2019 Garmin Varia™ Rearview Radar RTL 510 Tail Light Review : DOES IT MAKE YOU SAFER?

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Күн бұрын

Product Review 004 || SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/2gMWc1t
::: PRODUCT LINK :::
buy.garmin.com/en-AU/AU/p/601468
::: PURCHASE LINK (ALL COUNTRIES) :::
www.bikebug.com/garmin-varia-...
::: KEY FEATURES :::
* Alerts vehicles as they approach from behind.
* World's first cycling radar that warns approaching vehicles from behind up to 140 metres.
* Works independently and wirelessly integrates with compatible Edge cycling computers (Edge 520 and 1000).
* Edge computer or Varia head unit can detect multiple vehicles and indicates the relative speed of approach and threat level.
* Tail light unit brightens and flashes to notify approaching traffic of a cyclist ahead.
* Optional: With two rear lights, use the Varia Remote (sold separately) to indicate impending right or left turns. Also controls the on/off function.
::: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION :::
The world's first cycling radar, the Garmin Varia helps create a safer cycling environment by warning approaching vehicles of a cyclist ahead by increasing in luminosity as the vehicle approaches. The Varia system works independently or integrates seamlessly with compatible Edge cycling computers; an Edge computer or the Varia head unit can show multiple approaching vehicles and indicates the relative speed of approach and threat level.
The threat of getting hit from behind by a car or truck is real. That’s why getting some extra help knowing what’s sneaking up behind you is an important breakthrough. You already use caution and check over your shoulder, especially before making turns, but Varia radar gives you an important tool by watching behind you even when you aren’t.
The Varia line of cycling awareness products also includes Varia smart headlights and tail lights. When paired with select Edge bike computers, these bike lights help to create safer riding conditions by adjusting the beam focus point according to a bike’s speed and matching brightness to changing light conditions.
::: SPECIFICATIONS :::
* Dimensions: 2.9” x 1.7” x 0.9 (7.3 cm x 4.4 cm x 2.3 cm)
* Weight: 2.2 oz (63.5 g)
* Modes: Solid, flashing
* Lumens: 16
* Battery life (high power mode): 5 hours
* Charge time: 2 hours
* ANT+: Yes
* Water rating: IPX7
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TWITTER: @chrismiller @teamnerobianchi
WEB: neroracingbike.com
STRAVA: / strava
BIKE BIANCHI XR4
GROUPSET: Shimano Dura Ace Di2
FILMING EQUIPMENT: www.sony.com.au/electronics/c...
SERVICE & SUPPORT: Cycling Projects Racing

Пікірлер: 90

@samlewis4283 5 жыл бұрын

You didn't mention that it gives an audible warning when it detects a car. You mentioned that your head is always looking down. It shouldn't have to be that way. Look ahead on the road and when you hear a beep, you can have a quick look down on the head unit to see the dot approaching. I combine the radar with a small Cateye handlebar mirror, which works well. The combination definitely makes me feel a lot safer on the roads

@spnadler 5 жыл бұрын

Nice review. But you forgot to mention that the Garmin device (Edge, etc) will also emit a BEEP to let you know that the Varia has picked up an approaching car (and it also beeps as the vehicle is passing you, I think), so you do NOT really need to keep your eyes off the road ahead. You just need to make sure that sounds are "active" on your Garmin device.

@tomgoold8694 5 жыл бұрын

Unreal! Thanks Chris & Angus

@luhar321 3 жыл бұрын

Great review. Exactly what I wanted to see. Will pass the Varia or any form of rear radar for that matter, especially for my riding needs. Thanks guys.

@bigwil91 5 жыл бұрын

I have it with my wahoo bolt and separate head unit. Best safety device I've ever had. Saved me numerous times from drivers behind me not paying attention and I'll pull off to the side or on the grass until they pass or slow down. There have been several deaths here last year and this is a bid l big help. But yes, you do tend to rely on it sometimes. Overall, I feel it's a game changer in safety

@Rshorttt 5 жыл бұрын

I trust these reviews 👍

@toddkemper3555 4 жыл бұрын

I've been running one on my fatbike this winter (here in Canada) and I have to say, although I wouldn't use it on my roadbike in summer on busy roads, it's a treat for commuting to work on the fatbike in winter. Because I've got studded tires running on frozen pavement or ice (and wear a ski helmet when it's really cold) I just can't hear a damn thing other than my own tires... So I don't hear cars coming up behind me at all. The beep alert with this setup is just SO good. So for that particular purpose, it's a keeper for me.

