Velo 2 will help you make a Beeline for the shops with new navigation interface

By Oscar Huckle

Published: Tuesday, 07 June 2022 at 12:00 am

Beeline’s new Velo 2 cycle computer presents a complete refresh from its original Velo model, getting a new navigation interface, a larger display and an enhanced app-based route planner.

The new Velo 2 features an LCD screen with rocker buttons rather than a touchscreen.

The Velo 2 is priced at £79.99 / €89.99 and available now directly from Beeline. Beeline says it will continue to support original Velo users.

Like its predecessor, which launched in 2017, the Velo 2 was funded by a Kickstarter campaign, with more than 5,000 backers pledging in excess of $400,000.

Navigation

""
On the original Velo, the compass arrow points in the direction of your destination, while the numbers indicate the distance left to go.
Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co

Beeline’s original Velo allowed users to select a specific destination point on a map and the device would route you there using what is best described as a smart compass.

The device didn’t provide turn-by-turn prompts, instead giving as-the-crow-flies navigation to highlight the general direction your destination was in.

You could then decide your own way there. For example, if you knew you had to take a left but didn’t like the look of a particular street, you could carry on and take the next left.

The Velo 2 offers a more typical approach to navigation.

""
The Velo 2 gives you turn-by-turn navigation and the distance prior to a change in direction.
Beeline

Once you have paired the Velo 2 with the Beeline app (available for iOS and Android), you can decide whether you want the device to route you to a destination or if you’d like to head out on a loop.

If you’d like to be directed to a destination, the app will suggest three routes:

  • A fast route if you simply want to get from A to B
  • A quiet route for enjoying the scenery
  • A balance of the two

The app also gives you the option to drop different waypoints en-route, or you can choose to follow a loop.

""
Prior to navigation, the main interface displays the time, battery life and odometer.
Beeline

You can also import GPX files to Beeline via its app, or if you link your Strava account with the app, any routes you have created there will be synced automatically.

At the moment, you cannot use the device without the Beeline app, but you can use the app for navigation without a Beeline device. This could be useful if you’re a beginner cyclist and do not want to commit to buying a bike computer.

However, the in-app mapping doesn’t rely on Beeline’s updated map software and instead uses its original smart compass routing.

Beeline says it is working on the functionality to record a ride and access live stats without using navigation, and this will be rolled out to users in a future update.

Beeline claims there is now full mapping coverage for the whole of the UK and “a lot of Europe”. There is also mapping coverage for “some US and Asian cities” and the brand says it is continuing to develop and refine its coverage.

Beeline says it has focused its mapping efforts on the road and cycle paths, and that the mapping isn’t fully off-road optimised yet.

Red or green

""
Simply hold down the red or green button to send Beeline feedback on a particular section.
Beeline

Beeline has introduced ‘Beeline Road Ratings’ on the Velo 2.

On the sides of the device are green and red buttons, both of which are also activated by the rocker button.

If you enjoy a particular section of road, you can tap the green button while riding and it’ll register with Beeline via its routing algorithm. Conversely, if there’s an unfavourable section, you can press red and that’ll also register.

Beeline can then follow these rating trends and, ultimately, suggest better routes.

As a smaller company, Beeline says its navigation will grow stronger as more users contribute with their feedback from the device.

Software

The Velo 2 has an auto-brightness feature, or you can adjust the brightness to suit. In addition to the navigation view, the Velo 2 also features a screen that shows other metrics, such as the time of day and distance covered. There is also a dedicated screen for live and average speed.

New mount and charger

"Beeline
The mount is attached via two rubber bands.
Beeline
"Fitting
Simply quarter-turn the computer in the mount to lock it into place.
Beeline

The Velo 2 now mounts via a quarter-turn mount that is similar in style to Garmin’s.

There are two sizes of rubber mounting bands in the box to suit different handlebar sizes, or you can mount the computer on the stem.

It doesn’t matter which way round you install the mount because the device will fit into it regardless of its orientation. The mount is not compatible with cycling computers from other brands.

The Velo 2 is charged via a USB-C cable and Beeline claims the battery life is rated for “10+ hours”.

The brand says there are regular software updates, which can be performed wirelessly via the Beeline app.