Does the RCT715 work without a Garmin bike computer?

Yes. It pairs with the Varia app on a compatible smartphone and with select Garmin wearables, so radar alerts and camera control work without an Edge.

How long does the battery last?

Garmin rates up to 6 hours with radar, day flash and camera recording. Dropping the camera to 720p or using a lower light mode extends runtime.

What resolution does the camera record?

It records at 1080p/30 fps, or 720p to stretch battery life on longer rides.

Does it save video if I crash?

Yes. Incident detection saves footage from before, during and after the event automatically.

How does it compare with the Varia RTL515?

The RTL515 is radar and tail light only, so it is smaller and lighter. The RCT715 adds the camera and incident recording at the cost of size, weight and battery life.

The unit, a seatpost mount and charging cable. Check the listing for the exact mount type your seatpost needs.

Where is the Garmin Varia RCT715 Rearview Radar Camera cheapest?

At Amazon, for $369.99, as of our latest check.

Is the Garmin Varia RCT715 Rearview Radar Camera at its lowest price?

The lowest price we've seen is $367.00 at Amazon on October 31, against $369.99 now.

Where can I buy the Garmin Varia RCT715 Rearview Radar Camera?

14 stores we checked sell it, including DICK'S Sporting Goods, Walmart, Best Buy, REI, Garmin.

Garmin Varia RCT715 Rearview Radar Camera

Best price now

$369.99at AmazonChecked Nov 8

Compared across 14 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

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What reviewers say

Owners value the combination of radar alerts and a rear camera, calling it reassuring on open roads. Many find the footage useful after close passes, but criticise battery life with the camera on and a fiddly app for reviewing clips.

What people mention

BatteryCriticisedRiders say runtime falls well short of the 6-hour figure once the camera records at 1080p.
Radar alertsPraisedOwners find vehicle warnings on their Edge computer timely and easy to read.
AppCriticisedReviewers call the Varia app slow and awkward for finding and downloading clips.
Video qualityPraisedFootage is clear enough to read plates and identify vehicles in good light.
Size and weightMixedSome riders accept the bulk for the camera, others find it heavy on the seatpost.
Incident detectionMixedIt captures useful clips after events but sometimes triggers on rough roads.

About the Garmin Varia RCT715 Rearview Radar Camera

The Garmin Varia RCT715 combines rearview radar, a tail light and a built-in camera in one compact unit. The camera records what is behind you at up to 1080p at 30 fps. You can also set it to 720p to extend battery life on longer rides.

The camera records continuously. If it detects an incident, it automatically saves footage from before, during and after the event. You can control the camera from a paired Garmin device and view or transfer footage in the Varia mobile app. The app also lets you customize camera settings such as data overlays.

The radar detects vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards (140 meters) away. It gives visual and audible alerts on a paired Edge bike computer, select Garmin wearables or the Varia app on a compatible smartphone. With a compatible smartphone, it also works with third-party apps such as Ride with GPS to overlay radar alerts on your maps.

Video

Up to 1080p at 30 fps; 720p option

Radar range

Up to 153 yards (140 meters)

Light visibility

Up to 1 mile in daylight

Battery, solid high or night flash

Up to 4 hours with radar, tail light and 1080p recording

Battery, solid low

Up to 5 hours with radar, tail light and 1080p recording

Battery, day flash

Up to 6 hours with radar, tail light and 1080p recording