@joshhiggins4723 3 жыл бұрын

Came here to hear your take on the Varia but more interested in your helmet and glasses choices 😎

@sevenrats 4 жыл бұрын

I've been thinking about getting one of these. Looking at it I've felt the same way about heavy traffic. You already know it's there. The cars are coming by non-stop and very fast. There's nothing you can do...except probably not ride on that road at all. I do think it would be great on country roads where you're riding fast and the wind noise makes it hard to hear occasional approaching cars. Then it would be great. The light looks great. If you rode in heavy traffic areas it would probably be better to just get a light that flashes continuously. A light is a must for everyone with or without the radar. I ride mostly on country roads so I think I'm in the market for one!

@crispin1970 4 жыл бұрын

Same here. I’ve ordered one because I ride mostly off main roads and out of cities, where cars are not regular and often pass fast and close and roads are not always in the best condition. I’m thinking that the advance knowledge will help me predict and avoid getting into situations I don’t want to be in.

@peterbee8892 4 жыл бұрын

This is the best bit of kit to improve safety since the crash helmet. The audible beeps and colour changes on the screen are easy cues to approaching cars at speed. The wahoo elemnt and roam can now support this device and several users in the pack can synch to the 510 giving multiple riders the alarm.

@Thracium 3 жыл бұрын

Good review! Thank you! Good Luck!

@PeterSdrolias 4 жыл бұрын

Extra safety is always a plus. Will probably buy the unit. But, nothing will replace proper riding practices such as predictability, respect for the law and courtesy.

@wasupwitdat1mofiki94 5 жыл бұрын

I've had my RTL510 for almost a year I think. It has failed to detect a car twice but I think that may be because the cyclist behind me blocked it somehow, which normally doesn't happen. It will pick up a bike rider behind you if they are going fast enough. Overall I trust it but if I want to turn or cross the road I will still look back. I can't speak enough about the way it makes me feel more relaxed when riding down the road. If you don't have a Garmin computer you can get the Varia head unit so no excuse for not owning one of these because the price is definitely worth it.

@paulflory3532 4 жыл бұрын

Just got one. With the 1030 Edge, you have a choice of a beep or a trill for the alert sound, maybe this is in an update of the firmware? The trill doesn't sound like any of the Edge's other sounds, so I use that. There is a beep when the threat clears. Yep it's useless in heavy traffic, but I'm mostly in semi-rural areas. Handy to know if someone is going to try to squeeze by you approaching a blind crest or curve or with oncoming traffic on a narrow 2-lane road, rather than hanging back waiting for a safe opening, as they should. Also helps to know if traffic is coming up behind you when you need to turn across the oncoming lane into a side road (a left turn in the US). And if you can move around in the lane to avoid cracks and bumps in deteriorating road surfaces. On Amazon, you can get 3D printed mounts to clip a Varia to the loop on the rear of a seat bag, gets the unit higher than putting it on the seat post. Should improve both the radar's range and the light's visibility. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TZJGQYQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

@garrypercy2888 5 жыл бұрын

I just turn tones of in city bk on on quite roads great device

@justinbouchard 4 жыл бұрын

I personally just love love love the "Take A Look" mirror. Nothing better. Every other vehicle on the road has a rearview mirror.

@Bikes-guitars 5 жыл бұрын

I love mine, a club mate purchased one first, after connecting to it for the club run I was sold on it, returning home my club mate turned off a couple of miles before me, in a matter of moments I was like “where did that car come from” then realised how much I was immediately missing the radar! As soon as I got home I had to order one, I would never ride without it now, totally agree with your comments, it can’t save you from an idiot but at least you are aware of the idiot approaching and the flashing rear light can be seen from miles away, with this device you give yourself the best shot of being seen by motorists. Thanks for posting the video, love your channel 👌

@MrJwmurph 2 жыл бұрын

I've been using one for 2.5 years and just bought a different rear light. Reasons for that; 1) battery on the RTL510 now only just about lasts one average ride (approx 4 hours of daytime use, much less at dark conditions). 2) the band mount system is poor, feels loose and not worthy of the cost of the unit. I purchased a better clamp on system but that only works with a round seatpost so my second bikes aero post is stuck with the loose band type mount. 3) people in the group rides tend to comment on the constant beeps from the head unit, without these being turned on you miss the warning of an upcoming car. So you either have a useless radar or an annoyed group of cyclists. 4) I find myself using it to determine if it's "safe" to turn across a road, this is dangerous but an easy habit to lapse into instead of looking back to check. 5) there are better lights out there that are smaller, more powerful, lighter and have a much better battery. I think I'll continue to use the RTL510 is on a solo ride on a quiet road but for group rides on busier roads I'll use something else.

