Review

The Garmin Varia RTL515 is a rearview radar and tail light that provides visual and audible alerts for vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards away. It pairs seamlessly with Garmin Edge bike computers, compatible smartphones, select Garmin wearables or the optional radar display unit. The Varia app provides graphics, tone, and vibration alerts that indicate approaching cars, and when used with a compatible smartphone, it integrates with third-party apps such as Ride with GPS to overlay maps with rearview radar alerts. The device also has daylight visibility up to 1 mile and a compact vertical design that mounts easily to most road-use bicycles. Users report that the device works extremely well, picking up vehicles quicker than they can spot them in their mirrors, and providing accurate information about the number of vehicles behind them. However, some users have reported issues with inconsistent performance, including visual warnings without accompanying audible alerts, and too many audible alerts in urban areas. The device has a battery life of up to 16 hours in day flash mode and up to 6 hours in solid mode.

Pros:
- Provides visual and audible alerts for vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards away
- Pairs seamlessly with Garmin Edge bike computers, compatible smartphones, select Garmin wearables or the optional radar display unit
- Varia app provides graphics, tone, and vibration alerts that indicate approaching cars and integrates with third-party apps such as Ride with GPS
- Daylight visibility up to 1 mile
- Compact vertical design that mounts easily to most road-use bicycles
- Works extremely well in rural areas, providing accurate information about the number of vehicles behind the user

Cons:
- Inconsistent performance reported by some users, including visual warnings without accompanying audible alerts and too many audible alerts in urban areas
- Battery life of up to 16 hours in day flash mode and up to 6 hours in solid mode

FAQ

Q: Can this be mounted on the seat itself with an adapter if there's a bag on the seat post?
A: According to Garmin instructions, the unit needs to be in a vertical position with a specially designed adapter. Garmin does not make such adapters for attaching radar to the seat because the radar emits microwave radiation, and for health reasons it must be kept at least 5 cm from your body parts.

Q: Can this detect when another cyclist is about to overtake you, or can it only detect cars?
A: Yes, it can detect cyclists approaching from behind.

Q: Does it come with mounting hardware, and will it be safe from theft?
A: The unit sold on Amazon comes with a seat-post mount, but you may need to order additional mounting hardware separately. It does not come with an anti-theft mechanism, so you may want to consider using a security cable or other measures to prevent theft.

Q: Is the Varia RTL515 compatible with Wahoo Elemnt?
A: Technically, yes, but the notification sound on the Bolt may be too weak to hear in the real world. It can be supplemented with the Varia app on a smartphone.

Q: How does this integrate with Hammerhead Karoo 2?
A: It integrates well with the Hammerhead Karoo 2 and will show approaching vehicles on the display.

Q: Is this compatible with Garmin Edge 800?
A: No, it is not compatible with the Garmin Edge 800. It requires an 810 or higher.

Q: What radar band does this use?
A: It uses K band (NATO) - 20-40 GHz.

Q: Has anyone come up with a way to mount this to a bike rack, such as a Bontrager rack?
A: Some users have mounted the unit on a plastic tube attached to the rack with zip ties, but this may affect the unit's performance if it is too far away from the Garmin computer.

Product Instructions [GPT-4 BETA]

User Manual (PDF)

Specifications

Brand	Garmin
Manufacturer	Garmin
Model Number	010-02376-00
Category	All Departments > Electronics > Car & Vehicle Electronics > Vehicle Electronics Accessories > Radar Detectors
Product Dimensions	6 x 3 x 3 inches
Item Weight	2.56 ounces
ASIN	B086TVFX1D
Item model number	010-02376-00
Batteries	1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)
Customer Reviews	4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 3,248 ratings 4.8 out of 5 stars
Special features	Maximum Awareness; Multiple Pairing Options; Works with The Varia App, Third-Party App Compatible; Superior Visibility; Compact Design; Peloton Mode
Other display features	Wireless
Color	Multi
Whats in the box	Varia RTL515; Mounting kit; Cables; Documentation
Department	mens
Date First Available	May 13, 2020
Model Name	Varia RTL515
Vehicle Service Type	Bicycle
Screen Size	1 Inches
Special Feature	(function(f) {var _np=(window.P._namespace("DetailPageProductOverviewTemplatesJava"));if(_np.guardFatal){_np.guardFatal(f)(_np);}else{f(_np);}}(function(P) { P.when('A').execute(function(A){ A.on('a:truncate:po-attribute-truncate-4:updated', function(data) { var isTruncated = !data.truncateInstance.getIfTextFits(); var seeMoreElement = document.getElementById('po-attribute-see-more-id-4'); if(seeMoreElement) { seeMoreElement.style.display = isTruncated ? '' : 'none'; } }) });})); Maximum Awareness; Multiple Pairing Options; Works with The Varia App, Third-Party App Compatible; Superior Visibility; Compact Design; Peloton Mode See more
Map Type	North America
Sport	Cycling
Included Components	Varia RTL515; Mounting kit; Cables; Documentation
Battery Life	6.0, 16.0 Hours
Mounting Type	Frame
Weight	2.56 ounces
Dimensions	6 x 3 x 3 inches
First Available	May 13, 2020