M.E.A.T. wrote:
I've had the Varia give a few false positives (tells me a car is approaching when there isn't one), but NEVER in 12 months of using it have I had a single false negative. If a car is behind me, it shows up on the screen, so I feel fairly safe riding two feet out from the shoulder. You just have to make sure you look down at the screen frequently because the beep isn't always that easy to hear.
I love my Varia and feel naked and vulnerable when riding without it.
Agreed. I have had many false positives, usually when a riding buddy is catching back up and going much faster than me. It will often recognize bikes in those circumstances. Although, I don't necessarily mind. A 15 mph speed differential would be quite a wreck, so I'm glad for the head's up!
The only times it misses is when the road is especially curvy or hilly. Of course, it will finally beep once it sees the suddenly appearing car. Sometimes it misses a tailgating car, but knowing that liability, it is easy enough to head check before swinging out.
Although, mine is now acting up. I have the icon on the screen that signals that it is transmitting, but it will simply stop reporting. Time to call Garmin. Even if they don't fix it (likely out of warranty), I'll probably re-buy. It is a great device.