I use the rear tail light (rtl) radar every time ride on roads. It has really given me the confidence to ride on roads with cars approaching me from behind. I feel like it's a third eye (rear-facing).
I thought it would be gimmicky but it's my new must have item for any ride! While I still shoulder check for oncoming cars when moving into traffic it's great for taking the lane. I can just ride until it beeps to let me know a car is approaching. And it works great with my Garmin 830.
Paired with my edge 530, this thing is a great addition to my road cycling. I feel much less exposed knowing when cars are coming without craning my head around to look, the face that the light gets brighter when a car is coming is also great. The only downside is somewhat limited battery life and the fact that it identifies people who are cycling behind you fairly often.
The ability to detect multiple vehicles and a general idea of how quickly they are approaching you is great. I still check my mirror to confirm, but I hear the beep well before the vehicle. My only wish is that my garmin would sound a little louder, particularly with a headwind (which has nothing directly to do with this unit).
The Varia RTL515 rear radar works well and was easy to install and pair with the Garmin 1030. I only gave it four stars because it seems to run out of battery if I try to get more than one ride out of a charge.
I didn't need this, at least I didn't think I did. I was skeptical but I have found this radar to be a great addition to my bike and rides. It alerts you to traffic coming up on you as well as the number of vehicles and relative distances. Four of my riding partners have purchased and we all wonder what took us so long.
I Upgraded from the RTL 500. Very happy with this light. High visibility. The vertical profile does forced me to use a less bulky seat bag in order for the radar to clear the rear wheel, and not block the visibility of the lights to approaching cars.
its bright and I have yet to run through the battery
It quickly hooks up with my Garmin . I have problems turning my neck so it's a blessing not having a struggle to do so . My friends I ride with like the fact that it starts blinking which lets them know a car is coming .
This is my second Varia. First unit's mounting 'ears' broke after several years of use. To me, the Varia has become as essential as wearing a helmet. It's worth every bit of the purchase price!
My only regret is not buying this sooner, really a great product and can detect cars that are not visible with my helmet mirror in foggy conditions.
It works great
Great invention
I do a lot of back road riding and this allows me to see cars or bikes approaching from behind. I then become more cautious and stay to my right on narrow roads.
went on sale, got one. Don't know why I waited , WORKS GREAT
It's has your back. Period. I always recommend this piece of tech to every rider who asks. This one was for my wife.
excellent quality. pretty good battery life
Great way to observe cars behind. I use it to supplement my rear view mirror. It provides ample warning.
I bought this from REI and it works great with my Wahoo Roam. This is one of my best safety devices - worth every penny.
Increases awareness of cars on the road. Easy to connect to Garmin head unit. Love that the cadence of the blinking light will change as cars approach.
