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Beeline Velo 2 Cycling Computer

8
£79.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Simple-to-follow navigation computer that is small, sleek and well priced
Easy to use
Small
Can't connect sensors
App doesn't give elevations – yet
Weight: 
28g

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The Beeline Velo 2 cycling computer is simple and easy to use, with a really intuitive interface both on the unit and in the app. It's light and takes up little space on the handlebar, and the price is pretty reasonable too.

I tested out the original Beeline several years ago and was impressed by that unit, but a few little quirks needed to be ironed out, so I was interested to see how the second iteration compared.

> Buy now: Beeline Velo 2 for £79.99 from Beeline

So just what is the Beeline Velo? Well, it's a very small sat nav specifically for bikes (you can also get a motorbike version). It has some fundamental computer functions, but these are all limited to the gyroscopes within the device and what your phone can tell it, which is essentially GPS.

It is much more basic than something like a Garmin or Hammerhead. You get the route with upcoming turns, ETA, speed, and time so far. It's not a computer for performance riding, it's very much a device to get you from A to B.

2022 Beeline Velo 2 navigating.jpeg

I found it handy to use alongside my Garmin, with the Beeline on my stem and my Garmin on an out-front mount, because although the Garmin offers navigation as well, having both meant I could see my stats and full turn-by-turn navigation at a glance – and the Velo 2's size means it's no hindrance.

It's a tiny thing, weighing just 28g, and about the size of two stacked poker chips. It mounts to what is basically a four-way Garmin mount, locking in place with an eighth turn rather than the quarter turn needed for a Garmin or Wahoo. Although I have never had a Garmin or Wahoo fly off, having four points of contact rather than two means even with the Velo 2's low weight it's held very securely wherever I attached it.

2022 Beeline Velo 2 Cycling Computer - handlebar mount.jpg

Alongside the unit itself Beeline also sent us the Beeline Carry Case, which is a hardshell zippable case with a small net pocket inside. It's useful and can easily be hung on a bag with the attached carabiner. It's handy for a unit this small, making it easier to find at the bottom of a bag as well as stopping it from getting damaged.

2022 Beeline Velo 2 Cycling Computer - with case.jpg

The app

Without the phone app the unit itself is basically a black disc with a fun animation of a bike that rolls around the sides as you tilt it. The app is where the action happens, where all the settings are chosen and how you tell the computer where you want to go, and the interface and functionality is very impressive.

You choose from a number of navigation options with a single press of a button – you can go to a 'favourite place' such as home or work, follow a Strava route, or plan your own.

2022 Beeline Velo 2 app.jpeg

If planning your own it gives you three options, quick, balanced, or quiet, so you can choose speed, tranquillity or a good mix.

> GPS cycle route planning made easy – how to plan and follow a bike route

One minor complaint is that when you plan a route it doesn't give you any elevation data, so if you want to smash out some steep hills or go for a gentle flat run you won't necessarily know if the route suits your needs. That is something that's being worked on, Beeline tells us, and will be released soon. 

2022 Beeline Velo 2 app 2.jpeg

You can see all of your rides in the 'journeys' section, and you can automatically upload your rides to Strava too, which is a nice touch.

2022 Beeline Velo 2 app 3.jpeg

The unit

The Velo 2 is a cinch to use, with a clear display that auto-adjusts the brightness based on the ambient light. The lines of travel are coherent and clear, making it really easy to see at a glance.

It gives a notification just before you need to turn, which is particularly useful if you've been on a long straight, say, and you're not really paying attention to the unit...

The turn-by-turn navigation works effectively and reroutes quickly enough that the couple of times I did miss a turning I saw afterwards that I'd hardly deviated from the original route.

You can also use the Velo 2 in a more 'organic' way, with turn-by-turn navigation off, and instead having it just point you in the right direction. This is what the original Beeline did, which wasn't ideal for London, but for use out in the country when you aren't trying to get somewhere as quickly as possible, it makes a nice way to explore. With the rise of gravel biking, this mode is even more appealing, enabling you to really get off the beaten track without worrying about becoming completely lost.

To flick through the screens and options you just press the sides of the unit, there are no buttons. This not only gives it a clean and simple look, it also means maximum space for the display. You can see where to press with the four light dashes around the edge and on-screen prompts for things like ending or pausing your ride.

It was fairly accurate in terms of recording my speed compared with my Garmin, though it doesn't pick up changes in pace as quickly, which is unsurprising given that it's using my phone's GPS rather than the dedicated speed sensor for the Garmin. You can't connect any ANT+ sensors to the Beeline, so speed, cadence and heart rate monitors are not an option.

Battery

Battery life is very good – I found that about an hour's use would use 5-10%, so the 11 hours claimed time is about right. Whether I was using it for a long weekend ride or a quick blast within London, I was confident it would get me back.

In the first couple of weeks I did have a problem with it draining the battery if I turned it off and left it for two or three days, but an over-the-air update has fixed the issue and I haven't had any problems with it since.

2022 Beeline Velo 2 Cycling Computer - on bars 2.jpg

It charges using a waterproof USB-C charging port and can be fast charged to 30% in around 20 minutes if you need a quick boost before setting off. From empty it would charge to full in around 90 minutes, which is pretty good too.

Value

The Velo 2's rrp of £79.99 seems very reasonable considering how useful it is. There are a few bike computers around this price that cater to navigation, but surprisingly few that show your route on a map and with genuine turn-by-turn navigation. The Sigma Rox 2.0, for instance, at £69.99 has turn-by-turn navigation, but it's done through a relatively rudimentary arrow without a map (read more about it here).

The Bryton Rider 420E, up to £134.49 since Stu reviewed it, offers ANT+ connectivity and a well-designed app, but it doesn't have the same focus on navigation, with no turn-by-turn navigation, and the screen isn't nearly as high quality.

