Originally Posted by Mtracer

I ride with a mirror and Varia radar. The Varia is a relatively new addition. I find the mirror absolutely critical for me. I simply do not have the flexibility to rotate my head around and my ability to hold a line and turn my body is not that great. Also, I can glance in a mirror with much less effort and much faster than turning my head or body.

Just as in a car, having situational awareness from all sides is helpful. Will a mirror or radar allow me to dive for the ditch at the last moment if a car suddenly veers towards me? Of course not. But with a mirror, I can certainly see that a car has made an effort to move to the other lane or at least pulled further away. This is a clear sign that they have seen me. They almost always do this well before getting near me, giving me plenty of time to move as far to the side as possible if needed.

Since I use a mirror, the radar isn't nearly as important to me. But it occasionally brings my attention to a vehicle before I check my mirror. It's very much an unconscious thing now. I think the Varia radar is most useful to those that don't use a mirror. It gives them some idea that something is coming up on them.