Have owned multiple 'generations' of the Varia Radars and this 515 is the best radar unit on the market. This is my third purchase of this model, one for myself, one for my son-in-law, and this one for my grandson. HE lives in the country where it's easiest for cars/trucks/motorcycles to sneak up on a cyclist. It was the final way to get my daughters (his moms') approval to ride the roads.
The only two downsides are the low volume of the warning 'beep' and the old-style mini USB charge port. While the cable is provided with the unit, it's slightly annoying to have to switch to this antique tech to recharge. As for the beep, it's easily drowned out by wind, so regular 'glances' to the computer need to become part of your awareness. FWIW we all use it with a variation of the 8XX series of Garmin computers, so the volume is an issue with them.
Still... a five star purchase.
I feel a lot safer riding with this unit. The only time it doesn't pick up traffic behind me is when I'm riding on a bike path separated from the the road by large concrete barriers (it will still pick up taller vehicles in those conditions). It will still pick up traffic several lanes over on the same separated bike path, so I'm not sure how wide of a view the radar has, but it picks up everything. I like the alerts it gives me on my Garmin computer (I haven't tried it with a phone or other GPS brands).
I've always used a small bag under my seat, with a light below that, but I was worried the bag and/or rear tire would get in the way of the Varia I got recently.
With this kit, I'm able to keep my bag, and the radar/light gets mounted at the back of my set, behind my bag. I've had no issues with visibility or not picking up traffic behind me because it puts the radar at a good height without anything to get in the way. And, I get to keep using my bag.
If you have a bag that goes to about the rear of your seat, you're probably good to go with this kit. If you have something that extends to the rear a bit more, I'm thinking of bike packing bags or something like that, then you're probably going to need to figure something else out.
Got the Garmin edge 1050 after my edge 10:30 began to have difficulties. It has been working nicely over the last 3 to 4 months that I have been using it. It downloads routes quickly and seamlessly through Garmin connect. It sinks up nicely with Ride with GPS and Strava. The screen is nice and crisp, much better than the 1030 with the new OLED display. Thus far the battery life has been more than adequate, I suspect it would last an estimated 20 hours. The screens are relatively easy to configure, and I did not have any troubles with syncing this to my power meter. I do enjoy having a larger screen, which is helpful for older eyes. It does have multiple alerts for various things which can be configured for those that prefer a quieter ride. Taken all together , I would certainly purchase the unit again.
