Home > Other Fun Stuff > Gadgets & Hacks

Garmin Varia rearview radar & new App add affordable road safety options, with or without a Garmin GPS

Garmin's Varia rearview radar family expands its options for cyclists looking to improve ride safety by alerting them to cars approaching from behind. And now you don't need a Garmin GPS computer or dedicated Varia head unit - a  mobile phone can display the alerts as you ride over bluetooth. Plus, the core RTL515 radar sensor+taillight combination gets updated functionality, while the new radar-only sensor RVR315 delivers the same ride safety at a more affordable price without the integrated blinkie light. Garmin Varia App now brings radar alerts to mobile phones The whole idea of Garmin's Varia rearview radar is simple: alert cyclists of cars approaching quickly from behind via a display on your handlebar so you don't need to turn around. At first it may seem like technological overkill (you could get a bar end or helmet mirror, or just turn your head). But for cyclists who spend a lot of time out riding solo or training on the road, the simple Varia function and its added security is hard to argue with. But until now, on top of the price of the $200 that the Varia RTL510 cost, you had to buy a dedicated Varia display for another $100 is you didn't already have a Garmin Edge GPS head unit. Now, a new Varia App for iOS or Android means you can connect the Varia radar directly to your mobile phone to display alerts while riding. Color coded alerts signal proximity: green means all is clear, yellow is a car approaching, red Is a car approaching at high speed.  And third-party communication with mobile apps like Ride with GPS, means you get the ability to see the oncoming car alerts overtop or ride tracking maps. Garmin Varia RTL515 rearview radar & taillight combo The updated combo RTL515 looks essentially unchanged from the previous generation RTL510, packing the Varia rearview radar into a high visibility taillight. Inside though, there are a number of functional improvements - most notably new Bluetooth LE added to ANT+ to connect to more devices. Light output is the same, topping out at 65 lumens in daytime flash for up to 1mi/1600m visibility, 29 lumens in night flash, and 20 lumens on solid. Daytime flash run time increases an hour to 16h, while 6hr remains the same for night flash & solid modes. The new Varia combo also gets a new peloton mode to drop down to a low-intensity 8 lumen flash when you are riding in a group, so as to not blind other cyclists (for 8hrs). Radar runtime is as long as the light is running. The new tech fits into the same 71g 99x40x20mm tall casing, and the updated Varia RTL515 sells for the same $200 price as the previous generation. Garmin Varia RVR315 standalone rearview radar All new though, is the even more affordable Varia RVR315. Pared back to just the review radar tech itself, the sensor-only device gets the same BLE & ANT+ connectivity to transmit to the display of your choice on the handlebar. The radar-only RVR315 is a bit smaller & lighter at 51g and 72x40x20mm, but has a decreased battery life of just 7 hours, meaning it will require more frequent recharging. But at $150 (and without the need to buy a secondary display), the all-new Varia RVR315 is likely to open up rearview radar to more cyclists out riding & training amongst the cars. Both new Varia devices mount with Garmin 1/4 turn adapters and provide both visible, vibrate & audible alerts when paired with capable Garmin displays or a phone running the app, warning of approaching vehicles up to 140m/ 460' behind the rider. You can even setup you Varia to pair with both a head unit & phone to use the mobile device as a backup if the other runs out of power. Garmin.com
11 Comments
Support us! Bikerumor may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

Garmin’s Varia rearview radar family expands its options for cyclists looking to improve ride safety by alerting them to cars approaching from behind. And now you don’t need a Garmin GPS computer or dedicated Varia head unit – a  mobile phone can display the alerts as you ride over Bluetooth. Plus, the core RTL515 radar sensor+taillight combination gets updated functionality, while the new radar-only sensor RVR315 delivers the same ride safety at a more affordable price without the integrated blinkie light.

