Reviews over the
Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar
Photos from customers
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 / 5
Situational awareness significantly improved in my opinion!
Quickly mounted, installed and tested (with Garmin Edge 530) - great!
4 / 5
No longer without
All in all, a great improvement when you're travelling in busy areas. I wouldn't want to be without it.
5 / 5
Never again without
I'm so excited that you can now always keep an eye on the traffic from behind.
5 / 5
If rear light on road bike then Garmin Varia
I opted for the EU version with blink mode as I cycle a lot in Italy and France. For long tours in the Alps, you need the flashing mode to have a good battery life. The brightness is great, and thanks to the Rader function I am always informed about vehicles approaching from behind. I generally always ride with the Varia as I've got used to it. It's a reassuring feeling to see on the display of the Garmin Edge when a vehicle is approaching from behind.
5 / 5
Security gain
The radar function in particular is ingenious, seeing cars that you can't recognise despite the mirror
5 / 5
Essential for safety
On the road, indispensable for warning us of the arrival of a vehicle long before we hear it!
5 / 5
Excellent vehicle detection, very visible flash-type light during the day, I use it all .
It has become indispensable to me for my daily commute and my cycling trips.
5 / 5
kingsize product
simply a great product from garmin
5 / 5
Despite the price, well worth its money
Easy to pair with the Garmin. Indicates in time when something is coming up behind you. On the cycle path, however, the radar also detects traffic on the motorway, which I found annoying at first, but soon got used to.
Pros & Cons
4 / 5
additional security but connection problems
I bought this radar when I went cycling in Spain because you usually cycle on the motorway there. It detects following traffic very well and already from far away. It can see how many cars are coming and how fast they are going. The light is very highly visible and it makes me feel safe, the radar detects it even before I can hear the traffic myself. Unexpected advantage is in descents where you can't hear the traffic coming because of the wind. However, there is a big disadvantage to it and that is that at random times it disconnects the radar and then gives a sensor error. Then the radar stops working and you have to push those notifications away on your bike computer, which is very distracting. This happens several times every ride, sometimes several times in quick succession.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Ich liebe das Varia
Fahre seit Jahren mit dem Varia. Es ist eine Bereicherung fürs Radfahren. Viel mehr Sicherheit, da man weiß, was hinter einem passiert.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Would buy it again
Now I don't have to turn around all the time
4 / 5
Safe through visibility and traffic radar, format and mounting could be better.
The Garmin LED light provides a very bright light, and gives an extra alarming flickering light when traffic is following behind. The radar gives a safe feeling because it is linked to the Garmin Edge and gives a signal + visual. Battery is fine and lasts for several hour-long rides. Mounting is simple and effective for many frames but feels cheap and unfortunately not suitable for the Giant Propel. Purchased a saddle mount myself for a few euros which fits optimally (for any bike) and feels better quality.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Must have for road riding
Amazing detection of approaching cars and very bright light. Seatpost mount is not so stable though. I use it with gopro mount adapter instead to give much more stable attachment.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
A must for visibility/safety
Excellent, reliable product. Allows me to tackle descents with better trajectories or to be more central when the roads are bad on the sides without having to turn round all the time. When the audible and visual signals inform me, I have time to reposition myself. Be careful, though, as the radar doesn't have the same effectiveness in tight bends or when a car is following at the same speed, it disappears from the screen, so it can be a surprise when it suddenly overtakes. Overall, though, it's a very valuable accessory that I'd recommend. The rear light also contributes to good visibility.
5 / 5
A TOP device for my security that works great
The function is excellent and the device has a very good quality.
5 / 5
Expensive but woth every penny
I really like this rear light. It improves my situational awareness on the road and I will use it on all my training rides from now on. I think this flashing RTL515 version is better than the steady RTL516. Both are legal in Sweden. I think cars will see you earlier and also possibly give you more room with the adaptive flashes. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again. The only downsides discovered is that it has occasionally had short drop outs with a message on my head unit that it was disconnected and seconds later connected again. It has also somtimes warned me for cyclists that are sitting on my wheel as if they were cars approaching from behind.
Pros & Cons
4 / 5
a pair of extra eyes on your back
I bought these to go cycling with in Spain, since they don't have separate bike paths there. The radar already detects approaching vehicles from a great distance and also how fast they are going and how many there are. It is really nice to be prepared that something is coming, so you can already start riding behind each other and a little more to the side. You also don't get surprised anymore on the descents when the wind whistles in your ears and you can't hear if something is coming up behind you. Unfortunately, occasionally it spontaneously disengages and falls into sensor error. I again do not know if that is part of it or if this is a defect.
