I'd like to be able to use the headlight during training rides. mounted to your bars in place of a Garmin computer. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. L508 and R300 are cheaper than RTL515. You can view approaching cars on the handlebar app. My wife bought me a Varia Vision to pair with my Radar so I can keep my eyes on the road (hit a road debris a couple of times when looking at my 1030 and nearly caused an accident)I found that although relatively lightI continually had to adjust my glasses as they would lean towards the unit after awhile. Delay in detecting vehicles when on a hilly road Riders with short seat posts and/or saddle bags may not have enough room to mount Commuters on busy city roads may find the constant alerts annoying No saddle bag mount from Garmin (only 3 rd Party) Another item to charge Garmin When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Varia RCT715, Bicycle Radar with Camera and Tail Light, Continuous Recording, Vehicle Detection Visit the Garmin Store 54 ratings Amazon's Choice for "garmin varia" $51999 Available at a lower price from other sellers that may not offer free Prime delivery. If a following vehicle is going at the same speed as you, it wont be detected either. You can buy multiple Varia front and rear lights and set them up so theyre all controlled together - hence the network message. Who needs a rear light with a built in radar? Pairing was straightforward, although I spent a long time trying to work out what the No lightnetwork! alert on the watch meant. (Photo: Greg Kaplan ) Garmin Varia RCT715 Configuration. Riding a bike came naturally to me, but getting my hands on the 'right' equipment and reliable information that's another story. However, you can buy firmer third-party mounts, like the one from KOM. Been there for over 5,000 miles and holding up fine. Anatra Gen 4 Universal Saddle Mount for Garmin Varia. BMC TeamMachine Varia Mount (2 Styles) $ 41.50 by The Revolutionaries. Although all radars use quarter-turn mounts, they are not compatible with each other. Whats the difference between Magene L508, Varia RTL515, and Gardia R300? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. A larger button toggles power and the taillight flashing mode. Sometimes it turns itself on when it detects movement (e.g., when I take it with me and mount it on my bike). Garmin and Bryton were much brighter than Magene until it got a firmware update that allowed you to increase the brightness in the Magene smartphone app. You pay the same price that you would have done anyway. In fact it was a red herring, the light and watch worked fine together. Alternatively, you can consider the Bryton Gardia R300, which has the best mount and app but frequently gives false positives and is inaccurate in multi-object detection. I've been very happy with mine. Its like it sees the other cars behind the first car (probably based on some estimations) and keeps them on the bike computer screen. jetdog, there is not much room there. With its substantial mount - necessary to keep it pointing back horizontally so that its radar will work - it comes in at exactly 100 grams. This article compares Garmin Varia RTL515, Magene L508, and Bryton Gardia R300 bicycle radars with a taillight. However, Magene L508 and Bryton R300 tend to give more false positives. I . That lets you use your smartphone to get a visual warning of approaching traffic. Heres how it works. Got a new RTL510 for Father's Day yesterday. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. for enthusiastic social and mildly competitive road cyclists. Check out the blog at: https://www.sportivecyclist.com/A NOTE ABOUT AFFLIATE LINKS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click on an Affiliate Link and then buy something, I get a small commission. Magene and Gardia are far behind the claimed battery life. What I care more about is visibility. I use Bikeflights. And Bryton Gardia R300 has the best mount. I've been looking for a more secure way to mount it; the round seatpost bolted mount is rock solid, while the aero rubber band mount seems a lot less trustworthy. A couple of photos from the rear of the bike. I'm also curious if this unit is substantially different than the standalone version. Privacy Policy. While I cant wake up the L508 with the bike computer, so I have to turn it on manually, I can with the R300 and RTL515. Glittering-Doctor160 Lmao cryingproductguy 1 yr. ago So I solved this exact problem differently. Wahoo computers dont have this functionality. Magene L508 and Gardia R300 have USB-C charging port, smart brake sensing, and extra light modes. I picked up a Garmin Varia. The Varia rear light is pretty chunky. RTL515 doesnt. Bicycle radars emit radar signals. It might surprise you and fit but also if the bag doesn't hang out farther than the seat, there are mounts that attach to the seat rails, I