Wahoo has launched the Trackr Radar – the brand’s first rear view vehicle detection system.
In a similar vein to Garmin’s Varia radar products, it’s designed to pair with the brand’s own bike computers – although Wahoo says it will also work with “other compatible Bluetooth or ANT+ bike computers."
Wahoo has yet to confirm an on-sale date, but says the unit will cost £179.99 / $199.99 / €199.99/ AU$349.95 when it does become available.
- Wahoo's new Roam and Bolt bike computers wave goodbye to one of their most defining features
- What are rearview radar bike lights and should you use one?
Reactive lighting
The Wahoo Trackr Radar doesn’t rip up the rearview radar rulebook – like other radar systems, it works by sending a millimetre wavelength radar signal out, receiving the bounced-back signal from objects behind, then transmitting this data by ANT+ or Bluetooth to display on a compatible bike computer.
Upon detecting an approaching vehicle, the built-in rear light powers up its flash pattern and brightness to increase rider visibility.
Wahoo says the Trackr Radar is designed to integrate natively with the brand’s Elemnt ecosystem of bike computers, but that the device also works with other devices, such as Garmin edge bike computers and smartwatches.
It’s worth noting that Garmin’s Varia devices also work with Wahoo computers – meaning neither brand is intentionally locking you out of using its radar system if you use the other’s computer.
That said, testing will reveal if functionality is different depending on which computer you’re using, such as the Hammerhead Karoo and Coros Dura.
The Trackr Radar also features an accelerometer, which detects braking, upping its output and flashing more aggressively when the rider decelerates.
Wahoo says the light reduces in brightness when there’s no traffic around, saving battery life in the process. It suggests the Trackr Radar can provide up to 20 hours of burn time.
The American brand has yet to confirm the full technical specification of the Trackr Radar, including light modes, lumen counts and weight – although we’ll soon be putting our test unit to the test against its natural rival, the Garmin Varia RTL515.
Wahoo Trackr Radar prices and availability
Wahoo has yet to confirm when the Trackr Radar will be available to buy, but says it will cost £179.99 / $199.99 / €199.99/ AU$349.95.
Garmin’s Varia RTL515 is the same in the US and Europe, but £10 cheaper in the UK and AU$20 more expensive in Australia.
