Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar Rear Bike Light

Many cycling accidents are caused by traffic coming from behind, which means that an extra device warning you of approaching traffic from behind is no luxury. With the Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar you can see traffic coming up behind you, and you will be well seen thanks to the built-in rear light. Traffic approaching from behind will be seen up to 140 metres by the Varia Radar and the Radar will immediately notify you on your paired device. The Garmin Varia RTL515 works together with your Garmin Edge bike computer, Garmin smartwatch and even some bike computers from other brands. Because the RTL515 has both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, you can also pair the Rearview Radar with your smartphone. The Garmin Varia App will then send notifications of any traffic behind you to your smartphone.

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 technology
The 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.