A rear view camera for cyclists does two jobs. It records what happens behind you, and it gives you proof if a driver gets too close. So if you ride busy Melbourne roads, it is worth knowing what is available.
We sell one true rear camera, the Garmin Varia RCT715. It combines a camera, a radar and a tail light in one unit. We also sell several radar tail lights from Garmin and Lezyne. They warn you about traffic behind you, but they do not record video. This guide explains the difference.
Rear view camera for cyclists: our range at a glance
Prices below are what our listings show at the time of writing. Some are Black Friday prices, so check each listing for today’s price.
| Model | Records video? | Rear radar | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Varia RCT715 | Yes, 1080p | Up to 140 m | $529 (RRP $699) |
| Garmin Varia RearVue 820 | No | Up to 175 m | $459 |
| Garmin Varia RTL515 | No | Up to 140 m | $289 (RRP $369) |
| Lezyne Radar Drive 300 | No | Up to 150 m | $180.99 |
| Lezyne Radar React System | No | Up to 150 m | $499.95 (front and rear set) |
Garmin Varia RCT715: the rear view camera for cyclists with radar
The RCT715 is the only unit in our range that films behind you. Garmin’s own specifications list a 1080p or 720p camera at 30 frames per second. You can set it to record all the time, record only when the radar spots a vehicle, or stay off.
It also saves footage automatically if it detects an incident. The clip covers the moments before, during and after the event. A 16 GB memory card comes in the box. You can watch or share clips in the Varia app.
Key features
- Rear radar that detects vehicles up to 140 m behind you
- 1080p camera with continuous, radar-activated or off modes
- Automatic incident capture that locks footage before and after an event
- Tail light visible from up to 1.6 km, with a 65 lumen day flash mode
- Four to six hours of battery with the camera recording, depending on light mode
- Shims for round, aero and D-shaped seatposts, plus an IPX7 water rating
What reviewers say about the camera
Independent reviewers agree on the same trade-offs. T3 found the camera idea sound but noted the footage is less steady than a dedicated action camera. Road Bike Rider made a similar point and also noted the weight. The RCT715 weighs 147 g, which is about double the 71 g of the radar-only RTL515.
So think of it as evidence, not a film crew. It will show a number plate and a car’s position. It will not give you smooth ride video.
Who is the Garmin Varia RCT715 for?
It suits commuters and road riders who share busy roads and want a record of close passes. Also, it suits anyone who rides in a group and wants a second set of eyes. If you only want a warning and not a recording, the radar lights below are lighter and last longer.
You can read the full manufacturer details on the Garmin Australia website.
Why a rear view camera for cyclists makes sense in Victoria
Victoria has minimum passing distance rules. According to the Transport Accident Commission, drivers must leave at least one metre in speed zones up to 60 km/h. In zones over 60 km/h, they must leave at least 1.5 metres.
A camera can record how close a vehicle actually came. Meanwhile, Crime Stoppers Victoria accepts online footage of high-risk driving, including footage from dashcams that was recorded safely. If anyone is injured or property is damaged, contact the police. In an emergency, call 000.
Note that a recording is not a guarantee of any outcome. However, it is far better than relying on memory after a scare.
Radar instead of a rear camera: Garmin RearVue 820 and RTL515
Radar warns you before a car arrives. A camera records after the fact. Many riders find the warning more useful day to day, because it lets you hold your line and look ahead with confidence.
The Varia RearVue 820 detects vehicles up to 175 m behind, with a wider 60° radar beam. On a compatible Edge it also shows vehicle size and lane changes. The tail light is visible from up to 2 km, and it flashes brighter when you brake. Battery life is up to 24 hours in day flash mode.
The Varia RTL515 is the proven, lower-priced option. It detects vehicles up to 140 m behind and weighs just 71 g. Battery life reaches 16 hours in day flash mode. Both models work with Garmin Edge computers, and you can browse the full range in our Garmin Varia Radar & Lights category.
If you are still choosing a head unit, our guide to the Garmin Edge 1060 and Edge 1050 explains what each one shows.
Lezyne rear radar and smart lights
Lezyne does not make a rear camera. However, it does make a rear radar light, and it works well for riders who do not want to buy into the Garmin system.
The Lezyne Radar Drive 300 spots vehicles up to 150 m behind and puts out up to 300 lumens. It connects over Bluetooth and ANT+, so alerts can show on compatible GPS computers. Charging is by USB-C, and it is tested to IPX7.
The Lezyne Radar React System adds a React Drive 1200 front light. The front light flashes and beeps when a car approaches, so you get alerts without a bike computer. That makes it a simple choice if you do not run a GPS head unit.
Lezyne also makes lights with brake sensing, such as the Saddle Ai Alert 250. They light up harder when you slow down. They do not detect traffic behind you or record video. Browse the whole Lezyne rear lights range to compare. You can also see the brand’s lights on the Lezyne website.
Add a front camera: Garmin Varia Vue
A rear camera only shows one side of the story. So some riders add the Garmin Varia Vue. It is a front headlight with a built-in camera that records up to 4K video and saves footage automatically after an incident. The headlight reaches up to 600 lumens. You will need a microSD card, which is sold separately.
Which rear view camera or radar should you choose?
- You want video evidence behind you: choose the Garmin Varia RCT715.
- You want the best warning of traffic: choose the Garmin Varia RearVue 820.
- You want proven radar for less: choose the Garmin Varia RTL515.
- You do not use a Garmin head unit: choose the Lezyne Radar React System.
- You want a rear light only: see our bike lights.
Rear view camera for cyclists: common questions
Does Lezyne make a rear view camera for cyclists?
No. Lezyne’s rear range at our shop includes radar and brake-sensing lights, but none record video. The Garmin Varia RCT715 is the rear camera we sell.
Do I need a Garmin Edge to use the Varia RCT715?
Not for the basics, because the radar alerts can also show in the Varia app. However, the camera controls need a compatible Garmin device or the app. T3 found that on a non-Garmin head unit it could only change the radar and light settings.
How long does the RCT715 battery last?
Garmin lists four hours on solid or night flash, five on peloton and six on day flash, all with 1080p recording. So charge it before a long ride, and use radar-activated recording to save power.
Is a camera or a radar better?
They do different jobs. Radar warns you early, and a camera records what happened. The RCT715 does both, but it costs more and weighs more than a radar-only light.
Where can I buy a rear view camera for cyclists in Melbourne?
Order online or call Port Melbourne Cycles to check availability. We can set up the unit, pair it with your computer and fit the mount to your bike.
Ready to add a rear view camera?
Browse the Garmin Varia Radar & Lights or the Lezyne Lights range. Or contact the team and visit us at 107 Bay Street, Port Melbourne.