believe. Did a search. The Varia radar-operated rear light is a surprisingly effective, if pricey way to keep abreast of whats happening behind you. Here are a few more things I want to highlight. I am not sure what causes this. I have no explanation for this behavior. Remember, amateurs built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic". All radars have proven to be reliable. Reddit, Inc. 2023. And once or twice I didnt get an alert for a vehicle approaching, I'm not sure what caused this. :). Looking round once alerted to a vehicle behind on a fast open road, in some cases it was barely in sight. All apps can replace a head unit with your phone because they can show the traffic. As to Garmin answering questions about mounting sideways - remember the side-lights won't be pointing to the side, and the quarter turn mount will release if a horizontally mounted RTL515 rotates to a vertical position. I paired it with a Garmin Fenix 6 smartwatch. Yes. Bike computers like Garmin Edge, Hammerhead Karoo 2, and others will also allow you to adjust the light mode. One of the differences Ive noticed is the reliability when waking up the bike computer. Had trouble mounting it because of my saddle bag was getting in the way. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Magene L508 is the sleekest and most customizable one. See the differences in the following gallery. . Magene L508 is the sleekest and most customizable one. The Varia has a unique keyed interface that inserts into the mount. The mounts are designed to accommodate most seat post angles. I wear contacts so I need glasses or a visorso wearing the visor is t such a big dealbut it does look a little much. On one of my bikes mounting that low will lead to a constant false alarm and on the other it's an intermittent false alarm. However, its glossy finish is easy to scratch when cleaning from dirt, for example. The Bontrager saddles use the "Blendr" mount, so you can get a 3d printed custom mount for almost anything, and looks like some people have already designed a Varia mount for it. As with all things electronic, theres an app that comes with the Varia. customize. The device faces backward and is perpendicular to the road. I tested the battery life by riding with two radars connected to the bike computers (ELEMNT BOLT v2 and Karoo 2, eventually Garmin 830). and our I was ready to be underwhelmed by the Varia RTL515, but came away impressed by its capabilities. In this video I demonstrate how to attach a Garmin mount to the back of my saddlebag, which in turn allows me to attach my Garmin Varia RTL515 radar rear light to the back of my bike. To help with the alignment, I glued another small piece of the square dowel rod, 1/2" long to the bottom of the longer piece to make an "L" The bottom of the "L" goes under the loop and goes against the bag to push the bottom of the dowel out to keep it vertical. Once the Varia detected an approaching vehicle, the watch vibrated, gave an alert tone and showed a red, amber or green band around the edge of the face, depending on the speed of approach. Your email address will not be published. Go for a test ride during the day in a safe environment. Most other features are the same or similar. But you also shouldnt 100% rely on radars, and you should use your other senses while cycling. I'm looking for a permanent fix but need small rivets (cant find them)if you have any ideas let me knowor if someone was able to make s helmet mount let me know. We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, Varia light is bright on its highest day flash mode, Varia phone app differentiates vehicles as they approach, Garmin Varia Radar RTL515: Price Comparison. It also means that you can use your smartphone mounted to your bars in place of a Garmin computer. Bath The mount is attached to your seatpost with a rubber band. R300 also appeals to me. The Varia RCT751 has two buttons on the left side of the unit. I used them all, so I feel qualified to share my experience and help you decide which one to buy. Total score: Garmin Varia RTL515 (3), Magene L508 (2), Bryton Gardia R300 (2). JavaScript is disabled. Install the device correctly. Hes been riding gravel since before gravel bikes existed too, riding a cyclocross bike through the Chilterns and along the South Downs. Some of the other option get pretty pricy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. $22.99 $ 22. The integrated Garmin does not have a button to put it in pairing mode. 26 Oldest Charging? A little help please. I'm looking for a permanent fix but need small rivets (cant . All rights reserved. Varia is the most accurate. Apr 29, 2020 I picked up a Garmin Varia. L508 has 6 7 light modes: Solid; Flash; Quick flash (new) Peloton; Pulse; and our But sometimes, its annoying. the Turbo Vado 5 comes with an integrated Garmin RVR 315. If you found this useful. This