Hammerhead Karoo 2 ... Long Term Review

Chapters:
00:00 intro
00:50 UI Updates
02:54 Training Tool
04:36 Screen Update
05:40 Deal Breakers

Yes, yes, Yes, so this might be my third attempt at discussing the Karoo 2, but the number of updates that have been pushed out make it well worth another look.

Karoo Software Build Version 1.283.1181

Introducing CLIMBER Without A Route

Karoo can now predict your course of travel when riding without a route, so you can see every climb on every ride, even when you know the roads well.

See our Knowledge Base article here to learn more about how CLIMBER works, with or without a route.
You can still restrict CLIMBER to only when following a route, or never at all, under Settings on Karoo.


Introducing Route Favorites

Go to Dashboard to identify your Favorite routes, and have quick access to them from the Collections section at the top of the Routes list on Karoo.



New Last Lap Data Fields

We’ve added the following Last Lap data fields:

Last Lap Avg Heart Rate
Last Lap Avg Cadence
Last Lap Ascent
Last Lap Descent
Last Lap Power Balance


New Interval Data Field

We’ve also added a data field for viewing the remaining duration of your current Interval in a Workout.



Bug Fixes:

We’ve improved the reliability of Ride Resume to handle longer rides.
We’ve fixed a bug that could cause sensor connectivity issues if you had a smart light connected to Karoo, especially if using Control Center to change light modes on Karoo 2.
We’ve fixed a bug that could cause your time zone to be incorrectly set on Karoo if using a SIM.
The in-ride labels for Target Cadence, Target Power, Lap VAM, Average VAM, and 30s Average VAM data fields were not displaying as intended. They are now fixed.
We’ve fixed a bug that made building a route on Karoo challenging by locking the available map view.
For those who use an electronic drivetrain paired over ANT+ (SRAM, Campagnolo, or FSA), the Shifter Battery data field could show “0” for some time at the beginning of a ride, while the Karoo waits for the drivetrain to share its battery status. We’ve improved the treatment there to more clearly describe what’s happening.
We’ve fixed a text sizing issue on the Route Preview page on Karoo in which Distance and Total Ascent could spill over onto two lines if the route were long enough.


Dashboard Software:

We’ve fixed a bug with the option of “reversing” a route on Dashboard, in which certain routes failed to be properly reversed and would cause a software crash on Karoo when trying to follow them. This was especially common for Komoot routes that included freehand “Off Grid” sections.
We’ve fixed a bug that could cause Routes from Connected Accounts (such as Strava) to be imported multiple times and duplicated on Dashboard/Karoo.

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INSTAGRAM: @chrismiller27 @nerocontinental
TWITTER: @chrismiller @nerocontinental
BIKE: Devel Project A01
GROUPSET: FSA WE Groupset
SERVICE & SUPPORT: Cycling Projects Racing

[marcus_velo_]

good update chris. 3 things, you know it has a garmin insert to make it compatible with garmin mounts? came in box. tether strap get it on, also came in box, finally start time is still slow but love the new climber feature, excellent. cheers.

[bobzuidema]

I placed the Karoo2 puck on a 3rd party outfront mount and that solves two of your deal breakers; looks superneat now and you can push the buttons as hard as you wish the device doesn't go anywhere..

[mariosimas]

i´ve recently used the Karoo2 with a 7h of screen on and ended with 48% of battery. I used 35% of light screen, powermeter, flare rt and HR connections

[paulruffy]

1st ride dropped HRM signal once I got literally half a mile. Garmin picks it up fine and it stays connected. Never ceases to amaze me how tech can be so widely praised yet in actuality fail in its basic function.

[whazzat]

Great device, with more big strides.
Garmin mount is fragile, designed for watch sized devices and has failure risk on any bigger device, it's why Quadlocks sell so well ( and cost more )
Button functions are, um, a work in progress. They have Steve Jobs relationship to them and the conflict shows. They keep moving them and it is a step forward and a step back every time, so relax, they will change as soon as you get comfortable.
They have almost as many people telling them what to do as you have. It's part of the charm.

[michaeldezwart]

@chris, no mention of the new climb feature?

[iainlamb]

Mate, can't you use the lap button on the screen.

[geoffarnold]

ive had 2 Wahoos and both sheared off the back teeth which means new unit .. the mounts in general need updating all around

[waynosfotos]

If you want to move on the SRM head unit i am interested. I have a YTube channel over here on the west coast and review bike stuff among other things. I have the look SRM look keo power meter pedals and this could be an interesting device to look at and pair with my pedals. Just let me know on a reply below if this is something you may consider? 🤔

[BrettKelly]

Thanks Chris, how does it work with Di2 buttons? Will they do the map/lap option.

[itsdeebs]

Curious as to if you have issues with sensors dropping in and out, been having that one which annoys the hell out of me . Otherwise lovely device

[Carftymk]

you might be the only person in the world using the lap button though

[michaelsteven]

I'm a weight weeny..It's twice as heavy as my 530.