User submitted reviews
Review by T. Wiz
I start my Radar when I start my Garmin Edge 830. It provides advance warning of an approaching car from behind. although no substitute for checking for cars, it provides peace of mind knowing when a car is coming. So far (approximately 1000 miles of use) it has been accurate 100%. Battery lasts for about 6 hours -- and Garmin Edge 830 alerts you to a low battery so always know when to charge. The mount is the standard Garmin mount (same as the Garmin Edge 830) -- easy on and off, but secure when on.
Review by JAR
I�ve had this radar detector for several weeks. I haven�t spent a lot of time trying to get to know all the ways to get notifications and what the different notifications are, but all I really want is a simple audible notification, and it provides that. I use it with RidewithGPS on my iPhone. I had to pair it with RidewithGPS (open the RidewithGPS app on your phone and go to More/Settings/Bluetooth and Sensors), not with my iPhone/Settings/Bluetooth. It isn�t easy to see when it is on, but once you know that it is on when the small blue light on the side flashes, look for that. It is easy to get on your bike since once you have a holder attached to your bike, it snaps in and with a twist, it is secure, and you do the reverse, twist and snap, to get it off so that you can charge it.
That all folks!
Review by TexasNightRider
Pros: Lightweight. Has worked flawlessly paired with my Wahoo Elemnt. Mount seems to be very secure. Especially useful on rural roads.
Cons: No safety tether but an aftermarket tether can be purchased/attached to the back of the unit. In heavy traffic you will receive constant warnings.
Would I purchase again? Absolutely. I now wonder how I've ridden so long without it even though I use a helmet mounted mirror. Several times the radar detected an approaching vehicle before I noticed it with my mirror.
Review by PTMoe
I have not actually used this yet because I don't have a Cycle GPS computer yet which I plan on getting before spring. Reading reviews and comments on cycle forums it looks like it's a must have and it was on sale at a good price so I grabbed one.
Review by BPChicago
Just picked one of these up a couple of weeks ago. Used points to knock the price down. But this is a must have item for any cyclist. Whether climbing or descending, you have awareness of cars coming behind you. It has been 100% accurate so far...the only downside i've noticed has been when two cars are too close together (tailgating), the device doesn't always catch it. But considering how much we spend on bikes and equipment, this is the most important safety add-on i've come across. Been riding in Colorado and i feel so much safer. highly recommend.
Review by FlashBazbo
The RVR315 offers excellent situational awareness. It sees cars you can't see in a mirror - the one approaching from out of the sun or the second, third, fourth, etc. cars in line behind you. It tells you how many cars, how far back, and how fast they are approaching. It announces their presence once they approach within 150 yards. This radar helps you be more aware. And being more aware, you can be both more safe and more courteous to drivers. I won't ride without this pod. Never ever a false all clear. Occasionally, it will give you a false alert - either a BIG cyclist coming up behind you or a road sign oscillating in the wind. But false alerts aren't a big deal.
I previously used the Varia 510 radartaillight but, when riding alone, I always wanted a much brighter taillight than the Varia offers. (I have a Dinotte Quad Red that I use when I'm alone.) When this radar pod became available, I bought it the first day. Now, I get the benefits of Garmin's radar and the brightness of my Dinotte taillight at the same time. Best of both worlds.
Review by Klaus Fuchs II
Works surprisingly well. Maybe zero false negatives. A few false positives . Always links up to my Wahoo computer. I recommend you buy the model with light that has more battery life. This one can do 2 ea 3 hour rides on a charge and a few times i have ran dead. Normally get 6 second warning of a car on rural roads.
Helps me stay on drops and pushing myself while enjoying the smoother wheel rut on county roads.
Review by MikeO
Works well paired with my Garmin Edge 130 Plus. Reliably shows vehicles (and bikes) coming up from behind. An audible alarm is sounded on my Edge when a vehicle comes into view. This is a worthwhile safety device that helps you to keep your eyes on the road rather than looking back behind you.
Review by RC
The Unit was very easy to sync and get up running with my Element bolt. The display makes sense and is easy to understand. My only complaint is during busy sections of road or city travel, the constant beeping can get irritating. A muting function would give this item a five star rating.
Review by KCMO Commuter
I bought this for my BF for his birthday and was greatly pleased AND surprised that I could also connect to this to watch traffic when we are on rides together. It really helps anticipate the cars coming up from behind much better!! An extra widget on your device allows you to even know the speed they're overtaking you by.
Review by Anonymous
Bought the Garmin Varia to aid when riding. It works great with my Garmin 530. It's nice to know that car's are approaching from the rear before you can hear them. Great out in the country on the narrow roads giving you time to make decisions.
Review by Alfonso
Easy to install, pair to Garmin cyclocomputer. Beep clearly heard when vehicle approaches from behind @ 150 feet. Can easily follow vehicle getting closer as a while dot on right side of computer...turns green when vehicle safely passes. Will show multiple vehicles approaching...even noted a neighbor approaching stealthily on his E-Bike....
Review by bill
This radar is great as it integrates well with the 1030 plus to show traffic closing in. the alerts are sufficiently loud to provide adequate warning and the view shows the closing rate. much better than a mirror alone
Review by Anonymous
Product pairs with my Garmin watch and definitely aids in safety by presenting beep and visual on screen of approaching vehicles. Works well and is a definite must if road riding.
Review by Anonymous
Gives a warning of cars by sound and visual signals. Does not replace a mirror but is an additional safety measure. Easy to install and link to varia app on iPhone. Very satisfied
Review by Anonymous
Varia has now become an essential part of my road riding experience. It�s like blindspot monitoring when driving in a car.
Review by Elk Commando
Let's you know when cars are approaching and passing you from the rear. An awesome product for your safety!
Review by Jordan
One of my essential gear for road ride. The battery last a full day approx 11 hours of riding time. It automatically connected to my Garmin computer when I them turn on.
Review by Daniel Ballester
If you value your life then this is invaluable. Sense of security is hard to put a price on but when it comes to Garmin you know your also getting quality stuff. What are you waiting for?
Review by sleeptein
Paired instantly with Edge 530. I find it very helpful on suburban streets with a lot of background noise and my 66 yo hearing loss. Shows the number of vehicles bearing down on you.