GARMIN VARIA, RADAR AND BLINKY LIGHTS
Should you use a bike radar like the Garmin Varia, Trek Carback, or one of the alternatives? What about front solid and blinking lights like the Ravemen FR300 or an inexpensive front and rear light set from Amazon? Watch my review of these priced from $15 to $200 to see which best suits your riding.
Very thorough analysis. Very helpful! Thanks Steve!
One question I had was strictly in terms of flash pattern and overall effectiveness as a tail light between the Varia and the Carback. The Carback has a higher lumen output and a different flash pattern. In your experience/testing did you find one was better in terms of driver’s being able to see one over the other more effectively?
Andrew, I didn’t test for that in my review. I am finishing up a review comparing the Varia and new Wahoo Trackr radar that will go into your specific questions. Steve
No problem, looking forward to it. Its hard to rate a two in one device, because some radars have a superior light output or flash pattern but the radar portion is subpar, and vice versa. I like the light in the carback for example and the flash pattern but not sure if it is reliable enough for the radar compared to other offerings like the varia and trackr.
Sooooo …. Yeah; I’m older. 78 now. But I’ve cycled for dozens of years–Missoula, Montana; Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon. I lived in Central and South America for the past 15 years and I’m now JUST getting back to the bike as a mode of transportation. BUT, I’m moving to Lodi, California. So my initial / gut reaction is … SO much less traffic, so much less need. Too, I’d come down on the side of some stupid display and beeping being distracting, actually. One should be AWARE, I’d argue. The guy in a car just 3 feet to your left may–or may not–see you. Ya know?!? And YOU have to watch out for HIM. If you don’t, he may kill you. And a rear-facing radar and beeping won’t help you one iota. I don’t know; it all seems a bit silly to me. Or … at least IMpractical. But I appreciate all the info!!!!!!!!!!!!!