Pros & Cons
4 / 5
A third eye which gives extra security
After about three bike rides, I can say it is a good product. Works great with a Wahoo Element, easy to connect via Bluetooth. Vehicles are recognized and indicated in the display. A safe and convenient tool. Very occasionally a message that the cog has a connection error, after all they are still wireless devices, but that also quickly clears itself. It also detects vehicles on the road when the bike path is 10 meters next to it. But so far a fine cog with rear light which provides a bit of extra safety.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Smart affordable product
Didn't think it would work so well
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Everything top except the Micro USB connector
Meets expectations as radar and action on approaching vehicle. Automatic on-off works. Can be used and charged at the same time. Lighting can be programmed differently if desired. Only Micro USB is such a shame. USB C would be nicer because of stable connection. And ah yes, the Garmin mount is quarter turned compared to an Edge. That's not practical if you want to use something other than the included standard mount; I have the Varia on a GoPro mount. All in all, a serious recommendation! Top done Garmin.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
No more exit without radar
Now my bikes are perfectly equipped. Very early and reliable warning when a fast vehicle approaching from behind. No more ride without radar.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Always take 515 instead of 516. This at least attracts attention when driving.
The saddlebag has touched and operated the on / off button. Have the holder therefore sewn to the saddlebag. Otherwise it works very well.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Costs a bit, but then you have something.
Use more than meets and exceeds my expectations
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Super product fast shipping
So far no vehicle has been overlooked
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Great device. Should have done much earlier
Very briefly get used to the layout. After that, you won't want to miss it. Increases your own safety, but also that of other road users.
Pros & Cons
4 / 5
No longer without!
I had long wondered whether I needed it at all. Once you've tested it, you don't want to do without it.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Absolute added value safety
Safety is priceless, but this is an absolute bonus. In "good visibility" mode, lamp and radar last Saturday lasted 11 hours before I received notification to charge it.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Top product if you go for safety.
The radar works great. Ideal for detecting traffic behind you (autos, speedpedelecs). You are visible from very far away. Very long battery life.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Top, good addition
Feels safer anyway
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Great safety feature
Excellent safety feature on the road, reliably indicates approaching traffic that is moving faster than you (cars, bicycles etc.)
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Should have bought earlier
Above expectations, use together with garmin edge; especially nice as I cycle a lot In empty polder landscape; extra long battery life by keeping lamp off and radar on....
Pros & Cons
4 / 5
Safety
Unfortunately after every ride in or after a rain shower, there is a lot of fine sand between the knob causing it to stick. A hassle to get that button working again.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Fully fulfils its purpose
So far, the device has reliably detected and displayed on my Garmin 1030+ everything that approached from behind and overtook, including cyclists. Especially when approaching quietly and suddenly passing in close proximity, the moment of shock is now eliminated, which, for me, creates an increased feeling of safety. I can fully recommend the product
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Great invention
A great product for the road bike. Cars and motorbikes are safely detected. Strong light increases the rider's visibility.
Pros & Cons
4 / 5
Practical Preventive Safety
Very good 'you see me, i see you' principle, works really well and you can already see the car behind you on your display using red lines and a dot which comes up behind you and the lines turn green again when the car has passed. you keep an eye on the car coming up behind because you know it's coming.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Safety on road bikes increases by leaps and bounds
I have been riding around with the Varia RTL515 on my road bike for over a year now. It really gives me a super safe feeling, you may speak of extra eyes in your back which gives safety a huge added value. I notice that cars pass me in a wider arc when overtaking. I was once complimented by a police officer saying "every cyclist should have that device". I first used the device in combination with the Garmin Edge Explore. The disadvantage was that the beeping signal of the Edge Explore is very soft. In all honesty, I sometimes missed overtaking traffic coming from behind because of this. After all, you are not constantly looking at your bike computer. Now I ride around with the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus. This one has a much louder signal tone. Great, you can't miss the beep now. Combined with all the information on the screen, even safer! I really never take off without the Varia RTL515 again (cycling 10,000 km. a year). One downside: I ride with a bag under the saddle. This leaves no room to mount the Varia RTL515 to the seatpost. I therefore had to attach it to my saddle bag itself, which was a bit of a puzzle.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Perfect handling
A really great product, worth every penny.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
sensible product, gives you much more security
Absolutely meets my expectations
Pros & Cons
4 / 5
I wouldn't want to do without the radar.
A safe feeling on the country road.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Very useful product to increase the perceived (and actual) safety as a cyclist.
Gives you the feeling of additional safety as you are better seen and also warned of approaching traffic from behind.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
I would buy again.
So far, everything is working great.
Pros & Cons
4 / 5
useful and well-functioning with improvement point in terms of adjustability light intensity
teammates find rear light too bright light intensity should be adjustable but that requires adding screen options yourself first
5 / 5
Feeling safer on the road
Didn't see the benefit of this radar at first. But since I was only going to cycle in the mountains, I did. Very satisfied with it. Sometimes, due to curvy mountain roads, you can't hear traffic coming, but the radar already detects it! The battery also lasts a long time (at least on flashing mode). Well worth the money already!
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Never again without it! A great gain in terms of safety!
