Find Your Store
Home Page

Cart, contains 0 items

When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures.
Expert Help
Earn Rewards

Hammerhead
Karoo 2 GPS Bike Computer

3.9285714285714284 out of 5 stars
14 Reviews
$399.00
Color:Black

Size:

Quantity


Why We Like The Karoo 2 GPS Bike Computer

If we're rolling with a bike computer, we like it to be a reliable source of navigation that features lightning-fast software, and that's why we like the Karoo 2 GPS Bike Computer. It features next-generation software that provides only the best mapping and navigation for our ride with data that lets us reach our goals and push peaks. The Karoo 2 is simple to use and looks great with exceptional attention to detail and enhancements that lead the pack in performance cycling equipment. It's designed to put our ride first and make it easy to follow routes, connect to Strava and other apps, and complete our workouts.


Details

  • A reliable bike computer that puts the rider first
  • High-resolution display panel with a responsive touchscreen
  • Water and dustproof to IP67 rating for battling the elements
  • 12 hours of ride time and fully charged in under three hours
  • ANT+, Bluetooth, and WiFi connectivity with high accuracy GPS
  • Hammerhead mounting system is reliable and easy to use
  • Accessible and simple route building for convenient use
  • Turn-by-turn navigation keeps us on track
  • Item #HMR0002
Clock
yes
Odometer
yes
Wireless
yes
Operating System
Android 8(Oreo)
Backlight
yes
Water-Resistant
IP67-rated
Battery Type
2500 mAh high capacity battery
Battery Life
12hr
Low Battery Indicator
yes
Mount Type
handlebar
Includes
Hammerhead Karoo 2 Mounting System, Quarter-Turn Mounting Adapter, 2.5mm allen key, USB-A to USB-C cable, lanyard
Dimensions
19.3mm x 60.8mm x 100.6mm
Face Size
[screen] 2.72 x 1.61in (69 x 41mm)
Claimed Weight
[Karoo 2 and Hammerhead Mount] 167g
Manufacturer Warranty
1 year

Overall Rating

4 based on 14 ratings

Review Summary

1 Stars - 1 reviews
2 Stars - 1 reviews
3 Stars - 3 reviews
4 Stars - 2 reviews
5 Stars - 7 reviews

Fits True To Size

Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.
Runs smallTrue to sizeRuns large

What do you think about this product?

View

Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the page
3 out of 5 stars

June 13, 2023

Needs more basics

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I thought a might like to switch from Garmin, I was wrong. Unless you use TrainingPeaks you cannot get work outs onto the device, and if you do, they do not allow an “until lap button” interval. Route syncing through Strava is clunky compared to Garmin. The interface is a lot nicer, and I really like the “turn in x mi” always being there but not enough to continue use over a Garmin.

Nicholas N
3 out of 5 stars

December 27, 2022

Karoo 2 - Did Not Meet Expectations

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I returned this product this morning. I purchased the Karoo 2 anticipating that it would be a great replacement for my aging Garmin 830. Sadly, it was not! While it has many great features and an awesome screen the one feature that cause it to fall short for me was Live Tracking. In order to use Live Tracking on the Karoo 2 it must have an internet connection via an activated SIM card (user installed and purchased) or be tied to the hot spot on the users cell phone (likely gobbles data). With one of these activated the rider can be tracked through a unique URL link sent to the individual you choose to do the tracking. But, if you ever turn off live tracking the URL goes away and a new one must be generated and sent to your chosen tracker (very cumbersome). This is opposed to Garmin’s approach which does not require any SIM card, unique URL or action to re-establish tracking capability if you turn tracking off for a time. I am sure the Karoo 2 would be great for users who do not want to easily and inexpensively use Live Tracking but for me live tracking is an essential feature! Add to the Live Tracking shortfall the fact that Karoo 2 cannot provide connectivity to Shimano Di2 (not Hammerhead’s fault) and I just felt I was giving up too much to justify the $400 expenditure. So, I will stick with Garmin even though I found many things about the Karoo 2 appealing! If Hammerhead ever fixes these issues I will be eager to purchase!

gcgp774851 g
Competitivecyclist.com

Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com

1 out of 5 stars

July 28, 2022

Matt A
5 out of 5 stars

November 27, 2021

Best GPS

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Best GPS with lots of advanced features. Screen colors are vivid and striking. Touch screen are accurate. Mapping or adding route is incredibly easy. A new world order for GPS is here.

taipan
Competitivecyclist.com

Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com

5 out of 5 stars

September 26, 2021

Best Strava Integration

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I love the big display, the frequent updates, the fact that I can put a SIM card in it. But it's the Strava integration that sets it apart from all other bike computers.

