The Garmin Varia RearVue 820 is a premium cycling gadget that offers peace of mind on busy roads by combining radar tracking with smart lighting and alerts. If you have ever cycled on UK roads, you know the startle of vehicles approaching from behind. While we lack eyes in the backs of our heads, this device serves as the next best thing, providing an affordable solution to a dangerous problem.
How the Garmin Varia RearVue 820 Works
Garmin has offered bike radars for years, sensing approaching vehicles via radar and sending graphics to a smartphone or compatible bike computer. Basic models provide audible warnings, while modern devices show clear diagrams of what is coming, its speed, and proximity. The RearVue 820, Garmin's flagship model, adds another dimension with a wider field of view, detecting vehicles up to 175 metres away. It also indicates vehicle size, threat level, and lane changes, working seamlessly with smartphones or Garmin computers.
Testing the Device
Tested with Garmin's Edge 850 computer over several weeks on varied rides, the RearVue 820 proved impressive. Compared to earlier versions and cheaper alternatives, it is much smarter. The improved display on a cycle computer or smartphone offers a wider graphic, giving a more authentic road view. False alerts are nearly flawless, though it occasionally confused a following cyclist. The extra tracking information helps riders know vehicle position in the road, size, and threat, enhancing safety decisions.
Built-in Light and Battery
The RearVue 820 features a bright light visible up to 2 km away, with a brake light that detects rapid slowing. Light patterns and brightness adjust via Garmin's app. The rechargeable battery lasts for long rides or multiple days between charges. Priced at £259.99, it offers safety and reassurance for serious road cyclists.
Compatibility and Value
The device works with older Garmin computers, possibly available second-hand, and with a range of Garmin smartwatches for alerts. Graphics display on certain watches, so check compatibility. The Garmin app is free, and the radar works brilliantly through a smartphone, eliminating the need for a second device. The configurable light and brake light add value, and the radar is incredibly useful on the road. The RearVue 820's extra features and smarter detection make it worth the investment.
