The Last Word with Matt Cooper Tech Thursday: Cycling Gear To Stay Safe And Seen This Winter
Oct 23, 2025
Andy O'Donoghue, a tech commentator, joins to discuss essential cycling gear for winter safety. He highlights the Garmin Varia radar and rear light for enhanced visibility and warns of traffic. The Lumos Ultra smart helmet features integrated lights and turn signals for commuters. For those who want to listen to music safely, Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are recommended. Andy also reviews e-bikes like the Carrera Subway and cargo bikes like the Tern GSD S10, emphasizing comfort and practicality for winter commuting.
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Rear Radar Enhances Visibility And Awareness
- Garmin Varia combines a bright tail light with rear‑view radar to both be seen and detect approaching vehicles.
- It alerts riders visually and audibly to cars up to 140 metres away and is visible up to a mile in daylight.
Choose A Smart Helmet For Predictable Visibility
- Use a smart helmet like the Lumos Ultra for integrated front/rear lights and wireless turn indicators.
- The helmet improves visibility and predictability in traffic and is made for daily commuting and all‑weather use.
Use Open‑Ear Headphones For Road Awareness
- Avoid noise‑cancelling in‑ear headphones while cycling and opt for open‑ear bone conduction models.
- The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 lets riders hear surroundings while delivering clear audio and is water resistant for rides in rain.