THIS IS A MUST FOR EVERY ROAD CYCLIST!!! Garmin Varia RTL515 Review

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  • Опубліковано 1 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 137

  • @CharlesOuimet
    @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому +3

    What's your thoughts on this radar light? A must, a gimmick, too expensive? LMK here!

    • @harrbear86
      @harrbear86 3 роки тому

      Got it at 270 - 15% discount! Worth it I think.

    • @Blackriver48
      @Blackriver48 3 роки тому +1

      absolute must ! it completely puts you at ease on solo rides out on the roads

    • @stithis
      @stithis 3 роки тому

      I still think it's gimmicky right now. I rather choose a better output of light than a radar.

    • @phoffen3829
      @phoffen3829 Рік тому

      In Quebec, quite expensive, but completely worth it, especially on country roads, with little shoulder. I am convinced it saved my life in PEI last year. Sometimes the light seems to go off, though, and I don't know why.

    • @StayInTheWord
      @StayInTheWord 10 місяців тому

      I just bought one. My RTL515 did not miss a thing. Works flawlessly.

  • @pixel__detox
    @pixel__detox 3 роки тому +3

    Already liking before watching, this light is a must-have!! I am using it since the beginning of the season, I think it already saved my life multiple times.

  • @GlobalAdventurer
    @GlobalAdventurer 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for the tip about two passing vehicles. I'll be using that👍 I just purchased this radar unit, now just waiting for it to show up. Subcribed.

  • @brucefeinberg2576
    @brucefeinberg2576 3 роки тому +2

    One other note Charles - for me the only downside to the 515 is the mounting system that Garmin provides. You basically trust your $200+ investment to a big rubber band. Recco investing in an alternate attachment - there are a few on line. I found a 3-D printed holder for the 515 from a place called Shapeway located in NYC I believe. It's a small and super lite device that mounts under the seat (I have a Specialized Phenom that has 2 bolt holes) and the 515 quarter turns into the holder. Super secure and don't have to worry about the rubber band coming loose and your radar bouncing into the weeds or worse.

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      Yes definitely agree that the mount is the weak point, check out my other video on how i mounted in behind the saddle bag, which is nice and secude

    • @ahstrewth
      @ahstrewth 2 роки тому

      Yep...this is a remarkable fail by Garmin
      Easy and very cheap fix though.....
      Slip a zip tie in between the hard plastic mount and the rubber insert appropriate for your seat post.
      Do not secure the zip tie until you have secured the rubber ring supplied or you will block the space for the rubber ring to seat properly.
      So...secure the zip tie last.
      This will absolutely secure the unit to the seat post.
      There are hardware accessories available that screw to the seat rails but they cost around $25.

  • @RobBelanger
    @RobBelanger 3 роки тому +4

    Completely agree. Great piece of kit to have on EVERY ride. I feel like I’m riding blind when I don’t have it.
    My only dislike is the battery life. Have the RTL516 and it does 3hours and a bit. Not that i ride longer than that on a regular basis but if you do a long ride and forget to charge it, it won’t last long on your next ride 🙁

    • @CrabgrassFarmer
      @CrabgrassFarmer 3 роки тому +3

      Make sure you're using it in flash mode. It uses less battery energy.

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому +2

      yeah battery could be improved... 3h is not a lot??? Mine is 20+
      I charge after every big ride

    • @Jarek.
      @Jarek. 3 роки тому +1

      I totally agree with the others - it something seriously wrong, either with the settings or the unit itself. I’d call Garmin for a support, it should be 5x longer, easily.

  • @GrouEEf
    @GrouEEf 3 роки тому

    I bought one and rode it the first time today... Definitely works well.

  • @CBMaster2
    @CBMaster2 3 роки тому +1

    I just got one today from your link! I've been thinking about it for a long time, everyone says it's a game changer. Today I stopped being cheap and just pressed the button, getting it next week :)

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому +1

      Hell yes dude! For real, you will NOT regret it I promise

  • @kp-dr7tt
    @kp-dr7tt 3 роки тому +4

    I would love one Charles but they are too expensive. I have a super bright rear light and that has helped me

  • @invalice123
    @invalice123 3 роки тому +8

    I would love one Charles! But they're expensive. I believe it's only a matter of time before competing products arrive.

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому +4

      Hey man, I agree it's expensive. But to be honnest, this is worth so much more than a carbon wheel upgrade or a electronic groupset!

    • @peterbee8892
      @peterbee8892 3 роки тому

      I found one on ebay

    • @SebGagne
      @SebGagne 3 роки тому +2

      Look for it on special on Black Friday or other "specials day". As for competing products, I'm not sure something will come up soon, it's been 6 years since the first radar was announced.

