GPS Ideas
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
GPS Ideas
I was thinking of getting a bike GPS either a Karoo 2, Garmin Edge 530 or a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. Any thought's or advice?
#2
mosquito rancher
Have you checked out DC Rainmaker? He's got very extensive reviews of each that should help you figure out what you want.
__________________
Adam Rice
Adam Rice
#3
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,988
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6193 Post(s)
Liked 4,810 Times
in
3,318 Posts
Get one or the other.
However, I use to think touch screens weren't necessary. My very basic Garmin Edge 500 did everything well with just button pushes. However on my Garmin 530, I'm finding out that some of the extra features I might find useful while riding the bike are a little troublesome to get to while zipping 22 mph along the road. So I tend not to use them. Wish I'd gotten a touch screen model. My Edge 530 pretty much is just the same functionality while I am on the bike as my Edge 500 was.
However, I use to think touch screens weren't necessary. My very basic Garmin Edge 500 did everything well with just button pushes. However on my Garmin 530, I'm finding out that some of the extra features I might find useful while riding the bike are a little troublesome to get to while zipping 22 mph along the road. So I tend not to use them. Wish I'd gotten a touch screen model. My Edge 530 pretty much is just the same functionality while I am on the bike as my Edge 500 was.
Last edited by Iride01; 07-01-21 at 03:38 PM.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 4,770
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 630 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 369 Times
in
206 Posts
If you want a smooth smartphone like experience, go with the Karoo 2. If you want something that works with a few frills, get the 530. Not sure why anyone would get a Bolt at the moment but the blinking lights are cool
#5
Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,446
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3144 Post(s)
Liked 1,708 Times
in
1,032 Posts
One of the things I really prefer on Bolt compared to 530 is that I can set any two data fields atop the nav/map screen, something the 530 does not offer. Probably, if I lived somewhere with mountains, I’d prefer Garmin for the ClimbPro feature, but I don’t, so the overall Wahoo package is more appealing.
Ultimately, I think that if one is into whiz-bang gadgetry, the Garmin is a fiddler’s delight and also has the best MTB trail nav, making for a no-brainer choice if those are important to you. If someone is all into road navigation and map looks, Karoo is on top. And if someone wants a well-rounded, fully featured computer which is easy to use but provides all the data and metrics from their ride for post ride assessment, the Wahoo is probably the best choice there.
None are best overall, but one is going to better depending on how the rider wants to use it.
Likes For chaadster:
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,883
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3240 Post(s)
Liked 2,086 Times
in
1,181 Posts
That Wahoo user interface is pretty much only better for the initial setup, once thats done its a wash as to which device is better as actual daily use comes down to what you like, as they both get the job done. Yes Ive owned a Bolt and assorted Garmins.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,883
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3240 Post(s)
Liked 2,086 Times
in
1,181 Posts
Ive used an Edge 810, 1000 and 1030, a Wahoo Bolt and now a Karoo 2. I prefer some things on the K2 over the others hands down. Easier to setup, very smooth and reliable setup and connection to sensors and what not. A beautiful screen and great graphics and map. Reliable. Hammerhead seems significantly more dedicated to pushing updates, features and assorted improvements than the others, certainly more so than Garmin, who still has significant and ongoing BlueTooth issues years later. Garmin seems like they'd rather sell you the new 30 models than fix the 20's. Hammerhead wants you to get and use the new features and tell them what you'd like improved. Karoo is still missing some things I'd like, like more map options for off road use, as well as a link to TrailForks (this is really needed). But I think they'll get there. My K2 was worth the money. Its a better unit than an 830, almost as good as a 1030 Plus, IMO,
#8
Obsessed with Eddington
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Brussels (BE) 🇧🇪
Posts: 1,330
Bikes: '16 Spesh Diverge, '14 Spesh Fatboy, '18 Spesh Epic, '18 Spesh SL6, '21 Spesh SL7, '21 Spesh Diverge...and maybe n+1?
