Garmin Varia Radar RTL515 - Unboxing & Review

Christmas came early for me this year as I cash into my entitlement from AECO Technologies as the Everymove Sports Club which I am very much part of the past 2-years is being KIV due to changes in direction from AECO itself. It is a sad moment for me, more so after a whole 13 or 14 years of collboration with AECO representing the Garmin brand and myself has been on the forefront of all devices that was launched, learning about them and sharing it here in my blog. As a friend said, cherish the good memories and move on.

And this is indeed a move on post, and I write them with mixed feeling.

The journey so far with AECO Technologies

I've only been reviewing wrist devices mostly over the years; from the first unit of FR910XT and the first ever Fenix, to everything cart GPS and iteration of all the Forerunner (FR) series to all the Fenix series, Cycling power meters such as Vector 2s and Vector 3s, All permutation of HRM OG to HRM Pro Plus, cycling computer such as Edge 1000 and Edge 1040. I even have the Vista handheld series such as the HCx which accompanied me in my early days pre-wrist watch Garmin, and a Vista10, which was replaced as HCx was beyond repair.

The Edge 1000 (thank you AECO) now belong to my son as he starts his triathlon journey. In fact, he inherited the Fenix7X that was given as an entitlement in 2022 and my daughter took over the Fenix6 (2020). Some older devices were given away to friends that wanted to start the sports, while some ended up as electronic waste as they can't be fixed anymore as they are effectively extinct even in Garmin directory.

I have always been curious of the Radar or Varia - and it was indeed a missing link to the Garmin ecosystem that I never had. So with the Entitlement that was due to me for 6-months (and a lot of bargaining), I managed to exchange it for 2-units of Varia RTL515, and you guessed it right - one for me to pair on Edge 1040 and one for my son for his Edge 1000. 

(now before you think i left my Wife out, I bought a FR965 for me using my entitlement in 2023)

Thank you AECO Technologies, for this and the good memories with Garmin as a brand. And yes, this also meant I am no longer representing or able to represent Garmin (via AECO) anymore from July 1, 2024 onwards.

Garmin Radar Varia RTL515 - A very quick Review

Garmin has a few variant of cycling radar. And by radar we really meant something that can detect vehicles (and motorbikes) behind us and gives you the heads up warning on your cycling computer or compatible wrist devices. It is safety at it's best.

Couple that with super bright LED lights that can be seen hundreds of meter away, and flashes in such a way it should really alert any road users that you are there. Radar is indeed an underrated companion for many cyclist. First debuted in 2015 as Garmin acquired a South African company that does this technology (Thank you iKubu) with the release of RTL500 and RTL501. Little changed over the years until 2018 where the new shaped RTL510 and RTL511 came out. The 1 at the back actually denote the European requirement that the LED lights must stay ON all time without flashing. So anyone outside of EU can use those fancier flashing and strobe functions.

A mix feeling, really

The RTL515 is to date, 4 years old. It is no changes to the design vs the 2018 RTL510. So it does not surprise me when the two units of Radar I receieved carries both AECO sticker (aka been in the retail shop for at least the past 2 years) and Garmin Malaysia (the new mothership) sticker. Essentially nothing change in terms of packaging.

Notice the two different stickers

The old packaging is glossier

As how a father should operate, I kept the newer unit for my son, and I took the AECO unit for myself - also for sentimental value being associated with AECO. The unboxing is pretty straight forward with the unit well packed with all things you required to attach to your seatpost.

The box at the end showed this unit was dropped before from display :(

Here is the step by step unboxing, since I did not take any video to show. You can see that the Radar unit is in plastic bag, so is the attachments for it, the Micro-USB charging cable, the user manual and two sets of stickers. We all love stickers.

And here they are, all out of plastic.

three different grommet to attach to three different type of seatpost, including aero-post, and two silicon band to secure the unit

The next few series of photos shows how the unit looked like from all angle. Comments or observation in the photo captions as required.

Similar mounting as per the cycling computer

Rubber cover on the charging port. Micro-USB

Top view of the On/Off button. Press 1s to switch it on. Do not look at the light.

I repeat, do not look at the light

Damn bright

There is light window on both left and right, I believe supposedly lend visibility to people on your flank

Also as bright, just less intense from the side

A status LED (in blue here) help you to know if the unit battery requires charging, the charging stage and for blue, it denotes "smart" mode where it "talks" to your headunit

The other side

Base mount attached to the RTL515

On my Steel bike seat post

Mounted as per instruction. The whole front facing area below the LED is the radar console

Bright! 

Paring it with my Edge 1040 is straight forward. 