  • @joseph9303
    @joseph9303 2 роки тому

    Great video and nice points/ illustrations! Made me think of use cases I never thought of. Thanks for the helpful info!

  • @Big_M_T
    @Big_M_T 3 роки тому +2

    I believe no more accidents with cars is a bit of hyperbole and I also believe you trust drivers waaaay more than I do. Looks like a great product though, I’ll definitely look into it.

  • @goodcompanycoffee
    @goodcompanycoffee 2 роки тому

    Great visuals and applied examples vs. just a product spec review.

  • @ricecrash5225
    @ricecrash5225 3 роки тому

    Just bought this, it’s incredible. It will even tell you if another cyclist is coming though. Where I live we have lots of bike paths so cars aren’t always the issue it’s having a peloton or motorised scooter blasting through !!

  • @chbrosz
    @chbrosz 3 роки тому

    you are so authentic dude. love the content. keep it up.

  • @peterbee8892
    @peterbee8892 3 роки тому +5

    Best bit of safety gear on the bike after the helmet. I wouldn't ride without it.

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      Exactly!!!

    • @nshon7
      @nshon7 3 роки тому

      Same here, I cannot imagine riding without it now.

  • @CrabgrassFarmer
    @CrabgrassFarmer 3 роки тому

    I love mine. It works great. Wouldn't want to be without it.

  • @molfar9049
    @molfar9049 3 роки тому +3

    with the current bike prices they should come stocked with this thing.

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому +1

      that would be awesome ahah!! Or have it integrated with saddles!

    • @molfar9049
      @molfar9049 3 роки тому +3

      @@CharlesOuimet it makes sense. we are buying a ROAD bike after all. car manufacturers don’t sell cars without tires or brake lights :)

  • @pierrerivard4884
    @pierrerivard4884 3 роки тому

    You totally convinced me. I will buy one tomorrow.

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      Awesome to hear this, you won't regret it!
      Get it from my links in description to help out the channel!

    • @pierrerivard4884
      @pierrerivard4884 3 роки тому

      I have received the Garmin Radar yesterday and I went for a ride today. I am totally impressed with the performance . It detects cars, motorcycles, bicycles from a pretty long distance giving me sufficient time to react. It really is a game changer in terms of safety for road cyclists. Thanks Charles for this video as I was not aware of the efficiency of this technology. It is extremely impressive. I will not ride without it!

  • @karlchami6781
    @karlchami6781 3 роки тому

    I've been using it too, it is really helpful! always good tips from u Charles!

  • @harrbear86
    @harrbear86 3 роки тому

    Just ordered this ! Can’t wait to use it. You forgot to mention the biggest pro for this is the wind noise in the ears. Can’t hear shit on the road!

  • @santibergallo
    @santibergallo 3 роки тому

    Great video! Just when I was thinking about getting a Lezyne alert rear light, Charles comes out with about one alternative I hadn't considered.

  • @SteveBrill
    @SteveBrill 3 роки тому

    New subscriber Charles and great advice on 'owning the road' to reduce dangerous close passes by cars.👍 I love my Garmin Varia and will not ride without it.

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому +1

      Thank you Steve!!!

    • @carrickdubya4765
      @carrickdubya4765 2 роки тому

      Both of you must live in small towns. You would be roadkill if you pulled that stunt in my city. A peloton of bikers was hit a few years ago where a rider died. Hit and runs happen on a daily basis and I would not be giving this advice without a warning to do at your own risk.

  • @brucefeinberg2576
    @brucefeinberg2576 3 роки тому

    A life saver for sure. Note that it also links to your iPhone. Provides a audible for traffic coming up behind and a different sound when all clear. One thing to note, as I've just had my 515 replaced by Garmin (thanks Garmin). Don't recharge using one of those square charging blocks - like you might get with certain phones. Garmin told me there is a generation of the 515 that if charged through a charging block, it damages the 515's battery. At the start of this season, mine would not hold a charge. Not sure what generation they sent me as a replacement, but now I only charge using a power strip with a USB port - 3.1 Amps. I don't pretend to understand the technical issues with the square charging block, but better to be warned...