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 532 Post(s)
Liked 621 Times
in
368 Posts
Garmin if you're into an easily readable screen in sunlight and long battery life and train seriously—the Garmin Connect dashboard (web) and app are quite useful. Not to mention the Garmin integration with TrainingPeaks. To get the most out of that stuff, a power meter is required. Of course, the main selling point of a Garmin is mapping, it's maps are excellent, but the devices I've had struggle to render the maps fast enough in areas with lots of map data (urban areas or complex intersections).
Wahoo if you want a simple setup (although the latest Garmin software ports prior setups from other compatible Garmin devices forward, so this is even less of a selling point), a nearly useless map screen (marginally better than breadcrumb nav from the early 00s), and some blinky lights.
None are perfect.
Likes For Badger6:
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,883
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3240 Post(s)
Liked 2,086 Times
in
1,181 Posts
Karoo2 if you're into a really awesome screen that is not very visible in bright sunlight and you like the idea of 4-5 hours of practical battery life with data fields that are not initially intuitive to read.
Garmin if you're into an easily readable screen in sunlight and long battery life and train seriously—the Garmin Connect dashboard (web) and app are quite useful. Not to mention the Garmin integration with TrainingPeaks. To get the most out of that stuff, a power meter is required. Of course, the main selling point of a Garmin is mapping, it's maps are excellent, but the devices I've had struggle to render the maps fast enough in areas with lots of map data (urban areas or complex intersections).
Wahoo if you want a simple setup (although the latest Garmin software ports prior setups from other compatible Garmin devices forward, so this is even less of a selling point), a nearly useless map screen (marginally better than breadcrumb nav from the early 00s), and some blinky lights.
None are perfect.
Garmin if you're into an easily readable screen in sunlight and long battery life and train seriously—the Garmin Connect dashboard (web) and app are quite useful. Not to mention the Garmin integration with TrainingPeaks. To get the most out of that stuff, a power meter is required. Of course, the main selling point of a Garmin is mapping, it's maps are excellent, but the devices I've had struggle to render the maps fast enough in areas with lots of map data (urban areas or complex intersections).
Wahoo if you want a simple setup (although the latest Garmin software ports prior setups from other compatible Garmin devices forward, so this is even less of a selling point), a nearly useless map screen (marginally better than breadcrumb nav from the early 00s), and some blinky lights.
None are perfect.
Ive no issues reading the screen in direct sunlight amd Karoo does offer white text in black, or the reverse, which is a nice function.
Getting routes from RWGPS is better on Karoo then Garmin.
There are really only 2 things I think Garmin does better. 1) is TrailForks integration and 2] is topo maps, which I'm hoping HH adds in the future.
Right now my take is the Karoo 2 is where it needs to be to compete with a Garmin. Karoo is a LOT less buggy than any Garmin I've used, 810-1000-1030. No continual BlueTooth issues, no issues with LiveTrack, that worked about 50-60% of the time on my 1030, years into its product life. I have a whole lot more confidence that Hammerhead is going to be worlds ahead of Garmin in terms of adding FEATURES THAT ACTUALLY ARE RELIABLE AND WORK, and will continue improving the product.
My 1030 has been reliable for the few functions I use, except Live Track and BlueTooth. It tracks a ride well, mostly uploads without issue, has a good navigation system, and is goddamned expensive for the feature set. I'd certainly be buying a Karoo 2 vs. an Edge 830, and would not pay $600 For a 1030 Plus.
#10
Obsessed with Eddington
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Brussels (BE) 🇧🇪
Posts: 1,330
Bikes: '16 Spesh Diverge, '14 Spesh Fatboy, '18 Spesh Epic, '18 Spesh SL6, '21 Spesh SL7, '21 Spesh Diverge...and maybe n+1?
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 532 Post(s)
Liked 621 Times
in
368 Posts
I see often claims of BT issues, Live Track, and general claims of buggy Garmins...I'm not sure what I am doing wrong, these issues are so rare in my use of my Garmins, which is on average daily, that they are unremarkable to me. You'd think reading the internet that Garmins are just expensive handlebar weights, which can't be farther from the truth in my experience.
