Cycling equipment: Garmin Varia rearview radar light, a fine addition I never cycle without, day or night, deemed among the top cycling technology I've ever purchased.
The Garmin Varia RCT715 and RTL515 are two innovative devices designed to improve the safety and visibility of cyclists on the road. These devices, offered by the renowned tech brand Garmin, provide a range of features tailored to the needs of cyclists.
Garmin Varia RCT715: A Comprehensive Safety Solution
The Garmin Varia RCT715 is a rearview radar combined with a camera and tail light. This all-in-one device continuously records your ride, automatically saving footage before, during, and after events. This feature provides video evidence for safety and incident documentation, enhancing rider security. It also acts as a bright tail light and radar alerting you of vehicles approaching from behind up to 140 meters, integrating with the Varia app for visualization and alerts on your phone.
The RCT715's camera film quality is excellent, recording in sharp, clear 1080p at 30 fps. Its radar function provides the rider with accurate information to plan movements on the road. The RCT715's battery can last up to ten hours, depending on the settings.
Garmin Varia RTL515: A Reliable Radar Tail Light
The Garmin Varia RTL515 is a radar tail light that detects vehicles approaching from behind up to about 140-160 meters with high accuracy and very few false positives. It pairs with compatible Garmin cycling computers to alert the rider via signals on the display. The RTL515 is noted for its reliable vehicle detection performance and functions as a bright, multiple-mode tail light for visibility and safety.
Comparing Key Features and Benefits
| Feature | Garmin Varia RCT715 | Garmin Varia RTL515 | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Rearview Radar | Yes, detects vehicles up to ~140m | Yes, detects vehicles up to ~140-160m | | Rear Camera | Yes, continuous recording and automatic incident save | No | | Tail Light | Yes, bright with multiple flash modes | Yes, bright with multiple modes | | Vehicle Alert Interface | Alerts via Varia app and cycling computers | Alerts via compatible Garmin cycling computers | | False Positives | Very low false positives | Very low false positives | | Integration | Works with Varia app for phone alerts | Works with Garmin Edge and compatible devices |
Where to Find the Best Deals
These Garmin Varia products are carried by specialized bike shops and online retailers such as Don's Bicycles or Rocklin Motorsports. Checking major online marketplaces like Amazon, REI, or Garmin's official website can provide competitive pricing and occasional discounts. Local and online bike accessory stores in the US tend to stock these models, and deals often appear during cycling season sales or holiday promotions.
Making the Right Choice
Choose the RCT715 if you want a rear radar combined with a video camera for incident recording plus a tail light. If you want a reliable radar tail light system without video recording, choose the RTL515. Use the Garmin Varia app for enhanced alerting on your smartphone. For best pricing, compare Garmin authorized dealers online and local US bike shops regularly for sales.
The Garmin Varia RTL515 has all the same features as the Garmin Varia RCT715, except for the built-in camera. The Garmin Edge 830 is a cycling computer that pairs with the Garmin Varia RCT715. In a review on the website, Paul Grele gave the Garmin Varia RCT715 a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating, praising its camera, rear light, and radar features. The deals on the Garmin Varia RCT715 at Amazon are currently through third-party sellers. The Garmin Varia RTL515 provides visual and audible alerts for vehicles approaching from behind.
The Garmin Varia RCT715 received a high rating in the review, but missed out on a perfect score due to its high price. The Garmin Varia RCT715 is a piece of cycling technology that includes a rear light, a built-in rear camera, and a radar function. The Garmin Varia RCT715's safety feature includes a built-in camera with various settings, including always-on and radar-activated. The Garmin Varia RCT715 is currently available at REI with a 25% discount, reducing its price from $399.99 to $299.99. The Garmin Varia RTL515 is a less expensive alternative to the Garmin Varia RCT715, as it does not have a built-in camera.
- The Garmin Varia RCT715, being an all-in-one device with a rearview radar, camera, and tail light, can be considered a wearable technology that cyclists might include in their gadget collection, enhancing safety and visibility on the road.
- Technology enthusiasts looking for reliable radar tail light systems may find the Garmin Varia RTL515 attractive, as it offers accurate vehicle detection, combines with a range of Garmin cycling computers, and functions as a bright tail light, all embodying the latest advancements in cycling technology.
