Does the RCT715 work without a Garmin bike computer?

Yes. It pairs with the Varia app on a compatible smartphone for radar alerts and camera control. A Garmin Edge or select wearable shows alerts on the screen.

How long does the battery last?

Battery life depends on mode. Recording at 1080p with the light on drains it fastest; 720p and reduced light modes stretch it for longer rides.

Can I use it as just a taillight and radar?

Yes. You can turn the camera off and use the radar and taillight alone, which saves battery.

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

How does it compare with the Varia RTL515?

The RTL515 is radar and taillight only: lighter, longer-running and simpler. The RCT715 adds a camera and incident auto-save at the cost of battery life and bulk.

Does it record continuously?

It records while riding and loops over old footage. When it detects an incident it saves the clip from before, during and after the event.

What do buyers say about the Varia RCT715 Rearview Camera and Taillight?

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings.

Where can I buy the Varia RCT715 Rearview Camera and Taillight?

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

Garmin

Varia RCT715 Rearview Camera and Taillight

Q: Where is the Varia RCT715 Rearview Camera and Taillight cheapest?

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

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$369.98at AmazonChecked 1 h ago

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What reviewers say

Reviewers like the idea of radar plus camera in one unit and value the traffic alerts. Many complain about battery life with the camera on and a sluggish app for viewing footage. Footage quality is seen as usable but not great at night.

What people mention

BatteryCriticisedOwners say the camera drains the battery quickly, so long rides need 720p or camera-off modes.
AppCriticisedReviewers find the Varia app slow and awkward for viewing and transferring footage.
RadarPraisedRiders say the rear alerts are reliable and give useful warning of approaching traffic.
Video qualityMixedFootage is usable in daylight but soft and noisy at night.
Incident detectionMixedThe auto-save works for many riders but can miss events or trigger falsely.
BuildCriticisedThe combined unit is heavier and bulkier than the radar-only Varia.

About the Varia RCT715 Rearview Camera and Taillight

The Garmin Varia RCT715 is a rearview radar with a built-in camera and tail light. The camera records continuously while you ride. If it detects an incident, it automatically saves footage from before, during and after the event.

The radar detects vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards (140 meters) away. It sends alerts to a compatible Edge bike computer, select Garmin wearables, or the Varia app on a paired compatible smartphone. The tail light makes you more visible to motorists.

The Varia app lets you view footage, transfer videos and control the camera. You can also customize camera settings such as data overlays. Three operation modes let you balance camera and light features against battery life. Radar-activated mode turns the camera on when an approaching car is detected.

Video resolution

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

Radar range

Up to 153 yards (140 meters)

Operation 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 the camera recording at 1080p

Light modes

Day flash up to 6 hours, Peloton up to 5 hours, Solid up to 4 hours, Night flash up to 3 hours (with 1080p video)

Battery

Li-Ion