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      damn!! cool thanks for sharing this man

    • @brucefeinberg2576
      @brucefeinberg2576 3 роки тому

      @45 fottuto stronzo Thanks for the words of caution. Makes sense, but the average person (like me!!) wouldn't have a clue about any of this. Too bad that Garmin doesn't provide some advise here, or recommendations on how to charge their device. Maybe at the end of the day it doesn't make any difference?? Seems it did for mine. From now on, I'll charge via my computer. Thanks

  • @belmontst
    @belmontst 3 роки тому

    I live in an American city so to get home and to start the ride I’m sharing the road with cars for a good 20 miles. Having the garmin varia in the city gave me anxiety which didn’t let me focus on the ride and would intervene when I’m usually being self aware of my surroundings ahead of me. When I would ride on bike trails I would get the same level of anxiety as if I were on the road sharing with cars. After 2 rides I came to the conclusion that the varia was not right for me. Great devise IMO if you don’t get anxiety or don’t live in or near a city.

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому +1

      This is indeed not for city usage, I usually disable alerts until I reach the country roads where there is cars every few minutes or so!

    • @belmontst
      @belmontst 3 роки тому +1

      @@CharlesOuimet I barely remember to turn off my lights lol. PS: I will be using your winspace code for my new wheels, so thanks for that too!

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      @@belmontst helllll yes 👌🏻👌🏻

  • @rbrlbisland
    @rbrlbisland 3 роки тому

    Great review and some excellent tips!

  • @SebGagne
    @SebGagne 3 роки тому

    I too really like my Varia light, a must-have. However as with all safety product, I don't blindly trust it; when there is an alert I know there is something, but when there is none I DON'T assume there is nothing, always be careful. I've had very rare cases where a second car wasn't detected and sometimes it does detect 1-2 riders as a car, but 99% of the time it's spot on
    Is the truck alert only for Garmin? I never heard of that feature, I think the stronger alarm was for cars going 50km/h faster than you are.

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому +1

      Hey! Definitely agree with you, never trust is 100% in case of a false positive, but it's damn good and accurate!
      Humm I don't know for the truck alert exactly. I feel I have the same alert when a car is coming really really fast. But also have the same alert when it's a big truck

    • @SebGagne
      @SebGagne 3 роки тому

      Also, @@CharlesOuimet one thing you didn't mention is that it will pick up cars WAY further than you can hear them. It gives much more time to prepare and not be surprised by cars.

  • @shtstirrer
    @shtstirrer 3 роки тому

    Varia is very nice on quiet or semi quiet roads, in busy areas a mirror is better. Bottom line is to just get both :)

  • @edsinofsky
    @edsinofsky 3 роки тому

    I feel naked riding without my Varia radar on the road. awesome product.

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      ahah good way of putting it!!! Absolutely

  • @juanfranli
    @juanfranli 3 роки тому

    Nice video, Charles. I had heard of this light, but I didn't know in detail what it did or how it could be used. Very cool tech here. Now I need to save $300 and convince my wife I need it. 😂

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      ahah yeah it's awesome!! Thanks and good luck hehe

  • @SignorLuigi
    @SignorLuigi 3 роки тому

    Nice product and great review, Charles!! My mirror gives me a real good view of everything behind me and I have a very bright flashing light on my saddle bag. For my needs, that is a much more cost effective solution to safely riding on roads. But for those who find mirrors don't work well, this is a great, if expensive, solution! Having said that, $300 (Canadian) and no USB C!!! WTF!!!

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      ahah thanks for sharing man!! LOL YES, USB-C EVERYTHING!!!

  • @MaximGarantRousseau
    @MaximGarantRousseau 3 роки тому +1

    Woww!!! That sounds like such a good buy. Solid!!

  • @HenriGuay
    @HenriGuay 3 роки тому +1

    Motion graphics de 🔥🔥🔥!!! Great video..., now to find a couple hundred $ that hasn't already been spent on gear.... 🤔

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      Thanks man!! Ahah yeah I guess this is worth a lot more than any bike upgrades

  • @bam0505
    @bam0505 3 роки тому

    Best thing on my bike besides me (hence why I own it)

  • @joseluisredondogarcia5244
    @joseluisredondogarcia5244 3 роки тому +1

    Hi Charles, have you experienced some false negative (garmin fails to spot a car or spots it fairly late)?

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому +2

      Hi José, great question. Barely not. Maybe once or twice when I had a big peloton of friends behind me. Most of the time riding single-file, it still detects cars. But when riding alone, it have a detection rate of 100% for me

    • @joseluisredondogarcia5244
      @joseluisredondogarcia5244 3 роки тому +1

      @@CharlesOuimet this is super useful! Thanks again Charles for the great content.

    • @Jarek.
      @Jarek. 3 роки тому +2

      For me - sometimes happens. Two main scenarios: a bus stop with a metal shelter or a big truck pulled over on road side (I think when there is a road curve). Both generates a short alert which disappears after a short while, I’m on 510 though (latest software). On the other hand - I don’t recall a missed (ie not reported) car - which is good. I prefer sporadic false alarms than a missed alert.

