{"id":266238,"date":"2025-11-06T20:10:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T20:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/266238\/"},"modified":"2025-11-06T20:10:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T20:10:13","slug":"safer-cycling-without-extra-screens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/266238\/","title":{"rendered":"Safer Cycling Without Extra Screens"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Estimated8 min read<\/p>\n

No product has changed my cycling experience this year as much as on-bike radars. While radar systems<\/a> have been on the market for several years\u2014and we\u2019ve tested several popular models\u2014like many riders, I didn\u2019t think I needed yet another electronic device<\/a> on my bike. <\/p>\n

However, as I recounted in my story \u201cA Near Miss on My Usual Route Left Me Shaken. One Device Changed My Road Riding Forever<\/a>,\u201d a much-too-close pass from a passing driver left me shaken. I haven\u2019t ridden on the road without a radar since that near-hit incident.<\/p>\n

Radar systems will not create a magic force field that prevents distracted drivers from barreling into you; however, they will warn you about a vehicle approaching from behind. Like traditional blinky lights<\/a>, radar lights incorporate an LED to help notify drivers of your presence. But unlike the helmet and bar-mounted mirrors used by cyclists for decades, radars do not require constant attention and have a much longer field of view.<\/p>\n

What You Need to Know<\/p>\n

So, if radars are such a great solution to a common problem faced by cyclists, why doesn\u2019t everyone use one? As with many great products, cost and compatibility are on-bike radar\u2019s biggest barriers to widespread acceptance. <\/p>\n

Lezyne\u2019s Radar React System ($290) addresses this: It costs about the same as some name-brand rear radars alone, plus\u2014most importantly\u2014it doesn\u2019t require a cycling computer<\/a> or a cell phone on your bar to alert you to approaching vehicles. This makes it a great solution for many road and gravel cyclists, as well as bike commuters<\/a> and e-bike<\/a> riders. <\/p>\n

\"lezyneTrevor Raab<\/p>\n

The Lezyne Radar React System is great for commuters and e-bike riders, as it doesn\u2019t require a dedicated bike computer for notifications.<\/p>\n

Most cycling radars rely on a cycling computer to notify you of vehicles approaching from behind, using a combination of real-time screen displays and audible alerts. Some systems (including Trek\u2019s CarBack, Garmin Varia, and the Bryton R300L) also have mobile apps that allow users to track vehicles if using their cell phone on their handlebars. And the Lezyne Radar Drive 300 will do both.<\/p>\n

However, the ability to pair the Radar Drive with the brand\u2019s React Drive 1200 front light sets Lezyne\u2019s radar system apart from competitors. The React Drive front provides basic visual and audio cues to alert users when a vehicle is detected. Meaning, if you ride without a computer or phone on your bike, you can still receive radar alerts. It\u2019s also great for riders of e-bikes with proprietary displays, or none at all. <\/p>\n

Gold Award Winner<\/p>\n

Lezyne Radar Drive (Rear Only)\"Radar<\/a><\/p>\n

The Radar Drive rear unit (also sold separately for $180) weighs 115 grams (with strap). Lezyne claims 150-meter vehicle detection and a 270-degree field of view from its radar. The package includes two mounting straps (95mm and 109mm long) and adaptors for mounting on D-shape and aero seatposts (a standard mount is built into the light). The unit also boasts IPX7 waterproofing.
<\/p>\n

The React Drive front light (available for $125<\/a>) weighs 160 grams with its included mounting strap (Lezyne also sells a GoPro-type LED qPro mount<\/a> for $30). And like the rear light, the React Drive is IPX7 rated. <\/p>\n

\"reactLezyne<\/p>\n

React Drive (front) settings and runtime.<\/p>\n

\"radarLezyne<\/p>\n

Radar Drive (rear) settings and runtime.<\/p>\n

Claimed battery life for the Radar Drive and React Drive lights is impressive. Lezyne states the rear radar runtime is between 4 hours (high, solid pattern mode, 80 lumens) and 20 hours (standard, flash mode, 50 lumens). It also has a 300-lumen maximum day flash setting. In daytime flash mode (700-lumens), the front light runs for a claimed 70 hours. <\/p>\n

In its continuous fixed-beam settings, the React Drive\u2019s claimed runtime is between 2 hours (high, 1,200 lumens) and 65 hours (low, 25 lumens). Lezyne claims the light\u2019s battery life is 9.5 hours in the medium setting (300 lumens). Both lights charge with USB-C cables, and the front light is compatible with Lezyne Power Pack+ battery packs.<\/p>\n

