Karoo 2 Everything: Unboxing, User Interface, Ride Along Tour

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hi folks! Don't forget to use the KZbin Chapters option by sliding along the bottom of the video to see all the sections!

[@whazzat8015]

Great tip, as always. More on sideloading! ? What screen recording/display app?

[@stevehayes8867]

Is the Karoo 2 better than the wahoo elemnt roam ?

[@whazzat8015]

@@stevehayes8867 Depends on what you want. I think bike computers are oversold and need to be compared with just using your phone and GoldenCheetah/ RWGPS. That said, look at what you use. Both they and BigG oversell marginal stuff that just complicates things. K2 has best screen and radar implementation, good mapping, hackability, interface with Strava, customer Svc, wifi. Look at your specifics. Don't buy what you don't use. The happiest folks all around have simple stable uncomplicated uses.

[@stevehayes8867]

Is the Karoo 2 better than the Wahoo roam? I have a roam which I love but the Karoo 2 looks tempting, is it worth an upgrade

[@whazzat8015]

@@stevehayes8867 First master temptation. A problem since Genesis, I am told.

[@cypercharged]

Karoo is to head units what Tesla is to cars (in term of mindset, changes at the speed of thoughts,...) Ordered mine and received it 2 days later. Amazing piece of tech!

[@hamilton237]

Thanks Ray. I really appreciate the time you took to publish this extra video.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - glad it's helpful!

[@jeffreyalex]

I am so impressed by DCR's ability to keep focus on what's important and how the details serve the big picture. With so many devices and variants to deal with, he can dive into small issues but not lose track of how they fit into overall goals and values. Plus, I appreciate the humor he throws in. I'm a huge fan and trust his judgement on most things. I have the Karoo 2 and he really gets what's good and what's not so good. Thanks!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Jeff - that means a lot - I really appreciate it!

[@Aspireonthego]

Just got mine, super nice piece of tech. Like others have mentioned, really intuitive interface and new features being added with each update is definitely a plus.

[@louchalifoux-chabot7030]

Thanks for the extra content! By the way, you make some great content, very professional and you already helped me chose my Garmin Instinct last year and now I am hesitating to buy a Garmin Edge 830 or some thing in this range so yeah thanks Ray!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Lou - appreciate it!

[@MJarthur95]

This good in-depth review made me think twice about getting de Wahoo Elemnt Roam. Just sucks that it isn’t available before March

[@stramtb4803]

It’s quite a record. Zero down votes. You’re doing good man!

[@tomar5e115]

One week later and 558 up votes and still no down votes!

[@artificialbox]

DONT JINX IT YOU FOOLS

[@scottjones9362]

Excellent product review again Ray. Mine should be arriving next week.....ish. 👍🏽

[@raptorxxxx-dd1fh]

glad they added sound ques. I was one of the early adopters and returned it promptly once I've learned of that missing feature.

[@utube655655]

Great job, as usual. One item not covered that may not be of interest to most readers/users is the accuracy of the elevation gain. I use my computers mostly for mountain biking and the many short/steep ascents and descents are a huge problem for Garmin Edge units (my specific experience is w/ the Touring, 510, and 820 units). All of the Garmin units do fine recording elevation grade on relatively shallow slopes (less than 10%). But, as is common on mountain bike trails, these same units almost always reset to 0% as soon as a steep slope is encountered and they then gradually reset to the actual slope, taking on the order of several hundred meters to gradually go from 0 up to the actual slope, really rendering them useless for recording theses steep slope grades. In contrast, the Karoo2 almost never resets to zero on these slopes; instead it consistently records what appears to be accurate slope data, meaning it gradually goes up and down almost instantly as you traverse changes in slope. For mountain biking in particular, but also road riding on hillier terrain, I find this to be a huge advantage.

[@icebeam23860]

This was so awesome. I'll need to get this one as an upgrade for sure.

