I stopped using saddle bags because when it rains everything in there gets soaked. I now put everything in a small Rapha waterproof pouch that I put in my pocket. I’m considering getting a top tube bag for gels and stuff. I also bought TPU tubes. That saves a lot of space as they are 1/4 the size of bytul tubes.
So, I spent an inordinate time trying to figure out the seat post stuff before going out to my actual Xtracycle and realizing that erm, I can't mount it on the seat post b/c there's cargo stuff behind it. Sigh, I'm sure nobody else has a bike rack behind their seat post, either!!! Thanks for this 'caues it gives me a clue...
Clever solution. One word of caution regarding all these alternate mounting systems for the Varia radar. The unit emits radiation in order to do its job. Garmin has a warning in the instructions to not place the Varia within, I believe, 5 cm of your body (I.e. privates). I have seen many RU-vid solutions (including devices that attach to saddle bags and the rails of your seat) that put the radar unit quite close to the seat and flirt with that warning distance. I'm not here to tell you if you should pay attention to Garmin's warning or not. You do you. But I thought some would appreciate this info. BTW, I have read many complaints asking why Garmin does not make their own saddle bag mount for the Varia Radar. I suspect this is because of the legal consequences of producing a product that could put the unit too close to the rider's body.
I found a great solution to this problem. A small company hand makes a mount that works great . It attaches to the rails of your seat and extends past the saddle bag. The owner of the company is great . I have been using the mount for a couple of years . BuP labs is the name of the company; they have mounts and extenders for any saddle. Varia is great but garmin missed with their mounts.
I just installed my BuP Varia mount yesterday. Perfect solution for those of us who are vertically challenged! Plus it is extremely sturdy. The installation was a bit tricky (needed to try different screws sizes), but once on, it is perfect. I love how it extends past the saddle bag. I was so happy I found this solution.
@@fishernutritionsystems1121 You don't need to be vertically challenged, I just think it's more visible on the bag or attached to the saddle than the seat post.
I'm late to this party and also being a bit overly cautious perhaps, but in addition to the solution shown, for added security you can get cheap tethers on EBay etc. meaning that, should the light fall off it just dangles, rather than get damaged/lost.
@@edshanahan The one I bought required that I unscrewed the tiny triangular plate you can see when you lift up the rubber charging port protector. It had a replacement triangular plate with the tether attached. Not sure if it is coincidental or causal, but after I did this I had problems with my Varia after this that led to buying a discounted, refurbished one from Garmin Cust. Serv. because they don't service them.
I'm wondering if Aquaseal is better used here than Gorilla Glue. Aquaseal is a polyurethane glue and that type of glue is recommended for use on wood, metal, ceramics, glass, most plastics, and fiberglass. The main point for me is that It dries flexible and can also be used on leather, cloth, rubber, and vinyl. Gorilla Glue doesn't seem to have the flexibility and, though this placement of glue doesn't display much need for surface flexibility there is some nonetheless.
Yes, in fact it comes with three mounts. For me though, between having a low seat and a saddlebag, there wasn’t enough space left to mount the Varia on one.
@@BrianRouse I went with another o-ring looped through the saddle bag buckle (Apidura). Works great and really cleans up the looks, which is important!
I'm still using it, and almost feel naked on the bike without it. I'd say it's my most important piece of tech I use on the bike. I did lose one when I got caught in a rainstorm while on a gravel trail; the heaving combination of rain and mud killed it.
@@BrianRouse I just ordered a Garmin Varia RTL515 for $150 at REI. I am excited to start using it and having a better peace of mind/safety on my rides. I will try your DIY mount on my current saddle bag if it fits. Thank you for your help!
Tried it, Unfortunately for me your hypothesis is incorrect. Such a shame planned to hook to up permanently to my ebike so I wouldn’t have all the time. From What I can see you can’t even change the battery? So once the battery dies the whole unit would become expensive trash
@@BrianRouse I think they do that for update purpose. Anyway got it to wok in the end by cutting o the data lines in the usb and supplying 5v directly. Happy days!
