Opinion
When high-end meets outstanding value for money: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar vs Bryton Rider S800
by Patrick Bardelli
Great value for money – the Bryton «Gardia R300L» bike radar
30.5.2023
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
A brand that hails from Taiwan has surprised me a second time with its great value for money. I tested the bike radar «Gardia R300L». And I’m happy with it.
Bryton is Taiwanese. I first came across the brand last autumn when I tried out one of their bike computers. Check out the extensive test review here:
In short, the good value was what got me at the time. And it’s the same story with the bike radar «Gardia R300L».
Loving that rear light
Some of my favourite products are on my bike. For example, magnetic pedals or the rear light with its built-in radar. I currently hit the road with the Varia RCT715 by Garmin. It even has a video feature. The predecessor model Varia RTL516 wasn’t yet equipped with this feature.
The Gardia R300L doesn’t have one either. In terms of its finish, Bryton’s rear light with its radar also looks like Varia’s little brother. The Gardia is much for affordable compared to the Garmin rear light with camera function. Although the latter feels like it’s better quality, at just under 300 francs, it costs more than twice as much. The RTL516 costs another 20 francs on top of this.
Tech specs Gardia R300L
- Protocol: ANT+ and BLUETOOTH
- Maximum brightness: 73 lumens
- Detection angle: 220
- Waterproof: IPX7
- Weight: 66 grammes
- Dimensions: 97 × 20.9 × 40 mm
Battery life Gardia R300L
- Continuous mode: 8 hours at 20 lumens
- Eco mode: 12 hours at 5 lumens
- Nighttime flashing mode: 17 hours at 12 lumens
- Daytime blink mode: 17 hours at 73 lumens
- No light: 24 hours
Source: Bryton
Bryton Gardia R300L does what it should
The Gardia R300L comes with an included mount that fits all common seat posts with a 27.2 mm, 30.9 mm or 31.6 mm diameter as well as aero seat posts with a round diameter. The Gardia app for Android and iPhone displays the status of approaching vehicles. It also gives off audible notifications and vibrations when a vehicle approaches. The Gardia R300L also works with other brands of bike computers. I have the radar connected to my Garmin Edge 1040 Solar via Bluetooth, which works fine. Accordingly, my bike computer tells me when something is happening behind me.
The radar detects approaching vehicles from up to 150 metres away and automatically assigns a threat level based on said vehicle’s speed. In response to this, the rear light activates and warns approaching road users. If it’s bright enough where you are, the rear light will switch to daytime flashing mode to save battery power. In this mode, the rear light is visible from up to 1.6 kilometres away, at least according to the manufacturer. In low light conditions or when you’re cycling at night, the rear light automatically switches to night flashing mode. Using a built-in sensor, the Bryton Gardia detects when I hit the brakes and warns vehicles behind by shining a brighter light. This reduces the risk of collision when I’m slowing down or if I have to slam on an emergency break.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
Source: Patrick Bardelli
Whether it’s Gardia or Garmin: this type of radar isn’t suitable for busy roads – at least not for my taste. After all, there’s always something going on behind you, and so you’re constantly bombarded with beeps, flashes and vibrations via the handlebars. This becomes quite dangerous in the long run, as I’m constantly distracted. Besides, it’s also pretty annoying. Again, this is my subjective opinion. Maybe it’s totally different for you.
In any case, the situation is different off the beaten track. This is where its benefits really come into their own, in my opinion. For example, when an electric bike creeps up on me from behind in the forest, I’m no longer startled when it zooms past me on the left. Or when I’m on a field path and there’s a farmer approaching from behind on his tractor, I make sure to get out of the way in time.
The verdict: the performance is good, but the price is better
Managing up to 17 hours in daytime blink mode and up to twelve hours in continuous mode, the Gardia R300L’s battery life is quite impressive. For comparison: Garmin’s RCT715 «only» manages six and four hours, respectively. However, always including the camera function (1080p recording). For the RTL516, you’re looking at 16 and eight hours. By the way, the R300L and RCT715 are charged via a USB-C port. The RTL516 still has one of those stupid micro-USB ports. Weighing in at 66 grammes, the Gardia is a lightweight compared to the competition (147 grammes and 71 grammes). Also in terms of mass, the R300L is much handier, at least compared to the RCT715.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
What I like about Garmin’s radar besides the fact that it takes pictures of what’s going on behind my back is its high-quality build. Overall, it looks sturdier than Bryton’s model. Besides, I’ve been using their products for many years now. For example, sports watches, bike computers or heart rate sensors. Other than that, there’s nothing that speaks against the Gardia R300L. Quite the opposite, in fact. The radar does what it should and impresses with great value for money.
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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