The refreshingly simple GPS computer - Beeline Velo 2 GPS Cycling Computer Review - feat. Navigation

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These days, it seems like most new cycling GPS computers are getting more expensive and complicated with advanced data metrics and capabilities. The new Beeline Velo 2 bucks that trend and offers a minimalist and intuitive cycling computer and routing software that utilizes user feedback for optimal routing. With the Velo 2, Beeline has retained the features that made the original Velo such a hit on Kickstarter but updated the user interface and added optional detailed navigation prompts. The Velo 2 retails for $97 and offers a new RockerTop interface with a LCD IPS circular display. In addition to the clever “compass” mode style navigation display that simply points in the direction of your destination, Beeline has incorporated a turn-by-turn navigation option with simple prompts.

Visually, the Beeline Velo 2 looks more like a smart watch than a traditional GPS computer. The Velo 2 has a compact round design with plastic housing and a circular LCD IPS display. With a 1.28 inch / 32.4 mm diameter, it's quite a bit smaller than the round CYCPLUS M2 and has a minimalist design and interface. Rather than using a touch screen interface or traditional spring loaded buttons, the Velo 2 uses what they call a RockerTop interface. It's similar to a D pad on a gaming controller and allows the Velo 2 to be slightly depressed in the top / bottom / left / right directions to activate the four buttons. We were impressed with the tactile feedback as each button has a distinct response when used, a big advantage over touch screen designs. Aside from the yellow underside of the Velo 2, it's a sleek looking GPS with minimal bezels.

The Velo 2 was designed for simplicity which means the user interface is also simple and easy. Unlike computers from Bryton or Coospo which have multi-level menus and customization, the Velo 2 is designed to only work with GPS and is ready to use out of the box. The main page boots up to a “Let’s Ride” screen which displays current time and total ride distance when connected to the app. A small bicycle graphic slides along the edges of the circular display based on the orientation of the computer which is fun to play with. Using the RockerTop interface you can simply push down on the top / bottom / left / right corners of the display to cycle through pages and options. The main page displays the odometer + time / battery status (and your cellphone battery status) and an option page (about + unpair from phone + legal). You can also adjust the screen brightness by pressing the left/right button on the battery display page.

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00:00 Intro
00:10 Unboxing + Specs
01:50 Fit + Finish
03:35 Beeline App
06:09 On The Road
08:02 Comparison (CYCPLUS M2 / Bryton S800 / Coospo)
09:41 The Final Score
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That gyroscopic bicycle animation sold it for me.

rikirolld
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I have one of these and love it. I don't think your review really did it justice. You didn't mention that in addition to directions, it tracks and can display your speed, average speed, distance to destination, time to destination, current time, and distance travelled. You can also rate the roads you're on and Beeline will use this info to crowdsource the best routes.

The turn-by-turn navigation beeps. So, when you're about 200 feet from your turn, the device will beep once, indicating that you can glance at it to see which direction you're going to turn. Then, when you're at the turn-point, it will beep twice indicating you should make that turn (you don't have to look at the device again, obviously).

I agree with you that a Con is that you can't just hit Record on the device. It's my only Con, though. But I'm hopeful they fix this with a firmware update. I've had mine a few months and when it first shipped there was no Record / Free Ride option at all. They added it with a firmware update.

Those saying you could just mount your phone on your bike and use the app or use Google Map are ignoring the fact that the point of this device is to not have you looking at a phone while riding your bike. When texts or calls come in, they are easily ignored because it's not happening right in front of you. Also, if you get in an accident, you're much less likely to damage your phone. I'd rather hurt a $100 device (which feels unlikely to get damaged in a crash anyway) than a $1200 phone.

vlvr
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Nice and timely review as I currently have a shopping cart loaded with this.

I would not call it a "GPS computer" as you do though. It is in fact a bluetooth -based smartphone extension, translating GPS info from the phone and app into very clear user friendly graphics-based navigation guidance. The device itself does not have any GPS capability but allows you to keep your phone safely tucked away. It is a great concept and you can stop and pull out your phone if you want complete map visibility and routing details (in case you miss a turn or face a blocked path and have to re-route).

The downside is that you have to keep track of battery usage on the phone as well as on the Beeline, and the Beeline's battery does not seem optimised for long haul bikepacking journeys.

I am still hesitating between the Beeline and a Garmin Edge 840 but your point on the advantages of haptics-based interaction ("rocking") vs touchscreen hits a chord for me. The Garmin now seems more fiddly even though having access to a full map without pulling out the phone is a nice feature (but is that map readable on the small 830?).

Both devices are compatible with Strava and Komoot, which is worth a mention.

brusselssprout
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“Instead of a quarter turn, it’s actually 1/4 turn” huh?

bdaveness
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I can understand the concept behind not having a record button on the fly because the app doesn't allow rerouting mid-ride.
The point of this device is so that you don't have to look at your phone again once a journey is set and is designed to keep to on that path - hence 'beeline'.
The hardware is well thought out to reflect the simple nature of this device.
If you need a do-it-all gadget, get a bike computer! Otherwise, for this price, it's amazing value.

mkim
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I ❤ the way you say 'button'!

Nice review thank you

Super-opzp
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Cool device, some real GTA vibes from compass mode!

andreash
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I just barely got my Velo 2 in time for a weeklong self supported tour.
I found the process of loading and then initiating a planned [Komoot GPX file to the Beeline app and then the Velo unit] not at all intuitive. Downright frustrating would a fitting term. Had to try other YT tutorials to discover what was required.

To be fair, if I had got it a couple weeks sooner I could've figured out it's quitks sooner. I expect/hope I'll like it eventually.

Edit: I figured this thing out somewhat about halfway through my week-long tour.
I would NOT recommend it for dense urban use or touring. I went thru Chicago and Milwaukee...not good. It's sweet spot seems to be day tour type riding rural roads. I am hopeful that routing with the Beeline app is less glitchy than Komoot.
***Allow yourself at least a couple of weeks use prior to attempting touring with the Velo 2.

ziptiefighter
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I would totally just get an elemnt bolt or something that can display an actual map. I used to have something similar to this and without a map it's really hard to navigate.

syrusk
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2:25 a quarter turn and a 4th of a turn are the same? Did you mean an 8th

samueltaylor
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i wish it would auto sync with google maps... does it do that though? Such a drag using their app to set the map/direction

dagoncalves
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so I can't mount it on a regular garmin slot?

po-pi-po
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a 4th of a turn and a quarter of a turn? arent they the same

SimonLloydGuitar
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Hi, thanks for your demonstration video. Do you happen to know if you can reset the odometer? I need to keep track of my total mileage between 2 services (Alfine 11's oil change for instance) and I'd rather start from scratch each time. Thanks!

tsitd
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Hey, can I use this strictly for Speedometer needs on my bicycle. And Do I still have to connect it to a phone if I am only using it for Speedometer needs and nothing else. In summary, the question is, can I use it out of the box just for speedometer purposes without connection to my phone

sherazAsghar
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Will this save your total miles travelled like other computers?

paramedic
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If i understand right, that device is only a external display for the app on the smartphone?

moeb
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can you just record your cycling without adding a destination?

adriand
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what a stupid idea to make it require a proprietary mount

notstevelam
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Thanks! Can I use the device without the phone?

paulpells
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