The pairing of the RTL515 to the Edge 1000 and Edge 1040 were straight forward. it will link as a Radar first, and then you will need to search and link it as LIGHT. This way, the setting can be optimised as you can control the LED behaviour from your headunit very easily. I do not or did not take any video of the unit pairing up, but once done correctly, it will prompt you to update the RTL515 firmware and just follow the intructions on your headunit or wrist devices (I have no issues linking it to the Fenix 7X and my FR965).

And if you are curious on how the unit behave, this is a short video showing how it detects vehicles coming at speed, and the approximate "distance" based on visual on the Edge 1040. The accuracy is good and the past few bike ride was with a lot of confidence that I do not need to constantly look behind even when on straight road to check over my shoulder - and of course using this to supplement the usual looking over the shoulder as I change lane or when I saw obstacle on the front that I would like to avoid.

The beep was loud enough to be heard going at 35km/h and it was fun watching some of these dots turning RED as they approach nearer to you (at approximately 140m). The RTL515 is capable to detect traffics from a 3-lane road as it has a wide "field of vision". 

It picks up motorbike very accurately as well but not bicycles. I believe part of the reason is that the radar detects significant speed differences between you and the objects coming from behind - and alert you on the actual threats rather than giving a false positive. 

Hope this very short write up provide some insight to the Radar units. Of course, if you have more questions, please do ask away. As the functionality of this Radar i pretty straight forward, there is really nothing more I can write about unless you experience it yourself.

This Unit retail for RM1050 at all Garmin Malaysia retail and online store. This could be one of the best money you may spend on for safety if your riding is constantly outdoor in trafficked area. The LED brightness alone is already a first line of sight for vehicles - the only way they will miss you is because they are driving distracted or under the influence, or in some cases, they just hate anything on two wheels and look at you as a target to bully. For these reasons above, no amount of radar or careful riding will save you.

Just ride safe and defensively!

See you all on the road soon!

 

Bertrand Rhodict Lises Joins MILO® Family

Bertrand Rhodict Lises Joins MILO® Family, Inspiring Future Generations with Dedication to Sports and Studies

Continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting Malaysian sports talent, MILO® proudly welcomes national diving sensation Bertrand Rhodict Lises to its distinguished roster of athletes. The 19-year-old embodies MILO®'s vision of nurturing well-rounded individuals, blending sporting excellence with academic ambition. This partnership celebrates Rhodict's remarkable achievements in the pool and commitment to higher education, setting an inspiring example for Malaysian youth to excel both in sports and in life.

Through its philosophy "Sports Is a Great Teacher," MILO® helps build strong foundations for children's future. From perseverance and courage to teamwork and leadership, sport instils the values that transforms young children into individuals of substance. These lessons shape not just champions in the arena, but confident, respectful adults ready for life’s challenges. The Kuching-born Rhodict exemplifies this, progressing from a swimmer to an Olympic diver while pursuing higher education.

Rhodict began swimming at the age of 4 before transitioning to diving. At age 10, he considered quitting due to academic struggles but was encouraged by his father to persevere - a decision that has led to his current success.

His achievements include bronze in 10m platform synchro at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games and silver in 10m platform individual at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games. His greatest feat came when he reached the 10m platform individual finals in the 2023 World Championships in Japan, earning a merit-based spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. This made Rhodict the first Malaysian to qualify on merit for the Games.

The partnership with MILO® comes at an exciting time for Rhodict who's pursuing a Diploma in Business Administration. With the 2025 SEA Games and World Championships ahead, he aims for gold and to surpass his previous World Championship performance. The support boosts Rhodict's preparation for his post-Olympics debut at the 2nd Malaysian Diving Open Championship (1-4 November), where he'll defend his 10m platform synchro gold and aim to improve on his 10m platform individual bronze.

Reflecting on the partnership, Rhodict shared his enthusiasm: "I am honoured to join the MILO® family. Their support is crucial for my diving career and studies. I'm excited to grow as an athlete and person, pushing my limits in competitions and exploring future pathways. MILO® has always helped me maintain my energy and focus during long school days and training. I hope my journey inspires young athletes to pursue dreams in sports and education, emphasising discipline, resilience, and consistency. I'm glad to have MILO® with me as I take on these challenges."

Lim Kerwin, Head of Sports Marketing of MILO®, Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad, remarked, "Welcoming Bertrand Rhodict Lises to the MILO® family marks an exciting new chapter in our long-standing legacy of nurturing Malaysian sports talent. Rhodict extraordinary journey, balancing academic pursuits with sporting excellence, embodies the very essence of what MILO® strives to cultivate in young athletes. His story not only inspires but also validates our enduring commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals. We're excited to support Rhodict as he continues to make impact both in the pool and in the classroom, setting a powerful example for aspiring young athletes across Malaysia."