Garmin Varia App now brings radar alerts to mobile phones

Garmin's Varia rearview radar family expands its options for cyclists looking to improve ride safety by alerting them to cars approaching from behind. And now you don't need a Garmin GPS computer or dedicated Varia head unit - a  mobile phone can display the alerts as you ride over bluetooth. Plus, the core RTL515 radar sensor+taillight combination gets updated functionality, while the new radar-only sensor RVR315 delivers the same ride safety at a more affordable price without the integrated blinkie light. Garmin Varia App now brings radar alerts to mobile phones The whole idea of Garmin's Varia rearview radar is simple: alert cyclists of cars approaching quickly from behind via a display on your handlebar so you don't need to turn around. At first it may seem like technological overkill (you could get a bar end or helmet mirror, or just turn your head). But for cyclists who spend a lot of time out riding solo or training on the road, the simple Varia function and its added security is hard to argue with. But until now, on top of the price of the $200 that the Varia RTL510 cost, you had to buy a dedicated Varia display for another $100 is you didn't already have a Garmin Edge GPS head unit. Now, a new Varia App for iOS or Android means you can connect the Varia radar directly to your mobile phone to display alerts while riding. Color coded alerts signal proximity: green means all is clear, yellow is a car approaching, red Is a car approaching at high speed.  And third-party communication with mobile apps like Ride with GPS, means you get the ability to see the oncoming car alerts overtop or ride tracking maps. Garmin Varia RTL515 rearview radar & taillight combo The updated combo RTL515 looks essentially unchanged from the previous generation RTL510, packing the Varia rearview radar into a high visibility taillight. Inside though, there are a number of functional improvements - most notably new Bluetooth LE added to ANT+ to connect to more devices. Light output is the same, topping out at 65 lumens in daytime flash for up to 1mi/1600m visibility, 29 lumens in night flash, and 20 lumens on solid. Daytime flash run time increases an hour to 16h, while 6hr remains the same for night flash & solid modes. The new Varia combo also gets a new peloton mode to drop down to a low-intensity 8 lumen flash when you are riding in a group, so as to not blind other cyclists (for 8hrs). Radar runtime is as long as the light is running. The new tech fits into the same 71g 99x40x20mm tall casing, and the updated Varia RTL515 sells for the same $200 price as the previous generation. Garmin Varia RVR315 standalone rearview radar All new though, is the even more affordable Varia RVR315. Pared back to just the review radar tech itself, the sensor-only device gets the same BLE & ANT+ connectivity to transmit to the display of your choice on the handlebar. The radar-only RVR315 is a bit smaller & lighter at 51g and 72x40x20mm, but has a decreased battery life of just 7 hours, meaning it will require more frequent recharging. But at $150 (and without the need to buy a secondary display), the all-new Varia RVR315 is likely to open up rearview radar to more cyclists out riding & training amongst the cars. Both new Varia devices mount with Garmin 1/4 turn adapters and provide both visible, vibrate & audible alerts when paired with capable Garmin displays or a phone running the app, warning of approaching vehicles up to 140m/ 460' behind the rider. You can even setup you Varia to pair with both a head unit & phone to use the mobile device as a backup if the other runs out of power. Garmin.com
c. Garmin

The whole idea of Garmin’s Varia rearview radar is simple: alert cyclists of cars approaching quickly from behind via a display on your handlebar so you don’t need to turn around. At first it may seem like technological overkill (you could get a bar end or helmet mirror, or just turn your head). But for cyclists who spend a lot of time out riding solo or training on the road, the simple Varia function and its added security is hard to argue with.

