Garmin Varia™ RCT715, Bicycle Radar with Camera and Tail Light, Continuous Recording, Vehicle Detection
Original price was: $399.99.$348.00Current price is: $348.00. USD
Imagine gliding through your favorite trails, knowing that every moment is captured and your surroundings are constantly monitored. The Garmin Varia™ RCT715 combines a high-definition camera with advanced radar technology to keep you aware of approaching vehicles, ensuring maximum safety on your adventures. With features like continuous recording and automatic incident capture, this compact device enhances your ride by providing superior visibility and peace of mind. Its seamless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity make sharing your journeys effortless. Stay adventurous, stay safe.
Description
Imagine gliding through winding trails on your electric bike, the wind rushing past, when suddenly, you glance back to see an approaching vehicle. With the Garmin Varia™ RCT715, that moment transforms from a potential anxiety into a seamless awareness. This innovative bicycle radar combines a high-definition camera with a powerful rearview radar, ensuring you stay alert and protected on every journey.
The Varia™ RCT715 is more than just a rearview radar; it's your guardian on the road, providing unparalleled visibility and peace of mind. The built-in camera captures every moment in stunning 1080p or 720p resolution, allowing you to relive your adventures or review incidents for added safety. The continuous recording feature means you never miss a beat, keeping your rides documented whether you're commuting or exploring new terrains.
Tailored for the adventurous cyclist, this device seamlessly connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing for easy access to footage and radar data. Its compact design means it fits perfectly on your seat post without adding bulk.
Benefits of the Garmin Varia™ RCT715 include:
- Built-in Camera: Capture your journeys in high definition, providing you with a visual record of your rides.
- Automatic Incident Capture: Receive alerts and have video evidence in the event of an incident, ensuring accountability.
- Maximum Awareness: Detect vehicles approaching from behind, enhancing your situational awareness on busy roads.
- Superior Visibility: The integrated tail light increases your visibility to motorists, especially in low-light conditions.
- Compact Design: Lightweight and unobtrusive, making it easy to mount without compromising your bike's aesthetics.
With the Varia™ RCT715, your biking experience reaches new heights of safety and awareness. Whether you’re navigating urban landscapes or cruising along scenic routes, this cutting-edge device empowers you to ride confidently, knowing you have an extra layer of protection. Elevate your cycling adventures with the assurance that you’re always connected and aware.
50 reviews for Garmin Varia™ RCT715, Bicycle Radar with Camera and Tail Light, Continuous Recording, Vehicle Detection
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Original price was: $299.99.$129.00Current price is: $129.00. USD
Raziel Gtz –
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Es un producto que por calidad precio, puede ser excesivo, pero para mi cumple con todos los aspectos. La calidad del video es buena pero podría ser mejor. Pero al aumentar la calidad la batería sería menor, la precisión para detectar autos es muy buena así como carros y motos. La luz es muy buena y más por que la puedes controlar desde el Garmin en el trayecto como tomar fotos o guardar ciertos videos. Para pasar los videos recomiendo mejor hacerlo desde la memoria a una computadora o celular con algún adaptador, por que desde la aplicación es muy lento.
Raziel Gtz –
For the price, this camera and tail light has everything it’s meant for
XLG –
After a very close call with a stupid driver that decide to pass me on a road work zone, I purchase the Varia RCT715 and I don’t regret it.
The unit packs a lot of features that are well integrated.
Setup was super easy and quick, it works very well with my Wahoo Elemnt Roam v2 computer bike.
I love the color coded warning (Green: road clear, Orange incoming cars, Red fast approaching vehicle), color adjust with your speed. I like also the fact it shows how many cars are behind you and where.
The continuous recording is great and created little clips of 30 seconds easily sharable with time stamp, your speed and vehicle speed. The image is clear and you can read license plate.
All in all, I love it, and feel a bit safer on the road as I can anticipate a bit more knowing what is happening behind me.
I wish Garmin would bring to the market a headlight with camera recording that sync with the Varia RCT715.