MILO® has released an inspiring video showcasing Rhodict's journey to elite diving status. It highlights his early challenges and how discipline drove his success. Rhodict aims to inspire young athletes, proving that sports and education can coexist. His message promotes perseverance and balance, showing that challenges push one to excel. The video offers advice to aspiring athletes, encouraging them to pursue both sporting and academic goals.

Fans and supporters can view this motivational video on MILO® Malaysia's official social media channels, including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

For over 70 years, MILO® has been an integral part of Malaysia's sporting legacy. Since the 1950s, the brand has been at the forefront of nurturing young talents across various disciplines, imparting invaluable life lessons that foster resilience, determination, and a winning spirit.

To learn more about MILO®'s ongoing initiatives and how you can be part of supporting Malaysia's sporting future, please visit www.milo.com.my

About MILO®

MILO® is the leading nutritious chocolate malt beverage in Malaysia beloved for its iconic taste. Packed with the goodness of malt barley, milk and cocoa with a unique blend of 6 vitamins and 3 minerals, MILO® has fueled generations of champions with the energy to go further. For over 70 years, MILO® has grown alongside Malaysia and been a vital part of the nation’s sports heritage, providing athletes the nutrition as well as the platform to grow and flourish through the various MILO® grassroots sports programmes.

About Nestlé Malaysia: Nourishing Malaysians for Over a Century

Since 1912, Nestlé has been nourishing Malaysians and earning their trust through our quality brands and products. We take pride in our role as a responsible corporate citizen, striving to improve the communities in which we operate. Today, we operate six factories, employing over 5,000 Malaysians. All our products are Halal, making us the largest Halal manufacturer for Nestlé globally.

As the world's largest food and beverage manufacturer, with our headquarters based in Switzerland, Nestlé operates in over 180 countries. With a workforce of over 270,000 dedicated employees, we are driven by our purpose to unlock the power of food, enhancing the quality of life for everyone, both today and for future generations. Our commitment to nutrition, health, and wellness guides our performance, ensuring we deliver on our promise of GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE.

To discover more about our century-long journey of nourishing Malaysians, please visit our website at https://www.Nestlé.com.my/ask-Nestlé/we-are-Nestlé.

IRONMAN MALAYSIA ROARS BACK AS GLOBAL STARS AND LOCAL HEROES TRIUMPH IN LANGKAWI

 IRONMAN MALAYSIA ROARS BACK AS GLOBAL STARS AND LOCAL HEROES TRIUMPH IN LANGKAWI

 

• Fernando Toldi and Regan Hollioake clinch professional titles in epic showdowns
• 1,800 athletes from 51 nations battle in ‘Jewel of Kedah’ spectacle

 

LANGKAWI, OCTOBER 12: Fernando Toldi and Regan Hollioake triumphed today in the gruelling IRONMAN Malaysia 2024, conquering the challenging course on the picturesque island of Langkawi, the 'Jewel of Kedah'.

 

Toldi, 37, delivered an extraordinary performance in the professional men’s race, dominating the 3.8km swim, 180km bike, and 42.2km run in an impressive 8:10:23. Despite being his first visit to Malaysia, the Brazilian athlete demonstrated remarkable endurance in the island's demanding tropical conditions.

 

This marked the second consecutive year professional athletes have returned to Malaysian shores, following last year's edition that ended a four-year hiatus.

 

The race commenced with a two-loop swim off the white sandy beach of Pantai Kok, followed by a gruelling 180km bike leg. The multi-loop cycling course led competitors from Pantai Kok towards Jalan Teluk Yu, around Datai's rolling hills, and through colourful kampungs, showcasing Langkawi's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture.

 

Toldi skilfully navigated the winding terrain past Langkawi Falls and along Pantai Kok's coastline before tackling the marathon-length run. The final leg brought athletes past Langkawi International Airport and along Cenang Beach's scenic oceanfront.

 

After over eight hours of intense competition, Toldi crossed the finish line at Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa, epitomising the IRONMAN spirit with his victory.

 

Tim Van Berkel of Australia secured second place with a time of 8:12:38, followed by Germany’s Andreas Dreitz in third at 8:18:07.

Today's victory came just three months after Toldi secured his breakthrough win at IRONMAN 70.3 Ecuador in July. This success, however, is likely to be one he'll savour more given the intense level of competition. Toldi faced not only sweltering heat but also a highly competitive field.

Toldi reflected on his achievement: "I earned my first win in IRONMAN 70.3 (Ecuador in July) and now I've done it in IRONMAN. I'm so stoked and I'm really happy. I trained so hard for this race, and I put all my energy for this day. I dreamt so much for this day."