> Buyer’s Guide: 10 of the best cheap GPS cycling computers

Garmin's new Edge Explore 2 offers similar navigation options but additional connectivity and more features but costs £250. It's much bigger and more imposing on the handlebar, too.

Overall

I have been impressed by the Beeline Velo 2. The only minor issue is that it doesn't show the elevation for your route – yet (it's being worked on, says Beeline), otherwise the turn-by-turn navigation is very effective and easy to follow, and the battery life is great.

It lacks some of the connectivity and functionality of more expensive options like the Garmin Edge, but for navigation only or as an additional navigation unit, it works impressively well.

Verdict

Simple-to-follow navigation computer that is small, sleek and well priced

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Beeline Velo 2 Cycling Computer

Size tested: 32.4mm

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Beeline says:

Intuitive compact cycle computer for better rides. Navigate effortlessly along fantastic routes in all weather conditions, with essential tracking functionality.

Strava compatible: access routes and easily upload rides.

Worldwide navigation coverage, with Beeline Smart Routing available in selected regions .

Over 11-hours ride time and approx. 18-months standby time.

Top-rated cycling app and industry-leading customer support .

Not compatible with motorcycle routing.

The perfect companion for cycling, whether you enjoy challenging new rides in the countryside with friends, keeping track of your adventures on routes you know, or both.

Velo 2 and the Beeline app provide easy route planning, intuitive bike navigation, essential journey tracking metrics and Strava compatibility.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

From Beeline:

Phone requirements

iPhone running iOS 13.0 and above

or

Android phone with Google Play running 8.0 Oreo and above

Bluetooth 4.0 capability required

Battery

Type: Rechargeable Lithium Polymer

Capacity: 400 mAh

Battery life in use: 11 hours

Battery life in standby: 18 months

Charging: Waterproof USB-C

Display

Screen technology: LCD IPS circular display with LED backlight

Resolution: 240 x 240 px (266 PPI)

Active area diameter: 32.4 mm (1.28 inch)

Display lens material: PMMA with anti-scratch coating

Sensors

Accelerometer

Gyroscope

Magnetometer

Ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment

Connectivity:

Bluetooth 4.0 low energy

Materials

ABS

PMMA

Polycarbonate

TPU

Interface

4x physical RockerTop TM buttons.

Water and particle resistance

Weather-sealed, water and dust resistant.

Size and weight

46.4 mm (1.82 inches) diameter, 17.3mm (0.68 inches) deep

25 grams (0.8 oz)

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Well made with an effective mount combined with an innovative design for buttons.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Easy to follow turn-by-turn directions combined with a clear screen and simple to set up app.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

It survived a couple of drops and with its water and dust resistance is likely to last a while.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

It's well priced for a navigation unit.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well, it is a bike computer designed for navigation and that is exactly what it does.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The design – it's sleek and small, as well as functional.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The lack of elevation on the route mapping. Though that's being worked on.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

For a navigation device it's well priced. The Sigma Rox 2.0 is £69.99 but though it has turn-by-turn navigation, it's done through a relatively rudimentary arrow without a map. The Bryton Rider 420E is £134.49 and offers ANT+ connectivity and a well-designed app, but it doesn't have the same focus on navigation, with no turn-by-turn navigation, and the screen isn't nearly as high quality. Garmin's new Edge Explore 2 offers similar navigation options but additional connectivity and more features but costs £250.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

It's very good: a small and easy-to-use bike computer that works very well for navigation, with an impressive interface, battery life, and accompanying app to boot.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 6 ft  Weight:

I usually ride: CAAD13  My best bike is: Cannondale Supersix Evo

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed,

George is the host of the road.cc podcast and has been writing for road.cc since 2014. He has reviewed everything from a saddle with a shark fin through to a set of glasses with a HUD and everything in between. 

Although, ironically, spending more time writing and talking about cycling than on the bike nowadays, he still manages to do a couple of decent rides every week on his ever changing number of bikes.

Add new comment

6 comments

Avatar
Carax | 1 year ago
0 likes

I had one of these, and it died after using for 15 mins in the rain. Beeline just shrugged their shoulders. Useless item. Do not buy.

Avatar
Andski808 | 1 year ago
0 likes

I love mine. New version is a big improvement on the original. If I know where I'm going I use it as a back up for the inevitable Strava fail. If I don't the navigation is great. You can import Strava/gpx routes into the app and off you go. Only bit I'm not sure is whether the open-to-the-elements  charging socket is waterproof. So added a bit of tape. Great thing for the price tho. 

Avatar
srchar | 1 year ago
0 likes

This looks like it might be just the thing for my cargo bike. Can we have some photos (or, even better, videos) of it doing some navigating please?

Even Beeline's website is short on images.

Avatar
KDee | 1 year ago
2 likes

Seeing as this is a device for navigation, would it not be an idea to include some photos of it, errr....navigating? All I see is photos of the time and battery level. I clicked through the 10 slides as well, nothing there either.

Avatar
Tass Whitby replied to KDee | 1 year ago
4 likes

KDee wrote:

Seeing as this is a device for navigation, would it not be an idea to include some photos of it, errr....navigating? All I see is photos of the time and battery level. I clicked through the 10 slides as well, nothing there either.

They're on their way...  1

Avatar
HoarseMann | 1 year ago
3 likes

I had previously dismissed this device as I didn't want to splash out on the hardware just to find out the routing didn't suit me.

BUT - it appears you can download and use the app for navigation, using the display on your phone instead of the hardware, for free!

So, you can try out the interface and the routing without financial risk, just using your phone.

You can also upload .GPX files to follow if you wanted to do your routing in a different app.

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