[@uk-expat]

More good stuff Ray, thanks!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@whazzat8015]

I understand your aversion to proprietary mounts, but the Garmin quarterturn was designed for watches. Mount failures are a big warranty issue on bigger devices, tabs and attachment points just fail. Many features have changed with updates, but appreciate the intro

[@FRamirez1A]

If you have to pick between the karoo and the wahoo roam, which one would you prefer? Thanks for your time!!!

[@anthonyhilchey8215]

The Karoo 2 looks Wicked Pissah Cool!

[@kiki-ig8fq]

brilliant as always

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@Drpepper99uk]

Ray, what are you using to show the actual Karoo screen footage? Moreso when you are out on the bike, can't see any wires etc so guessing it's a mirroring app?

[@MichaelMRoth]

Is it possible to pair the Karoo 2 with a glucose sensor like the FreeStyle Libre 3 (close to enter the market) or Dexcom G6? Whould be of great benefit for diabetics to keep an eye on their blood sugar values, especially when doing a training. Thanks dude!

[@pe3117]

Really love your videos 👍👍👍

[@phil9361]

You mention a problem that you couldn't see maps at first, how did you fix it. I've got the same issue

[@nothinghere8357]

are you dutch?, because if so than you’re english is so perfect.

[@hayabusa27]

Uh had to cut that add on music intro right when the beat drop 😂👍🏻

[@JKLturtle]

Nice review. What are you using for cell phone holder?

[@stemante1]

@dcrainmaker What about the duracino of the battery? thanks

[@GaMeOvErRules]

How well does it work if you dont have a planned ride and you just hop on your bike and go? Does it pick up strava segments? Does this unit auto pause if you stop? At the end of the ride. It does not upload through your phone? You have to connect the unit to wifi when you get back home?

[@dakrisht]

Great review as always. A few issues stand out with this device off the bat: 1) the UX is just way too sloppy for a new device that’s had a decade to learn from user feedback and competitors. This and previous Karoo review use-case videos show a completely cluttered and bloated interface. 2) the hardware running this custom flavor of Android is *severely* underpowered for the data it needs to show, including real-time mapping. Why they’re using a $50 piece of hardware makes zero sense (well it makes perfect sense since they need to grow the margins). However, the jittery map, extremely laggy loading screens (are you serious with these load times?) and generally 1990s style animations is unacceptable on a 2021 device for $400+. Add a few months of software updates and offline maps and data, and this thing will come to a halt. 3) the navigation data and turn-by-turn directions are inferior to Garmin, as stated in the video, which is another inexcusable item (chock this up to bad algorithms and poor map data). So while a great new device with a lot of fluff, and a “pretty screen” (ooh ahh) they could have built this on top of much more powerful hardware while continuing to improve the UX. As an aside, I wonder why nobody has used Google Maps instead of these pure garbage OpenMaps or TomTom maps or whatever this might be.

[@Dcrainmaker]

"As an aside, I wonder why nobody has used Google Maps instead of these pure garbage OpenMaps or TomTom whatever this might be." - Because Google Maps costs a lot of money.

[@dakrisht]

@@Dcrainmaker indeed. You get what you pay for. Regardless, the mapping APIs used on all of these devices, while they will do the job, are subpar and take away from the true capabilities of the displays (unfortunately, not the processor in the case of Karoo 2). Somewhat reminds me of MapQuest circa 1996 Windows 95 maps.

[@joshhiggins4723]

What are you using mount the 2nd Karoo to your stem

[@SimplicityForGood]

can we set it up for fixed gear and track bikes and pound in the gear ratio of our fixed gear and get the watt calculated back to us after the trip is finished?

[@BerniePottrell]

Straight and honest. Great vid again Ray. I'm currently using a Karoo 1 with BT earpiece (hearing aid) so other than the physical size/weight, is there any advantage for me in shelling out 399USD on the Karoo 2 do you think?

[@randibechtel879]

I just bought the crew. But I guess I’m not understanding it. Do I have to pay for a GPS in order to have it connected to my iPhone? I currently don’t pay for Strava or any type of GPS system, but is that the only way to have a GPS pulled up on the Karoo?

[@billfrigo7602]

Is there a way to get the Map view, with Speed and Cadence, on the same screen at once?

