First Look Friday: Garmin Varia Smart Bike System

First Look Friday is an introduction to the gear that we are currently testing for review. This week we’re featuring Garmin’s Varia Smart Bike ecosystem.

Garmin introduced their Varia rear light and radar following the acquisition of Backtracker in early 2015. They have since added a smart headlight and in-sight display as well as full system integration with some of their GPS head units.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg6x_2AG5Co

Varia Smart Bike Headlight & Tail Light

The Varia smart bike lights aim to create a safer riding environment by adjusting to changing light conditions as well as bike speed. As speed increases a rider needs to see further ahead in order to react to road conditions in time. The Varia headlight automatically lifts the beam to project the light further down the road. As ambient light fades or gets brighter, both the headlight and tail light adjust automatically when paired with a light-sensing Edge 1000 bike computer while its beam cutoff prevents the headlight from blinding oncoming drivers.

Works independently and seamlessly integrates with compatible Edge cycling computers
As rider’s speed increases, the headlight automatically projects further ahead or closer as a rider’s speed changes when paired with select Edge computers
As light conditions change, the smart Varia headlights and tail light automatically get brighter or dimmer, when paired with a light-sensing Edge 1000
Adjustments, including on/off, can be made manually with the use of an included remote
With 2 tail lights you can indicate impending right or left turns

Varia Vision In-sight Display

The Varia Vision attaches to your sunglasses to display key data, including performance data, turn-by-turn directions, incoming smart notifications and more. When paired with the Varia rearview radar system, the Varia Vision warns users of traffic approaching from behind. The Varia Vision weighs in at a scant 29.7 grams, features 8 hours of always-on battery life, and a glove and wet-weather friendly touch panel to rotate between data displays. Its adaptable mounting allows it to attach to either arm of the glasses and is fully adjustable for optimum display positioning. Varia Vision features a durable, weatherproof design with an integrated ambient light sensor and colour display that ensures readability in all conditions.

Featherweight device easily attaches to either side of your favourite sunglasses to put ride information right in your line of sight
Displays performance data, directions and more from compatible Edge cycling devices
Pairs with Varia rearview radar to notify of vehicles approaching from behind
Provides vibration alerts for key performance, direction, radar and call/text prompts
Convenient touch panel eases transitions between data screens, even if wearing gloves

Varia Rearview Radar and Display Unit Bundle

For our take on the Varia Rearview Radar and Display outside of the Varia Smart Bike ecosystem, head over to our full review here.

World’s first cycling radar that warns of vehicles approaching from behind up to 140 meters
Works independently and wirelessly integrates with compatible Edge cycling computers
When paired, the Edge computer or Varia head unit can detect multiple vehicles and indicates the relative speed of approach and threat level
Tail light unit brightens and flashes to notify approaching traffic of a cyclist ahead