This product will CHANGE the way you ride your bike: trying out the Magene L508

Road riding brings the inherent risk of interactions with cars and other large vehicles. Often times we are on narrow single lane roads, riding in a shoulder or maybe having to merge lanes to make a turn. This brings about the need to often turn your head to check cars back and always remain vigilant of oncoming vehicles from behind. Magene sent me their L508 rear radar light to test out and I was plesantly surprised by the functionality. Previously I had never really considered using one of these products since I predominately ride in large pelotons, but for my solo rides I can see this as being a fantastic safety accessory. This video is not a flat out review of the product but instead is a discussion on the use cases of a radar and if it might suit your riding style. Enjoy
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[@lx425]

I've been riding with the Varia for years now. Super nice for taking the full lane on descents, and I find cars are a bit nicer passing when they can tell you're moving over (from the center of the lane) for them. Big fan! Wish the price point were more accessible for casual riders. Great video and review as always!

[@joshkwan]

I agree with that. I think motorists get the most frustrated when they think cyclists are purposefully blocking the road or not making an effort to allow a safe pass. The magene is almost half the price but still kinda expensive!

[@Albin111]

The man right here is soo fast with content - swear we were just talking about this 2days ago

[@joshkwan]

Hahaha it was pre-planned, video was in the works already 🤫

[@nickobec]

Huge fan of radar and don't ride with out it. Long story, but I do own both a Magene L508 and a Garmin Varia RTL 515. Difference between the two, the Varia will keep the warning active for a few more seconds when a vehicle matches your speed. The L508 does act as smart tail light and brightens when you brake and charges via USB C (unlike micro USB of the Varia). You should not be getting false positives when riding in a bunch unless there is a speed difference between you and another rider, like riding a paceline. I use one while racing, as if you are on the front of the bunch and somebody at the back takes a flyer, it will let you know.

[@joshkwan]

Appreciate you taking the time to comment on the differences between the two products. Also love how you use it as a tactical tool for crits hahaha

[@gregbaxter5525]

Had one for a couple of years now. Particularly good on Old Pacific Hwy where you can't always hear the approaching traffic over the nearby motorway. Also on winding sections where the sound of the cars can bounce around they will beep when the traffic is actually approaching. Also good for descending as the wind noise in your ear can keep you from hearing approaching traffic.

[@joshkwan]

Fantastic point to make. You cannot always hear cars coming form behind, this may be due to environmental factors or even a headwind. Thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@RichardLi-vf2xo]

Bike radar is a game changer for road cycling. I love how you tested it in your apartment by running against the walls, very creative and effective. Look forward to seeing you on the road soon.

[@joshkwan]

I carried out a risk assessment and it was safer than getting Jess to drive towards me with the car.

[@RichardLi-vf2xo]

@@joshkwan I reckon Jess will enjoy driving towards you at different speeds more :)

[@kxvinxavier]

Love the new intro title scene Josh!

[@joshkwan]

Thanks brother, was a fun little edit

[@julcerin]

I have this radar, been using it for 4 months and it is very useful and reliable, I had to change the brightness(reduce it) on the phone app so the battery could get the whole 5 hours ride. Still very visible. I’ll recommend it!

[@joshkwan]

Good solution to make the light and radar last the duration of your ride.

[@_L7M]

Just bought a Varia RTL515 a few weeks ago and absolutely love it.

[@joshkwan]

Awesome. Glad it’s working out for you Stay safe out there 🤙🏻

[@jonty1133]

Agree the radar is great and for me being a nervous rider I don't ride without it now. I use in combination with a small mirror for that double check as I ride mostly solo on the mid north coast, old pacific highway. Lots of 80 to 100kmph sections with varying shoulder widths. Love the videos mate!

[@joshkwan]

Yes! I was going to mention the budget option is getting a mirror off the helmet or on the bar end haha!

[@wilsonrobb10]

Good topic for a video mate. My Dad has had one for a few years (pretty vital for the country roads near Dunedin) and swears by it. Might consider getting one too.

[@joshkwan]

They’re nifty little things. I found it was warning me of cars behind much earlier than I could even hear them. So it definitely does a good job.

[@user_13624]

Game changer for sure. Keep an eye out for false negative, especially when the car behind you slows down to match your pace.

[@joshkwan]

Yep, I noticed that. One time a van slowed down and just followed me instead of overtaking. It confused me for a bit, but just something to be aware of. Sometimes its good to know theres a vehicle behind you, and they havent turned a corner or parked.

[@veryboringname.]

@@joshkwan They must have just been enjoying the view.... of your bike that is!

[@adam_tri_hard]

I swear by my Garmin Varia radar. It gives me a second set of eyes in the back of my head. It allows me to know if I can put power down to get to the roundabout ahead of the car coming up from behind or whether I need to back off and allow it to pass.

[@joshkwan]

Glad to hear it works well for you. Stay safe out there 👍🏻

[@ryoukokonpaku1575]

Love my Varia, won't ride without one these days. It's especially nice for night riding where you can't always know a car or motor is approaching via sight alone. The only gripe I have with them is battery life if you use both the radar and light at the sametime. That's why for rides more than 7 hours (e.g. audaxes) I strap another taillight that can last for a day or more and just use it for radar mode.

[@joshkwan]

Yea I found that it needed to be recharged after any big ride. That’s fine I think, but just need to change your workflow of recharging stuff.

[@zeuszuki6698]

I never really thought much about them until i rode my daughters Vado ebike with a varia, its a handy bit of kit 4 sure 👍

[@joshkwan]

Real handy. Vado ebike sounds good too 😝

[@endorphintherapist]

Great video! I've been using a radar light for the past 6 months and I literally can't not ride with one any more!

[@joshkwan]

That is great to hear. Glad it’s been an effective tool for you.

[@thewattbomber]

I’ve got both the Bontrager one and the Magene one. They do pretty much the exact same thing. I think the Magene one just works as expected where as the Bontrager one does… but turning it off is annoyingly difficult because if it connects to your Garmin it will auto turn on and off. One thing missing from the Magene one is a physical battery indicator.

[@joshkwan]

Mate thanks for commenting and letting know out experience using both these products. I would have loved to but didn’t have the time or money to go and buy other radars. The battery indicator on the Garmin is a nice little feature.

[@ItsMaxMann]

Waiting for the insta360 and rode sponsorship videos. Good review mate

[@joshkwan]

Hahaha the insta360 sponsorship is enroute in the mail right now ;) Thanks for watching and supporting the channel mate

[@ItsMaxMann]

@@joshkwan big things happening, nice work

[@veryboringname.]

Bike radars have always intruiged me but where I ride it's probably not that important. Better make sure this new fancy rear light doesn't fall off the bike!

[@joshkwan]

That would be painful!

[@mickdoan7534]

Thoughts on the version that video records as well?

[@joshkwan]

No one wants a dashcam till they need it. I reckon it’s a good idea if you don’t mind spending the money for it. I’ve heard the video quality isn’t fantastic, but you’re not using it to make movies, so just needs to do its job of recording an event.