Bicycling Rear View Radar

Product Description

Vehicles approaching from the rear is the number one cause of bike/vehicle fatalities in the U.S. The revolutionary new Varia Rearview Radar from Garmin helps a create safer cycling environment by warning cyclists of vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards, and also warns approaching traffic of a cyclist ahead. Works independently and integrates seamlessly with select Garmin Edge cycling computers. Indicates the relative speed of approach and distance of one or more vehicles at a time. The tail light brightens and blinks when approaching vehicles are detected for an extra measure of safety.

Top Reviews

Garmin drops the ball on the RDU
by Ben D. (2 out of 5 stars)
May 12, 2016

My disappointment with this product mostly stems from the included head unit, the RDU. This unit is completely silent, requiring the rider to check the display for approaching traffic, rather than be alerted by an audible beep. I tried several positions for the RDU, including putting it on my out-front mount usually reserved for my Edge 500, but found that I was still unaware of cars approaching from behind until I could hear the car unless I was staring down at the display. Since I have to take my eyes off the road every few seconds to see if there is an approaching car, I will just stick to using a mirror only-- they cost $10 and give you a visual on the car. I imagine having a 510/520/810/1000 head unit is considerably better, as they beep when they acquire an approaching car, but the cost of those units plus the cost of the radar unit is too steep for me. The radar itself works very well. As it stands, I will be returning the set.
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Use it like a rear view mirror
by Popakr (5 out of 5 stars)
December 3, 2017

Right after I installed it and did a test ride, I was ready to return it because I found it distracting to keep looking at the head unit to figure out if there is a car behind me. But I was using it wrong. You are supposed to use it like a rear view or side mirror: look had the head unit only when you want to know if there is a car behind you. The difference is subtle, but it makes a big difference in useabilty of the device.

The device is very accurate and reliable. I've been using it for a week and, so far, there has not been a single false positive or false negative.

The price is steep (I bought it when it was $100 off, but I think it's worth it.
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THERE IS NO AUDIBLE SIGNAL!
by ALBailey (1 out of 5 stars)
April 18, 2018

This device does as advertised, but it's completely useless to me. The problem: there is no audible signal when an approaching vehicle is detected! Sure....the vehicle is indicated on the stack of LEDs, but that isn't helpful for the cyclist. Anyone with good riding habits knows to keep their head and eyes ever-moving...looking for threats and risks. What I DON'T need is another item on my handlebars that I have to look at every few seconds. This device may, in fact, make you less safe by distracting your attention toward the handlebars. If you don't already have them, get yourself a rearview mirror (mine is helmet-mounted) and a good tail light. Those two items will do everything for you that the Garmin Varia does, and for a whole lot less of your hard-earned cash.
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Great Product!
by Amazon Customer (5 out of 5 stars)
August 23, 2018

I bought the bundled package for a cross country bike ride I start in two weeks. It was a breeze to install and works incredibly well! The first couple of times I rode with it, I would watch the display and when it detected a vehicle, I would double check by looking over my shoulder or in my mirror. Sure enough, every single time it displayed one or more vehicles, it was correct! I like that the taillight changes in intensity and frequency as the unit detects vehicles behind me. The radar does not pick up other bicyclists or stationary vehicles as the radar is obviously set up to only detect moving motorcycles or vehicles with a certain mass. It gives me great peace of mind knowing that I can easily tell, without hearing or looking over my shoulder or in the mirror, when there are vehicles behind me. Great buy! Highly recommend the unit for any cyclist on the road!
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good, but not great. better then looking over shoulder a lot, or in the mirror.
by larry (3 out of 5 stars)
May 30, 2016

I like the light part (Varia RDU) a lot, it is bright. the radar unit is good at picking up cars. the only time it is not good, if you pass a car at an intersection, or side street, and the car turns directly behind you, right after you pass it doesn't pick it up, as it too close. Also the handle bar unit, rtl 500 doesn't have an audible alarm when the car is picked up on the radar. I also mounted mine under a small bag. I mounted upside down, for better visiblity in that situation. It works fine. I would buy it again, but be aware of its short comings. I like the out front mount as it easier to see. have fun ride safe.
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This product is excellent. I do not have to look back for ...
by Marvin Lee White (5 out of 5 stars)
December 8, 2016

This product is excellent. I do not have to look back for cars which usually caused me to swerve. When changing lanes, I still visually check for cars approaching. I am 65 years old. I confidently know when cars are approaching from the rear.
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A must have for all cyclists
by jcgoobee (5 out of 5 stars)
April 10, 2017

This is one of the best biking gear that I have purchased for my bike. I feel so much safer to ride as I can look at the radar indicator, to know if there's any approaching cars from behind without turning my head. This device is incredibly accurate which I can radar-spot any approaching cars from 450 feet from behind.

Money well spent
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Good help in staying aware of a vehicle coming up behind you on a road
by T Shaffer (5 out of 5 stars)
August 21, 2018

The Garmin Varia Radar Light Bundle is simple to use and I found it effective at helping keep me aware when a car starts to come up behind me while out riding on a road. Getting an alert while the vehicle is still a ways back enabled me (before I could hear the vehicle engine, etc.) to check my mirror and maintain awareness of a vehicle approaching as I rode. I also appreciated the warning alert if the vehicle was determined by the sensor to be travelling in too close a line to my riding line position/direction. Very supportive of safe riding!
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Husband loves it!
by Azreader (5 out of 5 stars)
May 26, 2016

I bought this for my husband as added safety feature on his bike. I find as I follow his bike it also alerts me to traffic. Great little device.
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Better than a rearview mirror
by Frederick Dahnke (5 out of 5 stars)
July 5, 2019

Warns me of vehicles, how many and relative proximity way before I could see them in my wrist mounted mirror. Biggest downside is mounting. All the hardware is only for a seat post not blocked by anything facing rearward. Wouldn't work for me. Found a third party adapter that allowed me to mount the radar unit on my rear rack.

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