I can’t say I’ve ever seen the point of these sorts of devices. They cost an extreme amount of money for a task that can be fulfilled by a quality mirror that is properly positioned. My mirror lets me see basically everything behind my bike and clearly enough that I can even read licence plates.
But I’m also someone that doesn’t use a cycle computer or even put my phone on the handlebars. Part of the joy for cycling, for me, is getting away from our tech-infested world.
I’m with you - adding a screen to tell me what my senses already reveal makes no sense. A mirror, shoulder checks, or ears seem to get pretty close. I don’t need a distraction when I’m on my bike.
The radar also has built in lights and camera I believe. Everyone who has one really seems to like their Varia, but personally, I’ve stuck to regular lights, mirrors, and a camera or two. I do put my phone on the bars sometimes, but usually just for navigation or to farm resources in Pokemon Go sometimes (roll up to clusters of stops, hit them all, then ride to the next one).
I’ve been a regular cyclist since 2015, and I’ve had my fair share of bike crashes — all minor, thankfully, where I got away with a few gashes at worst — and the common denominator was that I was distracted by my phone.
The author of this article is an absolute tool. Stop playing with your gadgets and ride the fucking bike. Idiot.