Muhammad Hafiz –
I wish I had something like this years ago when I was rear-ended on my bike by a car and was lucky to survive. Works perfectly and allows me to focus on the road ahead of me. Highly Highly recommended
D. Smith –
I am so impressed with this. I even had to upgrade from my Garmin Edge 800 to a compatible model of cycling computer (I went with the 1040 solar), so the price point of BOTH was just incredibly painful, even on sale. But I’m coming back to cycling after having taken significant time off due to health struggles and I’ve seen friends seriously hurt from getting hit out of the road. And I feel like in the area I live, driving manners and common sense just went to heck during the pandemic and haven’t improved much. And as I am back out there, I think of those friends, and I realize I’m much older now and can’t hear the cars coming up behind me as well as I used to. Or maybe I never heard them well and just benefitted from someone with great hearing in the back yelling “car!”, but now I’m riding alone while I build up fitness again. And for everything I’ve been through with my health surprises, this is a form a self-care to invest in my safety. I don’t think after getting clipped or hit from behind, I would think, gee I’m so glad I didn’t spend that “x” hundred dollars! This is less than my surgical co-pay by a lot.
The radar detects cars well out of my hearing range and I’d say even farther than I can turn to look behind me easily right now. I can get a sense if someone is hauling toosh as they approach me or if they’re being gentle, safe and sane in their approach. If they slow down, they’ll probably take care in passing too. An over the shoulder check is still appropriate but that’s one point in time. This lets you see their whole approach. The tail light is very large and bright as well and has different setting for how it shines or blinks and it coordinates with your computer as well. So if you don’t want to completely unclip and walk to the back of your bike to push the button to change it for different lighting conditions (coming home a bit late from a ride), you can do it on your Garmin Edge with just one foot down. (I suppose you could do it while cycling, but I can’t and have strong opinions on distracted driving that make me not even want to try). In summary, this is totally worth the investment.
Muhammad Hafiz –
Excelentes funciones
Craig W. Allin –
This is an expensive and valuable safety device. I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend the money, but I’m glad I did. It works exactly as advertised, pairing seamlessly with my Garmin 1030+. Picture and video quality are excellent. It is very easy to read license numbers of cars that pass. In an actual emergency, I am confident a full description of the vehicle including the license number would be readily available. The rear light is bright, so you don’t need to double up. This unit has only two shortcomings. Both are the result of the high power consumption required to run a light and radar and video camera continuously. Because the unit has a big battery, it is heavy and has a relatively short battery life: about 8 hours in my experience. So I can’t recommend it for people who count every gram or who would be put off by having to recharge daily. I recommend it highly for those who put safety first, those who would enjoy the rear facing videos and pictures you can take any time, and those who would like to know how fast was that car going when it passed me? I’ll point out one feature that I think is excellent, that does not get enough attention in Garmin’s own advertising for this device. When you trigger a manual video, the resulting 90 second video that is saved actually begins about 45 seconds before you pushed the trigger. That means you can record bad behavior AFTER it has already happened!
David D. Miller –
Works exactly as advertised. Integrates nicely with my Garmin 840. When a vehicle is approaching from behind there’s an overlay that appears on the right of the 840 screen, color-coded based on how fast the vehicle is approaching. Won’t ride on a public road without it!
Just Having Fun –
Let’s face it. Most drivers are pretty good around bikes… except the ones that aren’t. It’s a small percentage, but they’re the ones that will kill you. I never used radar but I won’t ride without it ever again.
The good:
1. Easy mounting, a light that can easily be seen from 1/2 mile away in day or night conditions.
2. Easy pairing with Garmin head units. Very obvious and intuitive interface and display. I’ve used it with a phone too, which works pretty well, but you can only have the Varia app on your screen when using a phone. It’s really made to work with a bike computer.
3. Zero false positives or negatives so far. I’ve used it maybe 6 rides and probably been passed by 1000 cars. Picks up multiple vehicles at once.
4. Excellent battery life.
The just OK, could be better:
1. The camera is average. It definitely isn’t meant to be used as a GoPro. I’m fine with this as it isn’t why I purchased, but others might care more. I would like higher resolution. It isn’t a slam dunk you’re capturing a plate number with this thing. 4K is kind of the minimal standard these days, and it’s really needed for this device. I nearly returned it and just got a 515 but figured you just never know if the unthinkable happens, the camera MIGHT be helpful. Still, for an extra $200 I would have liked more from the camera.
2. A place to attach a lanyard would have been nice. This is an expensive piece of kit to potentially lose in the road. They sell aftermarket silicon covers that allow a lanyard, but it’s unknown how this could affect radar performance.
3. It would be nice if it could know the difference between bikes and cars. Sometimes I’m out front and will slow down to allow other riders to catch up, and the radar doesn’t know the difference between if it’s a car coming or just my gf closing the gap. It would be nice if it could use the size of the object to at least make an educated guess and have a different icon if it senses a road bike.
4. It would have been nice for Garmin to include a seat rail mount as you can’t really carry a bag while this thing is mounted on the post. So plan to add an extra 30-40 bucks to the purchase as you’ll likely want a different mounting solution.