is disappointing because the difference between real and claimed battery life is more than 30%. However, you will mostly see only 3 light modes (flash, solid, light off) and not all of them. Yes. Is there a way to mount a Garmin UT800 headlight under aero bars? bicycling Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. selling 3D printed Varia mounts that clip on to the taillight tab of any saddlebag. I already tested Garmin Varia RTL515, so in this article, you also learn how these two radars differ and perform. Another difference is that the Magene and Bryton mounts are universal (they fit round, D, and V-shaped seatposts). People cite this bike's factory install as evidence that it works, but it could have entirely different guts. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.All advice is given to the best of our knowledge. The Varia RTL515 offers the highest accuracy in multi-object detection and the fewest false positives. NOTE: The Bryton Gardia R300 I tested was a DEMO unit. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Garmin Varia smart bike headlights increase riding safety by adjusting to changing light conditions and bike speed when paired with select Edge computers. The brake light feature on L508 and R300 is a nice addition, but I dont miss it on Varia. Price: USD 59.99. Should be room on your seat post to mount the light. Specialized saddles use a similar mounting system called SWAT, similar mounts exist for it. Privacy Policy. The helmet is heavy enough that you dont notice the Varia and the Visor magnets are strong enough to keep it secure. The overall winner is the Garmin Varia RTL515 because it gives the fewest false positives, and its multi-object detection is the most accurate. Turbo Creo, Smart Control, and Garmin Edge - Work Together? bike I like Brytons app the most because it is the nicest and cleanest one. However, its mount tends to slide, and it does not allow customization of light modes. So clearly, the battery has degraded a lot over the years. BA1 1UA. NOTE: RTL515 was introduced in 2020, but it still uses MicroUSB charging port. you can also use the swat mounts on the saddle to mount a GoPro mount and then get a GoPro to Garmin adapter. Cookie Notice It would require the above piece (or just a gopro to garmin adapter) plus this one: https: . Scan this QR code to download the app now. Click here for a link:https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl\u0026merchant_id=b95bb594-cda0-49a0-9321-e97efb923f45\u0026website_id=b1fe1c2b-0da5-474f-8825-f53cbd7a9c0d\u0026url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bikeflights.com%2FSome of my favorite bike gear I use all the timeGarmin Edge 830: https://amzn.to/3yvAdrBGarmin Edge 1030 Plus: https://amzn.to/386czqGGarmin Vivoactive 4: https://amzn.to/3y9AD6GGarmin Varia: https://amzn.to/3w4jtVoSidi Dragon 5 MTB Shoes: https://a.co/d/igdrlo2 Five Ten Kestrel Pro BOA MTB Shoes: https://amzn.to/3vJHT7xSHIMANO SH-RX800 Gravel Racing Shoe: https://amzn.to/3P14NPiGiro Artex MIPS helmet: https://amzn.to/3vIB5HiTifosi Rail glasses: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl\u0026merchant_id=01319aed-b8f9-4853-a098-deebc603bb22\u0026website_id=b1fe1c2b-0da5-474f-8825-f53cbd7a9c0d\u0026url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tifosioptics.com%2Fproduct%2Frail-matte-black%2FTifosi Slice Glasses: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl\u0026merchant_id=01319aed-b8f9-4853-a098-deebc603bb22\u0026website_id=b1fe1c2b-0da5-474f-8825-f53cbd7a9c0d\u0026url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tifosioptics.com%2Fproduct%2Fslice-black-white-light-night-fototec%2FTifosi Sledge Glasses:https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl\u0026merchant_id=01319aed-b8f9-4853-a098-deebc603bb22\u0026website_id=b1fe1c2b-0da5-474f-8825-f53cbd7a9c0d\u0026url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tifosioptics.com%2Fproduct%2Fsledge-matte-white-smoke-ac-red-clear%2F If you don't have the original mounts bike tires direct has the parts and 20% of your first order. It's free! Oh and subscribe? All devices are compatible with 3rd party computers with ANT+ and Bluetooth. Garmin Varia Rack Mount - Style 1 $ 31.98 by The Revolutionaries. Nothing replaces eyes and ears but it's helpful. So just from a CYA perspective they're not going to sign-off on that even if the radar functionality is identical. But the Varia rear light does it so much better. Garmin reckons that on its day flash setting the light is visible up to a mile away. If theres a convoy of vehicles, I got one alert on the Fenix 6 smartwatch, so I couldnt assume that once one or two had passed me the road was clear behind. The mount has. From my experience, none of them missed a car (i.e., false negative). So its better to use the power button if you prefer other light modes. The RTL515 is much more reliable, especially