Garmin’s Varia smart cycling devices, designed to help create a safer cycling environment, are now available in Australia.The devices encompass the Varia rearview bike radar and Varia smart bike lights, both of which work independently or which integrate with each other and compatible Edge cycling computers.
The Varia rear view bike radar includes a radar tail light transmitter and a radar display unit.
The radar tail light transmitter detects approaching vehicles from up to 140 metres behind, increasing brightness as cars approach, and when in flashing mode increases flashing intensity as well. The display unit when used in combination with compatible Edge cycling computers shows up to eight vehicles as they approach, showing increasing risk with a change in colour on a
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LED interface or using an overlay of the current data screen on the Edge device.
The Varia smart bike lights include a headlight beam and a tail light, with the headlight automatically projecting further ahead at faster speeds during a ride and closer as a rider’s speed decreases, based on GPS data from a compatible Edge.
Garmin states the headlight also focuses the light ahead instead of all around, shining 100 lux at 10 metres and also features a high-beam cut-off to prevent blinding oncoming vehicles.
The tail light features solid and flashing modes, increasing intensity when the bike decelerates to warn approaching traffic. A second tail light can be added to utilise turn signals, which can be controlled through a compatible Edge or the Varia remote, both of which can also control the pattern, intensity and on/off function of the lights.
Paired with an Edge 1000, the lights can adjust their brightness based on ambient light conditions, while paired with other Edge devices, they can automatically turn on and off, preventing accidental battery drain.
“Varia rearview bike radar and smart bike lights not only alert cyclists of vehicles, but also alert the vehicles of the cyclist,”
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Matt DeMoss, Garmin Australasia general manager, commented.
“With Garmin cycling products you can now track all your essential stats with peace of mind on the roads.”
The Varia radar tail light is available for $259, or $389 bundled with the radar display unit, while the Varia smart bike lights are available as a bundle including the Varia remote for $389, or separately for $259 (headlight) and $99 (tail light).
