Words written by John Nicholson, Cycle To Work Business Manager. 

NB: This is not a technical specification review – there’s plenty of those to be found on-line. These are my thoughts having owned and used one for almost exactly three years.  Spoiler Alert: I love this bit of kit!!

First, the unit is working precisely as it was out of the box.  There seems to be little reduction in battery life*, the light is as bright and functional as it was when new and I’ve had zero issues with connectivity etc..

Some basic ‘stats’ – it’s just over 1000 days old.  I’ve ridden with it on pretty much every ride in those three years – over 300 rides, about 14000 miles (22500km), in all conditions….. 30C in Gran Canaria, Sleet & Snow in Scotland and mostly, on the generally wet & filthy roads in Yorkshire.  During this time it has never missed a blink (if you pardon the pun).

A bit about the ‘light’ for those not familiar with the Varia… it is a Radar unit, with a light (a very bright light).  The in-built Radar detects vehicles approaching from behind (from about 150 meters away – which is plenty) and when it does you get an audible bleep and a graphic on your head unit (works with Garmin & Wahoo) telling you a vehicle is approaching.  Better still, the graphic and audio warnings are brighter and louder depending on how fast the vehicle is approaching.  And….. the Varia’s light flashes more quickly and brighter to make you even more visible to the approaching driver – so everyone is more aware and safer.