with the Garmin Edge bike computers that can wake it up. In this video I demonstrate how to attach a Garmin mount to the back of my saddlebag, which in turn allows me to attach my Garmin Varia RTL515 radar rear light to the back of my bike. Either your bikes are too big or your seat packs are. Off topic sorry, I've been staring at your saddle for probably 2 minutes straight. Once they reflect from moving objects, they calculate their speed and show them on your bike computer or smartphone app. In short: . However I would like to install the Varia app on my iphone, and use Bluetooth on a bigger display to see approaching cars, as well as getting sound notifications in my headphones. It takes about 2 seconds to take the Varia off the bike and another second or two to plug it in. Sports & Fitness Cycling Varia Series Varia mounting options verbcrunch over 7 years ago I'm seeing no reason the Varia can't be mounted directly behind the seat - attached to the seat rails, instead of the seat post. Specialized Tarmac SL7 Garmin Varia RCL 715/716. Is Gardia R300 compatible with 3rd party bike computers? Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The regular Garmin out-front mount won't fit on my triathlon bike handlebars. Is Magene L508 compatible with 3rd party bike computers? Is Varia RTL515 compatible with 3rd party bike computers? Not the best picture but you can see the attachment. Garmin Varia Trek Integrated Seat Post Mount $ 20.76 by MagCAD Designs. . Read more about. Copyright Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. I picked up a couple of those for my wife, whose frames are small enough that there is no seatpost showing below her saddlebag. Options? All rights reserved. I used RTL515 for higher thousands of kilometers, L508 for lower thousands of kilometers, and R300 for hundreds of kilometers. The challege with Trek bikes is that everything is geared towards Bontrager accessories and installing Garmin Varia radar with supplied mount options is not an easy task. I decided to mount it on my GIRO visor with double sided tape and a tether. Find out more about Garmin cycling lights at www.garmin.com. I remember not having to recharge it after a week of riding more than 10 hours. Discussion of everything bicycle related. If you want to fix the mount permanently, Garmin provides three chunky zip-ties for the purpose. I will try it and see what happens. JavaScript is disabled. does a mount exist for Garmin Varia that lets me put it sideways? In this video we take a look at a third-party mount for the Garmin Varia.Purchase the KOM Varia mount on Amazon:https://amzn.to/3PcwrYACheck out my blog: htt. Not sure how the Varia mounts but most of my older bikes I mount my Fly 6 camera on the seat tube and it peeks out between the seat stays. bicycle Select a secure location to mount the device where it does not interfere with the safe operation of your bike. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. So, for example, if you insert the L508 into the Garmin mount, it will look like this. . Is there no room at all on the seatpost under your seatpack? This is not possible with RTL515 or R300. Magene L508 vs. Garmin Varia RTL515 vs. Bryton Gardia R300, RTL515 vs. L508 vs. R300 Pros &Cons Summary, Varia RTL515 vs. Magene L508 vs. Bryton R300 FAQ, 9 hours and 30 minutes in the day flash mode, 11 hours and 40 minutes in the day flash mode, Solid, peloton, flash, pulse, rotation, quick flash, no light (radar only), High/low solid, group ride (peloton), flash, no light (radar only), Yes (paid subscription or free for email subscription), Highly reliable (almost no false positives), More false positives than Varia but less than Gardia, Varia RTL515 (about 2 years old) lasted ~9.5 hours (claimed 16 hours), Magene L508 (about 3 months old) lasted ~7.3 hours (claimed 12 hours), Gardia R300 lasted (new demo unit) ~11.7hours (claimed 17 hours). Besides, the "aero" mount does not work for a D-shaped aero seatpost, such as the one on the Tarmac. Once the light detects a vehicle, its behaviour changes, starting to flash if in continuous mode and flashing more quickly if already set to a flashing mode. They only show them when they are clearly visible (in turns, for example). NOTE: The mount surface should be vertical. Mount your radar tail light or bike tail light (both sold separately) to the seat post of a second bike with this quarter-turn mount. If you intend to mount below the seat collar you'll want to ensure that you don't end up getting interference. Since then, hes reviewed hundreds of bikes and thousands of other pieces of cycling equipment for the magazine and the Cycling Weekly website. Magene L508 in a Garmin mount. We are not responsible for their application. The other two radars are compatible with them. The mounting bracket for the Garmin Varia RTL715 is robust, and adds an additional 66g to the setup.