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Varia
 

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greglepore
Joined: 10 Jan 2004
Posts: 1724
Location: SE Pa, USA

9/24/19 10:04 AM

Varia

Wasn't expecting to like this as much as I do...significantly earlier warning than when a vehicle is audible, and better yet, you always know exactly how many cars are back there and when the lane is clear again.

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Sparky
Joined: 08 Dec 2003
Posts: 19068
Location: PDX

9/24/19 10:11 AM

Which model/system are you using?

Wondering if the radar unit will ever talk to iPhones/Androids over Low Power BT or Ant etc. Or do you HAVE to use a Gamin head only and always, my guess..

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greglepore
Joined: 10 Jan 2004
Posts: 1724
Location: SE Pa, USA

9/24/19 10:34 AM

The firmware is open source-wahoo now supports varia, which lead me to try it.
Using the 510

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Sparky
Joined: 08 Dec 2003
Posts: 19068
Location: PDX

9/24/19 1:00 PM

I really like the idea. I am not always looking in my little mirror and seems an alert to do so while among the blunt skulls driving is a very good idea.

I see the Bundle includes Radar display unit, does it make noise optionally?

I see iPbike supports it, I use that when using my PowerTap wheel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i_PoXhgrj8

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greglepore
Joined: 10 Jan 2004
Posts: 1724
Location: SE Pa, USA

9/24/19 5:01 PM

No idea...I don't know anyone actually running the standalone.

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daddy-o
Joined: 12 Apr 2004
Posts: 3307
Location: Springfield

9/24/19 8:30 PM

Sounds cool

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Brian Nystrom
Joined: 26 Jan 2004
Posts: 5096
Location: Nashua, NH

9/25/19 6:32 AM

I think I'll just keep using my built-in "sonar", which has worked perfectly for decades and doesn't require batteries, just Q-Tips. ;-)

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KerryIrons
Joined: 12 Jan 2004
Posts: 3234
Location: Midland, MI

9/25/19 9:35 AM

Sonar

Amazing. That's the exact same technology I use. I ride with a guy who as some sort of radar rear warning (could be Varia?) and my system works about the same as his. Just call me a retro-grouch.

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Sparky
Joined: 08 Dec 2003
Posts: 19068
Location: PDX

9/25/19 10:01 AM

Well, I can't speak for youz guiz 'sonar', but unless I happen to be looking in my mirror when a 1-2 ton projectile is upon me... I question the effectiveness of my reaction time to go off piste if there is a route to do so in time.

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greglepore
Joined: 10 Jan 2004
Posts: 1724
Location: SE Pa, USA

10/1/19 6:09 AM

I don't dispute the doubt-I was the same way.

I really like not having to glance back. I have somewhat unique issues from my neck injury but still...

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Brian Nystrom
Joined: 26 Jan 2004
Posts: 5096
Location: Nashua, NH

10/1/19 11:36 AM

What can I say, I refuse to use lights during the day, too, and frequently feel like smacking other riders who blind me unnecessarily with flashing headlights.

I'm not casting aspersions toward you (because I know you're a responsible person) and whatever works for you is what matters. However, I just see too many examples in modern society where people rely on technology to replace paying friggin' attention to what they're doing. There's no substitute for actually being involved in an activity, whether it's riding, driving or whatever. Not only is it safer, it's more enjoyable.

IMO, educating and when necessary - punishing - the irresponsible is a better use of resources that developing technologies to avoid them and allowing their behavior to go on unchecked.

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Sparky
Joined: 08 Dec 2003
Posts: 19068
Location: PDX

10/1/19 12:44 PM

No front for me days with other riders. Alone traversing city streets, yep!

Don't use my 60 lumen tail light either unless alone. And then only when not predominant use of the MUTTs on rides. Which is most of the time anymore...


Last edited by Sparky on 10/1/19 3:28 PM; edited 1 time in total

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Brian Nystrom
Joined: 26 Jan 2004
Posts: 5096
Location: Nashua, NH

10/1/19 3:14 PM

ignore

Last edited by Brian Nystrom on 10/2/19 5:47 PM; edited 1 time in total

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Brian Nystrom
Joined: 26 Jan 2004
Posts: 5096
Location: Nashua, NH

10/1/19 3:17 PM

That's a pretty sensible approach. This past weekend, there was someone in our group with a flashing tail light mounted flush with his seatstay, which angled it up and directly into my eyes when I was behind him. Ugh! People really just don't think...

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greglepore
Joined: 10 Jan 2004
Posts: 1724
Location: SE Pa, USA

10/2/19 6:49 AM

Agree on the overly bright lights. I don't use lights in a group, although I have them on the bike in case I get dropped (more common these days).

I hate having lights on the bike, extra grams and bad aesthetics, but its a modern reality I'm afraid. In Va they encourage tree canopy on the roads, and riding in the dappled light is like bike cammo, so I feel the need.

Responsible? Brian, you must have the wrong guy :)

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Brian Nystrom
Joined: 26 Jan 2004
Posts: 5096
Location: Nashua, NH

10/2/19 5:49 PM

I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt. Whether you choose to accept it or not is entirely up to you. ;-)

I have nothing against "flamethrower" lights and I own some for riding at night in the woods. In the winter, if I ride slow enough, they'll melt the snow! That said, there's no excuse for jerks riding on the roads and multi-use trails during the day with bike lights that make car headlights look like candles. Yet I see this all the time.

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Sparky
Joined: 08 Dec 2003
Posts: 19068
Location: PDX

10/2/19 6:33 PM

" they'll melt the snow! "


LOL

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KerryIrons
Joined: 12 Jan 2004
Posts: 3234
Location: Midland, MI

10/3/19 9:00 AM

Daylights

I started using daytime strobes (white front/red rear) about 3 years ago when I got a set of SeeNSense lights randomly through RoadBikeRider newsletter. I would likely NOT have gone out and bought lights on my own.

I haven't received any complaints from fellow riders about brightness in the group but maye they are just being polite. My rear strobe is on my seat post so it is angled down slightly, which doesn't affect visibility to cars but maybe helps keep the light out of following riders' eyes.

What I have really noticed is that cars give me more clearance, are less likely to pull out in front of me, and less likely to turn in front of me. The difference is quite noticeable. I've been riding a long time and have a good sense of these things, and once I put the lights on the positive change was immediately apparent. When these lights fail, I definitely will replace them.

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Sparky
Joined: 08 Dec 2003
Posts: 19068
Location: PDX

10/3/19 9:05 AM

"likely to pull out in front of me, and less likely to turn in front of me"

Front strobe if good high quality and bright works well for this. I ride so seldom in this situation I don't bother much. Although yesterday I did ride a wide shoulder/bike lane for a few miles where I shoulda. Turns out it was on the bike I ride and not in my mind.


Last edited by Sparky on 10/3/19 5:29 PM; edited 1 time in total

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dan emery
Joined: 11 Jan 2004
Posts: 6884
Location: Maine

10/3/19 4:28 PM

Daytime lights

I don’t use them but I’ll acknowledge that many skilled and experienced riders do, and I wouldn’t second guess them. They only bother me on the rare (around here anyway) occasion where someone is running a cornea burner in front on a bright, sunny day. I remember saying to one guy “you’re blinding me.” But this is very rare and I think with inexperienced riders.

Generally I am commuting in a small town or riding rural roads, and I have very little problem with cars.

I have some pretty honking beams for commuting after dark.

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