This is still relatively new tech, and hopefully it will keep getting better. Right now despite the flaws it is still worth having. You could get away with the much cheaper 515 version, still well worth it. Be safe out there.
Steven G. Byrne –
Won’t ride without it.
Raziel Gtz –
Easy to set up and operate
Being a beach rd rider questioned the value of the radar.
But handy to know when cars are passing
Great bit of safety kit
faffod –
The parts of this product that work, do so well enough to carry it up to a 4 star rating despite parts being so bad that one star would be too much of a compliment.
The good:
The light is very visible
The radar is a nice to have, mostly it just becomes a constant reminder that we are surrounded by cars.
The battery life is excellent – I turn it on when I start my ride and never bother to turn it off at coffee shops or other stops. At first because I wanted to get a sense of how long it would run, and now because I just don’t worry about it.
The Bad:
It’s a light. It’s a Garmin light. IT WON’T pair with a Garmin headset and join the light network. That’s right, you have to turn it on manually. You have to turn it off manually. You don’t get any of the light tricks from the head unit.
It’s big and heavy. Not really a fault, there’s just a lot in the package and the battery to run it so well needs to be big as well. But this isn’t for the weight wienies out there.
The UGLY:
You cannot configure this from your Garmin head unit.
You cannot configure this from Garmin Connect website or App.
You MUST down load yet another NEW app from Garmin only for the varia. And only for the Varia.
Describing the varia app would require the use of words that would cause Amazon to ban my account, so I will refrain from describing it. There are notable functions that are laughably bad. I would never show them as a proof of concept, much less a selling product. Some of the lowlights are:
The app can serve as a display for the radar, so if you wanted to ride your bike with your phone mounted as a head unit you could do that. But at that point why doesn’t it support being a head unit? Who wants a full phone screen showing a 1D view of potential traffic behind you but not Heart rate, power, speed, distance, etc? It’s a singularly stupid app that fits the “If someone were to spend $400 on a light but not want to buy a head unit, but do have a phone mount… then they want this app”. I can’t imagine that the use case exceeds the single digits – if you’re spending this level on bike bits you already have a head unit, or will very quickly add one.
But that’s not the worse of it. I have a head unit, and if that was my only complaint about the software, it would be silly, I don’t get offended because some useless extra sits on the side unused. No the problem is that this app is required to set up your device. Not only is the UI unintuitive, it makes my iPhone 14 run like a 3GS. Tap on anything you have to then wait. In some cases you have to wait MINUTES. The adjust camera option takes several minutes to SOMETIMES succeed. Which is to say, just as often you wait minutes and then it lets you know that it couldn’t connect. To be cleat, I was able to apply a firmware update in the middle of my poking at this app – it had no problem connecting. But the camera adjust was repeatedly random on if it would connect after several minutes of waiting with 0 feedback on screen that anything is going on… good luck not rage spiking your phone (it’s not the phone’s fault!)
Also, go into the video/photo view. Tap on edit. Now you can select items to delete. But only a maximum of 10. WTaF?! Ok, I’ll go through this 10 at a time BS. Tap on the 8 that are in view. Nothing happens. Tap them again. And again. Eventually some get a check mark. That’s when you realize that you have to tap the item(s) you want and then you wait for minutes with NO FEED BACK that something may (or may not) be happening. Eventually, again minutes, you figure that the ones that will get selected have been selected and you hit delete. You wait for the delete to happen. Congrats you have deleted a random selection of the 8 that you for sure wanted to delete. Now you hit edit again, and you try to get another 8 or so selections in, and wait your minutes before deciding that you got what you’re going to get and you hit delete. Repeat.
Garmin should be embarrassed to have this app in the store. Instead of being ashamed, they make it a required download to use the varia. This is not a case of “they need better programmers”, it is a case of they need to undergo a structural change to how their management views software, and once they have a professional team in charge of the software vision, then they can start looking into how to clean this mess up.
Good hardware. Nearly got a 3 star, but I only plan to use the software if I get hit by a car and need to recover the video – I just will hope that it is indeed working because I can’t imagine ever going back just to check in.
tellefsen –
Great product, this is a lifesaver when biking on the road. Bright light and long lasting battery. The video recording capability is great especially if you should find yourself in a ditch after being hit by mobile phone surfing drivers
GRC29 –
I was just looking for usb c support, current non camera version is micro (why Garmin why) and really didn’t want the rear camera model but I got it during a dent sale and WOW love knowing when vehicles approach from the rear. Simpler to setup than I thought, which is unlike most Garmin products. First time it alerted me I was startled but now I depend on it to ensure I’m as far to the right as I can safely be. Haven’t needed to pull any of the video but have and the quality is pretty good, although it does take awhile to download and view.
