Yes, there is a StVZO-compliant version of the 515 called the 516.
This really sounds like racing for best human/second place whenever Pog is present. My Varia is the go-to nearly every ride though barely holds a 4-hour charge at this point and is destined for replacement.
In my best human group, I’ll proactively nominate Look’s new kit that replaces the back plate on their pedals. I think conventional lights, no matter how bright tend not to get noticed by motorists or at least don’t scream “I’m a bike, slow down”. My two favorite conventional lights are very fringe/hard to get-a Flock Light that has a weird pattern that also throws light on my legs in motion, and Blaze out of the UK that also works as brake light.
One oddball I’ve used in group rides and some commutes, but doesn’t technically fit this category, is my Lumos helmet, which includes programmable light. It’s bright, has some wild flash patterns, and also integrates with a bar mounted switch and serves as a turn signal.
Battery life, the lack of USB-C and the inability to upgrade via an app (in that order) were my main gripes with the Varia.
That’s the reason why I went with a Wahoo Trackr Radar, the battery life (when new) is much better. So far, I have been commuting a whole week without recharging it. That wasn’t possible with my Varia.
Have used all of the Exposure rear lights: Tracer; Blazer; and Boost-R. All very solid lights with good lighting options and great run time. Great build and serviceable. The peloton and reakt options are very useful for group and solo riding.
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Planet Bike Grateful Red has been good enough for me, for many years of mostly urban riding. Pretty visible, long battery life, mounts securely to rear rack (or can be unclipped and attached to a bag loop), bulletproof, still 30 USD, and — put me on team Caley here — it is appropriately dumb. I have simply had no need to replace it, which speaks volumes (about my practical ignorance of alternatives, and its fit for purpose).
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My primary go-to rear light is a “dumb” Lezyne KTV Drive+ unit. It is easily charged on any bog-standard USB-A charger (e.g. computer or the umpteen iPhone/iPad bricks accumulated over the years), has a long burn time, myriad modes, is more that bright enough, and attaches easily to even the most fiddly proprietary seatpost shapes. If the battery is degrading over time it certainly doesn’t show it (my unit is now close to 4 years old).
I also use a Garmin Varia RTL515, but it’s seldom the primary rear light I use. It’s lost a decent amount of runtime over the 3.5 years I’ve owned it, and the micro-USB charging is a right pain. I do like the surefooted security of the Garmin quarter-turn mount, though - that’s a standard that all rear radar lights should use, in my opinion. I imagine that the Lezyne Radar Drive will replace the Varia over time - it’s the one light that seems to tick Shane “GP Lama” Miller’s boxes for going truly toe-to-toe, blow-by-blow with the Varia.
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I have the Garmin Varia Radar (non-camera) and the Wahoo Tracker. I was seeing more radar errors when I switched to a wahoo head unit. I like the tracker for USB-C and battery life
That’s interesting. I haven’t noticed that, both seem as accurate as the other detecting cars.
The most significant difference is the duration for which cars that have either disappeared from radar (e. g. because they took a turn or, most importantly, because they have matched their speed with mine as they cannot overtake me) is quite a bit shorter on the Wahoo. This isn’t a fault, it is a different trade-off.
I also noticed that the Wahoo’s radar beam is narrower: when I am on a bike path parallel to a road, the Wahoo detects cars slightly later. But since the cars are two lanes to the right of me and there is a barrier and trees between us (which makes detection harder), this is actually a plus. When I am on the road, I have no issues with the detection of cars in my lane or the next one over.
I have had a Moon Shield-X for probably 10 years (so long that I’ve forgotten) and it’s still going strong. It doesn’t have a braking feature, but does have an auto light sensor that you canchoose to use it not. For me, the best thing about it is the eco-flash, which is a bright 300 lumens with a run time around 40 hours. I love being super visible and not having to worry about charging it regularly.
Since battery life came up a few times for Garmin - does anyone have experience with their new model Rearvue 820? I’m ok paying a premium for the improvements on detection, functionality (+ USB-C), but I’d be quite unhappy buying the most expensive model if it dies after a few years.
Obviously bit hard to say so soon after launch, but in case there are any heavy users here.
Knog cobber for me. Used the app to re-programme it so i only had the middle 3rd on when in constant mode, meaning not too bright for group riding and battery lasted 3x. Use the flash between each third as a good city commuting mode.
Previoulsy had moon nebula lights but i had faults with 3 in a row, until 3rd one out of warranty.
What would you like to know?
In the non-radar category, Niteflux Red Zone. Pretty sure they’re the only battery-powered tail lights you can see from the moon. Ideal for solo touring.
+1 Garmin Varia RTL515
I have both a Varia 515 and an 820. I prefer the 515… I hate the 820 staying on when there are riders behind me in a group ride. I find it very annoying. I do long rides and I’ve never had the 515 die on me due to its battery. It is annoying that it has a mini-USB port, but it’s not the only device I have that uses one so it’s not really that big of a pain.
Bit of a long shot: any ultra heavy users seeing signs of degradation with the battery of the 820.
If you want a bigger battery and a usb-c I really recommend the Sigma Reco 80(or 81), works great and is now my go-to after the Varia 515 I used before. It’s also cheaper.
Too soon to tell.
Garmin Varia 515. For non-radar version, Bontrager Flare RT. I loved how small it is, but the light is really intense. I think any light that makes you visible is worth it.