Garmin Varia - Smart tech aids cyclist safety

Darren

Varia is new range of products from Garmin, aimed at improving the safety of cyclists.

Varia Rearview Bike Radar is, as the name suggests, a radar system that will provide riders with a warning of vehicles approaching from up to 140m behind and can integrate with aa compatible Edge cycling computer.

The radar unit also has a warning light that will brighten and flash to alert approaching vehicles of the presence if the cyclist and the Varia head unit indicates the speed and threat level of each approaching vehicle.

Varia Smart Bike Lights consist of a high tech headlight that projects its beam further up the road as speed increases when paired to an Edge cycle computer. If paired to an Edge 1000 both front and rear lights can also adjust brightness. The rear light unit can be installed in pairs to operate as indicators.

Source: Garmin.com

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Darren Griffin

Snudge · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 8:07 pm Post subject:

Very clever but that stuff is very expensive. I do cycle myself and have a 'Mirrycle' bar end mirror which shows a very good view of vehicles approaching from behind - I think it was about £15.

Gary1492 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 10, 2015 Posts: 1

I agree with Snudge that it's a very clever system but way over kill. I've used for years the Zefal Cyclop Mirror on every bike I and my partner own to look out for cars coming up behind us. the Cyclop only cost around £10 compared to the £159.99 of the Varia and my Cyclops doesn't need batteries. Laughing

M8TJT · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2015 9:49 am Post subject:

Isn't it the lorries turning left that you will insist on going up the inside of that get you, rather than the ones coming up from behind? Rolling Eyes

Snudge · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2015 11:58 am Post subject:

Lorries turning left have killed cyclists but some of us are aware of that hazard.
As a cyclist I need to know what is behind if I have to overtake a parked vehicle, avoid a pothole or make a right turn so the rear view mirror works well.

M8TJT · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2015 2:01 pm Post subject:

Only my little bad joke. Embarassed

Snudge · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2015 3:21 pm Post subject:

Of course! - but it is a real issue and there are some terrible cyclists on the road so I don't defend them.

Perhaps every cyclist should be able to drive an HGV and then they will understand the issue!

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