Angel A
2 out of 5 stars

September 19, 2021

Not user friendly

Familiarity:
I returned this product before using it

There are way too many "do this then that," etc. Too many work arounds. Have used Wahoo and Garmin and both are much more intuitive

mik923033516-0
Competitivecyclist.com

Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com

5 out of 5 stars

September 2, 2021

Sold for Life

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I have been putting all of the features on this head unit through its paces this past month and I have to say it is nearly the perfect computer. Why nearly you ask? Because the hard working folks at Hammerhead are continually working to make it better. Not only that; they listen to their users' feedback through their members forum. That isn't the case with the other options on the market. Like many of us; we are going to do a lot of research before moving forward with a head unit purchase. I watched all the reviews I could find on YouTube by all the known names of reviewers. The down side was they were all from a year ago. I can tell you, this unit has grown in that year since its product release to what the unit is today. Let me go through the features of what most of use will want out of a head unit (I think) Training: Syncs with Training Peaks only so far. This has been the case since its release with the promise of other third party platforms coming on. That is still the promise; but it takes both parties (Hammerhead and the training platform) to make that agreement, I'll leave it at that. The workouts with Training Peaks is pretty awesome. Obviously personal preferences will vary; but the workout screen is simple but gives you the important information; power and time left. The workout screen is easy to read and see where you are in your interval. Down side; I wouldn't run a workout with a route. If you are going to use the workout screen; know where you're going. The unit works just fine and doesn't bog down. The screen just gets too cluttered. Along with the fact; if you are using the mapping feature and you come to a climb you will get the climb profile pop up too. It's just a lot going on. You can have other screens to look at like your averages and others. Just don't run routes while working out. The Maps: This is second to none and the biggest reason I wanted the Karoo 2; and can confirm, the map is amazing. It works amazingly in the wilderness. I have yet to use it in an urban setting as I am in remote Colorado. I set out on some local trails and this got me through single track trails in my area that I had never been on. It got me to one trail in particular that I was wanting to hit. You have to do some work while stopped; but it works very well. In my opinion; setting up new routes is easier on this device than on Wahoo. I use both Strava and RideWithGPS on my phone and computer. Transferring the maps is crazy simple to do. Once you complete your route, you "share" the map and copy the link. You go to the Hammerhead dashboard and paste into your routes and it is there, on your Karoo 2. You can do this from your phone's web browser. Which is just as good as an app; therefore you do not need an app. The browser dashboard is made to be a mobile website so loads very easily on your phone. To get it on your head unit from just your phone out in the wild (not on WiFi), you have to be able to use your phone as a hotspot and connect the Karoo 2 to your phone's hotspot. Living in the remote mountains, I just plan ahead and have my route ready and loaded. If you are in an urban area; so many WiFi options and better cell reception. Device Setup: Once again crazy simple to do. Since the software is based on the Android platform it sets up like a phone. There are similarities to the way you set this up and how you set up a Garmin head unit. Once again; you don't need an app to do this. The device is a phone,. In the sense of having data screens this device is more similar to Garmin than it is to Wahoo. Having been a predominant Garmin user; it wasn't that big of an adjustment for me. I've found all the data metric options I could possibly think of. But I do not train 20 hours a week anymore and take a little more relaxed approach towards training. All in all it covers all I could think one would need. I don't see myself looking for another head unit anytime in the near future. I'm sold on the Karoo 2.

