Fall is one fine month to be hitting the trails. The crisp air, the Autumn leaves… can be simply stunning and there is no better tool for cyclists to augment their cycling experience than with the Hammerhead Karoo 2, an iterative update to one of the most popular cycling computers money can buy.
We were big fans of the original Karoo and the team at Hammerhead. They are constantly striving to be the best in class when it comes to the cycling world. The Karoo 2 continues to build this tradition with their Android-based cycling computer that provides sophisticated GPS navigation paired with tangible real-time ride data.
Compared to the original, the Karoo 2 is a slightly narrower and lighter build, with its 3.2-inch high-definition screen weighing just 167g with the mount. This is a sizeable weight loss over the OG version which came in nearly 75g heavier. While we were not thrilled originally with the smaller screen, it is now pin-sharp and brighter leading to a better outside viewing experience which we now think was the right call. Again, we see impressive, clicky and tactile buttons that feel great and the unit is IP67 water-resistant, perfect for when the weather changes its mind mid-ride. Also, of note is the cleverly included mount, allowing for 5-degree tilt visibility when in motion.
Built into the Karoo 2 is a powerful array of sensors to capture your cycling data including a 3-axis accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope, barometer, and ambient temperature gauge. These work in tandem with the display’s dynamic heart rate and power zone data fields, upcoming and historical elevation, electronic gearing, and more. Likewise, you can connect external sensors like ANT+ and Bluetooth devices that will turn this into a supercomputer, capable of tracking everything including heart rate, cadence, and power output too. This is the type of data is real cyclists crave when they are training, and it is remarkably informative.
We also love that most of the data is stored in the cloud, and with free downloadable global maps users can use the Automatic Route Sync feature to manage all routes on the Karoo itself or web dashboard. Also of note is Hammerhead’s Route to Pin feature, which allows users to create their custom map with waypoints or see the details of things like cafes, water fountains, bathrooms, and campsites provided on existing maps with ease. This was very helpful in our testing when my 9-year-old decided he needed a bathroom break literally in the middle of nowhere.
Last but certainly not least is that Hammerhead has also managed to squeeze out an extra hour of battery life and upgraded the device with industry-standard USB-C type fast charging which is a welcome addition for those that are always on the move.
There is a lot to like about the Karoo 2, it remains one of the most comprehensive, accurate, and premium cycling computers on the market today. They are not cheap at $399 but with all these features, you truly get what you pay for in this instance, and with their 45-day no-questions-asked return policy, what are you waiting for?
Get yours today at https://www.ca.hammerhead.io/
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