Thanks Sylvia! I ride an HP Velotechnik Gekko FX20 and I have been using the Garmin Varia for about 2 yrs…I love it! I ride solo a lot on rural roads where there is no shoulder and lots of big trucks at certain times of the year, and the Varia really helps me know what’s coming from behind. Happy triking!
My main riding buddy down in Florida during the winter has this radar device. It is quite useful to give one a “heads up” and I would never ride streets without one. When riding back home in New england I only ride trails and don’t think it would be necessary. If I were a regular street traffic rider this sort of device would be on my trike immediately. I am seriously tempted to mount my old I-pad Mini on a bracket on the front of my trike and link it to a rear facing camera for continuous observation.
@@TravelsByTrike I am heading home in 2-3 weeks and will make the attempt to take the small iPad mini that I haven’t used in ages and mount it and Bluetooth it yo a camera. Should be an interesting little project. I will advise how it works out…. Or doesn’t!
I have this device and believe it is one of the best things to help with defensive riding and riding offensively. I have partial hearing loss and this helps me when riding, because I can't trust my hearing and it helps me see vehicles behind me that I might not notice in my mirrors. Thanks for this video.
James Hart, I just bought the same unit Sylvia has. Garmin has just come out with a version that includes a camera. Sounds like just what you're looking for.
Hi Sylvia. Good video! I've been using my new Varia with the phone app. Even with the phone i my side bag I can still hear it and get all the information I need. So that's an option for folks who can't hear or see their bike computer all the time. I was also curious as to why you mounted the Varia on your helmet as opposed to the back of the rear rack. Do you worry at all about the radar being so close to your head?
Thanks, David! It's good to know the phone app works to record Garmin Varia data. I always forget to turn on my phone before I go for a ride. Somehow, I always remember to turn on the Garmin especially now that I have it mounted next to the e-assist controller screen. I'll probably move the radar attaching it to the back on my new kitty basket.
@@TravelsByTrike I ALWAYS seem to forget to turn something on or bring something with before a ride. I made a checklist a while ago so I wouldn't forget anything and of course, I never remember to look at it! Amazon has a lot of different mounts so I'm sure you'll find something that works. Happy triking!
Very interesting, Sylvia. I’m “ deafer than a rock” (I wear two cochlear implant devices). I am wondering how loud the “beep” sound is and if it can be adjusted? My riding buddies are always yelling at me to look out for various traffic….cars, bikes, trikes, fast moving squirrels,etc. I liked the thought about having the information…just in case it was needed, as you mentioned.
Sylvia, I think the use in court should it ever be needed would be the most useful thing it could be used for. The riders coming up behind on bike trails would be very useful and it may help me be more considerate. (actually it would help with the sanity of the rider coming up on me too) Will it detect people coming up behind you? Did your head rest or anything you were packing on the bike rack behind your seat interfere with its detection? How far away from the display can the sensor piece be before it loses contact? Because Molly rides in the area behind my head, I think it may have to be mounted on the back of my bike rack. Thanks for the info. David Rides a Trike used this device on a ride too recently. Be well and stay safe, bf
I have had mine since last summer. I use an older smart phone on the fairing, and also have watch connected. The bar (instead of dot), displays on colour. The watch beeps a warning and uses dots. BTW i have a Garmin mount on the back of trike seat (like your Garmin Edge mount). I have been on an old country rd and was in the zone when my watched beeped and alerted me to a fast car. The electrics guy DCRainmaker has done good videos, but yours is great for the trike world.
Thanks, Chuck!! Your timing is excellent. I'm getting ready to do a video about when to replace your helmet and I'll be showing all the things I've added to mine. Yes, the visor is home made by a friend. If you come to Tater Tot - the triking event every June in Idaho, Leslie gives them away and even installs them on your helmet.
Yes, I like it and still have it attached to the back of my helmet. All the data is collected with the rest of my Garmin info and I upload everything to Garmin Connect.
