Beeline Velo 2 Bike Computer Review Rating
Summary
The Beeline Velo 2 is a great product that I love and works for me. Its main selling point, however, is its price. At this price, there is no competition.
The pros
- Navigation for cyclists at an unbelievable price
- Excellent overall performance
Cons
- Sometimes mapping can be temperamental
- There is no pairing of sensors
In a little more than a month, after years of neglecting to review a bicycle computer, I’m on my third.
The Wahoo ELMNT ROAM V2 was recently reviewed by me. Also, I reviewed the Mio Cyclo Discover Pal. While it’s not quite as impressive, it does have some interesting features that should appeal to casual cyclists.
These GPS bikes computers are very expensive. I enjoy riding and I’m very fit. However, they are very expensive. Garmin Edge and similar seem like a waste of money. I have an Garmin Fenix 6, which tracks all my activities, so spending hundreds for it seems a bit excessive. While the Fenix is capable of basic navigation, it does not allow for optimal cycling.
Beeline Velo 2 might be the ideal solution. It’s a very affordable GPS bicycle computer that also has built-in navigation. It doesn’t do much apart from basic tracking and navigation, but that’s all I need, really.
Specification/Features
- Beeline Smart Routes allows you to create unlimited routes.
- GPX lets you import a route that is popular to other planners.
- Strava Routes – Get access.
- You can monitor all important live metrics while you ride, including:
- Tempo
- Average speed
- Distance gained
- Distance and time left, as well as the ETA
- Fast USB-C charging at 30% (over 2 hour riding time): Charge your phone in just 20 seconds.
- Velo 2 has a battery life of 11 hours and a standby time of 18 months. You can take on large events with confidence knowing Velo 2 is there to get you home.
- RockerTop button technology protects you from the weather
- The IPS LCD 32mm display is super compact. It allows you to declutter your bars while still providing a clear and crisp interface for tracking and navigation. The compact dimensions and the universal mount make it easy to attach to any stem or handlebar.
Mapping
You can either import your routes from Strava or create your own.
Although it isn’t perfect, it works in most cases.
The built-in routing will guide you according to the things it recommends. This was not a great experience for me, however, the issues I encountered were limited to Maui. The UK has been no problem.
Maui: I was determined to complete the west Maui loop that circles Mauna Kahalawai. The Honoapiilani Highway should be used, but it rejected my request.
This is what I’m trying to do as I type this. The computer plots the most unusual route, and it takes me from Grand Wailea resort on the east side.
However, I haven’t experienced this issue with other locations. The mapping works great for me when plotting my local routes. Perhaps the Maui mapping is broken.
Importing your routes is another option. Either manually import a GPX or if Strava is connected, import a Strava-created route.
I have read other reviews stating that importing from Strava doesn’t always work properly. However, I haven’t experienced any issues when importing my own routes.
My Maui route was perfectly plotted when I imported it from Strava. However, there isn’t a lot to confuse it with.
The imported route almost matched the original. There are apparently two points where it diverges from the 68km route. The Beeline seems to be confused at the roundabout, and at another point where it appears to take a different route. While the Beeline has it routed down a busy street, it plots it on a parallel road.
In-Use
It is a basic device. The app allows you to plot all your activities and then start them via the app. You will only find basic navigation and stats on the Velo 2.
Although the map may be simple it’s functional. It is a simple black and white map that shows all the information you need. I found a great local bar and used this map to navigate my short Sonoma rides.
Similar to my home situation, I don’t really require navigational assistance. I’m pretty sure where I’m going, I only need to be reminded when I should turn.
The computer will auto-stop/start, so you don’t have to mess around with pausing activities if you want to keep your stats impressive for Strava.
After you’ve completed the ride you will get basic statistics. Although it isn’t the best, you can upload to Stava for more detailed information.
My Garmin Fenix 6 Pro track and my Beeline track are overlayed. The Beeline does occasionally wander off-course with the GPS but overall it’s quite reliable, especially when you consider the price.
Pricing and Other Options
The Beeline Velo 2 has an RRP of £100, which makes it one of the cheapest bike computers on the market and, I think, the cheapest bike computer with navigation.
During Black Friday, the Velo 2 has been priced at £85.
Garmin Edge 530 may be the better alternative. The Garmin Edge 530 is an excellent bike computer. It has a superior display and pairs with many sensors. The RRP is more than double the Velo 2, but during Black Friday, it has been as low as £160, which I think is a great deal but still nearly double the price as the Velo 2 Black Friday deal.
Perhaps the MIO Cyclo 210, an older model is a better alternative. A larger display and colour screen make the on-device maps superior. However, this also costs about 65% more at around £165.
In general
The Beeline Velo 2 is a great product that I love and works for me. Its main selling point, however, is its price. At this price, there is no competition.
To track my exercise, I use my Fenix 6 Pro. My only requirement is basic mapping capabilities when riding on the bike. My riding style is not ideal for Garmin Edge bikes computers.
This feature isn’t for everybody. It will be useful to commuters or casual cyclists who just need basic navigation.
Updated on: 2022-11-28. Affiliate Links / Images From Amazon Product Advertising API