I think what is lost on (or unknown to) most people is why Garmin Edge units are priced the way they are. It is the the licensed First Beat analytics that the units make use of when paired with a HRM and Power Meter to return actual performance metrics in the form of recommended rest period, estimated VO2Max with Lactate Threshold (which the one time I compared it to a LT test in a lab was within one heartbeat), and FTP. These things do not mean much to most people, and for them the choice of unit is going to be driven by other factors. But, for those of us that this stuff does matter, until Karoo and Wahoo get serious about their units being about more than recording activities for showing off on Strava or doing some really awesome mapping (and I mean that), their units are hobbyist fun at best which is more than sufficient for most people riding a bicycle on club rides or out exploring the earth.
BTW, I like that quote in the sig line, I can relate living in a windy land.
I think what is lost on (or unknown to) most people is why Garmin Edge units are priced the way they are. It is the the licensed First Beat analytics that the units make use of when paired with a HRM and Power Meter to return actual performance metrics in the form of recommended rest period, estimated VO2Max with Lactate Threshold (which the one time I compared it to a LT test in a lab was within one heartbeat), and FTP. These things do not mean much to most people, and for them the choice of unit is going to be driven by other factors. But, for those of us that this stuff does matter, until Karoo and Wahoo get serious about their units being about more than recording activities for showing off on Strava or doing some really awesome mapping (and I mean that), their units are hobbyist fun at best which is more than sufficient for most people riding a bicycle on club rides or out exploring the earth.
BTW, I like that quote in the sig line, I can relate living in a windy land.
#11
Obsessed with Eddington
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Brussels (BE) 🇧🇪
Posts: 1,330
Bikes: '16 Spesh Diverge, '14 Spesh Fatboy, '18 Spesh Epic, '18 Spesh SL6, '21 Spesh SL7, '21 Spesh Diverge...and maybe n+1?
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 532 Post(s)
Liked 621 Times
in
368 Posts
Right now my take is the Karoo 2 is where it needs to be to compete with a Garmin. Karoo is a LOT less buggy than any Garmin I've used, 810-1000-1030. No continual BlueTooth issues, no issues with LiveTrack, that worked about 50-60% of the time on my 1030, years into its product life. I have a whole lot more confidence that Hammerhead is going to be worlds ahead of Garmin in terms of adding FEATURES THAT ACTUALLY ARE RELIABLE AND WORK, and will continue improving the product.
I think what is lost on (or unknown to) most people is why Garmin Edge units are priced the way they are. It is the the licensed First Beat analytics that the units make use of when paired with a HRM and Power Meter to return actual performance metrics in the form of recommended rest period, estimated VO2Max with Lactate Threshold (which the one time I compared it to a LT test in a lab was within one heartbeat), and FTP. These things do not mean much to most people, and for them the choice of unit is going to be driven by other factors. But, for those of us that this stuff does matter, until Karoo and Wahoo get serious about their units being about more than recording activities for sharing on Strava or doing some really awesome mapping (and I mean that for the Karoo, the Wahoo map interface is 1980s awesome), their units are hobbyist fun at best which is more than sufficient for most people riding a bicycle on club rides or out exploring the earth.
BTW, I like that quote in the sig line, I can relate living in a windy land.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,883
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3240 Post(s)
Liked 2,086 Times
in
1,181 Posts
I see often claims of BT issues, Live Track, and general claims of buggy Garmins...I'm not sure what I am doing wrong, these issues are so rare in my use of my Garmins, which is on average daily, that they are unremarkable to me. You'd think reading the internet that Garmins are just expensive handlebar weights, which can't be farther from the truth in my experience.
.
.
Last edited by Steve B.; 07-03-21 at 10:26 AM.
#14
Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,446
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3144 Post(s)
Liked 1,708 Times
in
1,032 Posts
I think what is lost on (or unknown to) most people is why Garmin Edge units are priced the way they are. It is the the licensed First Beat analytics that the units make use of when paired with a HRM and Power Meter to return actual performance metrics in the form of recommended rest period, estimated VO2Max with Lactate Threshold (which the one time I compared it to a LT test in a lab was within one heartbeat), and FTP. These things do not mean much to most people, and for them the choice of unit is going to be driven by other factors. But, for those of us that this stuff does matter, until Karoo and Wahoo get serious about their units being about more than recording activities for sharing on Strava or doing some really awesome mapping (and I mean that for the Karoo, the Wahoo map interface is 1980s awesome), their units are hobbyist fun at best which is more than sufficient for most people riding a bicycle on club rides or out exploring the earth.
