Wahoo TRACKR Radar review

After switching to the two Wahoo ELEMNTs Bolt 3 and Roam 3 I'm almost completely satisfied: a gain in comfort across almost the board. The devices impress with anti-glare TFT displays, intuitive operation, a good tactile feel, long battery life, and features such as navigation with re-routing, climb detection and free maps; the ROAM 3 also adds a touchscreen. Weak points were the display being hard to read in strong sunlight and the (for a long time) missing ability to pair the bike computer with the excellent Garmin Varia. The latter was the biggest drawback for me, but Wahoo has addressed it.

With the TRACKR Radar, Wahoo launched last year its first rear light with an integrated radar system — and with real ambition. The newcomer aims not only to compete with market leader Garmin, but to build its own fan base through clever features, good battery life and deep integration into the Wahoo ecosystem. But how does the system perform in everyday use?

Visually, Wahoo sticks to its typically simple style: black, compact, functional. With a specified weight of 99 grams (including mount), the TRACKR is on par with the Garmin Varia RTL515. The dimensions of 90 mm height, 42 mm width and 82 mm depth (incl. mount) are somewhat chunkier, which is further emphasized by the distinctive dual-LED design.

The TRACKR is mounted using the proprietary mounting system, which unfortunately isn’t 100% compatible with Garmin-compatible saddle-rail mounts. The reason is slightly different mounting tabs – annoying, especially for those who already use integrated solutions. Depending on the setup, it may be worth swapping the Garmin adapter for a Wahoo adapter. In our case this worked without any problems, since the adapters are usually fastened with two identical screws.

Alternatively, a universal adapter for round, D-shaped and aero seatposts is included, along with rubber straps of varying lengths. The mounting is secure, but not quite as neat as the competition.

Wahoo TRACKR-Radar

The system uses an ANT+ radar function that detects approaching vehicles up to 150 meters away at a horizontal detection angle of 35 degrees. This is combined with a dual-LED taillight consisting of a main LED and side lights for better visibility from multiple angles.

Additional features such as Quick Alert (more intense flashing on approach), an automatic brake light when decelerating, as well as Battery Extender Mode and Mode Memory increase safety and efficiency in operation.

The TRACKR is fully ANT+ compatible and therefore works not only with Wahoo ELEMNT devices, but also with Garmin Edge, Hammerhead Karoo and many other bike computers. However, it unfolds its full potential within the Wahoo ecosystem, for example in the display and control of the light modes.

The light is IPX7 waterproof and offers a battery life of up to 16 hours in continuous light mode or around 11 hours with active radar and flashing light. Operation is done either directly via the button on the device or via a Wahoo ELEMNT bike computer. The Wahoo app is used exclusively for configuration and firmware updates – there is no smartphone-based radar view like on Garmin.