ANT refers to a system of devices that can be used through bluetooth pairing/connection on most cycling computers. These ANT sensors and monitors will provide info that can be recorded onto your cycling computer 'fit' file. These ANT devices add more than what your cycling computer does alone. These could be heart monitor, cadence sensor, power meter and even your phone.
I don't understand the logic to using a purchased Garmin Varia for a few weeks and then returning it for a full refund. Are there better offerings out there?
First off, I do not use any type of bike computer, just the display for my Electric system. And, with my vision as it is, I'd never be able to see that display. I am looking into a small web cam to attach to the back of my bike and link it too my phone. For me that would work better. Any ways, stay safe.
Web cams can help to see the video on a bigger screen. The biggest difference is the Varia lets you know when you should pay attention. You hear a beep and then you can quickly check your mirror.
This is very interesting, since I notice that I rarely look in my mirrors unless I am going to turn or something. On my new trike the mirror mostly shows my elbow, but I have two mirrors on my old trike that are handy when I remember to look. I think I would need a newer computer, but just the beep would be useful to me more than the display.
I understand why someone might buy this but really it has no,purpose for me, and I’m sure others. I prefer mirrors, and what would I do with this data. Seems more distracting since you re now looking at dots. My mirror can tell me more. I just don’t see why I would even waste my time looking at the data.
Like I was talking about in the video, the data isn't something you would use after every ride. This info is there when you need it. For instance, if you are in a collision with a car you have this data to show how fast the car was moving. You have info on the car speed 450 ft behind you and at the moment of impact. If you can show to a court or insurance company that a car was speeding this could make the difference in winning a case in court or having an insurance claim pay out. You also have accurate info about where it happened. We all hear about how the car drivers are believed and the cyclists are dismissed. But if you don't think this is valuable you don't need to buy it - easy.
When you are in the zone you get an active warning. And i think it was in a video i watched last year. The radar was longer distance than a mirror. It gives you instant info when the car has turned off or stopped. Which is all done while you concentrate on forward progress. On the bike paths it's useful because the Lance wanna bees pass dangerously most of the time. I find bike paths with a trike is more dangerous than the roads. YMMV
Many thanks, Karl! I bought the Garmin Varia thinking I wouldn't like it and expected to send it back. The Varia surprised me by showing it has great value and offers important information. Thanks for commenting!
Thanks Sylvia! I ride an HP Velotechnik Gekko FX20 and I have been using the Garmin Varia for about 2 yrs…I love it! I ride solo a lot on rural roads where there is no shoulder and lots of big trucks at certain times of the year, and the Varia really helps me know what’s coming from behind. Happy triking!
Thanks, Larry! Yes, the Varia is a cool device and much more helpful than I expected. Enjoy your Gekko!
Thank you for showing how the Garmin system works I've been seriously searching for information.
My main riding buddy down in Florida during the winter has this radar device. It is quite useful to give one a “heads up” and I would never ride streets without one. When riding back home in New england I only ride trails and don’t think it would be necessary. If I were a regular street traffic rider this sort of device would be on my trike immediately. I am seriously tempted to mount my old I-pad Mini on a bracket on the front of my trike and link it to a rear facing camera for continuous observation.
That would be something to see, Mark! Please post a photo of how you mount the ipad.
@@TravelsByTrike I am heading home in 2-3 weeks and will make the attempt to take the small iPad mini that I haven’t used in ages and mount it and Bluetooth it yo a camera. Should be an interesting little project. I will advise how it works out…. Or doesn’t!
Love all your videos!, thank you for this info. I am 57 and have just bought a catrike.
Congrats on your new Catrike!! Many thanks for following along.
I have this device and believe it is one of the best things to help with defensive riding and riding offensively. I have partial hearing loss and this helps me when riding, because I can't trust my hearing and it helps me see vehicles behind me that I might not notice in my mirrors. Thanks for this video.
Thanks, Renee - I agree with your assessment. Considering how useful this device is, I am surprised that I hadn't heard of it until very recently.
That device that you demonstrate looks fantastic to help with safety issues so thank you for doing that Sylvia.
Thanks, Jan!
