Garmin Varia Seat Rail Mount Kit
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/874032/pn/010-13254-00
Price: $49.99
Compatibility: Garmin Varia rear radars models RCT715, RTL510, RTL515, and RVR315
Availability: Online and retail
Obtained by: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Varia Radar Mounting Option for Short Seat Posts
Are you looking to purchase a Garmin Varia rear radar but have little room to mount it on your seat post? Or do you already have a Varia radar, but your seat post is too short to mount correctly, or the radar sits too low? Well, you’re in luck. Garmin recently released a new mounting kit that attaches to the seat rails under the saddle. Note Garmin recommends using it only on alloy rails, not carbon fiber.
For $49.99, Garmin includes a mounting kit and two mounts in the box. The lever-lock mount is compatible with the Varia RCT715 (camera versions), and the quarter-turn mount works with the older models RTL510, RTL515, and RVR315. Installation is quick, with two bolts for mounting the bracket to the rails and another bolt to secure the mount to the bracket. The older model mount requires a fourth screw. You’ll need a 4mm hex wrench for installation, which is not included in the box.
Included in the box are a quarter-turn mount, a lever-lock mount, a seat rail mounting bracket, a friction flange mount extender, and four screws.
If you install this mount, you won’t be able to have a saddlebag. If you need a saddlebag to carry a flat kit and other gear, I’d suggest using a bag like the one I reviewed from KOM Cycling, which accommodates the radars with a half-turn mount.
As a personal note, I always ride with a Varia rear radar, whether it’s road, trail, or gravel. Knowing if a car or cyclist is overtaking me is safer. I recently used footage from the camera file. A motorist was harassing my friend and me several times on our morning rides. It captured the car not giving us three feet as required by law and the conversation at the red light. Armed with the video footage and the license plate, the police identified the man and had a “little chat” with him.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
Actually they can be used with a small saddle bag. Just add a relatively short arm for Go-Pro mounts. Before this mount was available, Amazon has had some of these for sale. Combined with a little Go-Pro arm the Garmin Varia is far enough back and behind the saddle bag. My Wife has used one one her road bike for the last 4 or so years. It helps get it up above her rear wheel as well.(size 47 frame??)
Google search: GoPRo extension mount
Jay
Thanks for sharing this tip.
Sheri