\"comparison<\/p>\n

Tara Seplavy<\/p>\n

The Competition<\/p>\n

There are three heavyweights in the bicycle radar game: Garmin, Wahoo, and Trek. Each makes an excellent on-bike system, and they\u2019re consistently among Bicycling editors\u2019 and the test team\u2019s favorites. <\/p>\n

Garmin introduced its original Varia system a decade ago, and the $200 Varia RTL515 is a rider favorite. Wahoo\u2019s $250 Trackr Radar<\/a>, released earlier this year, was the first true challenger to the Varia\u2019s supremacy. The Trek CarBack<\/a>, priced at $200, is another solid option and a great choice. <\/p>\n

\"threeTrevor Raab<\/p>\n

Radar competitors (left to right): Trek CarBack, Garmin Varia RTL515, and Wahoo Trackr Radar. <\/p>\n

Several popular radar systems are available on the market. However, since we consider on-bike radar a key safety item, Bicycling\u2019s test team provides recommendations for radars we know work as advertised based on our firsthand experience. This is not to say that other radars are bad, simply that we do not have direct experience with using them.<\/p>\n

Our staff has ridden, tested, and recommended four brands: Garmin, Trek, Wahoo, and Lezyne. These are the systems we use on our own bikes. Bryton is another reputable brand that also sells a radar. <\/p>\n

Lower-priced, unbranded radars are available through retailers such as Amazon and AliExpress. However, we urge caution when buying these units. Consult with friends and other cyclists who actually use these systems before purchasing them to ensure they work as expected.<\/p>\n

Test Notes and Use<\/p>\n

The Radar React System is relatively straightforward to set up\u2014Download the iOS or Android app to your phone, check for updates for the devices, pair the front and rear, and ride your bike. <\/p>\n

Initially, I ran into some hassles pairing the lights with my cycling computer. However, I chalk much of this up to having too many ANT+ and Bluetooth devices paired with my Hammerhead Karoo. After clearing some bikes and ANT+ accessories I do not regularly use from my Karoo and disconnecting the Radar Drive and React Drive from my phone, the Radar React System quickly paired with the Karoo. <\/p>\n

\"radar<\/p>\n

Trevor Raab<\/p>\n

I rode the Lezyne system on various bikes, using the React Drive front light, computer, and my cell phone for notifications on different rides. I also rode the Lezyne Radar React System concurrently on rides with a Wahoo Trackr Radar to test for differences in vehicle detection.<\/p>\n

Bottom line, the Radar React System works as advertised. There was no noticeable difference in vehicle detection between the Lezyne and Wahoo devices when mounted on the bike simultaneously\u2014sometimes one picked up a vehicle a hair quicker than the other. But there was no discernible pattern or cause for concern. <\/p>\n

\"reactTrevor Raab<\/p>\n

You can easily adjust the front and rear settings on the go from compatible cycling computers.<\/p>\n

Real-world battery life on the system is on par with the Wahoo Trackr Radar, but I did not get nearly the claimed 20 maximum runtime. This is primarily due to my riding the Radar Drive on the 80 lumens high setting and 80 lumens night flash modes for optimal visibility. Another culprit for the shorter battery life is the (somewhat) confusing sleep mode. To fully power off the devices, you must long-press the power buttons until they fast flash; otherwise, they stay in standby mode.<\/p>\n

Used on its own with a cycling head unit, the Radar Drive rear functioned similarly to the Wahoo I have grown to love and trust over the past several months. And when used with a phone as the display, it shows vehicles and tracks vehicles very effectively. I found the visual display of the tracking easier to see on a phone than on the Hammerhead Karoo<\/a> or Wahoo Elemnt Roam 3<\/a> head units. Plus, it was easier to gauge vehicles\u2019 distance and approach speed on a phone display than on a small cycling computer.<\/p>\n

\"lezyne\u2019s<\/p>\n

Trevor Raab<\/p>\n

But I\u2019m not a fan of mounting my phone on my handlebar\u2014The display is too large, and it doesn\u2019t give me access to the cycling metrics I want to see (not to mention that I don\u2019t want my phone dangling off the front of my bike). Riding with my phone in my jersey pocket set to max volume, the notifications are loud to warn you of approaching vehicles, even in traffic. (They\u2019re so loud and persistent that it slightly irked others on a group ride.) However, riding with the phone in your pocket doesn\u2019t provide a visual indicator of the approaching vehicle.<\/p>\n

