Bike RADAR - for other bikes

[6zfshdb]

The whole point of these radar units is to report the location of approaching traffic from the rear, and give you an idea of how far back it is and how fast it is approaching. It does that by displaying a slider on your bike computer next to whatever screen and data that you are viewing. The radar display stays in view if you switch screens. The audio comes from the computer, not the radar.

I understand this.
I don't have a smartphone or bike computer to pair with this radar unit. I'm trying to find out if I can pair it with my Montana 700i GPS via the Ant+ function. There are mixed opinions on the web as to whether this is possible.

 

[GMA52]

Yes it should, as long as it has the Ant+ function. You can order the Garmin Varia RTL515 from Amazon and return for refund if it does not work.

 

[stompandgo]

Yes it should, as long as it has the Ant+ function. You can order the Garmin Varia RTL515 from Amazon and return for refund if it does not work.

What ANT+ profile does a radar display use? It's not any one of the approved profiles. Do you really understand how ANT+ works?

ANT+ Profiles

The Garmin/Wahoo profile is most likely proprietary.

 

[BlackHand]

I'm not sure that your GPS would have the programming to display the alerts regardless of whether it can pair via ANT+.

Another option would be to pair with the phone in your pocket and send audible alerts/all clear to a bone conduction or open ear earbud.

Lezyne also has a radar system with a front light that can give you visual alerts via a red led on the back of the headlight. I think the headlight does audible as well, but can't remember at the moment. It eliminates the need for a phone or bike computer, though you are limited to just knowing whether it sees something or not.

 

[6zfshdb]

From what I've been able to learn, the radar will simply provide an alert (tone & banner) on the Montana screen via Ant+, not the display produced on an Edge or smartphone.
I'm thinking a compatible smartwatch might be the best approach

 

[fooferdoggie]

From what I've been able to learn, the radar will simply provide an alert (tone & banner) on the Montana screen via Ant+, not the display produced on an Edge or smartphone.

it may not turn on and off automatically either. That's more of a function of the light than the radar.

 

[GMA52]

it may not turn on and off automatically either. That's more of a function of the light than the radar.

You are probably correct on this one. Wasn’t thinking totally through this.

 

[GMA52]

I understand this.
I don't have a smartphone or bike computer to pair with this radar unit. I'm trying to find out if I can pair it with my Montana 700i GPS via the Ant+ function. There are mixed opinions on the web as to whether this is possible.

Sent you a private message

 

[stompandgo]

Lezyne also has a radar system with a front light that can give you visual alerts via a red led on the back of the headlight. I think the headlight does audible as well, but can't remember at the moment. It eliminates the need for a phone or bike computer, though you are limited to just knowing whether it sees something or not.

Good point. The Lezyne Radar React system uses a front and rear light set that has a radar sensor in the rear, and an audible alert and rider facing light to alert the rider of approaching traffic. No computer, phone, or smart watch needed.

 

[6zfshdb]

Good point. The Lezyne Radar React system uses a front and rear light set that has a radar sensor in the rear, and an audible alert and rider facing light to alert the rider of approaching traffic. No computer, phone, or smart watch needed.

The reviews on the Lezyne aren't promising. Not as sensitive as the Garmin and many say, it won't pick up a rear approaching rider on the trail. That would be my primary need.

 

[Gionnirocket]

 

[GMA52]

That is what I told my daughter when she was concerned about someone traveling to close behind her car.

 

[6zfshdb]

Anyone tried using the Aradar app on an Apple watch with a Garmin Varia?

Connect Garmin Varia™ or Bryton Radars to Apple Watch | No iPhone Required | ARadar

Connect your Garmin Varia™ or Bryton Radars to your Apple Watch directly without using iPhone or any other Garmin device. No subscription required! Enjoy live view on iPhone and access full stats a...

aradar-app.com

It appears to provide audio, haptic and visual alerts, but I'm not sure about light control.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Like the OP, I'm especially interested in picking up overtaking bicycles. Considering the Wahoo Trackr radar as I already have a Wahoo ACE head unit.

But I've seen credible reports that the Trackr's not good at picking up overtaking bikes.

Q1. Anybody have solid experience to the contrary?

Q2. Are Garmin radars any better with bikes? If so, which ones?

Q3. Do Garmin radars work well with the Wahoo ACE?

Looking for actual experience here, not guesswork. Thanks!

 

[EMGX]

No experience with Wahoo, the only radar I have is Garmin RTL515 which is excellent picking up bikes. It even reliably picks up someone walking up behind the bike as long as they are moving faster than the bicycle. I always ride with it paths or roads. Very few false alerts, really hardly any, and has never failed me.

 

[GMA52]

The Garmin Varia RTL515 states whatever is following must be going faster than you for it to detect. If it slows to your speed it WILL disappear. I can understand you don’t want it to detect a tree behind you but they could at least make it where if anything is moving at all it will detect. I guess that is harder to do, I don’t know. At least detect something moving 5 miles an hour the speed of walking maybe. I apparently monitors your speed and just detects things moving faster than you

 

[Aushiker]

I find my Wahoo Trackr is effective with vehicles. However, with bicycles I would estimate a 99% non-dection rate. I do ride shared paths frequently where there are many cyclists, and it rarely detects them. So, in my experience, a failure on that aspect. Mind you, I have no credible evidence of Garmin's performance, so they may not be much better with bicycles. It may simply be a mass thing.