| Overall rating | (77 reviews) |
Garmin Varia RTL516 Rearview Radar with Tail Light is a smart rear-view awareness solution that combines radar alerts with a bright daylight-visible rear light to help cyclists stay more informed in traffic. The radar and light unit pairs with a compatible Edge cycling computer and/or a compatible smartphone to warn about vehicles approaching from behind. It can also use the Varia app as a primary display or as a backup screen, adding visual, audio, and vibration alerts. Compact and easy to mount on most road bikes, it is designed to support long rides with up to 9 hours of battery life.
Included
Varia RTL516
Mounting kit
Cables
Manuals
Compatibility
Technical Features
ANT+: Yes (radar, bike lights)
BLE: Yes (radar)
Viewing angle: 220°
Beam width: 40°
Maximum detection distance: 140 meters
Visibility range: 1,6 km (1 mile)
Lumens: 5
Waterproof rating: IPX7
Battery life: Up to 9 hours
Varia app compatibility: Yes
Vehicle threat level detection: Speed-based
Certifications: EURC (complies with the requirements of the EU Radio Directive)
Weight
71,0 g (2.5 oz)
Dimensions
Dimensions: 98.6 x 19.7 x 39.6 mm (3.9″ x 0.8″ x 1.6″)
| Overall rating | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
— Show original| Overall rating |
Full marks after two uses. Setup was easy, pairing with Garmin Edge Explore 2 went smoothly, and attaching the radar to the seatpost was straightforward with the appropriate adapter. When driving on the road, the radar showed cars approaching from behind at just the right moment, and it was easy to follow the approach on the on-board computer screen. When driving on a bike path, the radar of course showed cars driving on the adjacent highway, but the beeps could be turned off, so they weren't annoying. And you can even track if a driver slows down and stalks you :)| Overall rating |
Good light output even during the day. Haven't tried it in the dark.
The attachment is really easy to the seatpost. At first I was afraid it would come off.
I connected the radar to my watch, which beeps and shows the approach of a car, but I think this is a cumbersome system. I'll probably buy an EDGE, which will have a better display.
The battery lasted well.