Garmin

I have put about 600 miles on my Garmin Edge Explore 2 GPS.

So far it works great!

The touchscreen is a big improvement over my old Edge 530 buttons.

I easily set up custom data screens just the way I wanted them.

The larger screen size of the Explore 2 vs Edge 530 makes the data

much easier to read.

The map is also much easier to see for the same reason.

The combination of the great pricing on BikeTiresDirect and the GPS

features make this a very happy purchase.

The radar warning is surprisingly effective. It spots cars (and annoyingly fast Cat 2's blowing by) at a distance and you can see how fast they are closing. It picks out multiple targets. It provides much better data than a mirror or looking over ones shoulder. It paired quickly with my Garmin 530. A bit expensive without a deal, but BikeTiresDirect had a nice 20% off offer that made it a better value. I have been a bit disappointed with the battery life - low battery warning at 3 hours, but I will have to try some other light settings. Documentation could be better, as if often the case for Garmin products.

I'm not familiar with other, similar units ' although there are a few. I purchased this because of my experience with other Garmin products' and it was on sale! So far, I've not been disappointed as it does everything I'd hoped for. One thing I've noticed is that if using the screen on your phone, the traffic icons are spot on' as opposed to shutting the screen off and relying on the audio alert only: in this case, there could be two cars when you're expecting only one. That said, I still use my mirror to be sure. I also like the fact that you're given plenty of time before traffic comes near you' just in case you need to do some emergency maneuvering. If you're curious about radars, definitely check this one out!

BTW: I use an IPhone 12 with the Garmin Varia app. I understand it will also work with Ride with GPS, but I haven't tried that as yet.

This is my second Varia, bought for a bike I have in a different location. I've been using the first one for about three years now, and it is terrific. The new one is the same. The light itself is very bright, and the radar works well close to 100% of the time, even most of the time when riding in a paceline, but that is the occasional time when it won't pick up an approaching car because of interference from the back of the pack. Its range is excellent, picking up an approaching vehicle from about 1/4 mile back. Highly recommend.