[@backuptimmy4124]

Is it possible to lock the touchscreen of Karoo 2 like the Karoo 1? I rode in the rain yesterday and the rain just “helped” me to stop and delete the 100km ride lol

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes, you can swipe down and select Rain Lock.

[@backuptimmy4124]

@@Dcrainmaker got it thanks 😬

[@stephans612]

Great review, Ray. Does it support the connection with Varia Vision?

[@TheDennzio]

Hi DC, I'm really wanting the best hrm features more than anything as my cardiologist has limited me on my max and avg heart rate. Big numbers. Good function. GPS is important but secondary. Guess I need something easy to read as well. I know you are busy but thanks for any reply!

[@roivosemraiva]

Does the Karoo show cue display of turns ,or just the map? I have a garmin 1000 which allows me to scroll from one screen to another. I am looking for a cycling computer for my multi state bike travel...I've been looking for the ease this is...

[@dirragon1]

Hey Ray, Great vid as always; always love the severely in-depth reviews. One question I had if you have the time (not sure if it was answered, sorry if I missed it): often I am out riding a route with my Wahoo Roam, and I want to either stop the route because I decide I want to go a different way or change the route entirely in the middle of the ride. Does it allow you to stop a route/change a route in the course of a ride without ending the ride and having to start a new one? When I had the Garmin 1030 for awhile it seemed like it wouldn't do this, and you had to end your ride and start a new one if you wanted to change/quit the route. On the Roam it's easy-peasy. You just end the route and it keeps recording, and pick a new one if you want at that point. Thanks if you get a chance. This device looks awesome.

[@willemjohannes9007]

Am I correct in understanding that there's currently no way to see a route's complete elevation profile when you're navigating? Similarly, is there an "elevation remaining" field available for routes you're following?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I'm not aware of a way to see the full elevation profile mid-ride. Only what's near-term. Though perhaps there's something I'm missing. There's no elevation remaining field. Also, here's a complete list of those fields: support.hammerhead.io/hc/en-us/articles/360056863553-Data-Fields

[@rolandaber5322]

Can this unit load the specilized mission control app for there ebikes and have a page for it so I can go to the app and change settings while on the road? Normally I would have to have my cell phone in hand to connect to the TCD and mission control app. Thanks

[@FRamirez1A]

Can you start a ride without having a planned route? If so, when you finish, can be that sync with Strava? Thanks.

[@philhofstetter9507]

Yes, definitely can. You just don't get navigation path, but it will still show map. Also, it won't give you Hill Climb / Ascent details unless it is a planned route.

[@virkelie2]

Can you enter an address or destination directly in the Karoo 2, like a GPS in a car?

[@solefreak2]

Why does this device need an internet connection to add a new route or even edit a current route? Is that the case with Wahoo and Garmin? Just find it weird if you are out without a wifi connection, you'd need to tether to your phone to update or change to a new route that's not synced to the device.

[@Warrior-eq9qh]

Hey Ray, How are you recording your screen? Thanks

[@Acyclistandhockeysnob]

Do you recommend using the lanyard for the 2? I remember the Karoo had issues with the mounting piece on the actual device would snap and fall off if not using the lanyard.

[@juancamilorodriguez8134]

Hi dear Ray! I'm a huge fan of your content from Colombia! Have seen all your videos and reviews of bike computers, they are awesome! But I'm still trying to decide between them for my first computer. My options are this one, the Wahoo Bolt and the Garmin 530. What would you say? Recommend? Or which one would you recommend? Thanks so much for your awesome content!

[@robins314]

So you can side load, so is it possible to side load a texting app like Chomp so you could send and receive text with the SIM card installed?

[@VinceLefort]

Hello ! Do you need data on for Strava live segment ? Just got the unit first ride elevation is totally off seems to be a big problem that they are trying to fix :(

[@MrR1ma]

So you can pair BT headphones. And you can sideload apps. And you can add a SIM card. I wonder if you could stream Spotify...

