PSA - garmin Varia ...
 

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PSA - garmin Varia 515.. £120

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 DrP
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Clicky for Amazon....
EDIT... OK..the above link is for an air fryer, which is also a bargain!!

Anyway... link here:
Garmin varia
Yeah, it's amazon, but these things are meant to be pretty good as a light AND a radar...

DrP


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 3:30 pm
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hmmm, probably better for onion rings 😂 I would like to see that strapped to your seat post though 😃


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 3:34 pm
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link is for
Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer 11-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker, 5.7L - Air Fryer, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Sous Vide Machine, Dehydrator with Grill, Food Warmer & Baking Functions, Silver


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 3:34 pm
 DrP
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I don't know what the issue is.... air fried chips as you ride... bargain...!!!

Working link!
DrP


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 3:37 pm
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Hmm, I need a new light, and the prospect of a new light, a daft gadget and what seems to be a bargain is hard to turn down even at roughly 10 times the cost of the light I was considering

Are they actually any good?


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 3:40 pm
 DrP
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Having done a fair bit of reading, for what they do (light AND radar, YES, they get widespread rave reviews.
But yes, they are also 10 times the cost of a light...

I'm commuting more on the bike now, so think the radar AND the 'reactive light' seem a plus..

DrP


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 3:49 pm
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Yes they are very good. Also work with wahoo computers. Unfortunately I haven't got a Garmin, but if I did I would absolutely be using this add on for garmin computers


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 3:53 pm
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Yea, reviews all well and good, just wondering about real ife users, things like battery life, water ingress, etc


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 3:55 pm
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Yea, reviews all well and good, just wondering about real ife users, things like battery life, water ingress, etc
not had an issue with waterproofness, battery life is not great vs. just a light (which is fair!) so you'll be charging it more often - that's the only negative really (except the price!)

I’m commuting more on the bike now, so think the radar AND the ‘reactive light’ seem a plus..
very much so, the fact that the light changes as the car approaches is the key safety feature I feel. Knowing a car behind you is useful of course but pretty rare that I'd be caught out unawares by one!


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 4:00 pm
 StuF
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My roadie mate's got one and he said it's the best bit of kit he's bought recently and wouldn't be without it. Great at warning you if a car is approaching, picks them up if it catches a glimpse of one on a twisty country road where you may not notice and gives an indication of how quickly they're approaching


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 4:08 pm
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I've got one, it's amazing. I would not be without it now.

I use it for regular rides, and also commuting. It's great just knowing what's coming up behind you, and what they are doing; not just cars, but also things like super-silent derestricted e-bikes.


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 4:17 pm
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They are also £129 at Sigma sports and CRC if you want to use a bike shop rather than the evil A


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 4:23 pm
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Whats the idea here? What do you do with the information it gives you?


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 6:14 pm
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One of those items that seems utterly pointless until you have it, then realise it’s absolutely brilliant.


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 6:16 pm
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Whats the idea here? What do you do with the information it gives you?

You manage your road position on open roads to force an overtake (crossing the centre-line) not the close pass. IT gives 140m or so advance warning of a vehicle approaching from behind and the number of them in the queue. The latter info is useful for right turns, count the vehicles going past, life-saver check and then move across.


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 6:21 pm
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As above, it’s one of those things you don’t realise how useful it is until you use it. I bought one in a gadget frenzy but was surprised how quickly I came to rely on it.


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 7:51 pm
 Alex
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I realised I had two £50 amazon vouchers from aged in-laws who insist on sending me cash for my birthday.  So that's them spent them. Love the data geekery from that video. Cheers for the PSA.


 
Posted : 11/10/2022 7:54 pm
 DrP
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I might install the data-geekery stuff too… i like the fact it makes a global traffic record!!!

Mine should arrive today…

DrP


 
Posted : 12/10/2022 9:36 am
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Mine arrived yesterday (bought from CRC) and I used it on the commute home and in to work this morning.

Its pretty good but have a question - its paired with a 530. How do I get it to just all start automatically when I switch my Garmin on and start riding?  It seems like the light automatically connected but i had to manually connect the radar this morning. Also, when the light was connected I couldn't use the button on the unit to change the unit from solid back to day flash?


 
Posted : 12/10/2022 10:29 am
 Alex
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Mine (Garmin 1030) comes on when I turn the head unit on. I can change the light setting from within the Edge Settings/Sensors. It works great. Could not get the upload to mybiketraffic to work tho. Created an account, downloaded a .FIT file from Garmin connect and tried importing. I can select the file from the upload page but nothing happens (and I have clicked the 'agree to T&Cs box). Tried in Sarfari and Chrome...

Anyone else have an issue?

But short test on road, brilliant. I have a fear of being sideswiped (esp with the tractors/trailers we have lots of) and it's so good to see what's coming and to even be able to see the speed (although the IQ data field is quite small if you have lots of options turns on). What a thing!


 
Posted : 12/10/2022 5:34 pm

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