Garmin's Varia rearview radar family expands its options for cyclists looking to improve ride safety by alerting them to cars approaching from behind. And now you don't need a Garmin GPS computer or dedicated Varia head unit - a  mobile phone can display the alerts as you ride over bluetooth. Plus, the core RTL515 radar sensor+taillight combination gets updated functionality, while the new radar-only sensor RVR315 delivers the same ride safety at a more affordable price without the integrated blinkie light. Garmin Varia App now brings radar alerts to mobile phones The whole idea of Garmin's Varia rearview radar is simple: alert cyclists of cars approaching quickly from behind via a display on your handlebar so you don't need to turn around. At first it may seem like technological overkill (you could get a bar end or helmet mirror, or just turn your head). But for cyclists who spend a lot of time out riding solo or training on the road, the simple Varia function and its added security is hard to argue with. But until now, on top of the price of the $200 that the Varia RTL510 cost, you had to buy a dedicated Varia display for another $100 is you didn't already have a Garmin Edge GPS head unit. Now, a new Varia App for iOS or Android means you can connect the Varia radar directly to your mobile phone to display alerts while riding. Color coded alerts signal proximity: green means all is clear, yellow is a car approaching, red Is a car approaching at high speed.  And third-party communication with mobile apps like Ride with GPS, means you get the ability to see the oncoming car alerts overtop or ride tracking maps. Garmin Varia RTL515 rearview radar & taillight combo The updated combo RTL515 looks essentially unchanged from the previous generation RTL510, packing the Varia rearview radar into a high visibility taillight. Inside though, there are a number of functional improvements - most notably new Bluetooth LE added to ANT+ to connect to more devices. Light output is the same, topping out at 65 lumens in daytime flash for up to 1mi/1600m visibility, 29 lumens in night flash, and 20 lumens on solid. Daytime flash run time increases an hour to 16h, while 6hr remains the same for night flash & solid modes. The new Varia combo also gets a new peloton mode to drop down to a low-intensity 8 lumen flash when you are riding in a group, so as to not blind other cyclists (for 8hrs). Radar runtime is as long as the light is running. The new tech fits into the same 71g 99x40x20mm tall casing, and the updated Varia RTL515 sells for the same $200 price as the previous generation. Garmin Varia RVR315 standalone rearview radar All new though, is the even more affordable Varia RVR315. Pared back to just the review radar tech itself, the sensor-only device gets the same BLE & ANT+ connectivity to transmit to the display of your choice on the handlebar. The radar-only RVR315 is a bit smaller & lighter at 51g and 72x40x20mm, but has a decreased battery life of just 7 hours, meaning it will require more frequent recharging. But at $150 (and without the need to buy a secondary display), the all-new Varia RVR315 is likely to open up rearview radar to more cyclists out riding & training amongst the cars. Both new Varia devices mount with Garmin 1/4 turn adapters and provide both visible, vibrate & audible alerts when paired with capable Garmin displays or a phone running the app, warning of approaching vehicles up to 140m/ 460' behind the rider. You can even setup you Varia to pair with both a head unit & phone to use the mobile device as a backup if the other runs out of power. Garmin.com

But until now, on top of the price of the $200 that the Varia RTL510 cost, you had to buy a dedicated Varia display for another $100 is you didn’t already have a Garmin Edge GPS head unit.

Garmin's Varia rearview radar family expands its options for cyclists looking to improve ride safety by alerting them to cars approaching from behind. And now you don't need a Garmin GPS computer or dedicated Varia head unit - a  mobile phone can display the alerts as you ride over bluetooth. Plus, the core RTL515 radar sensor+taillight combination gets updated functionality, while the new radar-only sensor RVR315 delivers the same ride safety at a more affordable price without the integrated blinkie light. Garmin Varia App now brings radar alerts to mobile phones The whole idea of Garmin's Varia rearview radar is simple: alert cyclists of cars approaching quickly from behind via a display on your handlebar so you don't need to turn around. At first it may seem like technological overkill (you could get a bar end or helmet mirror, or just turn your head). But for cyclists who spend a lot of time out riding solo or training on the road, the simple Varia function and its added security is hard to argue with. But until now, on top of the price of the $200 that the Varia RTL510 cost, you had to buy a dedicated Varia display for another $100 is you didn't already have a Garmin Edge GPS head unit. Now, a new Varia App for iOS or Android means you can connect the Varia radar directly to your mobile phone to display alerts while riding. Color coded alerts signal proximity: green means all is clear, yellow is a car approaching, red Is a car approaching at high speed.  And third-party communication with mobile apps like Ride with GPS, means you get the ability to see the oncoming car alerts overtop or ride tracking maps. Garmin Varia RTL515 rearview radar & taillight combo The updated combo RTL515 looks essentially unchanged from the previous generation RTL510, packing the Varia rearview radar into a high visibility taillight. Inside though, there are a number of functional improvements - most notably new Bluetooth LE added to ANT+ to connect to more devices. Light output is the same, topping out at 65 lumens in daytime flash for up to 1mi/1600m visibility, 29 lumens in night flash, and 20 lumens on solid. Daytime flash run time increases an hour to 16h, while 6hr remains the same for night flash & solid modes. The new Varia combo also gets a new peloton mode to drop down to a low-intensity 8 lumen flash when you are riding in a group, so as to not blind other cyclists (for 8hrs). Radar runtime is as long as the light is running. The new tech fits into the same 71g 99x40x20mm tall casing, and the updated Varia RTL515 sells for the same $200 price as the previous generation. Garmin Varia RVR315 standalone rearview radar All new though, is the even more affordable Varia RVR315. Pared back to just the review radar tech itself, the sensor-only device gets the same BLE & ANT+ connectivity to transmit to the display of your choice on the handlebar. The radar-only RVR315 is a bit smaller & lighter at 51g and 72x40x20mm, but has a decreased battery life of just 7 hours, meaning it will require more frequent recharging. But at $150 (and without the need to buy a secondary display), the all-new Varia RVR315 is likely to open up rearview radar to more cyclists out riding & training amongst the cars. Both new Varia devices mount with Garmin 1/4 turn adapters and provide both visible, vibrate & audible alerts when paired with capable Garmin displays or a phone running the app, warning of approaching vehicles up to 140m/ 460' behind the rider. You can even setup you Varia to pair with both a head unit & phone to use the mobile device as a backup if the other runs out of power. Garmin.com

