Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar Rear Bike Light

Many cycling accidents are caused by traffic coming up from behind. That's why an extra safety measure warning you of traffic from behind isn't a bad idea. With the Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar, you'll see traffic as it approaches you from behind, and you'll also be clearly visible thanks to the integrated rear light. The Varia Radar can detect traffic behind you from up to an impressive 140 meters away, and immediately notifies you on your paired device. The Garmin Varia RTL515 can be paired with your Garmin Edge bike computer, Garmin smartwatch and even some bike computers from other brands. You can also pair the Rearview Radar with your smartphone, because it has both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity. The Garmin Varia App will then send a notification about traffic coming on from behind to your smartphone.

Drivers will be able to see you from an impressive 1.5 kilometers away. Your visibility is increased further because the Garmin Varia automatically switches lighting modes when it detects traffic coming up from behind. The Varia RTL515 has both a "day flash" and a continuous lighting mode. Do you often cycle in a group? The peloton mode has a weaker flash, which is easier on the eyes of other cyclists. The compact, vertical design of the Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar means you can install it on almost every type of seat post or bike. The Garmin Varia RTL515 has a battery life of up to 16 hours.

Radar technology
The Garmin Varia Radar uses radio waves to detect traffic coming up from behind. This smart rear light emits radio waves constantly while you're 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.

Works flawlessly with these Garmin products and, among others, the Wahoo Element, Bolt and Roam with up-to-date firmware.

• Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar
• Mounting material
• USB cable
• User manual

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 light mode, while the regular RTL515 has multiple modes such as continuous, peloton, 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 up 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, so you will 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.