He continued, emphasizing the mental and physical challenges:

"This was a tough day. It was very mental. I had to push myself like I never did before and I'm so happy. This win is so important for me and for everybody. It was amazing race, one of the toughest I ever raced in my life."

Highlighting the significance of this particular victory, Toldi added: "This is such a big race with tough contenders and a very big field. It was the most important race of my life and my biggest result, for sure."

In the professional women’s race, Australia’s Hollioake proved equally impressive, finishing with a time of 9:13:07, a remarkable 17 minutes ahead of her closest competitor and compatriot Katie Remond (9:30:00).  The third place went to Italy’s Federica De Nicola, who clocked 9:42:05.

 

Like Toldi, Malaysia proved to be a fruitful hunting ground for rookie professional Hollioake, who clinched victory in her debut appearance here. This latest triumph further enhances the 35-year-old's already impressive season, following her win at IRONMAN Australia in May.

Hollioake described the IRONMAN Malaysia as the "toughest race" she has ever competed in.

Reflecting on her experience, she said: "It's my first time here. I wasn't quite sure how I would do with the heat, but it was as brutal as I expected."

 

“I've never been to Malaysia and it looked like such a beautiful place to come and visit, which it is. It was combining a bit of a holiday and a race as well. That was probably the toughest race I've ever done. I'm relieved for it to be over, but I'm absolutely thrilled to take the victory. This is my first year as a professional, it's been a really, really big surprise to do so well in my first year, but I'm thrilled to have another win."

 

The event's global appeal was evident, with 1,800 athletes from 51 countries participating.

 

Complementing the IRONMAN event, IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi featured a shorter distance of 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21.1km run. Toma Alexandru from Romania emerged victorious in the male's race, while Bianca Marcon claimed the top spot in the female competition, both showcasing exceptional speed and endurance.

 

The event also served as a qualifier for upcoming major championships. 45 Age-Group qualifying slots were awarded for the 2025 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain, on November 8 and 9, 2025, with additional 20 slots reserved for women. A total of 105 Age-Group qualifying slots were allocated for the 2025 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship, with women competing in Kona, Hawaii, on October 11, 2025, and men in Nice, France, on September 14, 2025.

 

The event featured several exciting side competitions, highlighting IRONMAN Malaysia's commitment to community engagement and inclusivity. The IRONKIDS Langkawi, which attracted over 300 participants, provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents across various age groups. The Aquathlon, which consisted of the 100m swim and 1.8km run, attracted young competitors age groups of 7-10 years and 11-15 respectively.

 

The Community Run offered a 1.8km course for all participants, with children aged 0-6 years completing the distance with parents or guardians, while those aged 7-10 years and older children aged 11-17 ran the route independently. This approach highlighted the event's commitment to inclusivity and shared experience.

 

Langkawi's growing community engagement has been integral to the event's success. This year, over 1,100 volunteers actively participated, demonstrating the strong commitment and enthusiasm of local residents.

 

The island continues to excel as a premier sports tourism destination, with athletes' families and friends not only supporting participants but also enjoying Langkawi's attractions. Race week has become a special occasion for quality time, significantly boosting local footfall and revenue, benefiting businesses, accommodations, and services.

 

Regional Director of IRONMAN Asia, CG Lim, commented: "The performances we witnessed today were truly exceptional. From our pro athletes setting blistering paces to our age-groupers pushing their personal limits, every participant embodied the IRONMAN spirit.

 

"This event goes beyond racing; it unites people and leaves lasting community impacts. As a major driver of sports tourism, we've seen a remarkable influx of athletes and supporters boosting the local economy, showcasing Langkawi's potential as a world-class destination for endurance sports and tourism. Looking ahead, the growing interest from local and international athletes sets a strong foundation. We're committed to building on this momentum, making IRONMAN Malaysia an even more iconic event in the global calendar.”

 

 

2024 IRONMAN Malaysia – Pro Male
Position	Given name	Family name	Country	Finish time
1	Fernando	Toldi	Brazil	08:10:23
2	Tim	Van Berkel	Australia	08:12:38
3	Andreas	Dreitz	Germany	08:18:07

 

2024 IRONMAN Malaysia – Pro Female
Position	Given name	Family name	Country	Finish time
1	Regan	Hollioake	Australia	09:13:07
2	Katie	Remond	Australia	09:30:00
3	Feredica	De Nicola	Italy	09:42:05

 

2024 IRONMAN Malaysia - Best Overall Age Grouper (Provisional)
Given name	Family name	Gender	Country	Finish time
Duncan	Bullock	Male	Great Britain	09:38:51
Chelsea	Seymour	Female	Australia	10:45:52