Now, a new Varia App for iOS or Android means you can connect the Varia radar directly to your mobile phone to display alerts while riding.

Garmin's Varia rearview radar family expands its options for cyclists looking to improve ride safety by alerting them to cars approaching from behind. And now you don't need a Garmin GPS computer or dedicated Varia head unit - a  mobile phone can display the alerts as you ride over bluetooth. Plus, the core RTL515 radar sensor+taillight combination gets updated functionality, while the new radar-only sensor RVR315 delivers the same ride safety at a more affordable price without the integrated blinkie light. Garmin Varia App now brings radar alerts to mobile phones The whole idea of Garmin's Varia rearview radar is simple: alert cyclists of cars approaching quickly from behind via a display on your handlebar so you don't need to turn around. At first it may seem like technological overkill (you could get a bar end or helmet mirror, or just turn your head). But for cyclists who spend a lot of time out riding solo or training on the road, the simple Varia function and its added security is hard to argue with. But until now, on top of the price of the $200 that the Varia RTL510 cost, you had to buy a dedicated Varia display for another $100 is you didn't already have a Garmin Edge GPS head unit. Now, a new Varia App for iOS or Android means you can connect the Varia radar directly to your mobile phone to display alerts while riding. Color coded alerts signal proximity: green means all is clear, yellow is a car approaching, red Is a car approaching at high speed.  And third-party communication with mobile apps like Ride with GPS, means you get the ability to see the oncoming car alerts overtop or ride tracking maps. Garmin Varia RTL515 rearview radar & taillight combo The updated combo RTL515 looks essentially unchanged from the previous generation RTL510, packing the Varia rearview radar into a high visibility taillight. Inside though, there are a number of functional improvements - most notably new Bluetooth LE added to ANT+ to connect to more devices. Light output is the same, topping out at 65 lumens in daytime flash for up to 1mi/1600m visibility, 29 lumens in night flash, and 20 lumens on solid. Daytime flash run time increases an hour to 16h, while 6hr remains the same for night flash & solid modes. The new Varia combo also gets a new peloton mode to drop down to a low-intensity 8 lumen flash when you are riding in a group, so as to not blind other cyclists (for 8hrs). Radar runtime is as long as the light is running. The new tech fits into the same 71g 99x40x20mm tall casing, and the updated Varia RTL515 sells for the same $200 price as the previous generation. Garmin Varia RVR315 standalone rearview radar All new though, is the even more affordable Varia RVR315. Pared back to just the review radar tech itself, the sensor-only device gets the same BLE & ANT+ connectivity to transmit to the display of your choice on the handlebar. The radar-only RVR315 is a bit smaller & lighter at 51g and 72x40x20mm, but has a decreased battery life of just 7 hours, meaning it will require more frequent recharging. But at $150 (and without the need to buy a secondary display), the all-new Varia RVR315 is likely to open up rearview radar to more cyclists out riding & training amongst the cars. Both new Varia devices mount with Garmin 1/4 turn adapters and provide both visible, vibrate & audible alerts when paired with capable Garmin displays or a phone running the app, warning of approaching vehicles up to 140m/ 460' behind the rider. You can even setup you Varia to pair with both a head unit & phone to use the mobile device as a backup if the other runs out of power. Garmin.com

Color coded alerts signal proximity: green means all is clear, yellow is a car approaching, red Is a car approaching at high speed.

