
User submitted reviews
Review by ABCBiker
I'm 84 and ride with the Big Dogs on my E-Bike. This light/radar unit keeps me aware of traffic behind me, including the faster riders, and keeps me up on the world. I'm getting better at pairing the Garmin Varia to my cellphone via the Garmin Varia app, and pairing my cellphone to my hearing aids. Now, no more surprises from rear!
Review by la15ota
My cycling enthusiast college to me on a ride and afterward said I should have this item to keep me safe on the road. I love it. It's easy to pair with all the other gadgets he recommended, and it reassuring to know if something is coming up from behind. The light is super bright, and l like the flashing options.
Review by Wil
A riding buddy has the Varia and told me how much safer he felt being able to see traffic coming up on him. I wholeheartedly agree. It tracks all the vehicles coming up behind you from asfar back as 150 yards. Amazing.
Review by Anonymous
Purchased for both bikes! Works as advertised. Keeps me alert on ALL cars coming up from behind. I find it very beneficial when riding on narrow roads or when I ride close to the road's edge. Only false positive is running parallel to the freeway.
Review by Bill
I ride mostly rural roads and use a small mirror but have cars still surprise me occasionally. Having this effective warning really gives me more confidence to enjoy my rides and feel a little safer. I recommend it highly.
Review by Anonymous
Alerts 'texters' way out, the radar option is ok and gives approx 5' warning so it keeps surprises to a minimum
Review by Brian
This radar with the tail light is a must have for anyone who rides on any roads. The tail light is great for getting the attention of the cars coming your way and the radar helps the rider know when a car is coming. I had the radar only version previously with a separate tail light but the integration of them in one unit is much better. All I can say is, this thing works and works very well!!!
Review by Garp
I rode with the original and now I got this one. Both are great but the new one won't fit the short seat post on one of my bikes, so I use both. I wish there was a camera that would display at the bottom of my Garmin but this is close enough.
Review by Rob
I read others reviews before purchasing and until you try it you will not know just how much you will be saying "Wow they were right. How did I do without it? The light on this is very bright and the radar has worked flawlessly. On a tour I was on there were some stretches with little to no shoulder and it helped to give me an alert way in advance of approaching vehicles. ??
Review by Andrew
Works as expected no issues syncing with garmin. Radar gives very clear beeps to warning you of approaching vehicles. Haven't tested battery life to full extent yet, but so far happy with the purchase.
Review by Kevin
I mostly ride bike paths but due need to cross busy streets along with street riding between paths.
During these rides I encounter cars behind me.
Now thanks to my new Varia RTL515 Radar With Tail Light I am always aware of traffic and type of speed they are coming up behind me.
This is a fantastic device.
I highly recommend to all cyclists.
Review by Andy H
I'm pairing this with a Garmin 530 computer and it works quite well. The added visibility into traffic coming from behind is a much-appreciated addition for safety. For the cost, this is well worth it in my mind.
Review by scottf
I'm not the guy to be nervous or fear the traffic but this brings a whole new level of comfort. While this thing isn't cheap, I can't help but think what a bargain it is for what it does. I agree with some others about using it in urban or high traffic areas, the thing will just be flashing and beeping the whole time but other than that I can see this thing being standard equipment in the future.
Review by Snowtracker X
I purchased the Garmin radar light to use on my new Diverge gravel bike. It really gives me a good feeling of knowing what is going on around me when traveling on a road to the trailhead, dirt and gravel roads.
Review by Anonymous
It is something that seems overpriced until you need it, then you are glad you have it. I
Review by Anonymous
Easy to pair with a Wahoo
Review by Snowman8
Its easy to use the functions, Connects with my Stages M50, bright. They should have added a tether ring for a backup in case it falls off
Review by Moe
This is one of the best safety upgrades one can put on a bike. I'm 65yrs young and have a bit of trouble looking back to see any upcoming vehicles this light let's me know when upcoming traffic is coming but it is a good habit to still look just to be sure.
Review by Anonymous
A bit pricey but excellent light
Review by velodvm
I love being able to see when cars are approaching. On bad roads I can ride in the better pavement but move over to the edge when cars are passing. When riding with a friend we will ride 2 abreast on county roads but one of us goes up and one goes back when cars are approaching. Sometimes there is no better place to be but even then it is good to know when there are no cars approaching.