 

 

2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi - Best Overall Age GrouperT
Given name	Family name	Gender	Country	Finish time
Toma	Alexandru	Male	Romania	4:17:32
Bianca	Marcon	Female	Brazil	4:56:42

About 2024 IRONMAN Malaysia and IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi

Date         : 12 October 2024

Venue     : Langkawi, Malaysia 

 

About Langkawi: 

Located within a cluster of tropical islands that attract visitors the world over, the race will take athletes on a truly Malaysian cultural journey through tropical, hilly and demanding terrain passing traditional kampungs <villages>, mangrove clusters and rainforest vistas. 

 

IRONMAN Malaysia has been accorded with: 

1.                ATHLETE CHOICE AWARDS - IRONMAN 

·        Overall Swim Experience (2018)

·        Best Post-race Celebration (2018, 2017, 2016)

·        Will Attend Next Year (2018, 2017, 2016)

 

2.                2018 Best Triathlon Races in Asia Awards by AsiaTri.com 

 

The Event Experience: 

IRONMAN Malaysia  - Swim 3.8km, Bike 180km, Run 42.2km

The ocean swim starts from the picturesque white sandy beach of Pantai Kok with a two-loop triangle out and back course.

 

The two-loop bike course heads out of Pantai Kok towards Jalan Teluk Yu on a clockwise loop from the Northwest point of the island around the rolling hills of Datai towards the southeastern part of the island. Passing through several local villages ‘Kampungs’, athletes will get a true taste of the colourful sights and sounds and local communities of the island. The aid stations along the bike course are all supported by the local communities in Langkawi.Athletes will enjoy the local wildlife and winding terrain, passing The Langkawi Falls on route to the Datai turnaround. At the end of the 2nd loop, athletes will continue along the coastline of Pantai Kok heading towards Transition (T2).

 

The run course will showcase the best Malaysia has to offer as athletes pass through the scenic ocean front of Cenang Beach. Athletes will run along the side of the Langkawi International Airport runway. The tropical flat run course brings athletes into the beach front of Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa for their 2 lap run.

 

VinFast IRONMAN World Championship Qualifying Race - There are 105 qualifying slots to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (Women) on 11 October 2024 and in Nice, France (Men) on 14 September 2025.

 

IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi  – Swim 1.9km, Bike 90km, Run 21.1km

The ocean swim starts from the picturesque white sandy beach of Pantai Kok with a triangle out and back course.

 

The one loop bike course heads out of Pantai Kok towards Jalan Teluk Yu on a clockwise loop from the Northwest point of the island around the rolling hills of Datai towards the southeastern part of the island. Passing through several local villages ‘Kampungs’, athletes will get a true taste of the colourful sights and sounds and local communities of the island. The aid stations along the bike course are all supported by the local communities in Langkawi.Athletes will enjoy the local wildlife and winding terrain, passing The Langkawi Falls on route to the Datai turnaround.

 

The run course will showcase the best Malaysia has to offer as athletes pass through the scenic ocean front of Cenang Beach. Athletes will run along the side of the Langkawi International Airport runway. The tropical flat run course brings athletes into the beach front of Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa to finish.

 

VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Qualifying Race - There are 65 qualifying slots to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in in Marbella, Spain on 8 & 9 November 2025

 

 

About The IRONMAN Group     

The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN^® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN^® 70.3^® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN^® Virtual Racing™ <VR™> Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Running Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running™ Series, IRONKIDS^®, World Triathlon Championship Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and City2Surf^®, UTMB^® World Series events including Tarawera Ultra and Ultra-Trail Australia™, Epic Series™ mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic^®, road cycling events 

 including Haute Route^®, and other multisport races. The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Catering to the full athlete experience, the company portfolio also includes FulGaz, the most realistic indoor riding experience connected fitness application aimed at preparing athletes for real-world events. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN^® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE^® by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with hundreds of events across 55+ countries. The IRONMAN Group is owned by Advance, a private, family-owned business. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group.    

  

About Advance    

Advance is a private, family-held business that owns and invests in companies across media, entertainment, technology, communications, education and other promising growth sectors. Our mission is to build the value of our companies over the long-term by fostering growth and innovation. Advance’s portfolio includes Condé Nast, Advance Local, Stage Entertainment, The IRONMAN Group, American City Business Journals, Leaders Group, Turnitin, 1010data and Pop. Together these operating companies employ more than 17,000 people in 29 countries. Advance is also among the largest shareholders in Charter Communications, Warner Bros. Discovery and Reddit. For more information visit www.advance.com.