Anyone try out the CarBack?
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Far beyond the pale horizon.
Posts: 14,397
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4332 Post(s)
Liked 1,407 Times
in
984 Posts
Yeah, it was never advertised much. I guess there wasn’t enough demand. But it shows that they were aiming at a market for the Varia beyond racers who would have a dedicated head unit as a matter of course. I guess the phone app was preferred by the more casual Varia users or simply that it is only racers and club cyclists who are actually buying the Varia. It is a fairly expensive gadget that many casual cyclists will be totally unaware of.
That company also created the display unit because, of course, they didn’t have head units of their own (their device needed the display unit).
When Garmin bought the company, they quickly released the device as it was originally designed.
It’s fairly likely that if Garmin created it, it would not have also created a display unit for it.
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/10/....html#comments
#52
Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,570
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3247 Post(s)
Liked 1,801 Times
in
1,083 Posts
This link might be better for those wanting to understand the iKubu backstory to Varia:
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/01/...r-company.html
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/01/...r-company.html
#53
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,200
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2306 Post(s)
Liked 3,547 Times
in
1,869 Posts
I didn't realize it was past-tense until I tried to find one a few weeks ago. The $100 price tag seems steep, but I wound up getting an 840 for the kid for whom I had purchased the radar (on sale at REI for $150). C'est la bike.
#54
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,200
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2306 Post(s)
Liked 3,547 Times
in
1,869 Posts
The USB-C cable is a real game-changer:
(From Trek's website. You just can't make this stuff up.)
(From Trek's website. You just can't make this stuff up.)
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 8,157
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7158 Post(s)
Liked 11,355 Times
in
4,851 Posts
These sorts of laudatory remarks about USB-C pop up now and then, and I'm wondering why USB-C is deemed so superior to -- what? is it USB-B? I don't really pay attention to such things. I guess USB-C might charge devices faster, but is there some other advantage? I mean, I've got devices with a few different types of charging ports, so I just have one or two of each on my workbench near the outlet where I charge those devices.
#56
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,859
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4631 Post(s)
Liked 5,167 Times
in
3,195 Posts
These sorts of laudatory remarks about USB-C pop up now and then, and I'm wondering why USB-C is deemed so superior to -- what? is it USB-B? I don't really pay attention to such things. I guess USB-C might charge devices faster, but is there some other advantage? I mean, I've got devices with a few different types of charging ports, so I just have one or two of each on my workbench near the outlet where I charge those devices.
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 8,157
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7158 Post(s)
Liked 11,355 Times
in
4,851 Posts
I'm still wondering if there is something else that I'm missing.
#58
Happy With My Bikes
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,218
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 887 Post(s)
Liked 2,358 Times
in
1,138 Posts
I like USB C for the simplicity of being able to plug in either way like Apples Lightning ports were. But I agree that it isn't particularly a game changer and I probably wouldn't make my decision on the USB plug alone. But I do hope that USB C is going to be a format that will be around a while to eliminate all the cords and connectors we have currently.
I am wanting to get a rear radar light combo though. I think in this case I would probably lean toward the Garmin because I have had issues with my Bontrager lights working as expected with my Garmin Edge. I don't know if that is Bontrager's fault or Garmin's because I also don't get a reliable connection between my Forerunner and my Edge when I broadcast my HR from the Forerunner.
I am wanting to get a rear radar light combo though. I think in this case I would probably lean toward the Garmin because I have had issues with my Bontrager lights working as expected with my Garmin Edge. I don't know if that is Bontrager's fault or Garmin's because I also don't get a reliable connection between my Forerunner and my Edge when I broadcast my HR from the Forerunner.
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
Likes For Chuck M:
#59
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,200
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2306 Post(s)
Liked 3,547 Times
in
1,869 Posts
These sorts of laudatory remarks about USB-C pop up now and then, and I'm wondering why USB-C is deemed so superior to -- what? is it USB-B? I don't really pay attention to such things. I guess USB-C might charge devices faster, but is there some other advantage? I mean, I've got devices with a few different types of charging ports, so I just have one or two of each on my workbench near the outlet where I charge those devices.
