The Garmin Varia RTL515 is a device that alerts you whenever a vehicle is behind you while grinding a bike. The radar tail light on the Garmin Varia can be seen by drivers behind you from a mile away. This is a good product for individuals who always ride a bike. Basically, the Garmin Varia RTL515 is there to ensure your safety from vehicles behind you. It does a really great job. Therefore, if you own a bike, then you should consider getting a Garmin Varia RTL515.

In addition, in the article below, we shall discuss more details about the Garmin Varia and most importantly, how to set up the Garmin Varia RT515 on your bike. So check out more on this article to learn the steps you need to take to set up the Garmin Varia.
Is Garmin Varia 515 Worth it?
The main function of the Garmin Varia is solely to ensure your safety around you while riding your bike. Unlike vehicles where you have side mirrors to see what is behind you, in bikes, you don’t have that option. So, the Garmin Varia 515 help you detect any incoming vehicle from behind you.
To add, this product does not only alert the biker but is also able to alert drivers from behind you through the tail light. Therefore, I believe that the German Varia is worth getting since it helps to ensure our safety while riding a bike.
Does Garmin Varia RTL515 work with a Phone?
Unlike older versions of the Garmin Varia, the new RTL515 now supports the use of a smartphone. All you need to do is to download the Varia app on your mobile phone and pair it through Bluetooth.
Does Garmin Varia Detect other Cyclists?
The purpose if the Garmin Varia is to be able to detect fast-approaching vehicles from behind. Also, if cyclists from behind you are moving at a high speed, then the Garmin Varia will surely be able to detect it and alert you immediately.
What You Should Expect From the Garmin Varia RTL515
In this part of the article, we will be bring out some of the main things that you should expect from the Garmin Varia RTL515 when you actually purchase it. Therefore, the following are some of the main things you should expect from the RTL515.
1. The Radar Can Detect Vehicles From 139.9 Meters Away
The Garmin Varia RTL515 is able to detect approaching vehicles from 139.9 meters away from you. This is such an amazing feature because the human ear may not be able to detect vehicles from that far. This is one of its main functions also, so if you want a device that helps you to detect vehicles from far away, then you should consider getting the Garmin Varia RTL515.
2. Mount Accessories
Most users may worry about how they will be able to mount or place the Garmin Varia radar on their bikes. Well, no need to worry, it comes with a different set of mount accessories. Thus, when you get to mount the Garmin Varia with the provided accessories, it will be stay there firmly.
3. The Tail Light Can be Detected by Drivers from A Mile Away
Another thing to expect from the Garmin Varia RTL515 is the brightness of the reader tail light. That is, the tail light can be detected or seen by drivers from a mile away, to show you how bright it is. This is able to guarantee us that vehicles will also be alerted by your presence.
4. Water-Resistant
After you successfully mount the Garmin Varia to your bike and you want to go for a ride during the rain or to a muddy area, you do not need to worry about getting splashed water or sprinkles on your Garmin Varia device. This is because it is water-resistant, so it won’t get affected by little contact with water.
These are so far some of the major things that one should expect if he/she is about to get the German Vari RTL515. Check out the next write-up below on how to set up the Garmin Varia RTL515.
How to Setup the Garmin Varia RTL515 with a Garmin Edge Device
Now for the important part of the article, We shall now be discussing how you can set up the Garmin Varia RTL515 and get it ready for cycling. So if you don’t already know how to set the Garmin Device and pair it with a compatible device, then you should follow the steps below:
- Turn ON the Garmin Varia RTL515
- To pair it with a Garmin Edge device, Go to “sensors”
- Then, tap on “Add Sensor”
- Scroll down and look for Radar, then tap on it
- Follow the prompts to pair it to your Garmin Varia
- Now, mount the Garmin Varia radar at the back of your bike
After following all of the steps in the above, then you are good to go. You can now go for a ride on your bike using your new Garmin Varia. To edit the settings of the Garmin Varia TRL515 from your Garmin Edge device. Note, that there are other compatible devices you can use to pair with your Garmin Varia.
How to Pair the Garmin Varia RTL515 Through Smartphone
Fortunately, this new model RTL515 now supports smartphones as a compatible device through the Varia app. The Garmin Varia is able to pair with the Varia app through the Bluetooth feature of the Garmin Varia. The Varia app is available on the App Store and Play Store. Follow the steps below:
- Download the Varia app from your App Store or Google Play Store
- Launch the app and tap on “Pair Now”
- Now, turn on your Garmin Varia RTL515 radar
- Make sure the Garmin Varia device is close to your phone
- On the app, tap on the “That’s Mine!” button
Once you can follow each of the steps above carefully, your smartphone will now be successfully paired with the Garmin Varia RTL515. Also, if you want to change some settings of the RTL515, you can do that in the Varia app settings