Amazing computer, amazing company I've always disliked Garmin EDGE computers, but until the last few years there weren't many genuine alternatives. I've had several Garmin computers - 500, 510, 705, 1000 - all of them were buggy, had a poor user interface, slow to operate, and had issues with Garmin Connect. I tried a couple of times to ditch Garmin. I had a Polar v650 which was nice, but bricked when passing the military base in Mallorca. I also had a Bryton, but it had an even worse UI than Garmin, and didn't like rain. Most recently, I've had a Wahoo ELEMNT, which is a fantastic alternative to Garmin's EDGE computers. Last year though, despite being an advocate of iOS and Apple products, I plumped for Hammerhead's Android based Karoo 2 head unit. Hammerhead pay nearly as much attention to their packaging design as Apple - the boxes are well designed, and unboxing is part of the experience of ownership. Unlike Garmin, there's cheap looking printed glossy external boxes with fluted brown internal sections - everything is matt board with spot UV logos. It all feels very premium. Which is should do given the cost of the device. The Karoo 2 itself feels more like a premium mobile phone than a GPS bike computer. The plastics are high quality, everything is nice and tactile - a bit like a Wahoo ELEMNT in that instance. The screen display is bright and crisp, and it's easy to read everything even with my ageing eyes. As a UI/UX designer, I'm always picky when it comes to human/computer interfaces. I am easily frustrated by some of the poor UI design that we all experience on a daily basis, so any new bike computer has its work cut out to impress me. This is where the Karoo 2 excels over the competition. They've paid attention to the UX/UI design, the interactions are smooth and well thought out, and it is a breeze to use. As I say, it's built on Android, so unfortunately there are some obvious Android system screens in there but it's a small price to pay. Rather than building their own OS, Hammerhead have used a proven platform to build on so they can concentrate on their cycling specific features. The other thing about Hammerhead is they run their software side like a proper software company, and seem to adhere to Agile methodology. The release new updates often, and continually improve the features, functionality, usability, and interface of their product. I didn't ride outside over the winter (I have asthma and it makes it difficult for me) so I didn't use my Hammerhead from September until April. Turning it on in April there were updates to run, and there were multiple new features and updates added. I also experienced their customer service when my mount snapped. I contacted their support team, and within 2 working days I had a new mount free of charge under warranty. Ultimately, the Karoo 2 may not have certain features that Garmin users have, as Garmin is a more mature company. However, Hammerhead clearly have a backlog in place as they regularly update their firmware, and you can request new features and report bugs via their various support systems. One of the features I wanted was a climber function, and sure enough they have released one. If the Hammerhead has the features you need to use, then I'd seriously recommend ditching whatever you have now and going for a Karoo 2. Great computers, great software, great customer service.

Excellent Customer Service Just have to say that the customer service provided by Sumit at Hammerhead UK has been superb. I purchased a Karoo 2 from an online seller and the device had an issue with auto-scrolling on menus which looked like it was due to a faulty button. After issues processing the return with the online seller I reached out to Hammerhead UK. They very kindly agreed to provide a replacement and this was completed in a matter of days. Can't comment on the new device as I've not used it yet but I wanted to recognise the excellent customer service that I received.

Exceptional customer service response to Karoo 2 issue As with others - just wanted to recognise that Hari and the Hammerhead team were absolutely brilliant in responding to an issue I had with my Karoo2. They went way above and beyond the call of duty in helping out and sorting out an issue I was experiencing. Beyond that, they were extremely generous in resolving a separate matter. This isn't the first time that Hammerhead have responded in this way, and it is a key reason why I choose to stay with the Hammerhead ecosystem. Thank you all so much!

Purchase & Ride1- New kid on the bloc is thumbs up With D2C products where you are not able to view in a store reviews from average joes like me that fund their own adventures, training and experiments can be really valuable. Having been a Garmin consumer through and through their monopoly in the market reigned giving no viable alternative until Wahoo arrived, but I felt it was a very "me to" product that just fell short so by default was the poor unit that sat in the drawer, but neither ever cut the mustard when you rally needed routing on those off familiar track adventures. Step in to the spot light the Karoo2... If you are like you will have read reviews, looked at product endorsements, seen every YouTube review and this maybe your final check before digging those hands into the deeps pockets for the 300+ notes (ouch). SO customer service to purchase and ride1 what are my thoughts; The screen is light years ahead, same matt gorilla glass of the wahoo with colour of Garmin and the touch screen is something of the 21st century, navigation with the beep, prompt and post box pop up if needed are crystal clear and the data fields are infamous and although you can see them I'd say less is more, but with multiple lay ups. Some funky turns and roundabouts but steady and sure that cursed turn left filled by make a u-turn was a distant memory. So far I have reached out to the CS team on a couple of items and as soon as I had sent received and automated response followed by human interaction generally on the same day with simple help. So far I'd say the new kid on the bloc is certainly the protagonist and there are 2 companies out there that will or should be very worried and for just reason. I will write a follow up before the 45days risk free, but at this point there is no way it's going back and I have a great condition 830 potentially looking for a new home.

Poor The fact that the 5 star reviews all seem to be customer service related doesn't bode well. Trip computers don't need customer service. I have a Karoo 2. It's badly thought through and is forever scuppering my attempt to record rides. It's real "emperor's new clothes" territory. Avoid.