[@whazzat8015]

Yes. see karoousers.org for details

[@anadaniellaespinoza4693]

how do you set the profiles and why do you set profiles?

[@michellegoesglobal]

Any word from Hammerhead about an iOS app? And just to clarify, can you load a route on the device without WiFi or a SIM? Thanks for the detailed review!

[@francobellomo9979]

Hello, what would you say are the best sports watch options for strength training, Olympic lifting and martial arts? Almost all the watches I see are focused on running or cycling.

[@adyakristanto]

thanks for your video ray.. do u still use chest strap for gopro?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup! In this case I used a chest mount, with a Hero 9 and a Max Lens Mod atop it. I probably could have just gotten away with SuperView, but I was feeling lazy and wanted to be sure I had everything under the sun in frame. :)

[@Tethysmeer]

Could different people use it with separate profiles?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Sorta, but your calories will be off, since there's only one human settings option for weight/gender/age. Also, it'll/sync to a single Strava/etc account - but you can always download the files and manually upload them to Strava/etc for each person.

[@hermanschneider2739]

Hi, follow your channel. Great work. Regarding these independent bike computers, how will they stack up against power sensors? Are there any computer that will show pedal statistic on a third party power sensor. Or will the Garmin pedal be stuck with Garmin computers, srm with srm computers etc? Thx

[@chunghsu5350]

if I'm on a route and in the middle I decide for another route, should I close the first activity to start the other route?

[@adamgriffin7055]

Totally random question...I just got my Karoo 2. I put in a loop route down to a local destination and back to home. But when I hit near the point for my turnaround to come home and made my turn (a little early) it kept telling me I was off course and to turn around. Maybe I didn’t hit the exact end point on the route before turning around? Do you know how to adjust that in-ride without quitting the route entirely?

[@Warrior-eq9qh]

Nevermind Ray i found the answer on your how to side load an app. AZ screen recorder has been loaded.

[@chielmi]

Great video Ray! Did I understand you correctly that the live tracking only works when connected to WiFi or when using a sim? Can't it use the Bluetooth connection to your phone to let your phone handle the tracking through it's mobile data connection?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes, that's correct. While there is an Android app, it only serves to setup the smartphone notifications. It's unclear if down the road they'll make the iOS/Android apps also do Livetracking connectivity too, but they did say they're working on expanding the functionality of those apps.

[@axelgiuliano]

hi is it possible to back to start ? and also if you don t have data SIM is it possible to have navigation ? best regards

[@yvesbytebier3581]

One thing i don't find in the reviews is the map quality. And i don't mean the resolution but does it display al the small rural roads on it (like the map on my Edge 1030) or only the main roads? This is important when doing gravel rides.

[@Dcrainmaker]

So far it shows all the routes here. One thing to keep in mind is that both Karoo and Garmin share the same base map source/data (OSM). It’s the extra popularity routing (heat map) data that Garmin adds atop.

[@yvesbytebier3581]

@@Dcrainmaker thx for the reply. I have no issues at the moment with my Garmin and been using them for years now, but the Karoo2 seems really nice

[@DinoTrackmania]

HEY FOLKS IT’S ???????? I never understood with what words you start your videos until I clicked the subtitles.

[@tomnanD3]

Karoo needs a remote like Garmin has. You can move through data and map pages without taking hands off the bars.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, I suspect in some ways, it's just a matter of time before they support the ANT+ remote. Though, I suspect it's pretty far down the list too.

[@elguntor]

Can you program a Di2 groupset to change data pages using the top buttons?

[@aa-ko3fd]

I too would like to know the answer to this question. It is very handy with my Garmin 830 to keep my hands on the hoods and just click the Di2 button on top of the hood to swipe between pages. I think the Shimano Di2 eProject app is what allows one to "program" what you want each button to do when you click, double-click or click-hold. @DCRainmaker any answers?

[@moratinguerZ]

Hi, is available the iOS Notifications?, I don’t find yet, in the user guide anything about this

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, you can see how that works at the section tittles ‘Smartphone/notifications’, as well as just before I start pedaling outside, also, later in the gloves section. All of this was on iOS.

