Garmin Varia 2 Bike Light & Radar

[Heltor Chasca]

Does anyone on here own and use the above? If not, you are welcome to share your opinions. Thanks as always.


View: https://youtu.be/r4LQRXbLnww



View: https://youtu.be/az6_XX9bIMs

 

[Scaleyback]

I have the Garmin Varia radar rear light.
I think it is brilliant and I would not ride without one now.
I am 72 and I guess my senses are not as sharp as a young persons but with age comes a heightened sense of danger.
I ride in rural North Yorkshire, lots of narrow winding lanes but not a lot of traffic. You can ‘switch off’ when riding with little traffic and the varia gives you ample warning when a car is approaching. I can see this being less useful when riding in heavy traffic, the audible alerts would be almost constant !

 

[david k]

That video shows this kit is really impressive, I'm interested now

 

[Joffey]

I've been looking at these as a potential xmas present from the wife... they can be picked up for £99 online

 

[david k]

I've been looking at these as a potential xmas present from the wife... they can be picked up for £99 online

That sounds like good value
I always look behind and wouldn't stop, but the extra warning is really helpful, I also struggle to turn my head far round so this can only help

If you get one let me know how you go on

 

[Heltor Chasca]

All encouraging. Thank you. I do some very long rides solo and there are times when this could be useful. I assume this works at night.

Also: Can you switch the light off but still have the radar operating?

 

[mjr]

It detects groups of cyclists approaching too, doesn't it? Not good in popular areas IMO but I can see the attraction if hearing or sight or flexibility fades.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

It detects groups of cyclists approaching too, doesn't it? Not good in popular areas IMO but I can see the attraction if hearing or sight or flexibility fades.

Yes I think it could be troublesome in city environs. My riding is out in the country in the South West. I don’t encounter too many other riders particularly in the winter.

 

[Milkfloat]

I have one, I love it. It works pretty well in a group, the only time it alerts you to a cyclist is when they gain on you very quickly, so in normal group riding it is fine. I have mine because I have a slight mobility issue meaning I find it difficult to get a full look over my right shoulder. I still need to perform a quick shoulder check before a manoeuvre but I don't have to do standard checks whilst riding. I don't use it on my commute as it would go off a lot and to be honest there are always cars around me when I am not on the cycle path.

One bonus - because it is ANT+ you can have your friends connect to simultaneously so the whole group gets the alerts.

 

[Milkfloat]

I've been looking at these as a potential xmas present from the wife... they can be picked up for £99 online

With BC discount at Halfords only £90

 

[Blue Hills]

Must say on first hearing of these things thought them gimicky but I maybe could be converted - especially in years to come - as I age.

Would only get one if standalone in some way though.

These have to be integrated with an all singin/dancing GPS don't they?

I would stick with my 3 etrexes.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Must say on first hearing of these things thought them gimicky but I maybe could be converted - especially in years to come - as I age.

Would only get one if standalone in some way though.

These have to be integrated with an all singin/dancing GPS don't they?

I would stick with my 3 etrexes.

Have a look in the Garmin website and it has a list of supporting head units. Or you can get the combo deal which has the radar head unit separate. Tiny little thing.

 

[david k]

With BC discount at Halfords only £90

Good value but I don't have a compatible device, so I'd need to buy one or the radar!

Anyone know how well it performs as a light?

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Housekeeping note: It pairs beautifully with any Wahoo device 😉

 

[Joffey]

Good value but I don't have a compatible device, so I'd need to buy one or the radar!

Anyone know how well it performs as a light?

It's meant to be a decent light - visible in the day for up to a mile they say!