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phoinix 16.6K Views
Sep 27, 2025 7:08 AM

$149.99*: Garmin Varia Cycling Rearview Radar w/ Tail Light (RTL515) at Amazon

$150

$200

25% off
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Amazon [amazon.com] has Garmin Varia Cycling Rearview Radar w/ Tail Light (RTL515) for $149.99.
Shipping is free.

Price
$50 lower (25% savings) than the list price of $199.99

*Deal history:

1,000+ bought in past month

amazon.com/dp/B086TVFX1D [amazon.com]

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Community Notes
About the Poster
Amazon [amazon.com] has Garmin Varia Cycling Rearview Radar w/ Tail Light (RTL515) for $149.99.
Shipping is free.

Price
$50 lower (25% savings) than the list price of $199.99

*Deal history:

1,000+ bought in past month

amazon.com/dp/B086TVFX1D [amazon.com]

My other deals

#pfpd

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Community Reviews

Garmin's Varia RTL515 rear radar and tail light is valued for giving early warning of approaching cars and adding peace of mind on road rides, especially when paired with a phone or compatible Garmin head unit for visual and audio alerts. The light can also change flashing behavior when braking, and the battery is described as lasting hundreds of miles between charges. The main drawbacks are its micro-USB port, which feels dated and awkward with the waterproof flap, and compatibility limits with older bike computers. It is a strong safety aid for riders who want extra awareness without relying on it alone.

  • Road cyclists wanting early warning of approaching cars, because the radar spots vehicles far behind and gives audio cues before they are audible.

    FIFDshowKonraden

  • Older riders needing a larger display, because the radar works well with a bigger head unit screen for easier navigation and graphs.

    DragonRideDragonRidemwada

  • Riders who like a phone-based cockpit, because the radar pairs well with a handlebar phone and open-ear headphones for hands-free awareness.

    deshwasideshwasi

  • Cyclists who want extra peace of mind on busy roads, because the radar helps them keep focus ahead while still checking for traffic behind.

    bsdcmwada

  • Riders who need USB-C charging, because the unit still uses micro-USB and an adapter can block the waterproof flap.

    FreaknSweetrod4400joestern

  • Cyclists expecting radar to replace mirrors or fully prevent crashes, because it only warns about traffic and can still leave the rider with limited actionable information.

    DavidD6012Konradenmwada

  • Cyclists using an older compatible computer, because it may not pair with legacy head units like the Edge 810 or iGPSPORT BSC100S.

    DragonRiderod4400

  • Helmet-mount experimenters, because anything mounted outside a helmet can snag in a crash and twist the neck.

    bsdc

Common Questions (5)

AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago

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33 Comments

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Sep 27, 2025 9:08 PM
75 Comments
Joined May 2015
smwadeSep 27, 2025 9:08 PM
75 Comments
Quote from DragonRide View quoted comment :
thanks, I'm torn between the 540 for 250 w radar at 150, = 400 vs 1050 + radar about 780 total.

my old eyes would prefer the larger screen. And the price diff is 'slick' but I can afford the 1050 w/o effort and kept by 810 for a decade, so I get my $ worth out of things.
I have the 1030 and the 540. I got the 540 because I wanted ClimbPro and because of the price. I didn't want to spend too much just to get ClimbPro. As noted, the 540 is smaller with smaller fields and less visibility for navigation and graphs. I also have to adapt between the two with having touch screen and not. I find myself swiping the display of the 540 sometimes. I feel using a touchscreen is much easier to use but I have adapted to using the 540. Even though the 1030 is one generation older I prefer using it over the 540. By the way, there is also a 550 that just came out along with the 850.
Sep 28, 2025 4:01 AM
764 Comments
Joined Dec 2013
rod4400Sep 28, 2025 4:01 AM
764 Comments
Quote from v0vax View quoted comment :
My last device that still uses micro usb grrr
It's crazy they haven't just updated the charging port for this as an in-model refresh, but, no, they're literally still cranking these out with a port that was well into being considered obsolete 5 years ago.
Sep 28, 2025 4:16 AM
1.4K Comments
Joined Jun 2016
DavidD6012Sep 28, 2025 4:16 AM
1.4K Comments
Quote from DragonRide View quoted comment :
thanks, I'm torn between the 540 for 250 w radar at 150, = 400 vs 1050 + radar about 780 total.