[@evanreeves5966]

No workouts?

[@pinobaka]

Does Karoo 2 support Chinese and Japanese fonts?

[@andreachampredonde6257]

Hi Ray, just got my Karoo 2 so thanks for the informative video, but I don't have the "APP" choice in my settings (your side loading segment) and my software is up to date. Did they remove it?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Did you do the full sideloading instructions already? www.dcrainmaker.com/2021/02/how-to-sideload-android-apps-on-your-hammerhead-karoo-1-karoo-2.html

[@muhlisabdi4911]

Is there any option to.show mini map.on turn by turn nav?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Sadly not...yet. Sounds like under consideration.

[@gracemalley6821]

Hello, Would you please do a review on the Oura ring?

[@pantster9855]

Karoo and Strava live segments: issues I’ve found. When it pops up the navigation screen behind doesn’t move up with it, meaning it blocks your icon which is a pain on longer segments. Also for Ray - go into Strava after that ride and take a look at that segment you rode and see if you beat your PR by as much as the Karoo said you did. I’ve found big differences between how the Karoo says you’re doing mid segment vs what you actually manage when it’s uploaded

[@Dcrainmaker]

Interesting. So I just looked at the BAAM segment I featured in the video. There it says I went 34s, but Strava online calculated at 36s. I didn't see a PR seconds value listed though on screen (I do see that I got the PR, but I don't see it showing me by how much).

[@pantster9855]

@@Dcrainmaker have a play about with it next time you go out with it. I’ve had it tell me I’m 90 seconds down on pr on a long segment to find After the ride I’m actually up. It does appear that in the setting you have to tell it to update your Strava live segments (which frankly should happen every time it syncs to ‘cloud’). Even so I’ve found the guidance mid segment isn’t the best

[@galenkehler]

As I sit here looking at the broken tabs of yet another garmin, I'm definitely moving to some other platform.

[@Dcrainmaker]

What kind of mount are you using? I’ve managed to never break a tab.

[@galenkehler]

@@Dcrainmaker this was the plastic mount for the Deda Vinci stem, it's an older garmin though. The tabs are such a known point of failure that there is a whole industry of glue on caps to repair them 😂

[@galenkehler]

@@Dcrainmaker the situations I find myself in might be different to your Dutch rides, this garmin broke when I hit a rumble strip at about 52kph on my road bike, we don't have the infrastructure here in Canada :)

[@mamatkebab]

Is like having a an android phone on ur cycling com..

[@flyhigh_tony]

battery life?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Seems a bit lower than spec, which is 12hrs. But my testing puts it closer to 8hrs.

[@flyhigh_tony]

@@Dcrainmaker Thanks for valuable info. Keep safe from covid-19.

[@potoma8895]

very interesting, can you change the language ??? Thanks

[@SPECTORMANZ]

So your saying that if this is your first Karoo 2, then this Video is not for you.

[@Roger101Watson]

I'm really tempted with this as the edge 830 is god awful for navigation and that's primarily what I want it for.

[@Roger101Watson]

Ordered with February delivery. If I hate it 45 days return it so little risk really.

[@DrewsOnFirst]

@@Roger101Watson one year later - how'd it end up?

[@Roger101Watson]

@@DrewsOnFirst honestly it's really bloody good 👍 just got back from a 100km ride I grabbed from komoot and the k2 didn't miss a beat. I missed a turn because I was flying down a steep descent and needed to focus. The k2 rerouted me and I rejoined the route a few mins later. Highly recommended unless you have di2 then maybe not right now.

[@SKHQuest]

The beeping of the thing sounds SO annoying!

[@robharrison838]

Not even interested in the product. Just here for Ray.

[@mrpf06]

22% in one hour of use !!😐🤔

[@Dcrainmaker]

That’s due to the screen recording app I use. When not doing that, it’s about 12%/hour.

[@COATES77241]

Wish he'd talk at less than 200 words per minute. The faster you talk the more I KNOW I'm being sold a bill of goods!