@markcurphey 5 жыл бұрын

Great video. I love my Varia but hate the battery life! Quick Question : how do you do your on-bike filming and audio ? Specifically how do you rig your GoPro (wrist mount or selfie-stick) and do you use an external mic (and if so which one)? Cheers!

@bkfpv 5 жыл бұрын

I feel vulnerable riding without mine. Narrow roads combined with loads of electric cars (silently sneaking up on you) makes this almost as vital as my helmet. Only feature I miss is a BT connection transfering the "beep" to a headset. In high speeds or windy conditions the alarm can be hard to hear, and I tend to look down to check more often.

@FlyWithMe_666 Жыл бұрын

I use it for my daily commute and turn it on (off) when I leave (enter) the inner city as I use the “beep” function on my Wahoo when cars approach. I don’t want to have it beeping all the time in the city, while outside on country roads the beep avoids that you have to look at the head unit constantly as you described. Not perfect, but works good enough for me,

@david-sv3kg 5 жыл бұрын

How does the flashy compare to other popular ones? How long to charge?

@Darkswatt21 5 жыл бұрын

Hum i can see you did'nt go well with the vision handlebar is that a 36 cm zipp you running instead ?

@AstroCanbe11833 4 жыл бұрын

So your system vs the Garmin Rearview Bike Radar?? Which one is better ? Thanks in advance

@alfredstimoli2590 4 жыл бұрын

Wahoo have now updated their firmware on the Bolt, Elemnt and Roam. So you're no longer tied to the Garmin ecosystem. At present I have a small cateye bar mirror as I have some problems turning my head too far to actually look over my shoulder comfortably. I feel the Varia useful addition to the mirror in such situations.

@thedronescene7474 4 жыл бұрын

I live in Miami FL and I do not leave my house without it! Idc how many car warnings I get. As long it keep telling me cars are coming I feel safer, ( that is the whole point )

@anthonymurphy5850 4 жыл бұрын

Mirror on the helmet or glasses ...do the same thing😉⁉️

@nicmcs4 5 жыл бұрын

Great video about a decent product, From my experience of owning one. I would agree that using this on more rural country roads is where this excels, not necessarily the traffic heavier urban roads.

@ChrisMillerCycling 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nicholas. Spot on mate, it does what is says really well, the question you have to ask yourself is if that is any benefit to you

@wubble666 5 жыл бұрын

You have had a much better time then when I gave it a shot. Unless I was riding on a country road all I got was a dot after dot that had no meaning because it picked up everything from other cyclists to cars on the opposite side of the road.

@artificiallift9110 5 жыл бұрын

Love this style of reviews. Have to say it looks like the Varia is only useful in a select few conditions like Angus said.

@asifalmeida3713 3 жыл бұрын

I am going to get one for my motor scooter just to know whether someone is going to stop behind me at the red light or someone just run into me...!!

@harbor196 5 жыл бұрын

What you guys forgot to mention is that you can run the light without the radar and vice versa depending on conditions.

@sevenrats 4 жыл бұрын

That's good to know!!!

@Methodical2 4 жыл бұрын

What's your thought now that Wahoo supports this device?

@JoelSzymczyk 4 жыл бұрын

I've had a Varia for several months, as soon as I found out Wahoo supports it. I have an Elemnt. Honestly it is outstanding. I love it. I have many hundreds of miles with it now, and I have zero complaints. The audio alerts could be a tiny bit louder- BUT I have a bit of damaged hearing. In cool/cold weather I wear either a headband/earcover, or a balaclava, and that cuts down on my ability to hear the beeps- not really any fault of the Varia or the Wahoo. The top row of LEDs flash amber or red when a vehicle is detected along with the beeps, depending on approach speed, and green when it clears. I did not like the little car icon which is default- I followed GPLama's instructions on how to make custom icons for the display, and made a solid 15x15 pixel black square. IMO it makes the display much easier to see. I have had zero issues with connectivity/pairing. I'm 100% happy with it.