Hopefully I never need to pull video for any accident, but the alerts are well worth it.
Muhammad Hafiz –
For the price, this camera and tail light has everything it’s meant for
Raziel Gtz –
This should be a must for all road cyclists! I never go out without it any more. It feels like you have eyes on your back, it makes road cycling so much safer.
ERW –
I had doubts how well the Varia would perform, after several rides it works better than I expected both in notification alerts and camera imaging, also the set-up settings was easy to understand. Seems well made, would suggest a higher capacity micro-card to at least a 32gb.
Raziel Gtz –
Riding with the rear radar displaying on my Garmin 1030 works seamlessly. With the audible beep and the visual display of upcoming traffic I always have good data on what comes behind. Much safer than looking behind you with the tendency to swerve while doing so. I still do both but I know where the traffic is before I swivel my head. Re the camera and video – truthfully I rarely use it so maybe if you want to save $$ you can get the previous model. I generally ride alone so don’t have the chance to get buddy shots with it but it does work and operates well from my 1030 with only a few touches needed to operate.
Humbo –
Great Concept and functionality within Garmin ecosystem BUT
1. video not stabilized
2. poor quality video during daylight = unable to identify car number plates at 1080 recordings
3. my Garmin Edge 1040 latest firmware keeps dropping radar during ride
4. Wifi function via Varia app to view footage is completely useless, way to slow 1x star for that!
5. same with Wifi clip download function – do u really wanna wait 1min to download one 20-80MB files = NO
6. overall it does its job well but camera sensor is weak, requires an upgrade
=> hence this device is not worth its money with the exception why I bought it in the first place => automatic recording whilst a car approaches as well in combination with front Varia Vue Camera Light
Muhammad Hafiz –
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Es un producto que por calidad precio, puede ser excesivo, pero para mi cumple con todos los aspectos. La calidad del video es buena pero podría ser mejor. Pero al aumentar la calidad la batería sería menor, la precisión para detectar autos es muy buena así como carros y motos. La luz es muy buena y más por que la puedes controlar desde el Garmin en el trayecto como tomar fotos o guardar ciertos videos. Para pasar los videos recomiendo mejor hacerlo desde la memoria a una computadora o celular con algún adaptador, por que desde la aplicación es muy lento.
Amazon Customer –
I really like this light/radar/camera light. Knowing what’s coming up behind you without having to look over your shoulder till you need to. It picks up anything, cars trucks, motor cycles and even other bicycle riders as they come up behind you. Great product and it works really well.
Micheal Bush –
Easy to install a set up on the bicycle, mobile phone, and bicycle computer. Audible alerts are very helpful. Light is very bright and offers multiple modes. Camera could be higher resolution but still works adequately. Battery life is good for a couple rides but could be improved.
GS –
Typical Garmin quality. I was worried it would be very chunky but is not overly so. Functionality is excellent. Radar is a must have for safety
Simon –
After using the Garmin Varia RCT715 for a while, I can confidently say it is one of the best safety investments I have made for cycling.
It reliably detects vehicles approaching from behind and gives you clear, early warnings, which is invaluable whether you ride on open roads or in mixed traffic. The alerts are timely and accurate, allowing you to stay focused on the road ahead instead of constantly looking back.
The built-in camera is a serious bonus. Video quality is more than sufficient to clearly capture incidents, license plates, and road situations. The fact that it automatically saves footage when an event is detected gives real peace of mind. You hope you never need it, but when you do, it is there.
The tail light is bright, highly visible, and well integrated with the radar system. Battery life is solid, even when using radar, camera, and light together on longer rides.
Setup is straightforward, and integration with Garmin head units and the Varia app is seamless. Once installed, it simply works in the background without any distraction.
it is a serious safety tool. For anyone who rides regularly on the road and values awareness, protection, and accountability, the Garmin Varia RCT715 is absolutely worth it.
