Garmin Stellenbosch

Our Origin Story

Our story starts with Ikubu, the South African start-up that designed Backtracker, the first innovative radar tail light for cyclists. Garmin had big plans for this product and in 2015 Ikubu was acquired. It was then that Garmin Stellenbosch was born.

Now we are a research and development focused, engineering site for Garmin International, and the radar that started it all has evolved into the Garmin Varia series, winning numerous awards. Since then we've branched out into the development of other products and into more product testing.

Some Interesting Reads

The radar that started it all has evolved into the Varia series and new products in other sports as well.

2025, May, Garmin Radar in the Cannondale SmartSense System
2025, January, Garmin brings peace of mind to motorcycle riders with the new zūmo R1 Radar
2023, October, Garmin Xero C1 Pro Review and Field Test
2022, May, Garmin Introduces the Varia RCT715 Rearview Radar Activated Tail light with Built-in Camera
2021, Sep, Specialized Turbo E-Bikes Boast ‘Mission Control,’ Radar, Theft-Thwarting Motor
2021, Aug, Approach R10, Disruptive Golf Launch Simulator
2020, May, Garmin release two new Varia rear-view radar systems
2020, Apr, Cannondale Partners with Garmin for Industry First Radar on New Mavaro Neo 1
2018, Apr, Garmin Varia RTL510: See and Be Seen
2015, July, World's First Cycling Radar
2015, Jan, Garmin Acquires Backtracker
2014, July, Backtracker Crowd-Funding Launch Video

Fun Facts

Bicycles

Products Launched

Indoor Golf Net

Dedicated Employees

Bachelors/Honours Degrees

Masters Degrees

Doctorate Degrees

292

CPU Cores

Product Reviews

Instantly Made Highway Riding Safer

Brad Brownell

I'm deeply in love with this radar unit... having an extra digital pair of eyes looking over my shoulder at all times is a welcome safety addition to my riding.

Xero is a godsend!

John B. Snow - Outdoor Life Review and Field Test

For ballistic nerds, the Garmin Xero C1 Pro is a dream come true. Shooters who take their craft seriously are going to want to add the Xero to their kit, whether they use a rifle, pistol, bow, or some other gear that launches projectiles.

Bicycle Radar Changes Everything!

Z. Tomcich - Amazon Review on RTL515

Bicycle radar changes everything! Wow, where have you been all my life?!!?!?

Fantastic!

Paul - Golfstead Garmin Approach R10 Review

For a portable $600 unit, there’s really no other way to put it: the Garmin Approach R10 launch monitor is fantastic!

Fantastic - Should Have Bought this Sooner!

Scott Darlington - Amazon Review on RTL510

When I'm cycling into the wind, the wind noise in my ears can hide the sound of a car approaching from the rear.... [Now] no more suprises!

Magic!

SB - Amazon Review on RTL500

Very few tech items are so easy to use, work so reliably, and provide such useful information. I definitely felt safer during my ride, less looking over my shoulder and no surprises being passed by fast cars. I would highly recommend this product to any serious road cyclist.

Blown Away!

Sean Ogle - Breaking Eighty Garmin Approach R10 Review

It’s not very often these days that I’m truly blown away by a golf product. But the Garmin R10 has won me over.

Exceptional Addition to Bicycle Safety!

Ted Waltman - Amazon Review on RCT715

This is an outstanding addition to on-the-road bicycling safety! Audible alert is especially helpful when there is a headwind or when riding downhill (i.e. when the wind noise precludes one hearing cars approaching from the rear). HIGHLY recommended!!!