Trek has introduced its new CarBack bike radar, priced at $199, aiming to improve safety for cyclists, particularly during group rides. This device alerts users to approaching vehicles from behind, making it especially useful on suburban and rural roads, where higher speed limits and open traffic can pose risks.
Traditionally, bike radars have been mounted on the seat post, and while various brands exist, Garmin’s Varia has dominated the market, becoming synonymous with bike radar technology. However, Trek is looking to shift the status quo with the CarBack.
The CarBack can easily integrate with cycling computers or smartphones, and can be mounted on either a seat post or the rear of a Bontrager saddle. It boasts a detection range of up to 150 meters, alerting cyclists with beeps as vehicles enter its radar zone.
Like the Varia, the CarBack provides alerts through compatible bike computers, displaying a visual representation of approaching cars. When a vehicle approaches, the computer screen notifies the rider with an orange border and a dot indicating the vehicle’s relative position.
Three primary differences set the CarBack apart from the Varia: detection range, functionality with the Trek Connections app, and battery life. While the Varia offers a detection range of 140 meters, the CarBack’s range extends to 150 meters, demonstrating slight superiority in vehicle detection.
When paired with the Trek Connections app, the CarBack provides detailed information on whether an approaching vehicle maintains the necessary three feet distance, presenting a visual representation of the car’s position. However, this feature is unavailable when using a standard cycling computer.
Battery life is a notable area where the CarBack falls short, offering approximately seven hours compared to the Varia’s 16-hour capability. Cyclists who ride extensively may find themselves frequently needing to recharge the CarBack, as was the case for one user who ran out of battery on a lengthy ride. The device does feature LED lights to provide a quick visual indication of battery status.
For Trek bike owners, the CarBack easily mounts onto the rear of compatible saddles via Trek’s accessory mount. Despite its advantages, such as greater range and an intuitive app interface, there is potential for improved integration with Trek’s existing e-bike app, TrekConnect.
Overall, the CarBack stands as a robust addition to the bike radar market, matching the Varia’s capabilities while introducing notable enhancements. It features user-friendly USB-C charging and offers a straightforward battery status check. However, for cyclists prioritizing extended battery life, the Varia remains the top recommendation. For those who can manage the shorter charge duration, the CarBack is a worthy alternative.
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