my old eyes would prefer the larger screen. And the price diff is 'slick' but I can afford the 1050 w/o effort and kept by 810 for a decade, so I get my $ worth out of things.
Sorry to be a negative Nancy, but why not get a helmet mounted mirror? Instead of looking down at your phone to see radar taking your eyes off the road, a mirror would mean you just shift your eyes to the upper left. IMO it's a superior option to a radar as you can survey the traffic behind you constantly and not just in simple detail, even at a red light. A radar won't show you a car riding on white lines or allow you to cross a road without having to look back. Also someone already suggested to not trust the radar tech and still look over your shoulder. Why not just get a mirror at that point. I'm going to get downvoted anyways figuring I'm talking about mirrors in a radar deal lol
Last edited by DavidD6012 September 27, 2025 at 10:26 PM.
1
Sep 28, 2025 4:57 AM
732 Comments
Joined Oct 2011
FIFSep 28, 2025 4:57 AM
732 Comments
Quote from DavidD6012 View quoted comment :
Sorry to be a negative Nancy, but why not get a helmet mounted mirror? Instead of looking down at your phone to see radar taking your eyes off the road, a mirror would mean you just shift your eyes to the upper left. IMO it's a superior option to a radar as you can survey the traffic behind you constantly and not just in simple detail, even at a red light. A radar won't show you a car riding on white lines or allow you to cross a road without having to look back. Also someone already suggested to not trust the radar tech and still look over your shoulder. Why not just get a mirror at that point. I'm going to get downvoted anyways figuring I'm talking about mirrors in a radar deal lol
Radar + headunit will give audio queues so you know someone is coming up fast even before you can hear them. And, more importantly, the radar/light/headunit combo can do some very smart things, like spike the light when you brake (headunit detects quick deceleration and adjust light output) and change flashing patterns to make you more obvious to cars. Anyone riding roads without one of these, or the similar units from Bryton, Trek, etc, should reconsider. It's the best safety investment you can make outside of a good helmet.
Sep 28, 2025 11:28 AM
135 Comments
Joined Feb 2011
DshowSep 28, 2025 11:28 AM
135 Comments
These are great if you ride! Spots cars behind you very early. I've had the one without a tail light for several years. Recently, it stopped connecting to Bluetooth (?) so I bought this.
Sep 28, 2025 2:58 PM
590 Comments
Joined Aug 2014
KonradenSep 28, 2025 2:58 PM
590 Comments
Quote from DavidD6012 View quoted comment :
Quote from DragonRide :
thanks, I'm torn between the 540 for 250 w radar at 150, = 400 vs 1050 + radar about 780 total.

my old eyes would prefer the larger screen. And the price diff is 'slick' but I can afford the 1050 w/o effort and kept by 810 for a decade, so I get my $ worth out of things.

