Product test
Not for me: Garmin "Varia Vue" front light with dashcam
by Patrick Bardelli
The Radar Drive Rear from Lezyne has a small catch
2.10.2025
Translation: machine translated
Smart rear lights with a radar function are in vogue. In recent years, many suppliers have copied the technology originally introduced by Garmin and launched their own products on the market. The latest is called Radar Drive Rear and comes from Lezyne.
Garmin invented it, and now more and more manufacturers are jumping on the trend: smart rear lights with a radar function. There are now corresponding products from Bryton, Magicshine or Wahoo. Now comes the next rear light with a radar function from Lezyne with the Radar Drive Rear
The idea behind this technology is to alert you to a vehicle approaching from behind. The light/radar is paired with a compatible bike computer, smartwatch or smartphone and provides visual and audible alerts. In my opinion, these smart rear lights are primarily useful away from busy roads. There's always something going on behind you on the main road and the constant warning becomes more annoying than useful over time.
Away from the mainstream, however, these gadgets help to recognise and indicate fast-approaching tractors, S-pedelecs or the odd stray car. I've been glad of this warning more than once on my gravel bike.
See and be seen
Of course, the radar function is only one half of these products. The various light modes let other road users know that you are there. With the Radar Drive Rear from Lezyne, there are seven different light settings including daytime running light.
Since I don't ride monster tours and am on the road for days on end, I usually use the light function «high», with 80 lumens and a maximum battery life of four hours. That works perfectly for me. Charging the battery after one or two journeys at the latest doesn't bother me.
Source: Lezyne
The Radar Drive Rear is controlled either via a compatible bike computer or via the smartphone in the Lezyne Radar app. I use a bike computer from Garmin and only need the app to keep the firmware on the radar up to date. Everything has worked smoothly so far.
An approaching vehicle is indicated visually in the paired bike computer. A red dot appears on the right-hand side, which moves from bottom to top, i.e. towards me. On the other hand, there is an acoustic signal tone that is loud enough for me to hear it clearly between all the surrounding noises. After the vehicle has overtaken me, stopped or turned off, another tone sounds and the screen briefly lights up green to indicate that there is nothing more going on behind me.
Specifications
- LED rear light with radar technology
- 150 metre vehicle detection
- maximum 300 lumens
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
- Visibility: 270°
- IPX7 waterproof with USB-C charging port
- Dual Bluetooth and Ant+ wireless system
- Weight: 122 grammes
- Dimensions: 78 mm, 48.9 mm, 47.6 mm
Lezyne Radar Drive Rear: all good, but ...
According to the manufacturer, the Radar Drive can be seamlessly coupled with the Lezyne React Drive front light to form an «innovative system». This can then be operated independently of a smartphone app or a bike computer and offers acoustic and visual warnings via the integrated functions of the React Drive. Unfortunately, the front light is currently not available until further notice, so I was unable to test it. Too bad, that would have been interesting. Postponed is not cancelled.
One weakness of the Radar Drive Rear is the mounting bracket. The scope of delivery includes adapters for different seat posts. So far, so good. However, in my opinion, the mounting with the fastening straps is no longer up to date. Before and after every ride, you have to fit and remove the radar, the adapter and the short or long fastening strap. As a result, there are always several parts lying around loose in some drawer. The standard would actually be to attach an adapter to the seat post and simply click the radar in and out again.
In addition, the part tends to slip to the left or right during the bumpy ride over gravel and forest paths. Although this hasn't affected the functions so far, it still bothers me. I like to have it in place.
In a nutshell
Lezyne Radar Drive Rear: good inner values, but ...
In principle, there is nothing wrong with the function of the Radar Drive Rear, which the manufacturer provided me with for testing. It works according to Lezyne's specifications. However, the devil is in the detail. For example, the cumbersome, outdated mounting bracket really bothers me. I deduct one point for this.
Another deduction would in principle be for the fact that Lezyne does have a front light on sale, the React Drive Front, which would work in a bundle with the Radar. However, this front light does not appear to be available until the end of the year/beginning of 2026. That would give it a three in the points rating, which would not do the Drive Rear justice. That's why I give it four out of a maximum of five points. And I will test the combination with the front light as soon as it is available.
Pro
- uncomplicated handling
- Can be used in a bundle with front light
- Good battery life
- good lumen value
Contra
- Compatible front light not available
- Poor mounting
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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