Garmin Varia RCT715 radar system with smartwatch support, designed to save lives, light up the night, and convict pushers

Garmin wants to make the lives of cyclists safer in the truest sense of the word with a smart gadget. The Varia RCT715 Garmin Varia radar system is not only a GPS radar detector with an integrated rear light, but also comes with a dashcam.

Garmin is not only active as a manufacturer of smartwatches and multisport watches but also offers dive computers and accessories for cyclists. With the Varia RCT715, the manufacturer is now offering a system designed to make cycling safer. The heart of the new Garmin Varia radar system, which is designed to detect vehicles approaching from behind at a distance of up to 140 meters. If desired, the radar then issues a visual and audible alarm when approaching.

According to the manufacturer, the 106.5 x 42 x 31.9-millimeter system weighs just 147 grams and can be mounted on almost any bike thanks to the seat post mount. In addition to the radar, there is a rear lamp approved for road traffic, which is supposed to provide 5 lumens in continuous light mode. In addition, a camera is installed, which should also be able to take Full HD recordings at 30 frames per second.

The battery life of the system is estimated at up to five hours with radar operation, constant light mode, and Full HD video recording. If desired, the camera recording can also be activated solely by the radar. A 16-gigabyte memory card is integrated into the price, and an acceleration sensor is designed to protect recordings made during an accident from being overwritten.

The camera can also be operated with Garmin Edge devices and compatible smartwatches, and there is also a corresponding app for smartphones, which should also support video transmission.

Garmin Varia RCT715 price and availability

The IPX7-certified Varia RCT715 Garmin radar system is now available from the Amazon.com for around $400.