(Trek should at least also supply a USB-C to USB-C cable, so you could simply plug one cable in between the radar and the laptop or USB-C power supply.)
USB-C does, however, have one huge advantage: The port is not directional. You don't have to try 3 times to get it right (yeah, I know you should only have to try twice, but reality bytes.)
Likes For Polaris OBark:
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 8,157
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7158 Post(s)
Liked 11,355 Times
in
4,851 Posts
Mine was sarcastic. Did you look at their advertising photo? It goes from computer USB-C to an Apple adaptor with USB-A so that the Trek supplied USB-A-to-USB-C cable can plug into the USB-C port on the radar.
(Trek should at least also supply a USB-C to USB-C cable, so you could simply plug one cable in between the radar and the laptop or USB-C power supply.)
USB-C does, however, have one huge advantage: The port is not directional. You don't have to try 3 times to get it right (yeah, I know you should only have to try twice, but reality bytes.)
(Trek should at least also supply a USB-C to USB-C cable, so you could simply plug one cable in between the radar and the laptop or USB-C power supply.)
USB-C does, however, have one huge advantage: The port is not directional. You don't have to try 3 times to get it right (yeah, I know you should only have to try twice, but reality bytes.)
Yeah, the symmetric plug/port should save each of us about two minutes over our lifetimes...'Course, I feel like I have already lost more than that just sorting out different cables.
Likes For Koyote:
#61
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,859
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4631 Post(s)
Liked 5,167 Times
in
3,195 Posts
Well, I've occasionally had to squint at the micro USB in order to get it inserted properly (since I'm not always wearing my reading glasses), but I've never broken one even when trying to ram it in the wrong way. And if charging speed differs, well, that might be an advantage for some people, but not for me. If the light (or computer, or whatever) is on the low side of a full charge, I just plug it in and then unplug it the next day.
I'm still wondering if there is something else that I'm missing.
I'm still wondering if there is something else that I'm missing.
Last edited by PeteHski; 04-26-24 at 12:57 PM.
Likes For PeteHski:
#62
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,200
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2306 Post(s)
Liked 3,547 Times
in
1,869 Posts
#63
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,200
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2306 Post(s)
Liked 3,547 Times
in
1,869 Posts
It is in incremental improvement. In addition to being isotropic, the female USB-C is more physically robust. Each time you miss the correct orientation with the micro (or worse, mini) cable, it stresses and potentially loosens the port, leading to eventual prolapse.
Likes For Polaris OBark:
#64
Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,570
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3247 Post(s)
Liked 1,801 Times
in
1,083 Posts
I prefer USB-C merely because most of my other devices are USB-C, and needing only one cable is an economy and risk-reducer. It's a pretty simple notion, needing fewer cables and/or a simplified wall block.
Likes For chaadster:
#65
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 8,157
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7158 Post(s)
Liked 11,355 Times
in
4,851 Posts
Yeah, I figured that was an advantage for some. I'm still using plenty of older lights (and other devices) with other ports, since they still work fine.
#66
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Far beyond the pale horizon.
Posts: 14,397
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4332 Post(s)
Liked 1,407 Times
in
984 Posts
USB-C is the current standard. That's enough to have new devices use it.
It doesn't matter too much that you aren't going to get much benefit from the change.
I suspect more people would prefer USB-C. The people who don't are going to have to deal with the change anyway (if they buy any new device). Manufacturers aren't going to make two devices (with different connectors).
Likes For njkayaker:
#67
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,633
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 3,160 Times
in
2,006 Posts
These sorts of laudatory remarks about USB-C pop up now and then, and I'm wondering why USB-C is deemed so superior to -- what? is it USB-B? I don't really pay attention to such things. I guess USB-C might charge devices faster, but is there some other advantage? I mean, I've got devices with a few different types of charging ports, so I just have one or two of each on my workbench near the outlet where I charge those devices.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
#68
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,859
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4631 Post(s)
Liked 5,167 Times
in
3,195 Posts
What I find funny is that most devices I buy with USB-C are supplied with a USB-A to C cable and this appears to be the case here. It’s like they know that most people are still using USB-A chargers.
