Garmin’s Varia RCT 715, the first rearview radar with camera and taillight, records all those in-ride moments so you can review them later in the Varia app. Perfect for our crazy roads – not only do you get advanced warning of traffic approaching from behind, but you have proof of indiscretion should the indescribable happen. And a record of the beautiful places we can actually ride our bikes in South Africa.

THE FIT

The multiple fitting options the unit packs with will affix to virtually any seat post configuration you might have – even the hyper-aero triathlon versions. Garmin has done away with the quarter-turn mount, in favour of a more robust and stable version that will keep your new toy firmly where it should be. The vertical design allows for full leg clearance and a perfectly comfortable ride.

THE LIGHT

The Varia’s multi-programmable rear light is visible from almost two kilometres in it’s brightest setting, and smart technology manages its brightness in bunch and low-light situations, so you are’t THAT guy in the bunch blinding everyone before the coffee-shop’s-opening sprint.

THE RADAR

Originally developed in Stellenbosch, Garmin’s Varia technology has led the way in bike radar tech for a decade now, and will tell you through both visual and audio cues when a vehicle is approaching from the back, and if it seems to be approaching at excessive speed. It does this from far enough out for you to turn your head, look back and assess the danger – it should never replace your vision and judgement, rather think of it as a mate looking back and giving you some early warning.

THE CAMERA

The integrated camera records what’s behind you at up to 1080p/30 fps. So you can ride with peace of mind, knowing you’ll capture clear footage if anything out of the ordinary is detected; this tiny camera has your back. It can detect if an incident occurs and automatically saves footage before, during and after the event. After your ride, fire up the app and scroll through the footage and check out the automatically-highlight ‘incidents’ the software has picked out, when cars have been too fast, or trucks too close.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Obviously, the Varia range is designed to merge seamlessly with the Edge range of Garmin cycling computers, but even if you don’t have one yet (you really should, their range covers all types and commitments to riding!), there is now access to the radar data through the firm’s Varia App. You will find it on both the Apple and Android App Stores.

The app also allows you to control the Varia, with myriad settings including frame rate, power settings and more to customise battery life to the max. No more fiddling with buttons on the unit, wondering which cycle you have chosen. Stay powered for your longer rides with up to 4 hours of battery life with radar and tail light on solid high or night flash, 5 hours on solid low and and 6 hours on day flash — all with camera recording at 1080p.

When used with a compatible smartphone, Varia RCT715 integrates with your favourite apps, such as Ride with GPS and more, to overlay your maps with rearview radar alerts.

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxD): 4.2″ x 1.7″ x 1.3″ (106.5 x 42.0 x 31.9 mm)
• Weight: 5.2 oz (147.0 g)
• Light modes: Solid, peloton, night flash, day flash
• Lumens: 20 solid, 8 peloton, 29 night flash, 65 day flash
• Camera modes: Continuous, off, radar-activated
• Camera settings: 1080p/720p, with 30 FPS
• Battery life: 4 hours solid, 5 hours peloton, 3 hours night flash, 6 hours day flash (all with 1080p recording)
• ANT+®: Yes (radar, bike lights)
• BLE: Yes (radar, camera control)
• Wi-Fi®: Yes (local network only)
• Water rating: IPX7
• Viewing angle: 220°
• 16 GB SD card included
• Onboard accelerometer to automatically lock footage on incident detection
• Camera control of Garmin Edge® and select wearables
• Varia™ App provides convenient radar display, camera control and video transfer

BUY YOUR BIGGEST STEP TO CYCLE SAFETY RIGHT HERE

 

 

 

 

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