Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar Rear Bike Light
Our choice for bike safety rearlight
Our choice for bike safety rearlight
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
- The Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar bike light warns you of traffic coming from behind and makes sure you are seen day and night.
- Because the RTL515 features ANT+ and Bluetooth, it is possible to connect the Rearview Radar to your Edge bike computer, Garmin smartwatch, smartphone and even some devices from other brands.
- The battery lasts up to 16 hours, which means you don't have to worry about the Varia RTL515 dying on route.
- Thanks to the new attachment system, it also fits D-shaped, aero and round seat posts.
- The Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar works with only a few types of cycle computers from other brands.
Specifications
Description
Description
With visibility of up to 1.5 kilometres in daylight, drivers can see you from a long distance. Your visibility is enhanced because the Garmin Varia automatically changes light modes when traffic approaches. The Varia RTL515 has both a 'day flash' and a constant light mode. Do you cycle a lot in a group? The platoon mode provides a weaker flash mode that is kind to the eyes of other riders. The compact vertical design of the Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar allows the device to be mounted on almost all types of seat posts and bikes. Last but not least, the Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar has a battery life of up to 16 hours.
Technology
Radar technologyThe Garmin Varia Radar uses radio waves to detect traffic coming up from behind. The smart rear light emits radio waves constantly while you are cycling and when a car comes up behind you, the radio waves bounce off it. A sensor in the Varia captures these returning radio waves and communicates them to your bike navigation system. That way, you know when a car is coming! Of course, radar technology has been used in aviation and shipping for a long time, and more and more car manufacturers are also using it to make their vehicles smarter and safer. In the world of cycling, its use is still relatively new, and the Garmin Varia is a very innovative invention to make cycling in heavy traffic even safer.
Waterproof
The Garmin Varia radar has an IPX7 rating, so you can use it in even the most extreme weather conditions.
Connectivity
The Radar has ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity.
Compatibility
Works flawlessly with these Garmin products and, among others, the Wahoo Element, Bolt and Roam with up-to-date firmware.Delivery includes
• Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar• Mounting material
• USB cable
• User manual
Frequently asked questions
A Varia RTL516 is also available, what's the difference with the Varia RTL515?Due to regulations in Germany, the use of certain types of lighting modes is not allowed in Germany. For this reason, Garmin has released a separate version for the German market, the RTL516, which has fewer functions and can therefore be sold in Germany. The main differences are that the German version RTL516 only has continuous mode and the regular version RTL515 has multiple modes such as continuous, platoon, night flashing and day flashing mode.
Can I use the RTL515 as a radar only?
Yes, you can. If you are really only interested in radar, you may want to look at the RVR315 which has no light.
What can I connect the RTL515 to?
The RTL515 is designed to work with Garmin's cycling computers and watches, so it will work optimally with them. You can set the light function (ANT+) and the radar function (Bluetooth) with your Garmin unit. You can even set up the RTL515 with multiple Garmin units.
It is also possible to connect to cycle computers of various other brands including Wahoo and Karoo. Note that these can only connect with the radar function. You will therefore have to operate the lamp manually.
You can also connect the RTL515 to your smartphone and use various apps such as the corresponding Varia app or RidewithGPS.
Reviews
Reviews
Photos from customers
Most recent reviews
5 / 5
Increases safety on the bike, especially if you often go out alone.
Very solid material. Battery life is very good. Radar works perfectly and good visibility e.g. Wahoo. Easy to connect to your navigation system
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Don't go out without it anymore.
Did hesitate for a long time because it has been going well for 30 years without it anyway. But this is a product you don't want to miss once you buy it. Has a sense of security when you get early warning of traffic coming up behind. You no longer have those jittery moments and can cycle behind in a timely and calm manner. I feel that cars now also pass more calmly and don't rush past irritated or honk loudly. In short: the Garmin Varia gives peace of mind and a safer feeling. The somewhat high purchase price was quickly forgotten. The warning does not work as well when riding in a group. This makes sense because the radar cannot see through people. (Always riding in the back of the group (out of the wind) is then an option :-). The radar also continues to work with the "light off" mode. This gives you a long battery life and the warning light is not needed during the day. Ivmm short seatpost I had to buy one smaller tool bag (1 tube and tools). It is also an option to put the tools in a tool bottle. After all, how often do you cycle with two water bottles!
