[Lio]

Yeah you probably don't need it in slow moving urban traffic but I saw a video with some bike packers in Australia who used Varia. They were on rural roads shared with road trains.

Road trains a very big, move very fast and they don't stop for anyone on a bike. So knowing they are coming up on you from a distance gives you time to get off the road.

That's a very special usage case but I think any rural road with fast moving traffic would also benefit from the early warning even with just cars to contend with.

[dahcryn]

I just... dont understand why you dont hear them coming?

Do people with varia use headphones or something?

I don't have issues being aware about upcoming traffic, in either city traffic or rural environments. The only exception would be in heavy headwind situations

[Bishonen88]

Going 35-45kmh, most of what you hear is wind. Cars approaching 80kmh and beyond on a country rode. Garmin warns me 5+ seconds before the car passes me. I hear the car usually around 1s before it does (if that). Listening music (bone conducting) amplifies this.

[boringg]

You find the bone amplifying music works in wind? I figure it just adds more noise? Always tempted… its better than in ear for sure for safety.

[Bishonen88]

it works most of the times. Unless its super windy, it's enough to make a long ride more pleasurable with tunes for motivation/boost. I can't listen podcasts on them as I can't make out the individual words. It's better than the alternatives.

For running they're much better!

[lostlogin]

What sort of cycling do you do?

Coupd that make hearing cars easier somehow?

The Caria is good in noisy situations or with multiple cars approaching. Unusually fast car approach get an extra alert.

I have used it with headphones but usually don’t. You detect the cars far earlier than you do by hearing them.