Raziel Gtz –
Great Concept and functionality within Garmin ecosystem BUT
1. video not stabilized
2. poor quality video during daylight = unable to identify car number plates at 1080 recordings
3. my Garmin Edge 1040 latest firmware keeps dropping radar during ride
4. Wifi function via Varia app to view footage is completely useless, way to slow 1x star for that!
5. same with Wifi clip download function – do u really wanna wait 1min to download one 20-80MB files = NO
6. overall it does its job well but camera sensor is weak, requires an upgrade
=> hence this device is not worth its money with the exception why I bought it in the first place => automatic recording whilst a car approaches as well in combination with front Varia Vue Camera Light
Dan Cavanaugh –
Bought this after a truck hit me on my bike and sent me to the emergency room when I came to. Three things stand out about this radar device. First: I can now ride with greater confidence knowing that a vehicle, or several, are approaching from the rear. I like that it will let me know how many vehicles are approaching. I have always ridden with a rear-view mirror and would not ride without one, but this allows me to concentrate on my ride and not the approaching traffic. My mirror is now for verification of presence or absence of vehicular traffic. Second: Because the radar will light up on my bike computer when there is a vehicle 150 yards (or something like that), I now ride nearer the middle of my lane where the traffic has smoothed out the chip seal we have here in Texas. The ride is so much more comfortable and my elbows and butt appreciate it. What?, you say…how about the cars? Well, 150 yards is plenty of time to move on back to my shoulder or “bike” lane to give the vehicles more room and communicate that I’m doing my part to avoid a collision. Third: By riding less on the shoulder, I’m less likely to get a flat from all the crap that ends up there. So there, three wins! I know it’s spendy, but I believe it to be one of the best bike “stuff” purchases I have ever made. I also ride with Specialized’s ANGi on my helmet which will alert my emergency contact if I’m in a wreck.
Gary W H –
Game changer. It’s the safety device you didn’t know you needed until you got one. Definitely gives me aware of what is coming up behind me. Doesn’t make the other vehicles safer, it makes me safer by know what’s going on behind me. Very accurate; does not miss a vehicle.
Humbo –
After a very close call with a stupid driver that decide to pass me on a road work zone, I purchase the Varia RCT715 and I don’t regret it.
The unit packs a lot of features that are well integrated.
Setup was super easy and quick, it works very well with my Wahoo Elemnt Roam v2 computer bike.
I love the color coded warning (Green: road clear, Orange incoming cars, Red fast approaching vehicle), color adjust with your speed. I like also the fact it shows how many cars are behind you and where.
The continuous recording is great and created little clips of 30 seconds easily sharable with time stamp, your speed and vehicle speed. The image is clear and you can read license plate.
All in all, I love it, and feel a bit safer on the road as I can anticipate a bit more knowing what is happening behind me.
I wish Garmin would bring to the market a headlight with camera recording that sync with the Varia RCT715.
Cliente de Amazon –
Great Concept and functionality within Garmin ecosystem BUT
1. video not stabilized
2. poor quality video during daylight = unable to identify car number plates at 1080 recordings
3. my Garmin Edge 1040 latest firmware keeps dropping radar during ride
4. Wifi function via Varia app to view footage is completely useless, way to slow 1x star for that!
5. same with Wifi clip download function – do u really wanna wait 1min to download one 20-80MB files = NO
6. overall it does its job well but camera sensor is weak, requires an upgrade
=> hence this device is not worth its money with the exception why I bought it in the first place => automatic recording whilst a car approaches as well in combination with front Varia Vue Camera Light
D. Smith –
The parts of this product that work, do so well enough to carry it up to a 4 star rating despite parts being so bad that one star would be too much of a compliment.
The good:
The light is very visible
The radar is a nice to have, mostly it just becomes a constant reminder that we are surrounded by cars.
The battery life is excellent – I turn it on when I start my ride and never bother to turn it off at coffee shops or other stops. At first because I wanted to get a sense of how long it would run, and now because I just don’t worry about it.
The Bad:
It’s a light. It’s a Garmin light. IT WON’T pair with a Garmin headset and join the light network. That’s right, you have to turn it on manually. You have to turn it off manually. You don’t get any of the light tricks from the head unit.
It’s big and heavy. Not really a fault, there’s just a lot in the package and the battery to run it so well needs to be big as well. But this isn’t for the weight wienies out there.
The UGLY:
You cannot configure this from your Garmin head unit.
You cannot configure this from Garmin Connect website or App.
You MUST down load yet another NEW app from Garmin only for the varia. And only for the Varia.
Describing the varia app would require the use of words that would cause Amazon to ban my account, so I will refrain from describing it. There are notable functions that are laughably bad. I would never show them as a proof of concept, much less a selling product. Some of the lowlights are:
The app can serve as a display for the radar, so if you wanted to ride your bike with your phone mounted as a head unit you could do that. But at that point why doesn’t it support being a head unit? Who wants a full phone screen showing a 1D view of potential traffic behind you but not Heart rate, power, speed, distance, etc? It’s a singularly stupid app that fits the “If someone were to spend $400 on a light but not want to buy a head unit, but do have a phone mount… then they want this app”. I can’t imagine that the use case exceeds the single digits – if you’re spending this level on bike bits you already have a head unit, or will very quickly add one.