The Radar Drive paired with the React Drive front light strikes a good balance between using a proper display (computer or phone) and riding with the phone alerts in my pocket. While the display on the rear of the React Drive does not show how many vehicles are behind you or provide a good estimation of their approach speed, it flashes and has audible alerts. When it detects a vehicle approaching, it notifies you with a beep and a red light. The rear of the React Drive then flashes green after the detection passes. <\/p>\n

\"reactTrevor Raab<\/p>\n

The React Drive light illuminates red when the radar detects a vehicle.<\/p>\n

Using the React Drive as the only notification was not the optimal method to track vehicles; I certainly preferred using my cycling computer. But I am used to riding with a head unit and having a constant stream of real-time ride data and navigation at my fingertips. <\/p>\n

However, many riders do not have, or want, a cycling computer on their bike. Yet they might desire a radar for their rides\u2014and until recently, these riders didn\u2019t have an alternative. Although you still need to mount a medium-sized light on your bar, the Radar React System is an acceptable workaround. I\u2019d love a tidy LED strip to stick on my bike\u2019s stem, bar, or top tube (perhaps a slimmer version of the original Garmin Varia RDU<\/a> bar display) that provides visual and audio notifications without the need for a light, especially on e-bikes that already have one or bikes with a dynamo set up. <\/p>\n

\"lezyneTrevor Raab<\/p>\n

Lezyne offers a quick-release GoPro-style mount (sold separately) to attach the front light to compatible computer mounts.<\/p>\n

Overall, the Radar React System provides the benefits of riding with a radar without needing a computer or phone mounted to their bar. This makes it perfect for those riding without a cycling computer. My colleague\u2019s father is an example of this; he rides without a head unit but has difficulty constantly turning to check over his shoulder. Lezyne\u2019s radar system would be great for him. Similarly, I\u2019ve used the system for e-bike commutes\u2014I want a warning about approaching vehicles, but don\u2019t need another screen on my handlebar. For these riders and many more, the Radar React System is a standout choice.<\/p>\n

And should you consider the Lezyne Radar Drive if you\u2019re not a bike commuter, don\u2019t ride an e-bike, or use a cycling computer on your rides? Yes, certainly\u2014It\u2019s a great radar light with decent battery life, lots of settings, and a super-bright 300 lumens flash. Aside from the device\u2019s sleep mode setting, I have only minor criticisms of the Radar Drive. Compared to the Garmin Varia and Wahoo Trackr radar, Lezyne\u2018s radar is a little bulky and boxy (the Trek CarBack is square). It also lacks a quarter-turn mount (to remove quickly for charging). However, none of those small details affects the device\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n

Member Exclusive: Check Out Our Top Cycling Stories\"Chevron\"Chevron\"Headshot<\/p>\n

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling\u2019s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA\/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media. \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"8 min read No product has changed my cycling experience this year as much as on-bike radars. While…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":266239,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[445],"tags":[122731,122726,94297,122722,122734,122721,49,48,635,122729,18202,122733,122730,94298,94300,122727,1245,94302,413,122718,122719,122720,122732,122728,122724,122723,89331,122725,82,53202,211,71835,94303,60708,94301],"class_list":["post-266238","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cycling","tag-bicycle-radar","tag-bike-commuter","tag-bike-radar","tag-bike-safety-device","tag-bryton","tag-bryton-radar","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-cycling","tag-cycling-accessory","tag-cycling-gear","tag-cycling-product-review","tag-cycling-review","tag-cycling-safety","tag-cycling-technology","tag-e-bike-safety","tag-garmin","tag-garmin-varia","tag-gear","tag-lezyne-radar","tag-lezyne-radar-react","tag-lezyne-radar-review","tag-lezyne-radar-tested","tag-lezyne-react-system","tag-no-head-unit","tag-radar-bike-light","tag-road-cycling","tag-screen-free-cycling","tag-sports","tag-superenthusiast","tag-test","tag-trek","tag-trek-carback","tag-wahoo","tag-wahoo-trackr"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/266238","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=266238"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/266238\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/266239"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=266238"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=266238"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=266238"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}