Garmin Varia RCT715 Rear View Radar Description:
The Garmin Varia RCT715 is the newest member of the Varia line and takes the functionality of the RTL515 radar and adds in a camera to continuously record your ride. The main benefit with this is that in the event of an incident the RCT715 automatically saves the camera footage from before, during, and after the incident. The Varia RCT715 integrates seamlessly with compatible Garmin bike computers or through the Varia™ mobile app on your smartphone to alert you to traffic as you ride. The app also lets you easily access your footage, transfer videos, or customize camera settings with data overlays. A selection of operation modes lets you flex camera and tail light features to maximize battery life for longer rides.
Disclaimer: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit use of the camera function of this device. It is your responsibility to know and comply with applicable laws and rights to privacy in jurisdictions where you plan to use the camera function of this device.
Features:
- Rear View Camera Recording: This rearview camera tail light sees and records what’s behind you with a built-in, high-definition camera in 1080p at 30 FPS (16 GB SD card included)
- Incident Auto Save: In the event that an incident occurs, the RCT715 automatically saves footage from before, during and after the incident
- Vehicle Detection: Rearview radar detects vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards away and communicates with a compatible Edge bike computer or the Varia app on a smartphone to provide visual and audible alerts
- Varia App: Easily access video footage and control the camera through the Varia App on a compatible smartphone
- Superior Visibility: Alert motorists to your presence as soon as possible with daylight visibility up to 1 mile
- Light Modes (w/ 1080p Video): Daytime Flash (up to 6hrs), Peloton (up to 5hrs), Solid (up to 4hrs), Night Flash (up to 4hrs)
- USB Rechargeable: Powered by a rechargeable 2800mAh lithium ion battery
Specifications:
- Brightness: 65 Lumens
- Battery Type: Rechargeable (USB)
- Run Time: up to 6 hours (Daytime Flash)
- Beam Color: Red
- Color: Black
- Weight: 147g
Included:
- Varia™ RCT715
- Seat Post Mount Kit
- USB Cable
- SD Card
- Documentation
This product was added to our catalog on May 18, 2022
-The radar thingy is really accurate; few if any false positives/negatives. I'll say it's very sensitive. For example if I'm riding on a path ~40 feet from the road, it'll indicate the cars on that road.
-The camera suffices what I classify as redimentary "crash evidence"
The bad part is the user interface/app. The DC Rainmaker review (youtube) has it best: it is a "dumpster fire". I would not have purchased this had I appreciated how poor it is for reviewing video. I'm hoping there'll be some firmware updates at some point. But I can't believe this product was put out there like this. So just watch the DC Rainmaker review and see if it's worth it to you.
2. Light - Love it. For some reason I always used to forget to turn mine on. Now I always turn on the Varia before a ride so I always have a tail light.
3. Battery Life - Good enough for almost every ride I would ever do. Went for a long ride 4:45 total time ( 4:30 moving). Received a warning around 4:30 total time that battery was low. It survived the entire ride. I was continuously recording because I haven’t figured out how to only record when radar is active when using my Wahoo.
4. Ease of use - I have a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2. I turn on the Varia, turn on the Wahoo and it is all connected. No issues and nothing to do except turn them on.
5. Camera - ok this is a gadget for which I hope I never have a real need. However, it is continuously recording ( for now) and takes what I think is quality video. I easily found a sample from a recent ride ( see https://vimeo.com/718493999 ) and can easily identify the license plate of cars passing me. Sorry about the ties attached to zipper on saddle bag, I’ve now tucked them, but this does show that I have the Varia mounted under my saddle bag and the ties do not affect the radar performance.
Video is ok but no stabilization, radar integration with cycling computer is amazing.
My only con is its weight, a hefty little unit.
You should always ride with one of these devices.