I'm not familiar with how Garmin calculaes or estimates that stuff, but I can imagine it would be nice if it could produce reasonably accurate numbers from random ride data rather than having to provide ride data from specific testing protocols, but again, I don't know if that's case, and if it isn't and testing is required, it again does not seem anything substantially or meaningfully different than what would be produced on another platform. And needless to say, if Garmin does aggregrate random ride data to generate estimates of FTP, LTHR, and VO2Max, then obviously for that user, those metrics don't matter much since they aren't bothered to test for them specifically or more accurately.
I get Garmin's effort to control a "vertically integrated" training environment from a traditional business perspective, but I can appreciate Wahoo leaving the data analysis space to those who specialize in training analysis (e.g. Training Peaks) and just focusing on the hardware side.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
I see often claims of BT issues, Live Track, and general claims of buggy Garmins...I'm not sure what I am doing wrong, these issues are so rare in my use of my Garmins, which is on average daily, that they are unremarkable to me. You'd think reading the internet that Garmins are just expensive handlebar weights, which can't be farther from the truth in my experience.
I think what is lost on (or unknown to) most people is why Garmin Edge units are priced the way they are. It is the the licensed First Beat analytics that the units make use of when paired with a HRM and Power Meter to return actual performance metrics in the form of recommended rest period, estimated VO2Max with Lactate Threshold (which the one time I compared it to a LT test in a lab was within one heartbeat), and FTP. These things do not mean much to most people, and for them the choice of unit is going to be driven by other factors. But, for those of us that this stuff does matter, until Karoo and Wahoo get serious about their units being about more than recording activities for showing off on Strava or doing some really awesome mapping (and I mean that), their units are hobbyist fun at best which is more than sufficient for most people riding a bicycle on club rides or out exploring the earth.
BTW, I like that quote in the sig line, I can relate living in a windy land.
I think what is lost on (or unknown to) most people is why Garmin Edge units are priced the way they are. It is the the licensed First Beat analytics that the units make use of when paired with a HRM and Power Meter to return actual performance metrics in the form of recommended rest period, estimated VO2Max with Lactate Threshold (which the one time I compared it to a LT test in a lab was within one heartbeat), and FTP. These things do not mean much to most people, and for them the choice of unit is going to be driven by other factors. But, for those of us that this stuff does matter, until Karoo and Wahoo get serious about their units being about more than recording activities for showing off on Strava or doing some really awesome mapping (and I mean that), their units are hobbyist fun at best which is more than sufficient for most people riding a bicycle on club rides or out exploring the earth.
BTW, I like that quote in the sig line, I can relate living in a windy land.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
I guess it's kind of nice that Garmin head units-- what? Track? Calculate?-- FTP, VO2Max, and LTHR, but that info is also available to Wahoo and Karoo users who upload to most any of the data analysis sites or software like Trainer Road, Strava, Golden Cheetah, and Training Peaks. The value of in-ride analysis is quite dubious; most people do that stuff post-ride.
I'm not familiar with how Garmin calculaes or estimates that stuff, but I can imagine it would be nice if it could produce reasonably accurate numbers from random ride data rather than having to provide ride data from specific testing protocols, but again, I don't know if that's case, and if it isn't and testing is required, it again does not seem anything substantially or meaningfully different than what would be produced on another platform. And needless to say, if Garmin does aggregrate random ride data to generate estimates of FTP, LTHR, and VO2Max, then obviously for that user, those metrics don't matter much since they aren't bothered to test for them specifically or more accurately.
I get Garmin's effort to control a "vertically integrated" training environment from a traditional business perspective, but I can appreciate Wahoo leaving the data analysis space to those who specialize in training analysis (e.g. Training Peaks) and just focusing on the hardware side.