Garmin's Varia rearview radar family expands its options for cyclists looking to improve ride safety by alerting them to cars approaching from behind. And now you don't need a Garmin GPS computer or dedicated Varia head unit - a  mobile phone can display the alerts as you ride over bluetooth. Plus, the core RTL515 radar sensor+taillight combination gets updated functionality, while the new radar-only sensor RVR315 delivers the same ride safety at a more affordable price without the integrated blinkie light. Garmin Varia App now brings radar alerts to mobile phones The whole idea of Garmin's Varia rearview radar is simple: alert cyclists of cars approaching quickly from behind via a display on your handlebar so you don't need to turn around. At first it may seem like technological overkill (you could get a bar end or helmet mirror, or just turn your head). But for cyclists who spend a lot of time out riding solo or training on the road, the simple Varia function and its added security is hard to argue with. But until now, on top of the price of the $200 that the Varia RTL510 cost, you had to buy a dedicated Varia display for another $100 is you didn't already have a Garmin Edge GPS head unit. Now, a new Varia App for iOS or Android means you can connect the Varia radar directly to your mobile phone to display alerts while riding. Color coded alerts signal proximity: green means all is clear, yellow is a car approaching, red Is a car approaching at high speed.  And third-party communication with mobile apps like Ride with GPS, means you get the ability to see the oncoming car alerts overtop or ride tracking maps. Garmin Varia RTL515 rearview radar & taillight combo The updated combo RTL515 looks essentially unchanged from the previous generation RTL510, packing the Varia rearview radar into a high visibility taillight. Inside though, there are a number of functional improvements - most notably new Bluetooth LE added to ANT+ to connect to more devices. Light output is the same, topping out at 65 lumens in daytime flash for up to 1mi/1600m visibility, 29 lumens in night flash, and 20 lumens on solid. Daytime flash run time increases an hour to 16h, while 6hr remains the same for night flash & solid modes. The new Varia combo also gets a new peloton mode to drop down to a low-intensity 8 lumen flash when you are riding in a group, so as to not blind other cyclists (for 8hrs). Radar runtime is as long as the light is running. The new tech fits into the same 71g 99x40x20mm tall casing, and the updated Varia RTL515 sells for the same $200 price as the previous generation. Garmin Varia RVR315 standalone rearview radar All new though, is the even more affordable Varia RVR315. Pared back to just the review radar tech itself, the sensor-only device gets the same BLE & ANT+ connectivity to transmit to the display of your choice on the handlebar. The radar-only RVR315 is a bit smaller & lighter at 51g and 72x40x20mm, but has a decreased battery life of just 7 hours, meaning it will require more frequent recharging. But at $150 (and without the need to buy a secondary display), the all-new Varia RVR315 is likely to open up rearview radar to more cyclists out riding & training amongst the cars. Both new Varia devices mount with Garmin 1/4 turn adapters and provide both visible, vibrate & audible alerts when paired with capable Garmin displays or a phone running the app, warning of approaching vehicles up to 140m/ 460' behind the rider. You can even setup you Varia to pair with both a head unit & phone to use the mobile device as a backup if the other runs out of power. Garmin.com
Ride with GPS app Varia alerts

And third-party communication with mobile apps like Ride with GPS, means you get the ability to see the oncoming car alerts overtop or ride tracking maps.

Garmin Varia RTL515 rearview radar & taillight combo

The updated combo RTL515 looks essentially unchanged from the previous generation RTL510, packing the Varia rearview radar into a high visibility taillight. Inside though, there are a number of functional improvements – most notably new Bluetooth LE added to ANT+ to connect to more devices.