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Beautiful radar and lamp in one!
Nice sturdy radar & lamp in one. Works seamlessly with Garmin cycle computer. Good recognition of cars and also approaching cyclists. Very precise! Modes for lighting easy to operate. Sometimes bothered by proverbial ghost notification of a car on a dyke about 3 metres higher. Not a big deal, radar doesn't miss anything and that's reassuring. Mounting material is a bit so-so with the rubber straps, it suffices but that's it. Included for on multiple seatpost shapes. All in all very positive experience, don't cycle without it anymore.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
I now drive back with a real, confident feeling on public roads!!!
It exceeds my expectations !!!
5 / 5
Radar is a real game changer. It is useful as a rear light.
I use it on my road bike. The Edge/Varia shows whether there is something going on behind me on the road - or whether there is nothing going on. It is more relaxed when there is a lot of traffic and also when there is very little. The vehicle recognition actually works excellently, better than I expected. The biggest advantage for me is not being surprised. Overall, it's much better than just hearing (wind noise, several vehicles in a row, etc.) or even a small mirror. If you want, you can optimise it individually via ConnectIQ and Smart Bike Lights.
5
Increases safety on the bike, especially if you often go out alone.
Very solid material. Battery life is very good. Radar works perfectly and good visibility e.g. Wahoo. Easy to connect to your navigation system
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Easy to connect to navigation
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Greatly benefits safety
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Highly visible light from a long distance
5
Don't go out without it anymore.
Did hesitate for a long time because it has been going well for 30 years without it anyway. But this is a product you don't want to miss once you buy it. Has a sense of security when you get early warning of traffic coming up behind. You no longer have those jittery moments and can cycle behind in a timely and calm manner. I feel that cars now also pass more calmly and don't rush past irritated or honk loudly. In short: the Garmin Varia gives peace of mind and a safer feeling. The somewhat high purchase price was quickly forgotten. The warning does not work as well when riding in a group. This makes sense because the radar cannot see through people. (Always riding in the back of the group (out of the wind) is then an option :-). The radar also continues to work with the "light off" mode. This gives you a long battery life and the warning light is not needed during the day. Ivmm short seatpost I had to buy one smaller tool bag (1 tube and tools). It is also an option to put the tools in a tool bottle. After all, how often do you cycle with two water bottles!
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Bike mates can also pair up
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easy mounting
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Link with Garmin and telephone
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no
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On the pricey side
5
Beautiful radar and lamp in one!
Nice sturdy radar & lamp in one. Works seamlessly with Garmin cycle computer. Good recognition of cars and also approaching cyclists. Very precise! Modes for lighting easy to operate. Sometimes bothered by proverbial ghost notification of a car on a dyke about 3 metres higher. Not a big deal, radar doesn't miss anything and that's reassuring. Mounting material is a bit so-so with the rubber straps, it suffices but that's it. Included for on multiple seatpost shapes. All in all very positive experience, don't cycle without it anymore.
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Modes and lighting
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Recognition and signalling
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Seamless integration with Garmin cycle computer
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Mounting material included
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Sometimes 'ghost notification' of car on higher embankment
5
Radar is a real game changer. It is useful as a rear light.
I use it on my road bike. The Edge/Varia shows whether there is something going on behind me on the road - or whether there is nothing going on. It is more relaxed when there is a lot of traffic and also when there is very little. The vehicle recognition actually works excellently, better than I expected. The biggest advantage for me is not being surprised. Overall, it's much better than just hearing (wind noise, several vehicles in a row, etc.) or even a small mirror. If you want, you can optimise it individually via ConnectIQ and Smart Bike Lights.
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Compare the products aboveGarmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar | Garmin Varia RCT715 Radar | |
88 reviews | 2 reviews | |
StVZO certification | No | No |
Daytime running lights | Yes | Yes |
Lateral visibility | Good | Good |
Flashing Mode | Yes | Yes |
Smart Bike Light | Yes | Yes |
Brake light feature | Yes | Yes |
149,95 | 359,- | |
This product | View product |