The unit does its job absolutely reliably.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
I no longer want to ride a road bike without Garmin Radar
I bought the "European" model and am super satisfied. Contrary to the "German" model, it can flash (forbidden according to the German STVO). But I think it is much safer that way... The installation and connection was self-explanatory and totally problem-free. When driving, you can rely on the RADAR. It shows too often rather than too seldom (which is the better alternative). I really feel much safer, especially on country roads, and I wouldn't want to drive without the Garmin radar any more...
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Prompt, problem-free order/delivery process.
Works smoothly, very easy to install and use if you are accustomed to Garmin products.
5 / 5
Super investment.
Fully met the expectations. I feel much safer. Super investment.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
The cars spot you and hold out while you are prepared for them to pass.
Provides a safer bike ride
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
I should have bought this one earlier.
Very simple and very quick to pair with Wahoo. Works well, does take some getting used to at first on group rides, then it also regularly sees cyclists from its own group accelerating to close gaps. Gives confidence in what is happening behind you.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Top part again and again.
Since there is no flashing in Germany, I have resorted to this version! I can only recommend it and I don't want to do without it anymore;)
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Really great...I never drive without the RTL 515 radar again.
Reliably shows how many vehicles are approaching.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Mega, should have had it earlier
You can sit more relaxed on the bike and don't have to be pushed off the road by unexpected encounters of the four-wheeled kind.is of course not a 100 percent safety, but close and highly recommended for riders who are often alone on country roads. Not so recommended in the city because there is too much traffic and then it becomes too much with the warnings.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
I would buy again.
I can recommend this to every racing cyclist. A + in safety, especially on country roads.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Great
Surely this device makes cycling a little safer especially where there is heavy traffic
Pros & Cons
4 / 5
Safety gain!
Overall a very useful tool, the holder with the rubbers is a bit wobbly
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
The seventh sense with a plus in safety.
The Garmin Varia RTL is easy to mount on the bike with the accessories and is suitable for different seat posts. The integration into the app or a suitable bike computer is absolutely problem-free. The battery life is easily sufficient for normal tours or long distances. Provided you charge the Garmin light after every ride. I wouldn't want to do without the visibility and radar function. That gives a plus in safety.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
A must have for safety! Absolutely reliable
Once you have tried it, you don't want to do without it. It recognises every vehicle that comes up behind you 100% of the time. It is indicated both visually and acoustically. No false alarms so far
Pros & Cons
4 / 5
The safe ride worths the investment
Useful tool for the safety riding, it is a little bit heavy, and the beam too wide, if the bike road runs parallel with the road you will get false alarm. Anyway it is great in smaller streets in the city or on the road with high speed traffic. Full integrated smart light.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Top product
I use the device with my Wahoo Bolt and am absolutely thrilled. It connected to the Wahoo without any problems and worked perfectly straight away. On the first test ride with two of us, we were able to ride side by side and were warned in good time of vehicles coming from behind. That was very pleasant to ride. Even when driving in a row, the radar detected vehicles coming from behind me. I can't say anything about the running time yet, I haven't driven enough. The only point of criticism is the minimalist operating instructions and the lack of a way to set the light mode.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Good product!
Indicates well when cars are coming up behind, with the light flashing brighter. Especially useful in high winds or if you can't hear approaching traffic well. It notices that cars stay behind you until they can safely go around it.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Super part, you won't be overlooked anymore.
4 / 5
Great product, unfortunately high price.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Perfect
In any case, only buy the RTL 515
5 / 5
Great product for your own safety
Feel much safer and freer on the road with the lamp and radar
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
An affordable life insurance policy
I used to cycle with a small rear view mirror on my racer. Now I invested in this radar rear light instead and am very impressed with the function. You get a clear warning if a rear vehicle is passing even if cyclists come and overtake. Thought that the radar would not detect vehicles when someone is cycling behind but even that works, very satisfied.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Works great
Very fast delivery, top product! I feel safer now!
5 / 5
Fully convinced
The RTL 515 does what it is supposed to do. In addition, the light is nice and bright.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Best buy in a long time
this purchase provides peace of mind when driving in winter with a hat and scarf and struggling to hear from behind
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Delivers what it promises
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Worked better than expected
The radar function works better than expected.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Top bright tail light, and radar function works great
5 / 5
Does what it should
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Perfect, gives you an all-round safe feeling when driving
Everything perfectly handled
5 / 5
Ingenious combination
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Exceeds expectations. Never again without!!!
4 / 5
Good product
Good product that works reliably and supports critical situations (e.g. turning left, riding in a group) well. As always with Garmin, the unfortunately not included description (you then look for yourself on the internet) at the end gives a few riddles (in this case the operation of the light setting via the paired Devise, here Edge 1030).
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Super! A safety gain on the road!
5 / 5
It's a great feeling to ride it and know what's happening around you.
5 / 5
Super light
Best radar light ever! don't look back anger.
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
A top product
Is really an asset and you can hear the traffic behind you at all times
Pros & Cons
5 / 5
Mega! Should have everyone
Great! In the city, it's better to switch off the sound. On country roads, I can drive more centrally with a clear conscience and only keep to the right when there is traffic.