Garmin's Varia rearview radar family expands its options for cyclists looking to improve ride safety by alerting them to cars approaching from behind. And now you don't need a Garmin GPS computer or dedicated Varia head unit - a  mobile phone can display the alerts as you ride over bluetooth. Plus, the core RTL515 radar sensor+taillight combination gets updated functionality, while the new radar-only sensor RVR315 delivers the same ride safety at a more affordable price without the integrated blinkie light. Garmin Varia App now brings radar alerts to mobile phones The whole idea of Garmin's Varia rearview radar is simple: alert cyclists of cars approaching quickly from behind via a display on your handlebar so you don't need to turn around. At first it may seem like technological overkill (you could get a bar end or helmet mirror, or just turn your head). But for cyclists who spend a lot of time out riding solo or training on the road, the simple Varia function and its added security is hard to argue with. But until now, on top of the price of the $200 that the Varia RTL510 cost, you had to buy a dedicated Varia display for another $100 is you didn't already have a Garmin Edge GPS head unit. Now, a new Varia App for iOS or Android means you can connect the Varia radar directly to your mobile phone to display alerts while riding. Color coded alerts signal proximity: green means all is clear, yellow is a car approaching, red Is a car approaching at high speed.  And third-party communication with mobile apps like Ride with GPS, means you get the ability to see the oncoming car alerts overtop or ride tracking maps. Garmin Varia RTL515 rearview radar & taillight combo The updated combo RTL515 looks essentially unchanged from the previous generation RTL510, packing the Varia rearview radar into a high visibility taillight. Inside though, there are a number of functional improvements - most notably new Bluetooth LE added to ANT+ to connect to more devices. Light output is the same, topping out at 65 lumens in daytime flash for up to 1mi/1600m visibility, 29 lumens in night flash, and 20 lumens on solid. Daytime flash run time increases an hour to 16h, while 6hr remains the same for night flash & solid modes. The new Varia combo also gets a new peloton mode to drop down to a low-intensity 8 lumen flash when you are riding in a group, so as to not blind other cyclists (for 8hrs). Radar runtime is as long as the light is running. The new tech fits into the same 71g 99x40x20mm tall casing, and the updated Varia RTL515 sells for the same $200 price as the previous generation. Garmin Varia RVR315 standalone rearview radar All new though, is the even more affordable Varia RVR315. Pared back to just the review radar tech itself, the sensor-only device gets the same BLE & ANT+ connectivity to transmit to the display of your choice on the handlebar. The radar-only RVR315 is a bit smaller & lighter at 51g and 72x40x20mm, but has a decreased battery life of just 7 hours, meaning it will require more frequent recharging. But at $150 (and without the need to buy a secondary display), the all-new Varia RVR315 is likely to open up rearview radar to more cyclists out riding & training amongst the cars. Both new Varia devices mount with Garmin 1/4 turn adapters and provide both visible, vibrate & audible alerts when paired with capable Garmin displays or a phone running the app, warning of approaching vehicles up to 140m/ 460' behind the rider. You can even setup you Varia to pair with both a head unit & phone to use the mobile device as a backup if the other runs out of power. Garmin.com
Garmin RTL515

Light output is the same, topping out at 65 lumens in daytime flash for up to 1mi/1600m visibility, 29 lumens in night flash, and 20 lumens on solid. Daytime flash run time increases an hour to 16h, while 6hr remains the same for night flash & solid modes. The new Varia combo also gets a new peloton mode to drop down to a low-intensity 8 lumen flash when you are riding in a group, so as to not blind other cyclists (for 8hrs). Radar runtime is as long as the light is running.

The new tech fits into the same 71g 99x40x20mm tall casing, and the updated Varia RTL515 sells for the same $200 price as the previous generation.

Garmin Varia RVR315 standalone rearview radar

All new though, is the even more affordable Varia RVR315. Pared back to just the review radar tech itself, the sensor-only device gets the same BLE & ANT+ connectivity to transmit to the display of your choice on the handlebar.