But that’s not the worse of it. I have a head unit, and if that was my only complaint about the software, it would be silly, I don’t get offended because some useless extra sits on the side unused. No the problem is that this app is required to set up your device. Not only is the UI unintuitive, it makes my iPhone 14 run like a 3GS. Tap on anything you have to then wait. In some cases you have to wait MINUTES. The adjust camera option takes several minutes to SOMETIMES succeed. Which is to say, just as often you wait minutes and then it lets you know that it couldn’t connect. To be cleat, I was able to apply a firmware update in the middle of my poking at this app – it had no problem connecting. But the camera adjust was repeatedly random on if it would connect after several minutes of waiting with 0 feedback on screen that anything is going on… good luck not rage spiking your phone (it’s not the phone’s fault!)
Also, go into the video/photo view. Tap on edit. Now you can select items to delete. But only a maximum of 10. WTaF?! Ok, I’ll go through this 10 at a time BS. Tap on the 8 that are in view. Nothing happens. Tap them again. And again. Eventually some get a check mark. That’s when you realize that you have to tap the item(s) you want and then you wait for minutes with NO FEED BACK that something may (or may not) be happening. Eventually, again minutes, you figure that the ones that will get selected have been selected and you hit delete. You wait for the delete to happen. Congrats you have deleted a random selection of the 8 that you for sure wanted to delete. Now you hit edit again, and you try to get another 8 or so selections in, and wait your minutes before deciding that you got what you’re going to get and you hit delete. Repeat.
Garmin should be embarrassed to have this app in the store. Instead of being ashamed, they make it a required download to use the varia. This is not a case of “they need better programmers”, it is a case of they need to undergo a structural change to how their management views software, and once they have a professional team in charge of the software vision, then they can start looking into how to clean this mess up.
Good hardware. Nearly got a 3 star, but I only plan to use the software if I get hit by a car and need to recover the video – I just will hope that it is indeed working because I can’t imagine ever going back just to check in.
Amazon Customer –
Bought this after a truck hit me on my bike and sent me to the emergency room when I came to. Three things stand out about this radar device. First: I can now ride with greater confidence knowing that a vehicle, or several, are approaching from the rear. I like that it will let me know how many vehicles are approaching. I have always ridden with a rear-view mirror and would not ride without one, but this allows me to concentrate on my ride and not the approaching traffic. My mirror is now for verification of presence or absence of vehicular traffic. Second: Because the radar will light up on my bike computer when there is a vehicle 150 yards (or something like that), I now ride nearer the middle of my lane where the traffic has smoothed out the chip seal we have here in Texas. The ride is so much more comfortable and my elbows and butt appreciate it. What?, you say…how about the cars? Well, 150 yards is plenty of time to move on back to my shoulder or “bike” lane to give the vehicles more room and communicate that I’m doing my part to avoid a collision. Third: By riding less on the shoulder, I’m less likely to get a flat from all the crap that ends up there. So there, three wins! I know it’s spendy, but I believe it to be one of the best bike “stuff” purchases I have ever made. I also ride with Specialized’s ANGi on my helmet which will alert my emergency contact if I’m in a wreck.
Dan Cavanaugh –
For the price, this camera and tail light has everything it’s meant for
Jim Glass –
I love the garmin. I have been run off the road so bought the Garmin to record traffic behind me. Also made a custom mount to eliminate the rubber bands and mount with screw
Jim Glass –
This is an expensive and valuable safety device. I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend the money, but I’m glad I did. It works exactly as advertised, pairing seamlessly with my Garmin 1030+. Picture and video quality are excellent. It is very easy to read license numbers of cars that pass. In an actual emergency, I am confident a full description of the vehicle including the license number would be readily available. The rear light is bright, so you don’t need to double up. This unit has only two shortcomings. Both are the result of the high power consumption required to run a light and radar and video camera continuously. Because the unit has a big battery, it is heavy and has a relatively short battery life: about 8 hours in my experience. So I can’t recommend it for people who count every gram or who would be put off by having to recharge daily. I recommend it highly for those who put safety first, those who would enjoy the rear facing videos and pictures you can take any time, and those who would like to know how fast was that car going when it passed me? I’ll point out one feature that I think is excellent, that does not get enough attention in Garmin’s own advertising for this device. When you trigger a manual video, the resulting 90 second video that is saved actually begins about 45 seconds before you pushed the trigger. That means you can record bad behavior AFTER it has already happened!