    • @joseluisredondogarcia5244
      @joseluisredondogarcia5244 3 роки тому +1

      @@Jarek. yeah, false positives are better than false negatives in this scenario... Thanks for sharing!!

    • @theofficecyclist
      @theofficecyclist 3 роки тому +2

      Never missed a car in 3 years. False alarm "car behind" yes several times. Good its not the other way around.

  • @theofficecyclist
    @theofficecyclist 3 роки тому +2

    Well that is NOT RIGHT that you don't have to look back when you ride with the Varia Radar. Because it is a RADAR and not a mirror it shows only MOVING OBJECTS. So please don't give people false security. The radar detects everything moving 15km/h faster than you. So you can have a car behind you WITHOUT you seeing it. Situations when cars WANISH behind you is when the car turns of to another road. Gone. Or if a car comes from behind, brakes an cruses behind you at same speed. Gone. You also can have this situation. For some reason you have not payed attention for the PLINGS on the radar. You have a car behind you at the same speed as you. Suddenly the driver pushes the gas to go by you, PLING. Suddenly(!) from "nowhere" you have a fast moving car RIGHT BEHIND you.
    So always look back time to time. If you want to see whats behind you get a MIRROW. If you want t see MOVING things behind you, get a RADAR.
    I have been using Vario since the first generation. Also have tested all the newest modells. I like the first gen that also warns the driver with frantic biking of the light. Sadly Garmin has removed this funktions on the 2 new models. Peleton safe they call it, but when you ride solo you might want to also warn the drivers, not just you who gets the warning. Bad Garmin!
    Anyway, I always have warned me for moving cars behind. But it sometimes warns me when there is nothing behind me. Luckily not the other way around. Great product though! Love Varia Radar.

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      Thanks for sharing man, I'll take it into consideration!! You have good points, but I got to say, the device is damn accurate, I'd say 99.9%

  • @AggroEntro
    @AggroEntro 3 роки тому

    hey man, off topic, hows the winspace wheels holdin up till now? also i might actually get these lights, seem like its really worth it especially on the road

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      Love the winspace!! I've reviewed the hypers in a video, and my LUN review coming soon!

  • @titaniumismagical8643
    @titaniumismagical8643 3 роки тому

    It's too expensive for me, and my small drop bar mirror does almost as much without a warning noise. Ironically, I thought the same thing after I started using a mirror, "how did I go so long without a mirror"?

  • @Danegerous45
    @Danegerous45 3 роки тому +1

    Telling people to get on the road and block cars doesn’t seem like a smart tip. This is subjective but not a good general tip

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      On a road with no shoulder, letting space for cars to go pass you when an upcoming vehicule is coming is way more dangerous, in my opinion. Again, people should try and see how it works in their area. I'm not saying to hold up the middle of the road the whole time, but only when there is a car coming the other way

  • @Gowlar
    @Gowlar 3 роки тому +3

    Just use a mirror?

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      mirror on road bikes are not cool :p

    • @theofficecyclist
      @theofficecyclist 3 роки тому

      Yes with mirror you se EVERYTHING: With Radar you "only" see moving objects. Just keep that in mind! Big difference!

    • @titaniumismagical8643
      @titaniumismagical8643 3 роки тому

      @@CharlesOuimet safety is way more important than cool for me. After I started using a small drop bar mirror, I said to myself, "how did I ever ride without a mirror"? It's nice knowing a vehicle is coming from behind from a couple blocks away.

    • @ahstrewth
      @ahstrewth 2 роки тому

      @@CharlesOuimet Whoa mate. Looking cool is good - but a vehicle hit will cool you all the way to ambient temperature.
      I have the Garmin Varia 515RTL and it is the best accessory buy - by far - I have ever made.
      But I am seriously looking for a suitable mirror to maximise my safety.
      In fact this session was initiated by yet another search for a mirror - and I landed on your site.
      I agree the current mirror offerings definitely look way uncool - but that will change and items like the Garmin Varia will encourage that change.
      You can never be too safe on the road especially with these numbnuts that tap away on their iPhone while driving - the Varia is no help with these retards.

