Sram reached out to me to test the newer version of the Hammerhead Karoo 2, following my review of the original model. With my experience from the first version, I was curious to see how Hammerhead had improved their GPS cycling computer and what new features it brought to the table.
About Hammerhead
Hammerhead has built a reputation for producing high-quality GPS cycling computers that cater to both road and gravel riders. Their focus on intuitive navigation, responsive touchscreens, and reliable software has made them a favorite among cyclists who want advanced features without unnecessary complexity.
About the Karoo 2
The Karoo 2 impresses with a comprehensive set of features that cater to both casual riders and serious cyclists. The responsive touchscreen works smoothly even with gloves, and the tactile side buttons provide reliable operation in wet or bumpy conditions. Navigation is a standout, with preloaded maps, offline support, turn-by-turn directions, and the ability to easily import routes from third-party platforms.
The computer allows for fully customizable data screens, letting riders display metrics such as speed, power, cadence, heart rate, elevation, and gradient exactly how they prefer. For training-focused cyclists, the Karoo 2 supports structured workouts, interval sessions, Strava Live Segments, and integrates with popular apps like TrainingPeaks and Komoot. Connectivity extends to ANT+, Bluetooth sensors, and smart trainers, ensuring that all your devices communicate seamlessly.
Its integration with my Sram AXS system provides real-time information on gearing, battery level, and shifting performance, making it an excellent companion for modern drivetrains. Additionally, the Karoo 2 tracks advanced performance metrics such as normalized power, TSS, and FTP, and offers options for managing rides across multiple bikes, making it a versatile tool for both gravel adventures and competitive racing.
Testing
During testing, I logged over 8,000 km on the Karoo 2, and the overall experience was excellent. The computer was consistent, accurate, and intuitive to operate in all conditions. Its integration with my Sram AXS system provided real-time information on gearing, battery level, and shifting performance, making it an excellent companion for modern drivetrains. Additionally, the Karoo 2 tracked advanced performance metrics such as normalized power, TSS, and FTP, and offered options for managing rides across multiple bikes, making it a versatile tool for both gravel adventures and competitive racing.
That said, I did encounter a hardware issue: the first unit I received started closing or resetting on its own, and one of the side buttons was non-functional. Hammerhead quickly sent a replacement, but the second unit had the same problem with the power button. This occurred twice during the Race Across Québec, which was far from ideal when relying on the computer for essential data. Hammerhead provided a new power button to swap out and explained that a small batch of defective units existed.
Despite the power button defect, the Karoo 2’s strengths remained clear. Its combination of a responsive touchscreen and reliable side buttons makes it intuitive and easy to use in a variety of conditions, from wet gravel rides to long road adventures. The customizable screens and advanced navigation features allow riders to focus on the metrics and maps that matter most, while structured workouts, Strava Live Segments, and third-party app integration make it a valuable tool for training and racing. Even with the occasional hardware hiccup, the Karoo 2 proved to be a versatile and feature-rich GPS cycling computer that delivers an engaging and reliable experience for serious cyclists, whether tackling multi-day events, competitive races, or exploring new routes on gravel and road alike.
In conclusion
In conclusion, the Hammerhead Karoo 2 is a powerful and versatile GPS cycling computer that excels in navigation, connectivity, and performance tracking. While the recurring power button defect was a notable drawback during testing, the device’s responsive touchscreen, reliable buttons, customizable screens, and seamless integration with modern cycling systems make it a standout choice for serious cyclists. Whether for long gravel adventures, multi-day events, or competitive racing, the Karoo 2 delivers a feature-rich and rewarding experience that makes it one of the more compelling options on the market today.
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