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Varia Lighting - Rather than Varia Radar

Former Member
Former Member
I have searched this Forum for Posts relating to Lighting but so far all seem to relate to the Radar Rear Light only.
Does anyone have any input regarding experiences or views concerning Varia Lighting. i.e. Front and Rear Lights with Remote Switch?

I have, of course, read the useful information available at D C Rainmaker's site.

It seems this season will pass by without a very useful 'comparator' review where selected models can be compared with alternative choices.
Garmin could easily provide a genuine photograph taken by the light emitted from the Front Light Unit, instead all that is on offer appears to be a 'photo shopped' mock up? Shots of the Rear Lights would also be appreciated.

With the addition of a further Rear Light Unit the Lighting System can be set up to provide Turn Indication via the Rear Lights, again there is nil information regarding the brightness of these lamps in daylight use. They are only going to be useful if Hand Signals are substantially aided by a really noticeable light output.
I assume that the colour of the light when flashing as an Turn Indicator will be Red, please feel free to educate me regarding current vehicle regulations in the USA?
In Europe Turn Indicators are Amber so a weak Red flash is not going to be noticed and therefore render this facility useless.
I would of course be delighted to learn that the Rear Light LEDs are Bi-coloured and deployed on a Circuit Board capable of displaying Red or Amber dependent on use as a Rear/Stop Light or Indicator.

Best wishes, G
  • When used as a turn signal they flash amber. This video shows someone who has added control for the lights using Connect IQ. You will see the lights flash amber when used as turn indicators.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGr3vb_5jGI&feature=youtu.be
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 9 years ago
    Thank you for the very useful link Alan, it is greatly appreciated.
    Garmin should present the guy who put up that video with an award for presenting the situation so clearly.

    Now I will be happy to purchase the Varia Lighting Kit plus an additional Rear Light.
    Going as far as the Guy in the video will require changing 4 twin Power Socket Outlets to the type that provide USB charging outlets, but if takes 'doubling up' to get noticed then it is probably worth it.

    If the Varia Front Light proves to be problematic I will retain my NightRider(s) to supplement the output.

    Thanks again for your help.
  • I love the Varia for the radar. My humble opinion is that it would be nuts to rely on this as a rear light or turn signal. (1) its just not bright enough or that noticeable; (2) while the "turn signal" is kinda cool, it is not what the average driver is expecting (turn signals on a bicycle) and probably going to be interpreted as "flashing light" not "turning signal."

    For lights that are going to be bright enough to get you noticed (and not crashed into!), check out designshinelighting.com
    Those lights are bright enough to be seen in the daytime. Indeed, they are SO bright that the highest settings are not recommended for night, lest you blind the drivers.
  • I guess you mean www.designshinelighting.com ;)

    [...]
    For lights that are going to be bright enough to get you noticed (and not crashed into!), check out www.designshine.com
    [...]