James Hart, I just bought the same unit Sylvia has. Garmin has just come out with a version that includes a camera. Sounds like just what you're looking for.
This is truly impressive.
Yes, it’s a cool device.
Hi Sylvia. Good video!
I've been using my new Varia with the phone app. Even with the phone i my side bag I can still hear it and get all the information I need. So that's an option for folks who can't hear or see their bike computer all the time.
I was also curious as to why you mounted the Varia on your helmet as opposed to the back of the rear rack. Do you worry at all about the radar being so close to your head?
Thanks, David! It's good to know the phone app works to record Garmin Varia data. I always forget to turn on my phone before I go for a ride. Somehow, I always remember to turn on the Garmin especially now that I have it mounted next to the e-assist controller screen. I'll probably move the radar attaching it to the back on my new kitty basket.
@@TravelsByTrike I ALWAYS seem to forget to turn something on or bring something with before a ride. I made a checklist a while ago so I wouldn't forget anything and of course, I never remember to look at it!
Amazon has a lot of different mounts so I'm sure you'll find something that works.
Happy triking!
Your extra info MyTraffic on Garmin Connect requires a pretty recent head unit, Generally a unit ending in 30, such as 130, 530, and 1030
Interesting, I didn't know that. Thanks!
Hi Sylvia, which quad lock do you have on your helmet, and which one for your computer? I just got my trike and I'm trying to figure things out.
I don’t use quad lock. Garmin has a bike mount for the computer and Varia rear light.
Very interesting, Sylvia. I’m “ deafer than a rock” (I wear two cochlear implant devices). I am wondering how loud the “beep” sound is and if it can be adjusted? My riding buddies are always yelling at me to look out for various traffic….cars, bikes, trikes, fast moving squirrels,etc. I liked the thought about having the information…just in case it was needed, as you mentioned.
Thanks, Tom! Unfortunately, the beep isn't very loud.
@@TravelsByTrike My local bike shop sells them, so I think I will check it out anyhow. Thanks for the good info. 😁👍
Sylvia,
I think the use in court should it ever be needed would be the most useful thing it could be used for. The riders coming up behind on bike trails would be very useful and it may help me be more considerate. (actually it would help with the sanity of the rider coming up on me too)
Will it detect people coming up behind you? Did your head rest or anything you were packing on the bike rack behind your seat interfere with its detection? How far away from the display can the sensor piece be before it loses contact? Because Molly rides in the area behind my head, I think it may have to be mounted on the back of my bike rack.
Thanks for the info. David Rides a Trike used this device on a ride too recently.
Be well and stay safe,
bf
Yes, the bike radar needs to have unobstructed view of what is coming behind. Putting it on the back of Molly's basket would be a perfect place.
I have had mine since last summer. I use an older smart phone on the fairing, and also have watch connected. The bar (instead of dot), displays on colour. The watch beeps a warning and uses dots. BTW i have a Garmin mount on the back of trike seat (like your Garmin Edge mount). I have been on an old country rd and was in the zone when my watched beeped and alerted me to a fast car. The electrics guy DCRainmaker has done good videos, but yours is great for the trike world.
Yes, dc rainmaker is how I learned of this device. I think this device is especially useful for people who ride solo. Glad to hear you like it too.
I have been watching your videos for a couple of years, now. I enjoy them. I was wondering about your helmet visor. Is it home-made?
Thanks, Chuck!! Your timing is excellent. I'm getting ready to do a video about when to replace your helmet and I'll be showing all the things I've added to mine. Yes, the visor is home made by a friend. If you come to Tater Tot - the triking event every June in Idaho, Leslie gives them away and even installs them on your helmet.
Silvia , I think this would help me on a busy trail. My mirror shakes were it mounted on my handy assists.
That is a really good point. Often, mirrors mounted on trikes have a lot of vibration and are difficult to see clearly.
How can you hear the beep with wind noise
My Garmin is only a couple ft from my ears.
After several months of use, what do you think of this unit? Are you still attaching it to your helmet?
Yes, I like it and still have it attached to the back of my helmet. All the data is collected with the rest of my Garmin info and I upload everything to Garmin Connect.
