Is a bike radar light worth it?
Posted by Trevor Barrett on
"Like having eyes in the back of your head! Thoroughly recommend, the best piece of biking equipment I have ever bought. Great service from Trev!" ~ Alan B.
Bike radar lights are a relatively new technology, and many cyclists are wondering: are they worth the investment? Devices, like the Bryton Gardia R300L (which I use and sell), aim to enhance safety by detecting approaching vehicles and alerting the rider. But do they live up to the hype? Here are some Q+A I've been asked about Bryton Gardia:
Q: Does it reliably detects vehicles and at a useful distance?
A: The R300L boasts a 190-meter detection range and a wide viewing angle. It uses algorithms to differentiate between vehicles, minimising (though not eliminating) false positives. I expect this technology will only get better.
Q: Will I be bombarded with false alarms?
A: While no system is perfect, the R300L aims to reduce false alarms. Some environmental factors might still trigger them occasionally.
Q: How well does it integrate with my existing setup?
A: The R300L integrates seamlessly with compatible cycling computers (Bryton, Garmin, and others), displaying approaching vehicles on the screen.
Q: What about battery life?
A: Has up to 17 hours of battery life in flashing mode, though using the radar continuously will reduce this.
Q: How bright is the tail light?
A: The R300L's "day flash" mode boasts 73 lumens, offering good daytime visibility. It also has other modes for varying conditions.
Q: Is it easy to use?
A: I found it easy to set up and use but if you have any questions, please get in touch.