A competitively priced rear view radar with stats set to give the Garmin Varia some stiff competition.

photography by Ronan Mc Laughlin

Bryton had a large stand at Eurobike showing off all things from its extensive list of head units to a new indoor trainer (more on that later). But perhaps the most interesting thing on the stand was the new Gardia R300 rearview radar and tail light device.

Bryton’s entry into the vehicle detection radar game with the new Gardia R300 is an exciting development in a sector previously dominated by Garmin. The Gardia R300 features some impressive stats capable of detecting approaching vehicles from up to 150 metres away, with a 220° viewing angle, and with both audible and visual warnings.

Battery life is impressive also. With six different use modes, including “high solid” offering a claimed nine hours run time, “Low Solid” (12 hours), “Group Ride” (10 hours), “Night Flash” (22 hours), and “Day Flash” (27 hours). The R300 also offers lights-off radar detection for a huge 40 hours of rearview vehicle monitoring. 

A small LED along the lower section of the unit provides connectivity status and battery level indicators. 

Speaking of connectivity, the radar features both ANT+ and Bluetooth and just as with the Garmin offering, it pairs with any radar-compatible head unit.

Bryton also has a Gardia app, said to unlock the full potential of the new radar. The Gardia companion app will play audible warnings via a smartphone’s built-in speakers (and presumably through headphones), as well as vibrating the connected phone as a vehicle approaches. The app will also display approaching vehicle status and offer light control in addition to firmware updates as required. 

The units measures 97 mm x 20.9 mm x 40 mm, weighs just 68 g and, attaches via a simple quarter-turn mount. That mount pairs to a rubber-banded seatpost mount that fits any seatpost. The R300 features an IPX7 water rating, ticking yet another box. 

As reported recently, Garmin has updated the Varia to now include a camera, but Bryton’s R300 offering brings a new option to the hugely popular rearview radar market without the fuss of a camera. While international pricing is yet to be confirmed, Bryton confirmed the Gardia R300 will set you back €129 in Europe. We are yet to get our hands on the R300 for a review, but hope to do so in the near future. 

photography by Ronan Mc Laughlin