Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar with Taillight
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Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar with Taillight
As functional as the bar and helmet-mounted mirrors are, there is a cost in aerodynamic drag and, for some reason, an insurmountable drag to the image of the road-devoted cyclist. Garmin preserves our pride and taps into some nifty tech with the Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar with Taillight, that packs significant features into a small package. Fitting onto most road bike seat posts, it tucks out of the way and is a rear-facing, red light flasher with a built-in automobile radar feature.
The standard bulb modes are found here with 20 lumens on solid beam, 29 on night flash, and 65 on day flash, however, the Varia sends it over the top with a courteous peloton specific mode with 8 lumens of brightness. So keep your group ride safer without creating frenemies along the way.
The Varia's primary feature is the radar that picks up traffic headed your way from 140 meters behind, and relays that information to your Garmin Edge bike computer or Varia app on a smartphone. The "car" shows a relative distance to help you judge proximity and gives you time to make lane adjustments or turn corrections. And the bulb provides enough visibility for you to be seen from up to one mile away.
Battery life is impressive with 16 hours of on flash mode and six hours on solid, which will see you safely through most training rides.
Details
- Seatpost mounted taillight and radar provide peace of mind
- Oncoming car data is displayed to your Garmin Edge computer or phone
- Proximity display helps you make lane corrections in time
- Taillight is visible from up to a mile away
- Conserve battery with various bulb intensities to suit the conditions
- Peloton mode turns down lights to keep the pack happy
- Item #GRMF011
- Bulbs
- LED
- Power Source
- built-in lithium-ion battery, rechargeable by USB or wall-socket
- Modes
- solid, peloton, night flash, day flash
- Lumens
- [solid] 20, [peloton] 8, [night flash] 29, [day flash] 65
- Burn Time
- [solid] 6 hours, [peloton] 8 hours, [night flash] 6 hours, [day flash] 16 hours
- Mount
- seatpost
- Waterproof
- IPX7
- Includes
- Varia RTL515, mounting kit, cables, documentation
- Dimensions
- 3.9 x 0.8 x 1.6in
- Claimed Weight
- 2.5oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
5 based on 17 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJune 25, 2025
Loved it
Sorry this is not a personal review. I bought this for my son-in-law, who commutes to work 15 mi each way by bicycle. He loves it! He also really appreciated it on a recent ride from St Louis to WI on some roads that were busy and not bike friendly. He feels much safer. We all like that.
June 1, 2025
radar flashing bike light
Accurately shows when cars are approaching from behind by picture and sound without you having to look back. This makes your rides on the road much safer.
May 23, 2025
Life Changing Radar & Long Battery Life
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
This is my 2nd Varia and the first with the built in taillight. The radar is amazing with its ability to show # of vehicles, their speed and an all clear. Beeps prompt you in case your focused on the road or scenery. The light is great, with various blink settings, and is visible from a good distance (as I've been told). Battery life has not been an issue so far, tested with several rides of about 4 hours. If you haven't tried radar before you're missing out. It is life, or at least, ride, changing!
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
February 27, 2025
varia rtl515
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
I was skeptical of this product for a period of time but after being surprised by a car coming up behind me while descending and being unable to hear the car coming, I decided to pull the trigger. After using it for a number of rides, I find it extremely useful and actually can't imagine riding without it. The extra data about cars coming up behind you, particularly when you are descending, or when there are several cars in a row, is extremely valuable. Highly recommended.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
December 15, 2024
Safety first
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
This is the second purchase of this item. I have the original and needed a second one for a new bike. I wouldnt ride without it. It works well with my Wahoo ROAM and BOLT.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
October 14, 2024
Excelente product
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
This is my second one, it’s great
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
August 30, 2024
Amazing radar tail light combo
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Paired with Garmin 530 Edge. Don't know how I lived w/o it. All at a very reasonable price (it was on sale) Only regret, should of purchased earlier
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
August 15, 2024
Game Changer!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
After just a few rides, this has proven itself as a must-have to anyone who rides on the road. It works EXACTLY as described. Easy to us, easy to hear, easy to pair to the Garmin Edge 800.
August 4, 2024
Radar backlight
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
It iş bey useful especially when you’re riding alone and dark
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
July 21, 2024
Shouldn't have waited
Anytime I was in a group ride I benefited from the people around me with these. I am glad I finally picked up my own. First couple rides and I am annoyed I waited so long. Paired quickly to my Edge 820 and off and running.
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March 31, 2025