I have a garmin watch, will it work with a samsung note cell phone;
Oh boy - I really don't know much about any of this stuff.
@@TravelsByTrike i think if it can connect to Garmin connect by Bluetooth should work. The hardest part to convince my wife I need another gadget lol
I use one!! And I use a Cycliq camera light. Pretty sure the Varia will work with the Garmin Connect App on iPhone.
yes, I use the Garmin Connect app on my iphone to uploads my ride files. I think it will accept any .fit file.
looking into it. Thanks for sharing. Go Turtle Power.
Thanks, Paula - this is a pricey device but could be well worth the expense.
Hello, what Garmin screen are you using that your attaching to your trike?
I'm using the Garmin Edge 130 plus - it's probably the smallest and cheapest unit except for the watch.
Thank you loved this vlog
Hello Sylvia . Let's see if I find this in France !
What is A and T Sylvia ?
ANT refers to a system of devices that can be used through bluetooth pairing/connection on most cycling computers. These ANT sensors and monitors will provide info that can be recorded onto your cycling computer 'fit' file. These ANT devices add more than what your cycling computer does alone. These could be heart monitor, cadence sensor, power meter and even your phone.
I don't understand the logic to using a purchased Garmin Varia for a few weeks and then returning it for a full refund.
Are there better offerings out there?
I haven't returned the bike radar. I was worried I wouldn't use it or the beeping would be annoying but I really like the device.
@@TravelsByTrike Audible sensing would definitely be my first choice.
First off, I do not use any type of bike computer, just the display for my Electric system. And, with my vision as it is, I'd never be able to see that display. I am looking into a small web cam to attach to the back of my bike and link it too my phone. For me that would work better. Any ways, stay safe.
Web cams can help to see the video on a bigger screen. The biggest difference is the Varia lets you know when you should pay attention. You hear a beep and then you can quickly check your mirror.
This is very interesting, since I notice that I rarely look in my mirrors unless I am going to turn or something. On my new trike the mirror mostly shows my elbow, but I have two mirrors on my old trike that are handy when I remember to look. I think I would need a newer computer, but just the beep would be useful to me more than the display.
Your device needs bluetooth. I'm hearing this device will work with iphones. Best of luck!
@@TravelsByTrike
The Varia does indeed work with the iPhone
@@jamesbarker4752 through the Garmin app?
I understand why someone might buy this but really it has no,purpose for me, and I’m sure others. I prefer mirrors, and what would I do with this data. Seems more distracting since you re now looking at dots. My mirror can tell me more. I just don’t see why I would even waste my time looking at the data.
Like I was talking about in the video, the data isn't something you would use after every ride. This info is there when you need it. For instance, if you are in a collision with a car you have this data to show how fast the car was moving. You have info on the car speed 450 ft behind you and at the moment of impact. If you can show to a court or insurance company that a car was speeding this could make the difference in winning a case in court or having an insurance claim pay out. You also have accurate info about where it happened. We all hear about how the car drivers are believed and the cyclists are dismissed. But if you don't think this is valuable you don't need to buy it - easy.
How is this any better than a mirror?
When you are in the zone you get an active warning. And i think it was in a video i watched last year. The radar was longer distance than a mirror. It gives you instant info when the car has turned off or stopped. Which is all done while you concentrate on forward progress. On the bike paths it's useful because the Lance wanna bees pass dangerously most of the time. I find bike paths with a trike is more dangerous than the roads. YMMV
watch the video
I watched the video. I’m pretty sure I don’t need this while I’m on The Loop in Tucson.
This would be very good for touring. I also decided I need a new GPS since mine is so old, it won’t connect via ANT.
Might not need new Garmin gps. I'm using Note 4 via blue tooth.
Seems like 99% of these reviews are done by men. Always good to get a woman’s perspective, especially when the review is done as well as this one.
Many thanks, Karl! I bought the Garmin Varia thinking I wouldn't like it and expected to send it back. The Varia surprised me by showing it has great value and offers important information. Thanks for commenting!