Sorry to be a negative Nancy, but why not get a helmet mounted mirror? Instead of looking down at your phone to see radar taking your eyes off the road, a mirror would mean you just shift your eyes to the upper left. IMO it's a superior option to a radar as you can survey the traffic behind you constantly and not just in simple detail, even at a red light. A radar won't show you a car riding on white lines or allow you to cross a road without having to look back. Also someone already suggested to not trust the radar tech and still look over your shoulder. Why not just get a mirror at that point. I'm going to get downvoted anyways figuring I'm talking about mirrors in a radar deal lol
I've had a radar for about a year now and I want to largely agree with you.The varia does it's job very well--it'll pick up cars 500 feet away, but that information isn't all that useful. Knowing a car is approaching is nice but hardly actionable.I don't think this device increases my safety really in any meaningful way. Mirrors as you point out at least allow me to see traffic and act if necessary.
Sep 28, 2025 6:43 PM
75 Comments
Joined May 2015
smwadeSep 28, 2025 6:43 PM
75 Comments
Quote from Konraden View quoted comment :
I've had a radar for about a year now and I want to largely agree with you.The varia does it's job very well--it'll pick up cars 500 feet away, but that information isn't all that useful. Knowing a car is approaching is nice but hardly actionable.I don't think this device increases my safety really in any meaningful way. Mirrors as you point out at least allow me to see traffic and act if necessary.
Every time there is a sale on this radar there is a debate on the usefulness of the radar. I have had this radar from the time it first came out when the length was horizontal instead of of vertical so almost 10 years. At that time it was considered a toy instead of a gadget till today as a tool. I personally feel any method used to detect a vehicle in back of you won't prevent the car from hitting you. From the radar, to using mirrors, to walking backwards on the road watching the car coming at you. Each has its merits but it also has disadvantages. To me the radar is best used to keep your focus of what is in front of you. I've never used a mirror on a bike being how many times have you used your rear view mirror in your car to avoid someone who was going to hit you from the back? I don't mean you hitting that person by going into their lane. And, about walking backwards on a road, all your focus is taken away from what is in front of you. You could trip walking backwards. Yes, these are all extremes. I can give you many examples of using this radar. The other day I was on my bike and I saw a car with the brake lights lit up. The car was parked on the side of the road. I didn't know if the car was just parking, going to pull out or open the door. I slowed down and just glanced down at the radar to see if there was a car in the back to plan an exit if the car decided to pull out or open the door. There were no cars so I just proceeded with caution. If there were cars I may have stopped completely.
Last edited by mwada September 28, 2025 at 01:40 PM.

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Sep 29, 2025 12:48 AM
1.5K Comments
Joined Sep 2021
Wyvern1Sep 29, 2025 12:48 AM
1.5K Comments
does it still work without a bike computer?
Sep 29, 2025 1:35 PM
1.7K Comments
Joined Nov 2008
bsdcSep 29, 2025 1:35 PM
1.7K Comments
Quote from DavidD6012 View quoted comment :
Sorry to be a negative Nancy, but why not get a helmet mounted mirror? Instead of looking down at your phone to see radar taking your eyes off the road, a mirror would mean you just shift your eyes to the upper left. IMO it's a superior option to a radar as you can survey the traffic behind you constantly and not just in simple detail, even at a red light. A radar won't show you a car riding on white lines or allow you to cross a road without having to look back. Also someone already suggested to not trust the radar tech and still look over your shoulder. Why not just get a mirror at that point. I'm going to get downvoted anyways figuring I'm talking about mirrors in a radar deal lol
do both AND look over your shoulder
Sep 30, 2025 12:09 PM
1.5K Comments
Joined Sep 2021
Wyvern1Sep 30, 2025 12:09 PM
1.5K Comments
Does this work with the iGPSPORT BSC100S GPS Bike Computer?
Sep 30, 2025 2:14 PM
764 Comments
Joined Dec 2013
rod4400Sep 30, 2025 2:14 PM
764 Comments
Quote from Wyvern1 View quoted comment :
Does this work with the iGPSPORT BSC100S GPS Bike Computer?
FWIW I did some quick research and it looks like the answer is "no". Here's a link to a YouTube comment thread discussing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X...FyljDbhG1j
Oct 1, 2025 2:09 PM
17.8K Comments
Joined Nov 2003
deshwasiOct 1, 2025 2:09 PM
17.8K Comments
Quote from DavidD6012 View quoted comment :
Quote from DragonRide :
thanks, I'm torn between the 540 for 250 w radar at 150, = 400 vs 1050 + radar about 780 total.

my old eyes would prefer the larger screen. And the price diff is 'slick' but I can afford the 1050 w/o effort and kept by 810 for a decade, so I get my $ worth out of things.

