Garmin Varia RTL515
Seatpost-mounted radar tail light. Combines a 24 GHz radar that detects approaching vehicles with a visible LED tail light. Pairs with the Garmin Edge MTB over ANT+ to deliver on-screen and audible approaching-vehicle alerts.
In the Network
Broadcasts radar and light-status data to Garmin Edge MTB via ANT+. The Edge shows a threat bar on-screen (approaching vehicles as dots) and sounds a tone as vehicles close distance. The light functions independently even without a paired head unit.
Key Specifications
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 98.6 × 19.7 × 39.6 mm |
| Weight | 71 g |
| Water resistance | IPX7 |
| Mounting | Standard seatpost (Garmin quarter-turn) |
| Connectivity | ANT+ |
| Price (CAD) | C$279.99 |
Radar
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Radar technology | 24 GHz |
| Detection range | Up to 140 m (153 yards) |
| Alert method | ANT+ to head unit (visual + audible) |
| Vehicles tracked | Simultaneous, displayed as individual dots on head unit |
| Visibility angle | 220° rear arc |
Vehicles are detected at up to 140 m and appear as dots on the Edge MTB’s threat indicator. The dot moves toward the rider icon as the vehicle closes, giving a clear sense of closure rate. An audible alarm sounds as the vehicle approaches.
Tail Light
| Mode | Brightness | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|
| Solid | 20 lumens | 6 hours |
| Peloton | 8 lumens | 8 hours |
| Night flash | 29 lumens | 6 hours |
| Day flash | 65 lumens | 16 hours |
Peloton mode is designed for group riding — lower intensity to avoid blinding riders directly behind you.
Day flash is the brightest mode and is intended for high-visibility daytime use (65 lumens peak).
Visibility
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Rear visibility distance | Up to 1 mile |
| Visibility arc | 220° |
Connectivity
| Protocol | Role |
|---|---|
| ANT+ | Pairs with Garmin Edge MTB (and other compatible Garmin devices) |
| Smartphone | Pairs with Varia app for standalone use without head unit |
Mounting
Quarter-turn mount attaches to standard round seatposts. The vertical design keeps the unit compact and allows fitment on most seatpost diameters without adapters. On the Canyon Grizl CF 8 Di2, mounted below the VCLS 2.0 seatpost binder.
Standalone Operation
The Varia RTL515 functions as a tail light with all modes available without pairing to a head unit. The radar detection runs but alerts are silent (no head unit to display them). Pairing with Garmin Edge MTB unlocks the full alert experience.