Garmin's Varia rearview radar family expands its options for cyclists looking to improve ride safety by alerting them to cars approaching from behind. And now you don't need a Garmin GPS computer or dedicated Varia head unit - a  mobile phone can display the alerts as you ride over bluetooth. Plus, the core RTL515 radar sensor+taillight combination gets updated functionality, while the new radar-only sensor RVR315 delivers the same ride safety at a more affordable price without the integrated blinkie light. Garmin Varia App now brings radar alerts to mobile phones The whole idea of Garmin's Varia rearview radar is simple: alert cyclists of cars approaching quickly from behind via a display on your handlebar so you don't need to turn around. At first it may seem like technological overkill (you could get a bar end or helmet mirror, or just turn your head). But for cyclists who spend a lot of time out riding solo or training on the road, the simple Varia function and its added security is hard to argue with. But until now, on top of the price of the $200 that the Varia RTL510 cost, you had to buy a dedicated Varia display for another $100 is you didn't already have a Garmin Edge GPS head unit. Now, a new Varia App for iOS or Android means you can connect the Varia radar directly to your mobile phone to display alerts while riding. Color coded alerts signal proximity: green means all is clear, yellow is a car approaching, red Is a car approaching at high speed.  And third-party communication with mobile apps like Ride with GPS, means you get the ability to see the oncoming car alerts overtop or ride tracking maps. Garmin Varia RTL515 rearview radar & taillight combo The updated combo RTL515 looks essentially unchanged from the previous generation RTL510, packing the Varia rearview radar into a high visibility taillight. Inside though, there are a number of functional improvements - most notably new Bluetooth LE added to ANT+ to connect to more devices. Light output is the same, topping out at 65 lumens in daytime flash for up to 1mi/1600m visibility, 29 lumens in night flash, and 20 lumens on solid. Daytime flash run time increases an hour to 16h, while 6hr remains the same for night flash & solid modes. The new Varia combo also gets a new peloton mode to drop down to a low-intensity 8 lumen flash when you are riding in a group, so as to not blind other cyclists (for 8hrs). Radar runtime is as long as the light is running. The new tech fits into the same 71g 99x40x20mm tall casing, and the updated Varia RTL515 sells for the same $200 price as the previous generation. Garmin Varia RVR315 standalone rearview radar All new though, is the even more affordable Varia RVR315. Pared back to just the review radar tech itself, the sensor-only device gets the same BLE & ANT+ connectivity to transmit to the display of your choice on the handlebar. The radar-only RVR315 is a bit smaller & lighter at 51g and 72x40x20mm, but has a decreased battery life of just 7 hours, meaning it will require more frequent recharging. But at $150 (and without the need to buy a secondary display), the all-new Varia RVR315 is likely to open up rearview radar to more cyclists out riding & training amongst the cars. Both new Varia devices mount with Garmin 1/4 turn adapters and provide both visible, vibrate & audible alerts when paired with capable Garmin displays or a phone running the app, warning of approaching vehicles up to 140m/ 460' behind the rider. You can even setup you Varia to pair with both a head unit & phone to use the mobile device as a backup if the other runs out of power. Garmin.com
Garmin RVR315

The radar-only RVR315 is a bit smaller & lighter at 51g and 72x40x20mm, but has a decreased battery life of just 7 hours, meaning it will require more frequent recharging.