Sorry to be a negative Nancy, but why not get a helmet mounted mirror? Instead of looking down at your phone to see radar taking your eyes off the road, a mirror would mean you just shift your eyes to the upper left. IMO it's a superior option to a radar as you can survey the traffic behind you constantly and not just in simple detail, even at a red light. A radar won't show you a car riding on white lines or allow you to cross a road without having to look back. Also someone already suggested to not trust the radar tech and still look over your shoulder. Why not just get a mirror at that point. I'm going to get downvoted anyways figuring I'm talking about mirrors in a radar deal lol
just a guess.. you have never used this radar for over a week? I used to visit these radar threads for years wondering why would anyone pay $200 for a rear light. finally, after reading in every thread how some couldn't imagine riding without these, I splurged few years ago. now I repeat that in every thread. IF this thing broke today, ill be purchasing one for $200 tomorrow (obviously the sale will be over when mine breaks).heck, if they had usb-c one out, I would purchase a backup now.everyone knows/used mirrors. this radar, with my phone on handlebar (ridewithgps free, and now open-headphones), RIDE CHANGING. no need to even look, let alone remember if "objects in mirror are whatever..". ofcourse, like someone said use everything, I do look over shoulder before turning (mostly out of habit) but the peace of mind this gadget has provided is (life)ride changing.
1
Oct 2, 2025 2:20 PM
3.3K Comments
Joined May 2018
TimlessOct 2, 2025 2:20 PM
3.3K Comments
Quote from bsdc View quoted comment :
one of, if not my favorite bike accessories. probably feels like a gimmick to anyone who hasn't used one before, but it's great peace of mind, especially if you keep a phone open on your rides (or a varia capable garmin device) so you can see the cars approaching visualized. that said, you shouldn't trust any tech 100%, and should always look over your shoulder before moving left/right.

also, while it has numerous mounting options, this is how I have mine mounted (with the screws punctured through my trunk/saddle bag)
I do wish it was USB-C, but I have a couple other bike accessories that are also, still, micro. It's whatever, I just have a couple micro cords where I park my bike in the garage, and I only have to charge this every couple hundred miles or so. only really a bother when I travel, but as long as it's charged before I leave, it's not really an issue, since it almost certainly won't die. did a century ride this past weekend out of town and it still had plenty of battery left, as expected. I tend to keep it on blinking mode, and keep a cheaper lower power draw rear red light on solid red when I ride.
Does the extra shaking from the bag not mess with the varia?
Oct 2, 2025 2:21 PM
3.3K Comments
Joined May 2018
TimlessOct 2, 2025 2:21 PM
3.3K Comments
Quote from DragonRide View quoted comment :
same price at garmin if you want to make sure you get a real one.
Are there fakes?

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Oct 3, 2025 3:24 PM
1.7K Comments
Joined Nov 2008
bsdcOct 3, 2025 3:24 PM
1.7K Comments
Quote from Timless View quoted comment :
Quote from bsdc :
one of, if not my favorite bike accessories. probably feels like a gimmick to anyone who hasn't used one before, but it's great peace of mind, especially if you keep a phone open on your rides (or a varia capable garmin device) so you can see the cars approaching visualized. that said, you shouldn't trust any tech 100%, and should always look over your shoulder before moving left/right.

also, while it has numerous mounting options, this is how I have mine mounted (with the screws punctured through my trunk/saddle bag)
I do wish it was USB-C, but I have a couple other bike accessories that are also, still, micro. It's whatever, I just have a couple micro cords where I park my bike in the garage, and I only have to charge this every couple hundred miles or so. only really a bother when I travel, but as long as it's charged before I leave, it's not really an issue, since it almost certainly won't die. did a century ride this past weekend out of town and it still had plenty of battery left, as expected. I tend to keep it on blinking mode, and keep a cheaper lower power draw rear red light on solid red when I ride.
Does the extra shaking from the bag not mess with the varia?
Good question: I very, very rarely have false negatives (the varia not reporting vehicles) and that seems to almost always be due to tightly packed vehicles. I would say a false negative happens maybe four to five times a year since I've moved to a more rural area, so, at most (and I don't honestly think it's this often, but I'm erring on the side of caution) 1,666 miles or so. all that is to say: I feel confident saying that mounting it on the bag does not mess with it's function. I don't think the bag shakes significantly, but I've also never watched it while I'm riding, obviously. I imagine/get the feeling that the radar/sensor is pretty wide/generous.

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