Garmin has today announced Varia RearVue 820, an innovative radar tail light that can help cyclists be more aware and visible while riding on the road.
New advanced vehicle tracking detects a vehicle’s size, side-to-side movement and categorises threat levels as the vehicle approaches from behind with alerts displayed on compatible Garmin cycling computers or the Varia smartphone app,
The new radar tail light is Garmin’s brightest yet and serves as a brake light when slowing or stopping, so riders can feel confident about their visibility to motorists and other cyclists while on the road. If features battery life of up to 24 hours in day flash mode and up to 30 hours in radar only mode.
“We’re excited to expand our trusted cycling radar technology with Varia RearVue 820,” said Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
“Whether cyclists are commuting by bike to work or training along busy streets, this radar can help them stay more conscious of nearby traffic, especially with new, innovative advanced vehicle tracking alerts, all while the brilliant tail light and brake light can help them be more visible.”
When riding with a compatible Edge cycling computer or when paired to the Varia smartphone app, cyclists will get visual and audible alerts as vehicles are approaching or changing lanes behind them, along with their threat level. This indicates if the approaching vehicle is a higher threat to the cyclist based on its speed or path of travel.
And with new vehicle size detection, riders can get visual alerts about the size of approaching vehicles – small, medium and large – right from their Edge computer or in the Varia app.
- Boasting a wider field of view, the radar can detect vehicle movement several lanes away and alert riders on their compatible Garmin smartwatch, Edge cycling computer or the Varia app.
- Powerful radar technology allows the device to detect vehicles over 175m away.
With same speed tracking, riders are notified about vehicles that are following behind them at the same speed or waiting to pass. - In addition to vibrating alerts on the wrist, select Garmin smartwatches can also give voice alerts for approaching vehicles. This feature is currently available in the Garmin Public Beta program for select smartwatches.
Garmin adds that the Varia RearVue 820’s bright tail light that can be seen over 2km (1.2 miles) away and offers multiple light mode options, including day flash, night flash, solid mode and peloton mode.
Cyclists can also create their own custom light patterns in the Varia app based on the needs of their ride, including brightness level and duration of flash. Adding to that, the device detects when the rider is slowing down or stopping, then alerts others on the road with a unique, flashing brake light pattern.
Featuring a sleek, modern look, Varia RearVue 820 also includes a USB-C port for convenient charging and a new seat post mount that securely and cleanly fits onto almost any road or gravel bike.
Available now, Varia RearVue 820 has a suggested retail price of £259.99 / €299.99.