@cliffordchaperon6795 5 жыл бұрын

Chris - may be it should cause the Garmin to ring (make a noise) as well as dots on the left of screen

@acalskates 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Clifford, yeah it makes a sound to let you know a car is coming. I found this quite irritating so I turned it off almost immediately. The dots on the screen are plenty if you're someone who regularly looks down anyway. If you're the sort of person who drifts off a bit out on the country roads then that feature is really awesome, but in the city it'll drive you insane!

@DavidWard14 5 жыл бұрын

@@acalskates I ride 90% on country roads, so it's fantastic for me. I can see it being less useful on city roads. The way I use it is, dots on the screen, road's not clear, don't need to look back. No dots, road could be clear, look back and check as it can drop out occasionally (like 1-2 per year). I wouldn't ride on open roads without it; I'm stuck in the Garmin eco system. Side note, the first gen wouldn't pick up cyclist and 50/50 for motorcycles. The current gen picks up both; much more sensitive, which is better imo.

@davidroberts5177 3 жыл бұрын

I have always used a mirror which is very cost effective and allows you to both see and hear traffic, so I cannot really see the point of this device.

@sydfin 5 жыл бұрын

Doesnt it have an audio notification that you can turn on and off?

@mickelkobeck7376 5 жыл бұрын

Yes....there is a low beep when "dots" pass

@ChrisMillerCycling 5 жыл бұрын

Correct Emanuel. Though like junior mentioned in an earlier comment the noise is completely overwhelming in city riding, it literally never stops beeping. You actually start ignoring it because it goes off so much. That said, when I'm on country roads I do turn it on. A short cut to turn the feature on and off would be really nice so you don't have to go into the settings

@ThAkLiNg 5 жыл бұрын

The Varia head unit (the one that comes with this new Varia RTL 510; not the one that came with the previous model) allows toggling the sound via a simple click on the power button (long press to turn on/off the unit). Also since Wahoo does not support the Varia to this date, the head unit is the only way for Wahooers to enjoy the Varia.

@sydfin 5 жыл бұрын

@@ChrisMillerCycling thanks Chris. The joy of living under the flight path I missed that. Thanks and sorry.

@thomasbrooks2549 5 жыл бұрын

Luv my garmin varia. 3 years thousands of miles has provided me with a great safety device. Don't believe these wahooer garmin bashers. Keeps my eyes straight ahead looking for pot holes or whatever obstacles to avoid. Agree this great technology will not stop a idiot car behind you but either will riding with your head cockeyed looking behind as you rode into the pothole. Garmin technology guides aircraft boats semis RVs autos and bicycle. Wahoo stock will be in the penny section sooner than anticipated.

@JoelSzymczyk 4 жыл бұрын

Probably not- Wahoo does the bike computer thing exceptionally well- although it isn't any kind of scientific research, the amount of technical issues and glitches my wife has with brand new Garmin compared to my Wahoo is ridiculous. And it is pretty much the same story everywhere. Garmin is good stuff without question, but Wahoo simply does not have the user interface and connectivity issues that are just accepted as normal with Garmin.

@philchapman6021 5 жыл бұрын

One area where this tech may be helpful is with the rise of electric vehicles. Recently, I was passed quite close and fast by a Tesla model X and didn't hear the damn thing coming! Hearing is the No.1 sense for cyclists in traffic. If you can't hear cars coming from behind, that is a worry.

@ChrisMillerCycling 5 жыл бұрын

Probably the one time you wished it was a V8 ute buzzing you from behind 😂😂 seriously though you are dead right, windy days is another one I found it very useful

@mickelkobeck7376 5 жыл бұрын

I still look behind me...I have not noticed any negatives.

@rejeanpaquet4375 3 жыл бұрын

It's like having eyes behind your head

@Methodical2 4 жыл бұрын

Is there a Garmin Varia 511? When I search sometimes Varia 511 pops up.

@Methodical2 4 жыл бұрын

I think I found the answer to my question. I thinks it's the non-US version of the 510.

@ralfmuehl8340 4 жыл бұрын

The RTL511 does not have the rear light flash modes, and its solid light has far lower intensity than the RTL510's (7 lumen for the 511 vs 20 lumen for the 510, both in solid light mode. The 510's day flash mode goes up to 65 lumen). Since safety is the primary reason to buy this device, and better visibility means less risk to be hit by a car, I don't even understand why Garmin offers the 511 version.