  • @bikepackingadventure7913
    @bikepackingadventure7913 3 роки тому +2

    Collision Not Accident
    Accident implies no ones fault.
    Accident removed responsibility from the driver.
    I really can’t see any point of this device. I presume a cyclist moves into the gutter every time this device alerts you.
    By moving into the gutter, research has shown that drivers give you less room and overtake close, keep to primary position.
    I would like to see some proper research if does actually make you safer?
    Rather than opinion that it does. I think it would just change your psychology that you get jumpy every time the device alerts you and you just more and more scared to go out on the road.
    Just my thoughts but I would like to see some real research and how a device like this affect the psychology and behaviour of the cyclist and does it in fact improve safety.
    🤔🤔🤔😊

    • @karlchami6781
      @karlchami6781 3 роки тому +1

      you should just try it, too much overthinking

    • @Appareldistributors
      @Appareldistributors 3 роки тому

      I believe it would be useful when riding with one hand or with your hand on the tops of the bar because you don't really want that wind gust from a passing car/truck blowing you without having time to put both hands on the hoods/drops and tense up a bit

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      Sorry I'll correct the thumbnail from accident to collision, french canadian error lol.
      For real man, just try it, and you'll understand ;)

    • @bikepackingadventure7913
      @bikepackingadventure7913 3 роки тому

      @@karlchami6781 Research shows us that if you want to be passed safely by a driver, you need to look like a female dressed in normal clothes and wobble slightly or look like a police office.
      If you look like a ‘sport’ cyclist you get passed closer
      www.bath.ac.uk/news/articles/archive/overtaking110906.html
      www.eta.co.uk/2020/01/14/why-do-drivers-close-pass-cyclists/

    • @Jarek.
      @Jarek. 3 роки тому

      Apart of being a radar, this device is also a read light. Damn efficient I must say - it’s visible from a long distance and blinking pattern depends on how far the car is. From my personal experience I must say that here in Poland a lot of drivers are genuine as*holes - overtaking without leaving a space required by law (and common sense) happens multiple times during a single ride. But with this light, the drivers tends to behave _better_. Of course, I don’t have any numbers to back up this observation but the difference is substantial (I.e. when I forgot to charge battery and riding same road very next day).
      Bottom line is that I kinda understand your skepticism. Before buying this gadget I think I watched all reviews on YT and now, after couple of years of using I’m convinced that none of the reviews could express how much more confidence I gained riding in open traffic. There is something magical which is difficult to explain or express...
      As many others, can’t imagine riding without this equipment.

  • @hamtairo
    @hamtairo 3 роки тому

    I still rocking in Edge 500 so this definitely not compatible with it😪😪

  • @st3ppenwolf
    @st3ppenwolf 3 роки тому

    I don't think this protects from the main reason accidents happen.. driver distraction.

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      Agreed! But it surely helps

    • @martybragg7897
      @martybragg7897 3 роки тому

      The light changes its rate of flash as cars approach. That change in flash hopefully will help some.

  • @powerrod1657
    @powerrod1657 3 роки тому

    A light and being visible is Important...thevradar aspect is a total gimmick. LEZYNE pro strip ftw

    • @Dragonschain
      @Dragonschain 3 роки тому +1

      🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      Definitely not a gimmick!! Once you try it, you can never go back!

  • @googlekonto2851
    @googlekonto2851 3 роки тому

    At that price point it is cheaper and more effective to invest into a 9 mm glock. Just unload the device into the general direction where the driver sits and in most cases it stopped the car or drove it of the road. #cyclistsforpeacefulroads

  • @northwesttravels7234
    @northwesttravels7234 2 роки тому

    No pickup trucks? They will run you down...

  • @DanTuber
    @DanTuber 3 роки тому

    Or you can just avoid busy single lane roads.

  • @justinbouchard
    @justinbouchard 3 роки тому

    I know but I need a garmin computer though.....
    ...hint
    ...hint...
    xoxoxo

    • @CharlesOuimet
      @CharlesOuimet  3 роки тому

      works with wahoo aswell!

    • @justinbouchard
      @justinbouchard 3 роки тому

      @@CharlesOuimet I'm running a lezyne mini :p

    • @RobBelanger
      @RobBelanger 3 роки тому

      Actually, the latest version of the unit has Bluetooth capability and can be linked to an app on your phone. Ca rend ca un peu plus abordable.

    • @justinbouchard
      @justinbouchard 3 роки тому

      @@RobBelanger doesn't that mean I'd have to have my phone mounted as my bike computer?

    • @RobBelanger
      @RobBelanger 3 роки тому

      @@justinbouchard yeah. That’s the downside though 🤷

  • @user-cx2bk6pm2f
    @user-cx2bk6pm2f 5 місяців тому

    "no more accident with cars"... clickbait... dishonest, inaccurate clickbait. I gotta unsub on such garbage.

  • @zid252
    @zid252 Рік тому

    To much talk...🥱