Wahoo Launches New Trackr Radar Rear Smart Light with RADAR Vehicle Detection
Wahoo has introduced the Trackr Radar, an all-new rear light equipped with RADAR to detect vehicles and enhance safety – working similarly to Garmin’s excellent Varia RTL515. TRACKR RADAR is compatible with Wahoo’s ELEMNT GPS cycling computers and other bike computers that support Bluetooth or ANT+ connections.
Key Features:
- Vehicle Detection: The radar detects vehicles approaching from behind and automatically increases the frequency and intensity of its flashing pattern to improve visibility.
- Brake Light Function: A built-in accelerometer lets the light detect your braking and function as a brake light, increasing brightness during sudden deceleration.
- GPS Computer Integration: The Trackr Radar connects to Wahoo ELEMNT computers and other compatible bike computers, triggering existing vehicle-approaching warnings.
- Battery Extender Mode: A power-saving mode that reduces light brightness when no vehicles are approaching. This mode can provide up to 20 hours of operation with continuous radar and warning functionality.
- Mounting System: The device uses a rubber band strap mount for seatpost attachment. It features a “dual-mounting system” that removes the light unit while the mount stays in place.
Take Out
Wahoo TRACKR RADAR works well but I will confirm in a review with test results closer to the actual launch date.
It looks a little odd in a quirky kind of way. I’ll probably end up using it as my primary rear light because of the 20-hour battery life, BUT only if it is as reliable as the Garmin Varia. At $200, next-to-zero false positive detections (like Varia) are expected.
The mounting works well but makes transfer between bikes tricky, and there is no tether for added peace of mind. (which Garmin also lack). Some of you will need an attachment to seat rails, and I will need something that can easily transfer between 3 seatpost cross-section types to be able to use it exclusively. Ideally, I’d want Garmin twist-mount compatibility, but that won’t happen.
Price:
It’s priced on par with garmin.
The Wahoo Trackr Radar joins similar Garmin, Bryton, Magene, and Trek products. The Magene one is pretty good.
Features from Wahoo Fitness.com
There is nothing especially remarkable here. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps the automated battery extender mode is novel.
TRACKR RADAR Experience
- Vehicle Detection: Alerts you to approaching cars up to 150m (164 yards) behind.
- In-Ride Alerts: Real-time notifications on ELEMNT bike computers, compatible bike computers, and fitness watches.
- Mode Memory: Saves your last-used light mode for convenience between rides.
- Brake Light: Increases luminosity when braking to alert approaching traffic.
- Quick Alert: A continuous flash pattern signals when a car enters the radar’s detection zone.
- Battery Extender Mode: Reduces luminosity to conserve battery when no vehicles are detected.
Connectivity & Control
- ANT+ Smart Light Control: Manage the device hands-free via ELEMNT bike computers.
- Wahoo App Control: Pair TRACKR RADAR, update firmware, and customize light modes effortlessly.
- Compatible Devices: Connects with Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers and select fitness watches.
Hardware & Design
- Dual LED Design: Maximizes brightness and enhances visibility.
- Versatile Mounting: Quick-connect strap and quarter-turn mount fit a wide range of bikes.
- Weatherproof Build: IPX7-rated for water resistance up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- Lightweight & Compact: Weighs just 99g (3.5oz).
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I guess this one also don’t warn you someone you just overtook is still close behind you using your draft?
I don’t mind if someone is close behind me, as long as I know it. This is more of a “problem” in the Netherlands than all the other situations reviewers rave about with this kind f gadgets.
they all work based on closing speed. so…no 🙂
This does have a quarter turn mount. DC’s hands on shows the trackr connects to the seat post adapter via a quarter turn mount. BUT Wahoo decided to make it 1mm thicker so it doesn’t fit the standard quarter turn mount… I was gonna buy this but not now.
you can sometimes buy a cheap adapter. it is a faff but i do that on my bars.
in any case you would have to rotate the garmin mount by 90 degreed.
The issue with 2. is that Garmin has no track record/demonstrated ability of running a software-as-a-service business – but the functionality is squarely in the space of what Garmin has been historically offering in its products.
The situation for Apple is very different. The core of the Apple approach to training/fitness has been to build an excellent raw data sensor (HRM, GPS) with some very basic software functionality and outsource the stuff that they have no expertise (like serious workouts/training, planning and analytics, dive features, etc.) to third parties/app developers. Apple gets part of the user spend on these services as ARPU (through the cut it takes on app subscriptions/purchases) without having to do any of the work (or taking any of the blowback if the app/service sucks).
Oops, my other reply was meant for the comments section of this article: https://the5krunner.com/2025/04/10/10-garmin-cock-ups/
@the5kr: Please feel free to delete it here.
@Matt the tabs are 1mm _wider_ (not _thicker).
I think offering a rear light radar is a smart move by Wahoo. It rounds off their offering. I would think that on trainers and bike computers alone they won’t survive. And it goes well with the new bike computers.
The Varia 515 is usually available for 149€. On sale 130 or even 125€. Yes without USB-C but yet strangely enough the world is still turning!!!!! 😉
So 200€ seems a bit off. I personally would say at max 180€ would be more reasonable for a new contender without any rep. Garmin can’t seem to just update the 515 with USB-C but instead release all kinds of weird lights with cameras that don’t get favorable reviews so Wahoo could snatch some customers there.
Maybe retail prices will take care of it.
On top of it the Varia looks better, sleeker in my books. Trackr looks a bit bulky. Especially with that mount.
Does the Wahoo get a twist mount? I saw some 3rd party mounts claiming theirs are now compatible with the Trackr.
retail prices are controlled (yes I know EU law!…they are tho)
wahoo seems to want price position parity with garmin…fair enough. both of them discont periodically to sensible levels.
i do think Eu/£200 is too high for this kind of product.
then again…what is your life worth? Eu200?
I agree with you on looks. The wahoo looks tacky and unrefined but just about usable. I like the garmin blandness of Varia