I'm not familiar with how Garmin calculaes or estimates that stuff, but I can imagine it would be nice if it could produce reasonably accurate numbers from random ride data rather than having to provide ride data from specific testing protocols, but again, I don't know if that's case, and if it isn't and testing is required, it again does not seem anything substantially or meaningfully different than what would be produced on another platform. And needless to say, if Garmin does aggregrate random ride data to generate estimates of FTP, LTHR, and VO2Max, then obviously for that user, those metrics don't matter much since they aren't bothered to test for them specifically or more accurately.
I get Garmin's effort to control a "vertically integrated" training environment from a traditional business perspective, but I can appreciate Wahoo leaving the data analysis space to those who specialize in training analysis (e.g. Training Peaks) and just focusing on the hardware side.
Likes For Seattle Forrest:
#17
Obsessed with Eddington
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Brussels (BE) 🇧🇪
Posts: 1,330
Bikes: '16 Spesh Diverge, '14 Spesh Fatboy, '18 Spesh Epic, '18 Spesh SL6, '21 Spesh SL7, '21 Spesh Diverge...and maybe n+1?
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 532 Post(s)
Liked 621 Times
in
368 Posts
#18
Obsessed with Eddington
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Brussels (BE) 🇧🇪
Posts: 1,330
Bikes: '16 Spesh Diverge, '14 Spesh Fatboy, '18 Spesh Epic, '18 Spesh SL6, '21 Spesh SL7, '21 Spesh Diverge...and maybe n+1?
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 532 Post(s)
Liked 621 Times
in
368 Posts
I'm not familiar with how Garmin calculaes or estimates that stuff, but I can imagine it would be nice if it could produce reasonably accurate numbers from random ride data rather than having to provide ride data from specific testing protocols, but again, I don't know if that's case, and if it isn't and testing is required, it again does not seem anything substantially or meaningfully different than what would be produced on another platform. And needless to say, if Garmin does aggregrate random ride data to generate estimates of FTP, LTHR, and VO2Max, then obviously for that user, those metrics don't matter much since they aren't bothered to test for them specifically or more accurately.
#19
Obsessed with Eddington
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Brussels (BE) 🇧🇪
Posts: 1,330
Bikes: '16 Spesh Diverge, '14 Spesh Fatboy, '18 Spesh Epic, '18 Spesh SL6, '21 Spesh SL7, '21 Spesh Diverge...and maybe n+1?
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 532 Post(s)
Liked 621 Times
in
368 Posts
Our own experiences are what is known as "anecdotal". You've never (rarely) had issues, I had issues almost every ride. Some telling comments were from DCRainmaker in his review 2 years ago of "Garmin’s Biggest Competitor Is Their Own Software Instability | DC Rainmaker". From what I see as an active member of the Garmin Edge 1030 FaceBook group, the problems DC describes have never been resolved by Garmin.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
Hopefully older devices getting more new training features longer. Other than the batteries, the hardware lasts forever, it's really only the software that makes the device obsolete. But prices never ratchet down, we'll probably see other improvements to justify the $$. Like some of the watches have solar chargers now, it won't be long until that trickles down to the Edge units.
#21
Newbie
Thread Starter
I saw the Garmin 530 Edge on sale for $249.99 I figured that's all I need. Thank you for all the help.
Likes For mwatt65:
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
Ive tracked nearly a month worth of rides on my Karoo 2, have averaged 8% hr., for 12 hours use. Typically I'm using a speed sensor and about 50% of the time a Di2 system is connected. The battery life is less than the 20 hrs, of my Garmin 1030, Its also a bit less when navigating, but so are Garmins and really and unless you do double centuries or are touring does 12 hrs. vs. 20 matter ?. Wahoos are usually rated about 15 hrs and I never see folks commenting that 15 hrs is limiting and they wished they'd purchased the Garmin to get 20 hrs.
Ive no issues reading the screen in direct sunlight amd Karoo does offer white text in black, or the reverse, which is a nice function.
Getting routes from RWGPS is better on Karoo then Garmin.
There are really only 2 things I think Garmin does better. 1) is TrailForks integration and 2] is topo maps, which I'm hoping HH adds in the future.