Post #54 says it all 😂
Likes For PeteHski:
#69
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,633
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 3,160 Times
in
2,006 Posts
With time comes standardized changes; manual transmissions were once standard in America, not the case now.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,859
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4631 Post(s)
Liked 5,167 Times
in
3,195 Posts
Connector standards occasionally benefit from change. Otherwise we would all be stuck using RS232 serial connectors. The original FireWire connector also looks ridiculous today, but was considered compact on release. I’m sure USB-C will look stupid in 20 years too.
#71
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,200
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2306 Post(s)
Liked 3,547 Times
in
1,869 Posts
My wife just went to England with a few electronics. Her iPhone uses a USB-A to (proprietary) lightning cable, as does her iPad. But her laptop uses a USB-C to proprietary magnetic-safe connection, and can also accept USB-C directly. Her Garmin Watch uses USB-A to proprietary connector. She took my headphones, and I forgot they need to charge via a USB-mini cable, so neglected to send it. (She just hates this stuff and is under a lot of stress because she is attending her brother who lives alone and had multiple strokes, and the last thing she wants to worry about is a huge tangle of assorted cables and a pile of chargers, along with some UK/US plug adaptors.) The chances of her losing half this stuff are significant, and it winds up being a real PITA. Ideally she should only need a USB-C/USB-C cable and a power supply/adapter. One cable standard to rule them all.
I have a box in the garage that has a huge collection of cables and obsolete apple adapters, including Firewire 800 and 400, and and the version 1 iPod (4G, Firewire, mechanical dial). This is just a huge amount of waste. (Time waste, E-waste, space-waste, resources waste ...).
I have a box in the garage that has a huge collection of cables and obsolete apple adapters, including Firewire 800 and 400, and and the version 1 iPod (4G, Firewire, mechanical dial). This is just a huge amount of waste. (Time waste, E-waste, space-waste, resources waste ...).
#72
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,859
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4631 Post(s)
Liked 5,167 Times
in
3,195 Posts
My wife just went to England with a few electronics. Her iPhone uses a USB-A to (proprietary) lightning cable, as does her iPad. But her laptop uses a USB-C to proprietary magnetic-safe connection, and can also accept USB-C directly. Her Garmin Watch uses USB-A to proprietary connector. She took my headphones, and I forgot they need to charge via a USB-mini cable, so neglected to send it. (She just hates this stuff and is under a lot of stress because she is attending her brother who lives alone and had multiple strokes, and the last thing she wants to worry about is a huge tangle of assorted cables and a pile of chargers, along with some UK/US plug adaptors.) The chances of her losing half this stuff are significant, and it winds up being a real PITA. Ideally she should only need a USB-C/USB-C cable and a power supply/adapter. One cable standard to rule them all.
I have a box in the garage that has a huge collection of cables and obsolete apple adapters, including Firewire 800 and 400, and and the version 1 iPod (4G, Firewire, mechanical dial). This is just a huge amount of waste. (Time waste, E-waste, space-waste, resources waste ...).
I have a box in the garage that has a huge collection of cables and obsolete apple adapters, including Firewire 800 and 400, and and the version 1 iPod (4G, Firewire, mechanical dial). This is just a huge amount of waste. (Time waste, E-waste, space-waste, resources waste ...).
It would have been great if USB-C had been invented in 1960 and adopted as a universal fixed standard moving forward. Then your wife wouldn’t now be faced with these multiple legacy connector issues. But of course the technology didn’t exist in 1960 and I doubt she would be happy if all her current devices used an RS232 connector. Although she would only need one cable.
Edit: I happen to have one of those original iPods with the mechanical scroll wheel and FireWire connector. I dug it out and the first thing that struck me was how big that connector now looks today. There is no way that would work on a modern phone or even a slim laptop!
Last edited by PeteHski; 04-28-24 at 04:34 AM.
#73
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,200
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2306 Post(s)
Liked 3,547 Times
in
1,869 Posts
Wireless charging is the future.
Likes For Polaris OBark:
#74
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,859
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4631 Post(s)
Liked 5,167 Times
in
3,195 Posts
#75
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,633
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 3,160 Times
in
2,006 Posts