Does it work without a Garmin bike computer?

Yes. It pairs with the Varia app on a compatible smartphone, and with select Garmin wearables, for radar alerts.

How long does the battery last?

Up to 4 hours with radar, tail light and 1080p recording, up to 5 hours on solid low and up to 6 hours on day flash. Dropping to 720p extends runtime.

Does it record all the time?

It records continuously while on. In radar-activated mode the camera starts when a vehicle approaches, and footage is saved automatically when an incident is detected.

The RCT715 unit, a 16 GB SD card and mounting hardware for the seatpost.

How is it different from the Varia RTL515?

The RTL515 is radar and tail light only. The RCT715 adds a camera and incident recording, with shorter battery life and a larger body.

Can I read license plates in the footage?

Sometimes in good light at close range, but owners say the image is soft and plates are often unreadable, especially at night.

Garmin Varia RCT715 Bicycle Camera with Tail Light (010-02474-00)

Q: Where is the Garmin Varia RCT715 Bicycle Camera with Tail Light (010-02474-00) cheapest?

At Amazon, for $369.98, as of our latest check.

Q: Where can I buy the Garmin Varia RCT715 Bicycle Camera with Tail Light (010-02474-00)?

17 stores we checked sell it, including Amazon, evo.com, Garmin, Target, Trek Bicycle.

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$369.98at AmazonChecked 1 h ago

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What reviewers say

Owners value the rear alerts and the peace of mind of incident footage, and most say the radar is reliable. The common complaints are short battery life with the camera on, mediocre video quality and a sluggish app.

What people mention

BatteryCriticisedOwners say the camera cuts runtime to around four hours, too short for long rides.
Video qualityCriticisedFootage is usable for evidence but soft, and license plates are hard to read.
RadarPraisedRiders find the rear vehicle alerts accurate and timely.
AppCriticisedReviewers call the Varia app slow for viewing and transferring clips.
Incident recordingPraisedAutomatic saving of footage before and after an event is widely valued.
SizeMixedSome find the unit bulky and heavy compared with a radar-only tail light.

About the Garmin Varia RCT715 Bicycle Camera with Tail Light (010-02474-00)

The Garmin Varia RCT715 is a rearview radar with a built-in camera and tail light. It records your ride continuously and detects vehicles approaching from behind. Alerts appear on a compatible Garmin device.

The camera records 1080p video at 30 fps, or you can set it to 720p to extend battery life. It saves footage automatically before, during and after an incident. You can view footage and control the camera with the Varia mobile app.

The radar detects vehicles up to 153 yards (140 meters) away. It works with Edge bike computers, select Garmin wearables, or the Varia app on a paired compatible smartphone. Three modes help manage battery life: always-on, lights and radar only, or radar-activated, which turns the camera on when a vehicle approaches.

Video

1080p at 30 fps, or 720p to extend battery life

Radar range

Up to 153 yards (140 meters)

Camera modes

Always-on, lights and radar only, radar-activated

Battery life

Up to 4 hours on solid high or night flash, up to 5 hours on solid low, up to 6 hours on day flash, all with radar on and camera recording at 1080p

Compatibility

Edge bike computers, select Garmin wearables, Varia app on a paired compatible smartphone

Storage

16 GB SD card included