Yes, we have Varia radars on both of our RadCity ebikes in July 2019 (then the 2016 model) and they've work great and use their bluetooth to our Garmin Edge 1030 navigation units with 3.5 inch monitors. Recent Edge software updates have improved easy interconnectivity - no more fiddling with the bootup order. Our model picks up vehicles back to 150 yards with a 40 degree microwave beam width and even picks up my wife's bike if she approaches quickly from 50 feet. The internal battery is still going strong, lasting about twice its quoted 4+ hours between charges. I also like the feature that the Varia LED blinks faster as vehicles approach - letting them know your bike "sees" them coming. I also love to communicate with oncoming traffic from behind and wave and signal them ahead with my left hand, letting them know I see them and it's okay to pass me.
All that said, when riding with your regular (spouse, family, friend), an even more important safety feature is to wear a Sena helmet with a two-way intercom. This allows us to talk in real-time, including discussing upcoming obstacles (road conditions, animals, traffic) and typical requests (speed up/down, turn, pull over/stop, etc.) Of course we enjoy being able to carry on conversations without having to ride adjacent to one another - potentially rude and dangerous when I see other walkers or bikers think their need to communicate side-by-side is paramount. Once again, being courteous goes a long way to encouraging everyone to get along safely and help improve the image of friendly bike riders.
Interesting article. I use a mirror that attaches to my glasses when riding outside and never gave this device much thought because I have read reviews in the past that said it didn’t work very well. You gave it the most glowing praise I’ve seen. I’m gonna look into it again. I downloaded the instruction manual for it and it will pair with my Garmin Edge 830, so it would be a smooth addition to my bike.
Really interesting safety device. I’m guessing it uses sonar (sound) rather than radar (RF) waves, but that’s just my inner geek speaking. I’ll cross-post this to my RVelectricity newsletter this afternoon.
Oh wow! Now i know more about the cyclists who ride along our highway!
Yes, we have Varia radars on both of our RadCity ebikes in July 2019 (then the 2016 model) and they've work great and use their bluetooth to our Garmin Edge 1030 navigation units with 3.5 inch monitors. Recent Edge software updates have improved easy interconnectivity - no more fiddling with the bootup order. Our model picks up vehicles back to 150 yards with a 40 degree microwave beam width and even picks up my wife's bike if she approaches quickly from 50 feet. The internal battery is still going strong, lasting about twice its quoted 4+ hours between charges. I also like the feature that the Varia LED blinks faster as vehicles approach - letting them know your bike "sees" them coming. I also love to communicate with oncoming traffic from behind and wave and signal them ahead with my left hand, letting them know I see them and it's okay to pass me.
All that said, when riding with your regular (spouse, family, friend), an even more important safety feature is to wear a Sena helmet with a two-way intercom. This allows us to talk in real-time, including discussing upcoming obstacles (road conditions, animals, traffic) and typical requests (speed up/down, turn, pull over/stop, etc.) Of course we enjoy being able to carry on conversations without having to ride adjacent to one another - potentially rude and dangerous when I see other walkers or bikers think their need to communicate side-by-side is paramount. Once again, being courteous goes a long way to encouraging everyone to get along safely and help improve the image of friendly bike riders.
Cheers, Michael and Grace
California Travel Videos
Interesting article. I use a mirror that attaches to my glasses when riding outside and never gave this device much thought because I have read reviews in the past that said it didn’t work very well. You gave it the most glowing praise I’ve seen. I’m gonna look into it again. I downloaded the instruction manual for it and it will pair with my Garmin Edge 830, so it would be a smooth addition to my bike.
Search on Amazon shows 4 different models. What is the one you use? Why would you get a $200, $400 or $500 model?
Really interesting safety device. I’m guessing it uses sonar (sound) rather than radar (RF) waves, but that’s just my inner geek speaking. I’ll cross-post this to my RVelectricity newsletter this afternoon.