

[@myopenmind527]

Would you buy it?

[@gtgeorge1814]

and if a car passes too close it should spit out tacks.

[@kronier]

Good technology but why would anyone need this?

[@kristov9090]

when you dont know what to do with your money

[@craigpaterson5085]

In a sportive that would get so annoying

[@ephphatha230]

I'd hate to take a car up the arse on the way to the station

[@mikecygk]

How much radiation, I wonder? But on windy days etc. when hard to hear traffic, could be good.

[@forrest225]

if you live near an airport, body of water, or microwave oven you already get a larger dose of radar than this thing would put out.

[@reginaldscot165]

+forrest225 Yes, but why add to it?

[@mikecygk]

+mike cygk Whatever the real risk, if any, this is from the Garmin Varia™ Rearview Radar Handbook: Radio Frequency Radiation Exposure This device is a mobile transmitter and receiver that uses an internal antenna to send and receive low levels of radio frequency (RF) energy for data communications. The device emits RF energy below the published limits when operating in its maximum output power mode and when used with Garmin authorized accessories. To comply with RF exposure compliance requirements, the device should be installed and operated with a minimum of 20 cm (7.87 in.) between the device and your body.

[@TezTezTezTezTez]

worlds post pointless cycling accessory

[@melbman43]

Take it its only compatible with a Garmin so bad luck Wahoo users?

[@barefeg]

I won't even ask about the messy hair.

[@LFCJUNA]

Why should we take your views on the matter when you're sponsored by them. How much did you get paid for the above ^.^

[@TheAegisClaw]

Um, I'll stick with a mirror thanks.

[@sabirsiddique2484]

I dont care for the gadgets besides lights

[@chasewidener4391]

seems very distracting

[@tonixpto1]

you will burn the batery of garmin in a hour...😤

[@MrKiller271]

fuckin commercials

[@Peter-om1zj]

+Talay Erol fuckin commercials waa waa waa and what are you contributing? oh yeah nothing, go away

[@OfficerBaron]

+Talay Erol No issue watching some commercials if it means high quality, free, videos from GCN

[@titaniumgravel]

+Officer Baron Doesn't make them less of a sell out.....

[@OfficerBaron]

Matthew Walter So what? You don't have to watch the video, and no one's charging you to watch the content.