Right now my take is the Karoo 2 is where it needs to be to compete with a Garmin. Karoo is a LOT less buggy than any Garmin I've used, 810-1000-1030. No continual BlueTooth issues, no issues with LiveTrack, that worked about 50-60% of the time on my 1030, years into its product life. I have a whole lot more confidence that Hammerhead is going to be worlds ahead of Garmin in terms of adding FEATURES THAT ACTUALLY ARE RELIABLE AND WORK, and will continue improving the product.
My 1030 has been reliable for the few functions I use, except Live Track and BlueTooth. It tracks a ride well, mostly uploads without issue, has a good navigation system, and is goddamned expensive for the feature set. I'd certainly be buying a Karoo 2 vs. an Edge 830, and would not pay $600 For a 1030 Plus.
Ive no issues reading the screen in direct sunlight amd Karoo does offer white text in black, or the reverse, which is a nice function.
Getting routes from RWGPS is better on Karoo then Garmin.
There are really only 2 things I think Garmin does better. 1) is TrailForks integration and 2] is topo maps, which I'm hoping HH adds in the future.
Right now my take is the Karoo 2 is where it needs to be to compete with a Garmin. Karoo is a LOT less buggy than any Garmin I've used, 810-1000-1030. No continual BlueTooth issues, no issues with LiveTrack, that worked about 50-60% of the time on my 1030, years into its product life. I have a whole lot more confidence that Hammerhead is going to be worlds ahead of Garmin in terms of adding FEATURES THAT ACTUALLY ARE RELIABLE AND WORK, and will continue improving the product.
My 1030 has been reliable for the few functions I use, except Live Track and BlueTooth. It tracks a ride well, mostly uploads without issue, has a good navigation system, and is goddamned expensive for the feature set. I'd certainly be buying a Karoo 2 vs. an Edge 830, and would not pay $600 For a 1030 Plus.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
I get 54 hours on a charge from my Garmin, using 1 second recording, connected to a phone, power meter, heart strap, Di2, speed sensor, Varia radar, and a Tempe. Less though if I use the map page.
#24
Senior Member
Let me bring up a slightly different use case: touring. I'm not much interested in metrics on how fit I'm getting, VO2 max and lactate don't matter at all. Elevation matters, heart rate doesn't. I want to be able to follow a route someone else recommended to me; I want to be able to find the bike-friendly routes from Point A to Point B somewhere where I haven't been before; and if it could highlight places to eat or pee or sleep along the way, so much the better.
I've had the experience of touring several hundred miles away from home and finding the bike path I had intended to follow closed for construction, and needed to divert onto city streets to get to my destination 40 miles away before the thunderstorm came. Tools that would help in that situation would really be helpful to me.
I've had the experience of touring several hundred miles away from home and finding the bike path I had intended to follow closed for construction, and needed to divert onto city streets to get to my destination 40 miles away before the thunderstorm came. Tools that would help in that situation would really be helpful to me.
__________________
- Jeneralist
- Jeneralist
#25
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,988
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6193 Post(s)
Liked 4,810 Times
in
3,318 Posts
Let me bring up a slightly different use case: touring. I'm not much interested in metrics on how fit I'm getting, VO2 max and lactate don't matter at all. Elevation matters, heart rate doesn't. I want to be able to follow a route someone else recommended to me; I want to be able to find the bike-friendly routes from Point A to Point B somewhere where I haven't been before; and if it could highlight places to eat or pee or sleep along the way, so much the better.
I've had the experience of touring several hundred miles away from home and finding the bike path I had intended to follow closed for construction, and needed to divert onto city streets to get to my destination 40 miles away before the thunderstorm came. Tools that would help in that situation would really be helpful to me.
I've had the experience of touring several hundred miles away from home and finding the bike path I had intended to follow closed for construction, and needed to divert onto city streets to get to my destination 40 miles away before the thunderstorm came. Tools that would help in that situation would really be helpful to me.
When I get in those situations in the car driving, I just pick up my phone and with my voice, ask google maps where is the nearest restaurant or where is the nearest restroom. Then I can use it's directions to get me there.