Garmin Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd., announce the Varia line of smart cycling devices including, a first-of-its-kind rear-view bike radar and smart bike lights. To help create a safer cycling environment, Varia rear-view bike radar warns cyclists of vehicles approaching from behind from up to 140 meters away. The Varia smart bike lights automatically adjust to changing conditions as well as the speed of the cyclist. Both the radar and lights work independently or seamlessly integrate with each other and with compatible Edge cycling computers.
“As leaders in innovative cycling technology, we’re excited to introduce our line of cycling awareness products and take the next step in providing a complete experience for riders,” said Walter Mech, Marketing Director of Garmin Sub Saharah Africa. “Varia rear-view bike radar and smart bike lights not only alert cyclists of vehicles, but also alert the vehicles of the cyclist. With Garmin cycling products you can now track all your essential stats with peace of mind on the roads.”
Varia Rear-view Bike Radar
Many cyclists are injured in vehicle crashes every year, and of these incidents around 40% occur when a cyclist is hit from behind. As the first-of-its-kind radar system for bikes, Varia rear-view bike radar alerts the cyclist and the approaching vehicles to assist in creating a safer environment on the roads.
The system includes a radar tail light transmitter and a radar display unit. The radar tail light transmitter detects approaching vehicles from up to 140 meters behind and increases brightness as cars approach. When in flashing mode, it increases flashing intensity as well. The radar display unit and compatible Edge cycling computers show up to eight vehicles as they approach, indicating increasing risk with a change in colour on a LED interface or using an overlay of the current data screen on an Edge device.
Varia Smart Bike Lights
Based on GPS data from a compatible Edge, the Varia headlight beam automatically projects further ahead at faster speeds and closer as a rider’s speed decreases, lighting the road where cyclists need it the most. It also focuses the light ahead instead of all around and features a high-beam cut-off to prevent blinding oncoming vehicles.
The Varia tail light operates in solid and flashing modes and increases intensity when cyclists decelerates to warn approaching traffic. By cyclists adding a second tail light, they can utilise turn signals, which can be controlled through a compatible Edge or the Varia remote. The Varia remote or Edge also controls the pattern, intensity and on/off function of the lights.
When paired with an Edge 1000, Varia smart bike lights can adjust their brightness based on ambient light conditions. When paired with other Edge devices the lights can automatically turn on and off, preventing accidental battery drain.
The Varia radar tail light is available for R2699, or R3899 when bundled with the radar display unit. The Varia smart bike lights are available for R2999 (headlight) and R999 (tail light).
"of these incidents around 40% occur when a cyclist is hit from behind."
In SA over 80% of cycle fatalities are when a cyclist is hit from behind. I think Garmin are wrong on this number they use.
I used one of these units for a few months. The rear light that gets lights up when cars approcah is a great feature but I found the bar mounted dispaly unit no so useful. At first it was nice to see a warning for cars behibd you but the more I used it the more I saw faults in the warning system, cars would "get lost" and I found it better not to have it at all than have it and not rely on it.
Only gripe about the rear light is the battery length, I never got more than 140 minutes out of a full charge which makes it unsuitable for long rides.
Also, the cost quite high, A Fly6 HD camera with lights is less than the rear light of this unit. Admitidly without radar.