Chris G
Competitivecyclist.com

Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com

4 out of 5 stars

September 1, 2021

Disruptive

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Let me preface this review by stating I have been a loyal Wahoo user for years. I still maintain they make the best GPS computers for no-frills, ease of use, and functional design. With that said, wouldn't we all like a Tesla over a Civic? The Karoo 2 is the hottest new computer to challenge the big two in well, forever. Backed by a great team of engineers and excellent product support, you'll never feel outdated using this computer. As other reviewers have noted, the mapping features are second to none. You'll be awash in data customization options and aftermarket apps - it's truly a tech nerd's playground. Pros: Touchscreen - Works better than my iPhone X and it's 3x smaller. Enough said. Mapping - Easy to upload .gpx routes to the Hammerhead dashboard from 3rd party sources or you can make them yourself with web browser route planning. You can also easily pick out points on the map on the Karoo 2 and have yourself routed to them. Software Updates - Routinely pushed 2x/month and heavily based on user input. Cons: Lack of dedicated smartphone app - this will likely take most Garmin/Wahoo users some time to adjust to. The web app (dashboard.hammerhead.io) is a great place for creating your profile, editing routes, downloading user data, etc, but where the Karoo currently falls way short is a companion app for smartphones. Most riders are accustomed to uploading their ride data immediately to their smartphones, but unless you create a mobile hotspot or have a dedicated data plan sim card for your Karoo, you must wait till you're connected to Wi-Fi to sync data. Weight - it's not light. 132g to the Wahoo Roam's 96g. But for all intents and purposes, the Karoo is a small smartphone, so it's not exactly a direct comparison. Proprietary handlebar mount - Some folks don't really care about this point, but a lot of other riders have already invested money in a nice K-Edge mount. The Karoo does come with an adapter for Garmin mounts, but as of right now it's just not as secure a fit compared to the included Karoo mount. It would seem that the cons outweigh the pros based on my review, but I still stand by my enthusiasm for where Hammerhead is going. Based on their ethos of continuous improvement, I have no doubt these concerns will be addressed. The Karoo 2 is a feature-packed powerhouse of a computer that many will enjoy discovering and using to its full potential.

user image
Josh M
Competitivecyclist.com

Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com

5 out of 5 stars

September 1, 2021

Best Bike Computer I've Ever Owned

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I've owned bike computers for nearly 40 years, starting with a Cateye solar in 1985. I eventually moved to a Garmin Edge 500 (then 520) but found the software to be buggy and inconsistent, and the requirement to do all programming on device using buttons annoying. I moved to a Wahoo Elemnt, then Roam. The software and day-to-day usage was much easier and more sophisticated than the Garmin. However, The screen was not nearly as bright as shown on the box, even with brightness at max. I looked at a Stages computer, which has a fantastic screen, but interacting with the device is cumbersome. Enter the Karoo 2. The screen is the best I've ever seen and interacting with the device is good. The navigation is great and setup is easy. The software is evolving but it's good now, and it's fun to be part of the process. The Hammerhead team is fantastic and I've seen a couple of suggestions implemented. Still, the system remains a work in progress. If you want a polished, finished product, go with Wahoo or Garmin. However, if you want a screen that blows the others away, software that works well (albeit needs further development), and the fun of watching a product develop before your eyes, the Karoo 2 is da bomb!

sbs115119645
Competitivecyclist.com

Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com

Jonathan EGearhead
5 out of 5 stars

August 23, 2021

A Smart GPS!

"But is it better than a Garmin or Wahoo?" I'm sure that's what you are wanting to know. The short answer is, maybe. If you're a road rider I think this is the best GPS on the market right now. IMO the mapping is superior to Wahoo and right there with Garmin. I wish the mapping did a better job of showing singletrack trails for mountain biking and forest roads for gravel biking but this could be updated at some point. This brings me to my next topic. The Karoo 2 runs on Android 8 software so its potential is huge. If you are familiar with using an Android device then you'll be right at home using this GPS. You can also set up and use the device without having to use an app on your smartphone to upload rides since it can connect to a Wifi network. Pair it to your Strava account and your rides will very easily load once you are connected to the internet. You can even name your ride on the device using the touchscreen keyboard. Super neat. This is one area where it makes the competitors seem outdated. Then there's the screen. The resolution and color are phenomenal! And the touchscreen is more accurate than my last Android phone. No joke. Cons: My only complaint so far would be the battery life is not quite as good as my previous GPS, the Wahoo Roam, and the screen can be hard to see under direct sunlight. Also, if you are a weight weenie this computer isn't the lightest option. For me, I'll take the slightly heavier weight for the tech you get in return. Pros: Easy to set up and use once you get familiar with it. The color screen is great when not under direct sunlight. The mapping on the road is great. The climbing mode is a neat feature if you live in a mountainous state. Love that you don't need a companion app. In short, if you are looking for a new cycling GPS with a ton of features, give the new guy on the block a shot. I think you will be thoroughly impressed.

user image
Competitivecyclist.com

Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com