Garmin's Varia rearview radar family expands its options for cyclists looking to improve ride safety by alerting them to cars approaching from behind. And now you don't need a Garmin GPS computer or dedicated Varia head unit - a  mobile phone can display the alerts as you ride over bluetooth. Plus, the core RTL515 radar sensor+taillight combination gets updated functionality, while the new radar-only sensor RVR315 delivers the same ride safety at a more affordable price without the integrated blinkie light. Garmin Varia App now brings radar alerts to mobile phones The whole idea of Garmin's Varia rearview radar is simple: alert cyclists of cars approaching quickly from behind via a display on your handlebar so you don't need to turn around. At first it may seem like technological overkill (you could get a bar end or helmet mirror, or just turn your head). But for cyclists who spend a lot of time out riding solo or training on the road, the simple Varia function and its added security is hard to argue with. But until now, on top of the price of the $200 that the Varia RTL510 cost, you had to buy a dedicated Varia display for another $100 is you didn't already have a Garmin Edge GPS head unit. Now, a new Varia App for iOS or Android means you can connect the Varia radar directly to your mobile phone to display alerts while riding. Color coded alerts signal proximity: green means all is clear, yellow is a car approaching, red Is a car approaching at high speed.  And third-party communication with mobile apps like Ride with GPS, means you get the ability to see the oncoming car alerts overtop or ride tracking maps. Garmin Varia RTL515 rearview radar & taillight combo The updated combo RTL515 looks essentially unchanged from the previous generation RTL510, packing the Varia rearview radar into a high visibility taillight. Inside though, there are a number of functional improvements - most notably new Bluetooth LE added to ANT+ to connect to more devices. Light output is the same, topping out at 65 lumens in daytime flash for up to 1mi/1600m visibility, 29 lumens in night flash, and 20 lumens on solid. Daytime flash run time increases an hour to 16h, while 6hr remains the same for night flash & solid modes. The new Varia combo also gets a new peloton mode to drop down to a low-intensity 8 lumen flash when you are riding in a group, so as to not blind other cyclists (for 8hrs). Radar runtime is as long as the light is running. The new tech fits into the same 71g 99x40x20mm tall casing, and the updated Varia RTL515 sells for the same $200 price as the previous generation. Garmin Varia RVR315 standalone rearview radar All new though, is the even more affordable Varia RVR315. Pared back to just the review radar tech itself, the sensor-only device gets the same BLE & ANT+ connectivity to transmit to the display of your choice on the handlebar. The radar-only RVR315 is a bit smaller & lighter at 51g and 72x40x20mm, but has a decreased battery life of just 7 hours, meaning it will require more frequent recharging. But at $150 (and without the need to buy a secondary display), the all-new Varia RVR315 is likely to open up rearview radar to more cyclists out riding & training amongst the cars. Both new Varia devices mount with Garmin 1/4 turn adapters and provide both visible, vibrate & audible alerts when paired with capable Garmin displays or a phone running the app, warning of approaching vehicles up to 140m/ 460' behind the rider. You can even setup you Varia to pair with both a head unit & phone to use the mobile device as a backup if the other runs out of power. Garmin.com

But at $150 (and without the need to buy a secondary display), the all-new Varia RVR315 is likely to open up rearview radar to more cyclists out riding & training amongst the cars.

Garmin Varia rearview radar with mobile phone Varia App, affordable road bike riding approaching car safety alerts

Both new Varia devices mount with Garmin 1/4 turn adapters and provide both visible, vibrate & audible alerts when paired with capable Garmin displays or a phone running the app, warning of approaching vehicles up to 140m/ 460′ behind the rider. You can even setup you Varia to pair with both a head unit & phone to use the mobile device as a backup if the other runs out of power.

Varia review radar is available now.

Garmin.com

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

11 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Dolan Halbrook
Dolan Halbrook
3 years ago

Well, that explains the sales on the 510 version.

Howard
Howard
3 years ago
Reply to  Dolan Halbrook

Yup.

jctonett
3 years ago

This article errs in stating that only a Garmin head unit can be used with Varia. Some Wahoo units, and Karoo have this functionality.

Joey B
Joey B
3 years ago
Reply to  jctonett

Along with Stages Dash. I believe only Garmin head units have the audible beep associated with a car approaching.

typevertigo
typevertigo
3 years ago
Reply to  Joey B

Shane Miller/GPLama actually tested this in one of his videos, and oddly enough it was the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM that had louder, more audible beeps compared to the Garmin head unit he tested with (EDGE 530?).

AntoninusPius
AntoninusPius
3 years ago

I really like my Varia 510. It’s a great tail light, and the radar function has exceeded my expectations. Unfortunately, the excellent Varia is let down by my mediocre Edge’s glitchy software. It sends me blank notifications, freezes on reset, and only works marginally with my Android phone. If I’d known that the Varia worked with Wahoo, I definitely would have went that route.

Every Garmin product I’ve bought (you’d think I’d learn my lesson after 2 edges and a Forerunner), has been so close to being great, but has been let down by it’s terrible buggy software.

Velo Kitty
Velo Kitty
3 years ago

Will the RTL515 work properly if I mount it horizontally?

Haha...right.
Haha...right.
3 years ago

Why would I buy this when my Garmin 1030 can’t even stay connected the the various sensors/meters that I have all over my bike?

Mike W.
Mike W.
3 years ago

I have the Varia 510 and it has been excellent. I don’t like riding without it now. It is great being able to take the full lane since you know there are no cars behind you.

Steve h
Steve h
3 years ago

Echo the above comment, great on the gravel too.

Chris Wilby
Chris Wilby
3 years ago

It would be nice to have a log of the cars passing at speed to accompany the video evidence I send to Police.
I would be interested in the speeds at which some motorists pass close.

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.