I got the Garmin Varia bike rear facing radar for Xmas, when I opened the present I was not impressed as I had heard lots of mixed feed back (e.g why is this device needed, you can hear traffic etc). I've now been riding with this device on for four rides, and in the real world I found it frankly AMAZING !. Here are some real world examples I encountered:
1) while riding with my family, whom cycle slowly. The device not only told my when motorised vehicles were approaching, but other faster cyclists whom where cycling faster too. The road cyclists were quiet and fast, and I was able to notify my family including two children that they were approaching.
2) in reality, it was able to notify me BEFORE I was able actually hear the petrol motorised vehicles a lot of the time, especially when I was cycling into the wind (and I don't wear headphones while cycling)
3) when cycling away from the sun (I.e. sun was on my back), this time of year when the sun is low in the sky, I could not always see traffic behind me due to the sun (e.g having to look into the sun, even with sun glasses). This device was obviously uneffected by the sun brightness and could tell me exactly when vehicles were coming up behind.
4) lastly, today I believed this device saved my life ! I was going fast down hill, with a bend at the bottom. Half way down the device notified me something was approaching at very high speed, the radar said it was right behind me just before the bend where I was about to pull out to give me space to go round then bend, but I still could not hear anything behind. Being prudent I decided at the last moment to slow down and go tight towards the curb, rather then pull out slightly. Good job I did, other wise, this inconsiderate ELECTRIC car owner, whom over took me on the bend would have hit me at speed.
So before anyone expresses an opinion on this device, I recommend they actually try it first before expressing their opinion. While I appreciate there were some early software issues, these issues appear to have been resolved and works seamlessly with my Garmin Edge 1000, combined the Varia it I s a great innovative solution which goes a long way to helping us cyclists to be safe on the roads !!!
Lastly, I just want to stress I don't work for Garmin, I'm a 47 year guy whom simply enjoys cycling.
