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.
Hi Michael. Those are excellent points. The intercom system is interesting. And I agree with you 100% about being courteous on the road -- everything we can do to be friendly to drivers means that they'll be more likely to treat us well, by avoiding things like dangerous passes, etc.
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.
Hi David. You've been reading different reviews than me on the Varia -- most of the ones I saw were positive. It's interesting how that works. I do know that the newest version, which has a built in video recording device, has gotten dinged for the low quality of the video. That's why I'll probably wait until v2 comes out, and give it a more serious look then.
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.
I really appreciate that, Mike! In terms of the tech used in the Varia, you may well be right -- I haven't researched it. But this kind of stuff is right up your alley.
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
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Hi Michael. Those are excellent points. The intercom system is interesting. And I agree with you 100% about being courteous on the road -- everything we can do to be friendly to drivers means that they'll be more likely to treat us well, by avoiding things like dangerous passes, etc.
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.
Hi David. You've been reading different reviews than me on the Varia -- most of the ones I saw were positive. It's interesting how that works. I do know that the newest version, which has a built in video recording device, has gotten dinged for the low quality of the video. That's why I'll probably wait until v2 comes out, and give it a more serious look then.
Search on Amazon shows 4 different models. What is the one you use? Why would you get a $200, $400 or $500 model?
I got the $200 RTL515. I'm not sure what it goes for on Amazon at the moment, but the 515 is the one I use.
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.
I really appreciate that, Mike! In terms of the tech used in the Varia, you may well be right -- I haven't researched it. But this kind of stuff is right up your alley.