Sam –
For the price, this camera and tail light has everything it’s meant for
alwaysbvigilant –
As one article noted, this thing could spot a gnat at 200 yards. Event recording, variable flashing, solid BlueTooth connection, GREAT app (free; very visible on my cell phone, though maybe certain functions not completely intuitive) – having this on my bike has made my riding *noticeably* safer. Battery lasts for at least 4 hours (I haven’t tried riding for longer, but I suspect it will outlast me). Broad field of view from behind, for both video and sensing. Easy to detach for stops (e.g., at convenience stores or whatever). Completely satisfied with my purchase.
Humbo –
After a very close call with a stupid driver that decide to pass me on a road work zone, I purchase the Varia RCT715 and I don’t regret it.
The unit packs a lot of features that are well integrated.
Setup was super easy and quick, it works very well with my Wahoo Elemnt Roam v2 computer bike.
I love the color coded warning (Green: road clear, Orange incoming cars, Red fast approaching vehicle), color adjust with your speed. I like also the fact it shows how many cars are behind you and where.
The continuous recording is great and created little clips of 30 seconds easily sharable with time stamp, your speed and vehicle speed. The image is clear and you can read license plate.
All in all, I love it, and feel a bit safer on the road as I can anticipate a bit more knowing what is happening behind me.
I wish Garmin would bring to the market a headlight with camera recording that sync with the Varia RCT715.
Simon –
After using the Garmin Varia RCT715 for a while, I can confidently say it is one of the best safety investments I have made for cycling.
It reliably detects vehicles approaching from behind and gives you clear, early warnings, which is invaluable whether you ride on open roads or in mixed traffic. The alerts are timely and accurate, allowing you to stay focused on the road ahead instead of constantly looking back.
The built-in camera is a serious bonus. Video quality is more than sufficient to clearly capture incidents, license plates, and road situations. The fact that it automatically saves footage when an event is detected gives real peace of mind. You hope you never need it, but when you do, it is there.
The tail light is bright, highly visible, and well integrated with the radar system. Battery life is solid, even when using radar, camera, and light together on longer rides.
Setup is straightforward, and integration with Garmin head units and the Varia app is seamless. Once installed, it simply works in the background without any distraction.
it is a serious safety tool. For anyone who rides regularly on the road and values awareness, protection, and accountability, the Garmin Varia RCT715 is absolutely worth it.
Just Having Fun –
Let’s face it. Most drivers are pretty good around bikes… except the ones that aren’t. It’s a small percentage, but they’re the ones that will kill you. I never used radar but I won’t ride without it ever again.
The good:
1. Easy mounting, a light that can easily be seen from 1/2 mile away in day or night conditions.
2. Easy pairing with Garmin head units. Very obvious and intuitive interface and display. I’ve used it with a phone too, which works pretty well, but you can only have the Varia app on your screen when using a phone. It’s really made to work with a bike computer.
3. Zero false positives or negatives so far. I’ve used it maybe 6 rides and probably been passed by 1000 cars. Picks up multiple vehicles at once.
4. Excellent battery life.
The just OK, could be better:
1. The camera is average. It definitely isn’t meant to be used as a GoPro. I’m fine with this as it isn’t why I purchased, but others might care more. I would like higher resolution. It isn’t a slam dunk you’re capturing a plate number with this thing. 4K is kind of the minimal standard these days, and it’s really needed for this device. I nearly returned it and just got a 515 but figured you just never know if the unthinkable happens, the camera MIGHT be helpful. Still, for an extra $200 I would have liked more from the camera.
2. A place to attach a lanyard would have been nice. This is an expensive piece of kit to potentially lose in the road. They sell aftermarket silicon covers that allow a lanyard, but it’s unknown how this could affect radar performance.
3. It would be nice if it could know the difference between bikes and cars. Sometimes I’m out front and will slow down to allow other riders to catch up, and the radar doesn’t know the difference between if it’s a car coming or just my gf closing the gap. It would be nice if it could use the size of the object to at least make an educated guess and have a different icon if it senses a road bike.
4. It would have been nice for Garmin to include a seat rail mount as you can’t really carry a bag while this thing is mounted on the post. So plan to add an extra 30-40 bucks to the purchase as you’ll likely want a different mounting solution.
