Garmin announces new Varia RearVue 820 rear radar
Garmin has launched a new cycling rear radar, the Varia RearVue 820, with new vehicle tracking features, a USB-C charging port and a brighter light.
The 820’s main functions are similar to its predecessor, the Varia RTL515, in that it will announce approaching vehicles with visual and audible alerts on your cycling computer or the Varia phone app. However, the radar is now claimed to be able to classify what size vehicle is approaching (small/medium/large) and also measure lateral movement to indicate higher-risk overtakes. Garmin says the radar detects vehicles from over 175 meteres away and, with a wider 60-degree radar beam width, it can detect traffic several lanes over.
Garmin says that the same-speed tracking is designed to warn when a vehicle sits behind waiting to pass.
The rear light itself is the brightest yet among Garmin’s radar, rated visible to 2 km when using the 200-lumen day flash. In addition to that, there is a night flash, solid and peloton modes, plus an automatic brake-light pattern and an option to create a custom light pattern. Battery life is quoted at up to 24 hours in day flash or up to 30 hours in radar-only mode. The unit also switches to USB-C charging and ships with a redesigned seatpost mount.
Pricing is £240/€280/US$300, and the radar is available to order from 6 February.