Is TCD Compatible With Garmin Varia?

[TYJ]

Is the TCD on 2021 SL 5.0 EQ compatible with the Garmin Varia?

If not, can you recommend a good small interface for the Varia?

Thanks!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Is the TCD on 2021 SL 5.0 EQ compatible with the Garmin Varia?

As far as I know it is not. You need the 2nd generation TCD-w (unavailable for SL e-bikes) or the new TCU.

I don't use Garmin Varia. If I used it, I would utilise capabilities of my Wahoo ELEMNT Roam bike computer. Sorry but I cannot give you an advice.

 

[kahn]

If the unit you have can't be used, I gather Garmin makes some small receiver. My varia is paired with a Garmin Edge 1030+. Frankly, I could not hear the beeps with my older Garmin Edge 1000 but can hear the beeps with this newer unit. Or, as noted, you can pair with other GPS computer systems.

 

[gpburdell]

Sounds like you'll need to add either the Garmin Radar Display Unit or buy a Garmin Edge bike computer. I believe the 130 will work, and I know the 530 and 830 work. I think others like Wahoo work with Varia but I'm not familiar with the details.

 

[ReedM]

As Stefan pointed out, the Garmin Varia does communicate with the TCD-w. I tested that recently on my new Tero 5. There is also a Garman Varia app for your cell phone, as well as Ride with GPS works with the Varia. I have installed the Varia and my tail light on the back of my Topeak 29er rack as shown in the accompanying photos.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Reed: Shouldn't the 2022 TCD-w Gen 2 communicate with Garmin Varia?

 

[ReedM]

@Stefan Mikes : Whatever version of the TCD-w I have on my 2022 Tero 5 communicates with the Varia. How do I determine whether I have Gen 1 or Gen 2?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Stefan Mikes : Whatever version of the TCD-w I have on my 2022 Tero 5 communicates with the Varia. How do I determine whether I have Gen 1 or Gen 2?

Gen 2 means you turn the bike on by pressing a button on the display. With Gen 1, you press a button on the battery.
Teros are Gen 2 by definition.

 

[ReedM]

Here is a photo of the screen of the TCD-w Gen 2 showing the Varia in the no approaching traffic mode - a green dot. Click on the image to see the full screen and the green dot.

 

[kahn]

Here is a photo of the screen of the TCD-w Gen 2 showing the Varia in the no approaching traffic mode - a green dot. Click on the image to see the full screen and the green dot.

But does it show more than one and does it show approaching and passing?

 

[ReedM]

But does it show more than one and does it show approaching and passing?

I will tell you when the snow goes away and I can get out on the road.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

But does it show more than one and does it show approaching and passing?

I'm sure it works as intended.

@ReedM: Of course the TCD-w Gen 2 works with Garmin Varia. @TYJ was asking for a 2021 Vado SL. Vado SL is not equipped with TCD-w Gen 2. It is equipped with the TCU Gen 1. Just to clarify.

 

[jmarietta4900]

Hello
Will I be able to use an HRM (either Polar or Wahoo new models) and a Garmin Varia on my 2022 Turbo Como TCD-w simultaneously both via ANT+? Thanks

 

[fooferdoggie]

Hello
Will I be able to use an HRM (either Polar or Wahoo new models) and a Garmin Varia on my 2022 Turbo Como TCD-w simultaneously both via ANT+? Thanks

most devices can handle a bunch of ANT+ devices.

 

[Dazmanturbo]

I use the Garmin Varia and would not ride without it....it is that good. I do like to use it with big headunit, so I get lots of vision of what the radar is showing me. I have a Garmin 1040, but have also used it with 1030 and 1000. The varia can track up to 8 cars at a time and they all show on the headunit. It can also show me their speed via an IQ app

 

[kahn]

I use the Garmin Varia and would not ride without it....it is that good. I do like to use it with big headunit, so I get lots of vision of what the radar is showing me. I have a Garmin 1040, but have also used it with 1030 and 1000. The varia can track up to 8 cars at a time and they all show on the headunit. It can also show me their speed via an IQ app

Can I ask which IQ app is that?

 

[Dazmanturbo]

Can I ask which IQ app is that?

My Bike Traffic is the app. GP Lama did an excellent video on it -

 

[Allan47.7339]

I use the My Bike Traffic to generally keep an eye passing traffic speeds. Once you have loaded the IQ app, you can set which items to display using Garmin Express. I like to see Vehicle Count, Absolute speed and Last vehicle speed. If you display too many parameters the text is kind of small. All of the data will be part of the ride fit file so you can always go back and look in Garmin Connect. I also use a take-a-look mirror on my sports glasses.

 

[Bill G]

Sounds like you'll need to add either the Garmin Radar Display Unit or buy a Garmin Edge bike computer. I believe the 130 will work, and I know the 530 and 830 work. I think others like Wahoo work with Varia but I'm not familiar with the details.

The Garmin link doesn't seem to exist. I found several listings for the unit online but all were sold out and some state it was not going to be restocked. May be discontinued.

 

[Allan47.7339]

As far as I know the Garmin Varia Radar Display Unit has been discontinued for a couple of years or more. Once bike computers could display the radar there wasn't much point to the unit other than a few edge cases and you found one. When I had a Vado SL 5.0 EQ I did not take the TCD on rides and instead just a Garmin head unit which I needed for navigation.