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Edited June 22, 2021
at 03:23 AM
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Amazon [amazon.com] has the Garmin Varia RVR315, Cycling Rearview Radar w/NO LIGHT (RVR315) on sale for $104.99
I already have the Garmin radar with light, but there are situations such as group rides where a light may not be appropriate or you may prefer your own lighting so this might be good for certain situations.
Prior Questions:
Yes, you can use your cell phone with app
Works with both Garmin and Wahoo computers
Works in group rides, only detects approaching objects moving faster than yourself (detects faster approaching cyclists)
Detects vehicles up to 150 yards away (try that with a mirror)
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1. Riding in the shoulder is, for the most part, perfectly fine and will provide a relative "safe zone" between you and traffic. Even better if you have a painted bike lane, and even better still if you have a dedicated bike lane. Depending on where you ride, weather conditions, etc., you may find it necessary to exit the safe zone and ride in a car lane. This device will allow you to make an informed decision on when exactly to merge safely. A flat tire is a far better option than getting rear ended from a distracted driver.
2. Taking a lane as default option is not only a dick move, but a dangerous one. You'll make drivers frustrated which leads to impulsive behavior, which can end poorly. "Peddling hard" might work in small bursts as means to remove yourself from an unsafe situation but don't count on that option on mile 20, 30, 40, etc., when your beginning to fatigue. At speeds in excess of 20MPH (possibly less) your ears won't be able to make out approaching cars due to wind resistance. Oncoming traffic will also drown out the sound of approaching cars. Hybrids and electric vehicles will be even harder to detect.
3. Be sure to mention your 6th sense to your medical doctor when they ask you why you enjoy playing tag with cars.
Having said all of that. I personally have the Radar/Light combo and it's been game changer. The battery life is fantastic. The light has a daytime, nighttime and peloton mode if you ride in groups. You get a different tone depending how fast cars are approaching you and it will integrate with your phones bluetooth if you (like me) can't yet afford a head piece. The only cautionary advice I'll give is it won't pick up objects moving the same speed as you. For example, if you're approaching a stop light, and both you and the car behind you are slowing down, it might give you an "all clear" tone when in fact the car is still there.
If anyone has any questions I'll be on for a bit. Youtube has some great videos on the unit as well if you want to see it in action.
Have a good/safe ride.
On RTL, You can turn off the light and keep radar active if you use it with a Garmin head unit. Most recent firmware may have made it where you can run radar only with wahoo, etc but I'm not sure since I use a garmin 1030 and 830.
Sweet price though, and if it suits your needs, I've never seen a better deal.
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But the 315 has gone back to $180. Not sure how much this one was prior to the sale.
But the 315 has gone back to $180. Not sure how much this one was prior to the sale.
Thank you!
Varia RVR315 rearview radar provides visual and audible alerts for vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards (140 meters) away.
This is what the description says.
On RTL, You can turn off the light and keep radar active if you use it with a Garmin head unit. Most recent firmware may have made it where you can run radar only with wahoo, etc but I'm not sure since I use a garmin 1030 and 830.
Sweet price though, and if it suits your needs, I've never seen a better deal.
Do you really want 2 devices on the back of your bike? No.
A light is mandatory if you're riding on the road day or night. Don't be an organ donor too soon.
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It warns you when cars are approaching from behind. It may not save your life, but it's really nice knowing when you need to move to the shoulder.
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I use the radar+light version and it's been truly a game changer. I ride out by the countryside for the most part so less traffic on the roads. Prior to using this, I mostly stuck to the shoulders and not veer onto the main driving lane even if the roads were empty for fear of someone sneaking up in a car behind me. With this, you get both audio and visual cues for approaching vehicles from afar, and that truly adds a whole another level of awareness. Now I use the driving lane if it is empty knowing I can jump to the shoulder in a moment's notice with the radar. Plus the light starts blinking rapidly as vehicles get closer to your bike, adding another visual element for them to notice