OLATHE, Kan. (BRAIN) — Garmin on Wednesday launched a new product that uses radar to alert riders to approaching cars, plus head and tailights that react to rider speed and a new GPS-enabled head unit that will display Strava segments in real time.
Varia radar and lights
The "smart" bike lights and radar system are being offered as part of Garmin's new Varia product family.
The Varia rearview bike radar warns cyclists of vehicles approaching from behind up to 140 meters (153 yards) and also warns approaching vehicles of a cyclist ahead.
The system includes a radar tail light transmitter and a radar display unit. The radar tail light transmitter detects approaching vehicles and increases brightness as cars approach. When in flashing mode, it increases flashing intensity as well.
The radar display unit and compatible Edge cycling computers show up to eight vehicles as they approach, indicating increasing risk with a change in color on a LED interface or using an overlay of the current data screen on an Edge device. The Varia Smart Bike Lights automatically adjust to changing conditions as well as the speed of the cyclist.
When pared with a compatible Edge, the Varia headlight beam automatically projects further ahead at faster speeds during a ride and closer as a rider's speed decreases. The Varia tail light operates in solid and flashing modes, and increases intensity when the bike decelerates to warn approaching traffic. By adding a second tail light cyclists can use turn signals, controlled through a compatible Edge or the Varia remote. Paired with other Edge devices the lights can automatically turn on and off, preventing accidental battery drain.
The Varia radar tail light will retail for $199.99, or $299.99 bundled with the radar display unit. The Varia smart bike lights are available as a bundle including the Varia remote for $299.99, or separately for $199.99 (headlight) and $69.99 (tail light). All Varia smart cycling devices will begin shipping in the third quarter this year.
New Edge 520
In a partnership with Strava.com, Garmin has added a feature to its new Edge 520 head unit that lets riders view their performance on a Strava segment as they ride it. Users can upload segments directly from Strava to their Edge 520 to receive instantaneous data, compete for King of the Mountain or Queen of the Mountain titles, and improve their personal bests. Additionally, the Edge 1000, Edge 810 and Edge 510 will add support for Strava Live Segments via a software update in the third quarter this year.
The Edge 520 also shows time in zone, functional threshold power, cycling-specific VO2 max and recovery time, indoor trainer support, and cycling dynamics. It has a high-resolution color display. It also integrates with compatible Shimano Di2 electronic shifting systems and standard ANT+ sensors including power meters, heart rate monitors, speed and cadence sensors, the Varia devices, remotes and the VIRB action camera.

The Edge 520 is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter and has a suggested retail price of $299.99 and $399.99 bundled with a heart rate monitor, cadence sensor and speed sensor. It will be the on-bike device used by Team Cannondale-Garmin during races starting this month.