@robj3773 4 жыл бұрын

@@ralfmuehl8340 Because in some countries rear lights can only be solid. Germany for example.

@ralfmuehl8340 4 жыл бұрын

@@robj3773 true... That reminds me of a TV documentary from at least 20 years ago about cyclist rear lights. They came to this conclusion: the blinking is better visible than solid by far, but a cyclist is only allowed to get the blinking light once the car has not seen him - and then it is blue...

@docarvalho 5 жыл бұрын

I ride at night.and my friends complain about the light. They say is to much bright. Have an option at Garmin 820 to make the light less bright, but doesn't work

@harbor196 5 жыл бұрын

docarvalho never use a flashing light when riding with a group because it is distracting to those who are behind you. Put it on steady or off instead.

@tedolphbundler724 3 жыл бұрын

Why is this better than a rear view mirror on your glasses? Update: After riding with this I am convinced. I have riden with a rear view mirror for decades. One of my routes is a winding road out to Lake Eire. This thing detects the car 20 seconds before I do alerting me to LOOK IN YOUR REAR VIEW MIRROR DUMMY! I now have 20 more seconds to decide what to do, if anything. This means the ride is even more relaxed and I never get surprised by an aproaching car. Bottom line: Get one.

@ChrisMillerCycling 3 жыл бұрын

Because it doesn’t look like a mirror on your glasses

@tedolphbundler724 3 жыл бұрын

@@ChrisMillerCycling How are you going to look like a nerd if you don't put a mirror on your glasses?

@planttheseed2129 5 жыл бұрын

1:02 What saddle is that?

@zumbaRdie 4 жыл бұрын

Shimano Stealth I believe. If so, I want to know how you got the RTL mounted.

@Grunge_Cycling 5 жыл бұрын

Damn it, why did I buy my Wahoo Element?! Oh that's right, the battery actually lasts as long as my rides. Looking at you, Garmin 5 series.

@jussa101 4 жыл бұрын

Are you riding for more than 18 hours because that's how long mine lasts?

@JoelSzymczyk 4 жыл бұрын

Wahoo now supports radar integration, been using Varia for several months now with my Elemnt and it works flawlessly.

@pwrshots 5 жыл бұрын

It's like today' s cars. my new car has blind spot monitoring and a rear view camera. my second car is a beater car and doesn't have that technology. when i switch lanes in the beater car, i'm looking for the side view mirror to light up and listening for the beeping sound. technology makes you lazy. too dependent.

@ChrisMillerCycling 5 жыл бұрын

Hey man, really good point. I have actually found the same thing, last year with the Merc team car it had that blind spot detection which I started using instead of checking myself. Coming back to our old car this year I'd really lost my own awareness, which like you said, shows I had got lazy.

@Methodical2 4 жыл бұрын

Actually, just the opposite for me. I still look in the rearview and side mirrors all the time to see what's around me and before lane changes. Those blind spot mirrors detection systems just gives me situational awareness, but I still put eyes on them. I guess it's a habit from city living where you have to be aware of things constantly.

@jeffmckinley452 4 жыл бұрын

Has anyone thought of using a mirror. Lol.

@ChrisMillerCycling 4 жыл бұрын

Haha! I know right

@JoelSzymczyk 4 жыл бұрын

totally different experience.

@discbrakefan 3 жыл бұрын

Old comment... but I’ve used both and the radar is better. A mirror vibrates around and is hard to see anything useful. The radar is best when riding on a relatively quiet country road, it detects cars before I hear them and I can make decisions about upcoming obstacles based on how close a car is or how many there are.

@erikkallen5893 5 жыл бұрын

Why the swedish in the intro? 🇸🇪

@ChrisMillerCycling 5 жыл бұрын

Chasing an IKEA sponsorship Erik 😂😂

@clintbambrick5080 5 жыл бұрын

I have the older version. I live in country Australia. I do not leave home with out it.

@MrDoodsz 5 жыл бұрын

Podium comment

@bsub0 2 жыл бұрын

Girlfriend And I both have this device may first of 2022 a car made a right turn in front of me hit me when I asked she said she never seen us

@monty2078 5 жыл бұрын

Why not simply use a mirror

@pwrshots 5 жыл бұрын

I plane to use it with my mirror. it will tell me of an approaching vehicle. then you can check your mirror. make sure the car is too your side and not on your wheel while they are texting. blind spot monitoring for cyclists.