Cycling radars have been around for a number of years now. Garmin are on their third or fourth generation, and now there are alternatives from Wahoo and Magene (plus a number of smaller brands of varying quality). I was a true sceptic at first, but after using one for a few years I am an absolute convert to their usefulness.

For those who haven’t experienced the radar in action, it’s a small device that attaches to your seatpost and alerts you of approaching cars via your bike computer or phone. The model I have is also a rear light and a camera. The display on your bike computer will show you how many vehicles are behind you, how far behind they are, and even how fast they are approaching.

Many “radar deniers” (of which I was one) will say, well I can hear cars coming up behind me, and what do I even do with that extra information? That may be true in some part, but cars are getting so much quieter. If there’s a strong headwind or I am really giving it the beans, I certainly don’t hear every car behind me! I also like to ride quite far out into the lane, so knowing a car is approaching before I hear it gives me additional time to adjust my position and be ready for the pass.

Even splattered with tubeless sealant, it still detects cars with ease.

Just the other day I went for a ride without my radar as I’d forgotten to charge it. I found myself missing that extra information and a couple of times I was caught off-guard by a very quiet car flying past me at speed. With the radar, that never happens.

Does it replace situational awareness, or a shoulder check when turning or crossing lanes? Of course not, it merely complements that. It’s an additional safety measure that does a very good job.

There are a handful of times when I choose not to use my radar though. These include:

• Adelaide, where I’m mostly in the hills and riding with other people. There isn’t much in the way of traffic so the radar isn’t as helpful (plus every gram matters in the mountains, haha).
• City riding such as Melbourne, there’s always a car back so the radar is constantly beeping. This greatly reduces it’s usefulness and it can actually get quite annoying!

I’ve never met anyone who has used a cycling radar and concluded that they are worthless. People who don’t like them have almost always never actually used one. Every rider that I’ve come across who has used a radar has become a convert, or at least sees the merit. That’s quite a testament to their benefit.

A small side note: I do not recommend the model I have with the camera (Garmin Varia RCT715). The camera is 1080p max and non stabilised, so the footage is a little hit and miss. Plus it’s quite expensive for what it is! Perhaps Garmin will update the design with a 4K sensor at some point. If you’re in the market for a radar, I would recommend sticking with the cheaper light-radar RTL515 combo.