This is still relatively new tech, and hopefully it will keep getting better. Right now despite the flaws it is still worth having. You could get away with the much cheaper 515 version, still well worth it. Be safe out there.
Bernie D. –
For the price, this camera and tail light has everything it’s meant for
Muhammad Hafiz –
Easy to set up and operate
Being a beach rd rider questioned the value of the radar.
But handy to know when cars are passing
Great bit of safety kit
Jim Glass –
Next to your helmet. This is a safety MUST. IT WORKS. In conjunction with a mirror it literally can mean life or death for you. The flashing strobe by day is another win.
alwaysbvigilant –
I am so impressed with this. I even had to upgrade from my Garmin Edge 800 to a compatible model of cycling computer (I went with the 1040 solar), so the price point of BOTH was just incredibly painful, even on sale. But I’m coming back to cycling after having taken significant time off due to health struggles and I’ve seen friends seriously hurt from getting hit out of the road. And I feel like in the area I live, driving manners and common sense just went to heck during the pandemic and haven’t improved much. And as I am back out there, I think of those friends, and I realize I’m much older now and can’t hear the cars coming up behind me as well as I used to. Or maybe I never heard them well and just benefitted from someone with great hearing in the back yelling “car!”, but now I’m riding alone while I build up fitness again. And for everything I’ve been through with my health surprises, this is a form a self-care to invest in my safety. I don’t think after getting clipped or hit from behind, I would think, gee I’m so glad I didn’t spend that “x” hundred dollars! This is less than my surgical co-pay by a lot.
The radar detects cars well out of my hearing range and I’d say even farther than I can turn to look behind me easily right now. I can get a sense if someone is hauling toosh as they approach me or if they’re being gentle, safe and sane in their approach. If they slow down, they’ll probably take care in passing too. An over the shoulder check is still appropriate but that’s one point in time. This lets you see their whole approach. The tail light is very large and bright as well and has different setting for how it shines or blinks and it coordinates with your computer as well. So if you don’t want to completely unclip and walk to the back of your bike to push the button to change it for different lighting conditions (coming home a bit late from a ride), you can do it on your Garmin Edge with just one foot down. (I suppose you could do it while cycling, but I can’t and have strong opinions on distracted driving that make me not even want to try). In summary, this is totally worth the investment.
Muhammad Hafiz –
Buen radar, pero en las grabaciones no es posible observar las placas
Nic –
Does exactly what I expected it to do. The radar is a game changer. I will never give that feature up now that I have tried it. The camera is also clear enough and works well as a safety camera. I wouldn’t try making youtube videos with it. But I trust it incase I am ever involved in a crash or hit/run. The light is also bright and mode can be adjusted from the head unit. Overall it is a little expensive but I think its worth it and am very happy with it.
Edit: Knocking it down to 4 stars because of the battery life even when camera is set to record only on radar detection you have to charge this too often especially at the price point. Its annoying to have to charge it after almost every ride otherwise risk it dying on your next ride.
Craig W. Allin –
Next to your helmet. This is a safety MUST. IT WORKS. In conjunction with a mirror it literally can mean life or death for you. The flashing strobe by day is another win.
alwaysbvigilant –
So far all I’ve done is charge it and connect it to my Edge 1050 and my phone.
The connection with the Edge was easy andworks fine. The phone connection is a nightmare. I had to google to figure out I need a Varia app, not Garmin connect. The device connected easily, then needed an update which basically bricked the device for about 10 minutes. I then had to do a hard reset and finally it came back to life. finally, I had to remove the device from my phone both the app and the bluetooth list before I could get them both to connect again.
Important to get the settings on the device correct so that you maximise battery life – set recording to radar activated. Also add the data overlays so that you get GPS and speed in the video recording.
the bike mount is good, once you figure out how the connection and switch mechanism work, they are stiff to start with. You will need a mount for each bike, kust like your head unit.
I found this entire process clunky and Garmin are famous for their clunky connection processes. If it was not for the echosystem of connected devices I would be on another brand.
USD10 per month for cloud storage of videos is outrageous. It only has one purpose, not like your main storage. I’d pay 2, not 10.
faffod –
I really like this light/radar/camera light. Knowing what’s coming up behind you without having to look over your shoulder till you need to. It picks up anything, cars trucks, motor cycles and even other bicycle riders as they come up behind you. Great product and it works really well.
Jim Glass –
For the price, this camera and tail light has everything it’s meant for
alwaysbvigilant –
Next to your helmet. This is a safety MUST. IT WORKS. In conjunction with a mirror it literally can mean life or death for you. The flashing strobe by day is another win.