Rear-view radar
Sees cars approaching from behind and shows them on your bike computer. The single biggest safety upgrade in cycling in a decade.
Garmin's Varia changed the game. The radar tracks approaching vehicles up to 140 m back, shows them as dots on your bike computer (or phone), and the rear light intensifies as cars approach — alerting both you and the driver. After a few rides you wonder how you cycled without one.
Battery life is 6–16 hours depending on mode. Works with Garmin head units, Wahoo, Hammerhead, and (via apps) your phone or Apple Watch. Worth every dollar if you ride any road with traffic.
Where to buy
Two paths — match your spend to the bike. Quality picks last longer and protect resale; affordable picks get you riding safely today.
Quality picks
Affordable picks
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Pro tips from our test team
- Mount it on the seatpost, not the seatstay — better radar angle and visibility.
- If you don't have a bike computer, the Garmin Varia app on your phone (with mount) works fine.
- Don't stare at the screen. Listen for the audible alert and use the radar to confirm what you already heard.