GarminVaria Radar 2 RTL510 Rear Light(Return to Product Page)

I do a lot of road riding on hilly, windy roads with very little or no shoulders. It was tough enough to constantly look behind for vehicles, which only became even tougher when I recently lost vision in my right eye. The Garmin Varia Radar, coupled with the Garmin Edge Explore,takes the worry out of whether vehicles are coming up from behind. Its easy to sync to the bike computer and is super accurate. It also allows the other riders in your group to sync with it so all riders know when vehicles are approaching.

I was a little bit skeptic but have to admit that this device exceeded my expectations. About 60-70% of the cars that this device detected I could not hear - only when they were much closer. Detection is very reliable - I could not recall one situation when it failed.

I mounted it on the back of my saddle bag with a Garmin mount attached with tie wraps to the little loop for a bike rear light. This is better than using the supplied mount as it would sit too low on the seat post below the saddle bag. The LED light is ok - brighter would be better but I am already using another and brighter LED light in addition to the detector. I paired it with my Edge 520 plus. Again - highly recommended.

I already had the first generation Varia radar but am very glad I upgraded. The light is significantly brighter and battery lasts much longer. If you don't have a Varia but already have a Garmin that works with it, this is an absolute must purchase. You immediately understand the value after you ride with it for a bit and then for some reason ride without it. Suddenly you feel very different and frankly much less safe without having the Varia alert you to traffic coming up behind you.

The Garmin Varia Radar 2 RTL510 is a definite improvement over the original version. It is noticeably brighter and more visible to upcoming traffic and the radar warning reacts at a slightly greater distance. There are, however, a couple of drawbacks. The unit is considerably more expensive than most other tail lights but it does have the radar feature. The other drawback is the failure of Garmin to include a clip that would allow it to be attached to a seat bag. I had to devise something that would accommodate attachment to a seat bag as there was no seat post space available when a seat bag was used.

I needed a new rear light and wanted one that was rechargeable this time rather that having to replace the batteries all the time. This one came up based on my search criteria but was one of the most expensive so I wonder why and after researching tit I thought I would pony up the extra money and give it a try since I have a Garmin edge computer. I really wasn't sure how much I would really use the radar, but now that I have it I love it. I can now tell when there is cars coming behind me and don't even look back until it shows all clear to cross over lanes to make left turns. My ride buddies want me to ride at the back so I can tell them when it is all clear.

Has paid for itself in the first bike ride. Will enjoy having a little extra warning on the longer bike rides.

I agree with most of the other reviews. It's a great product that works really well. See DC Rainmaker's review to find out more. I completely agree with his assessment.

Of Note

You can pair it with more than one Garmin at a time. I am using a 520 and my friend has a 520 and it worked on both units at the same time. He got the alerts for cars as soon as I did. I will try more when I get the chance.

In a group paceline of 3 or more, it has some trouble seeing around the cyclists behind you, but once it acquires the car is usually stays locked on.

It also will take a little battery off your head unit. On a 77 mile ride I noticed about a 10% extra battery drop on my 520. But still had plenty in the 520 and the Tail light after I was done.

The light is very bright. Is it the brightest out there? No. My light before this was the excellent Planet Bike Super Flash Turbo. This easily outshines that. Plenty visible on a sunny day.

Garmin does make a clamp style mount that you can by from them or on Amazon. Works great and a lot more secure, although I've never had it fall off with the regular mount.

A wonderful device that keeps you from being surprised from unseen autos or ones that you dont hear. It makes riding less stressful because you dont have to constantly turn your head looking for autos.

The bright flashing read light is also a wonderful safety feature.

I figure if I was going to have a flashing light anyway, it might as well have radar to detect autos.

I thought I would try it based on the reviews and great price at BTD. I love it!! Works spot on, a few false positive beeps, but zero false negatives thus far in about 4 weeks of use, so a few hundred miles this time of year. I ride with a buddy sometimes and it works even when I am pulling in front. Not sure the one with Bluetooth is needed, as I am using ant+ with wahoo bolt without issue.

This is going to be very helpful on my next road bike tour. Not only does it alert me to an approaching vehicle, it tells me if there are more than one. I ride with a mirror and rely on it but the Varia is a worthwhile safety upgrade. My one complaint is that it depletes my Garmin 1030 battery more quickly, but I will tour with a Garmin Charge Power Pack.

It flashes when vehicles approaching. Paired with you Garmin computers & it will come on & off with your head units. Get the cheaper RTL510 if you don't need Bluetooth.

Integrated seamlessly into older Edge 1000. Once I got the device 90 degrees off the road, it works great. I have a very small frame so I had to get creative with mounting as I couldn't just strap it to the seat post and go, it would have been blocked by my bike bag. So it took me a few rides to figure this out and get the right positioning. And it helps that 50% of my riding friends have this device as well.

Allows for more visibility day or night. Communicates slowing/stopping helpful for cars and fellow riders following behind. Heads up radar alert gives me an added sense of comfort. Great product. No longer leave the house without it.

This is the best investment I made for my bike! The alerts are very helpful and it is so accurate. My safety is number one.

Product was purchased for my father who is an avid cyclist and enjoys riding on back rural roads. Making sure he enjoys his hobbies in a safe manner is my main concern, and this product provides an extra protection. Product was delivered on time and price was better than even Amazon.

I've used the Varia for a few months and it's been great. It has really made me feel more at ease riding the roads where I live. It really is like having eye in the back of your head. I have had a few false positives but it's never missed any traffic coming up behind me.

Once you ride with radar you won't ever want to ride without it. It picks up vehicles about 159 yards back with a visual and audible warning on my Wahoo computer. Now I don't have to rely on my handlebar mounted rear view mirror which is useless when cars don't have daytime running lights. It's great when riding in a peloton and only picks up other cyclists when they are accelerating rapidly to catch. Highly recommend this unit.

I can feel more calm when riding alone because I know when a vehicle is coming up behind me. When riding in the country there may not be cars for miles and then a fast one comes along during a bumpy or shoulderless road. This radar warns me so I can slow down or move if necessary. It is important to turn the radar on before turning on the Garmin, they find each other faster. Initially very easy to pair with Garmin 520 edge.

Thought it was a gimmick but a friend told me it was a valuable safety feature. After using it for a few months I never want to ride on the road without it. Also find it to be useful in Central Park with all of those electric bikes and scooters sneaking up on me.

Love, love love this. I am a mountain biker, but love training on the mountain roads here in Colorado. This radar has made me a much safer rider. Cars now see me and stay further away. Knowing what's coming up on you and giving you a fighting chance to stay clear. Best accessory I have ever purchased for my road riding. This could save your life.