Yep, SRAM now own Hammerhead - I am a Karoo 1 user until the battery died and now a Karoo 2 users, all awesome but battery life is on the short side. I tried using a Garmin and wahoo but always go back to the Karoo as nothing beats the interface and speed! Bryton IMO have had some excellent GPS for the price and will fit a lot of new riders perfectly. But the starting price of £259 the s500 unit will not convert the Garmin/Wahoo or even the Karoo crowd IMO If it was priced at £150-200 then that would have been fighting talk. Always good for new units to drive innovation and prices down.
Hi Leonard, I have the Karoo 2 and haven’t any disconnection. After the café stop, sensors wakes up and reconnect quite quickly. There is also a “rain lock” in the drop down menu
Leonard, you mentioned compatibility of the Bryton and Hammerhead with the Garmin Varia radar/tailight units. I'd strongly recommend you try out a Garmin Varia radar. I've been riding for many years and my wife got one for me about a year ago. I now realize I should have gotten one long before. It's simply the best piece of tech ever for my bikes. Indispensable. So much safer while using it.
I use a small helmet mirror too. But I pnly glance at the mirror when I hear the Varia chime indicating something coming up behind me. Quick glance at the mirror to confirm the car sees me and is giving me enough room. The radar is always working too - I can't always be looking in the mirror. Varia will detect vehicles a very long way back (even other cyclists!) long before I can hear them coming. Really nice for those quiet, narrow, and less busy country roads where you don't want to be surprised by a vehicle quickly coming up on you.
No disrespect but how have you quantified that you're safer as a result of the radar? If you think about it the driver of approaching vehicles doesn't alter or change their driving because a rider has detected them. A rear light, bright clothing is what a driver sees. Unless the cyclist constantly pulls off the road on detection of an approaching vehicle there can't be any measure of increased safety. Nobody has been able to measure or prove any increase to safety using the Badar.
S500 still lacks ant+ smart light control, which is a shame for such a high price point. So, if you use a combined varia radar+rear light device, then S500 will only communicate with radar part, not the light. Karoo and Garmin can control light as well, so you don't need to manually turn it on and off before and after each ride.
Great to see new innovations in bike computers. I have the Karoo 2 and can’t fault it. I’ve never had any connection problems, love the display, its ease of use and the regular updates. The maps are brilliant and navigation superb. I’ve also had no battery problems. I’ve ran it alongside a Garmin for over 6 months and there’s no difference in battery life at all. I run speed, cadence, lights, di2 and radar and still have 75% battery after a 4 hour ride.
Love my Karoo 2. Had ~20% battery left after a 108 mile ride with gps, HR monitor, Varia, Di2 and Duo Assioma pedals all going. Pedals and Di2 will disconnect for me after around 5 minutes. But, suspect that is them going to "sleep" due to inactivity. As soon as I start moving again, everything reconnects happily. I had one ride (out of 100+) where it crashed in the middle of the ride. It worked fine after a restart. Hammerhead support was very helpful trying to help me recover the data from the first part of the ride. We were unable to unfortunately. The only think I am missing is integration with my TyreWhiz monitors. But, now that SRAM has bought them, fingers crossed that they add that soon! To end it the way I started it, I love my Karoo 2.
Interesting, if my Karoo ever dies this may be an option. BTW you can lock the screen on the Karoo by pressing 2 of the buttons. Also I put a free 3 data SIM card in my Karoo, so it automatically uploads my rides when I finish without having to connect to WiFi.
I have no words about the price and quality of Bryton - it’s the perfect balance. Will say about their mobile application. The device has more than 20 hours battery recording capacity - this time is enough to ride more than 200km. Just try to plan the route for this distance with POI. Only the application gives ability create the POI. No chance to do it in web version. And in application it is auwful released. And another point - no livesegments support. It could be done with POI - but.. see the first point. )
I've been considering getting a Varia radar unit which works with a phone app. The Bryton 500 could be an option because real estate is dear on my handlebars. Informative video.
Yep, Karoo pause function has been a pain. Karoo also can use BT speaker , and small clip on ones run ~10$ Power is an issue It's that big screen. I carry a power pack, for my phone that can give a boost when needed. Brytons BT networking is a plus, especially for the phone. Now that the Karoo has been bought by SRAM, it will be interesting to see how they go.
I upgraded the Karoo to the Karoo 2 and it has addressed most if not all of these issues...not the battery life..its better but not as good as what you have with the Bryson for sure.
I've got 2 sensors for my dumb trainer. They both stopped work. They start with G & rhythm with "bloody charmin" because they was not cheep. And they want proof of purchase ect ect not a chance, a few years old. Just bought some cheep ones to try today. Wish me luck. Keep turning those motorway pillars Leonard 👍
The Garmin Radar devices (Varia RTL-515) are remarkable devices, okay a little pricey but for me essential. These bike computers are advancing rapidly, Android and other.
I have had a 750 for over a year but when I got it I contacted Bryton regarding Strava live segments and they stated at that time there were no plans to add that feature. I think it is unlikely that the S500 will get Strava live segments. The 750 is great but sometimes I like to chase segments so have to use my lezyne which has other problems.
I have a 750 too. Slightly slower processor but all day battery life is the ace in the pack for me.. If I want to chase segments I either make a mental note where they start and finish, or use my phone on abar mount.
The raindrops drive me crazy as well, I'll have to play with that two button suggestion. As to battery life I can do 60+ with some room to spare. I do like the live segments so staying with the Karoo 1 for now but the S500 would be worthy of consideration if replacing was required.
nice comparison and review Leonard, im still old school LCD screen on my wahoo elemnt bolt - its bulletproof, an excellent head unit - be interesting to see the direction SRAM take with karoo/hammerhead brand now. i always hear good things about the bryton units though. cheers
If you're running the RN1500 with the Karoo you can use it as a battery bank for longer rides while still maintaining the light functionality. Impact on the 1500's runtime has proved minimal so far.
I have an old cateye GPS computer that still charges like it was new and has a strong dedicated connect that has lasted. I have another computer that is more featured but had finally failed at the micro USB C. I can modify it but I wish manufacturers would move away from micro USB. At least that Bryton has a good battery life.
I've tried Bryton and sadly loved it can't recall which one but I bloody dropped it 😱..so I went back to Garmin then swapped to a Wahoo elemnt, which I've had for 2yr I think maybe more but just recently got excited for the K2, and after getting to know it, is very very good, the K1 I tried on offer and they needed soo much to be sorted with it and it is now near perfect, lastly on the Bryton s500 I hope the speed on the CPU is good as I've found them to have a lag. These computers have mapping really pushed on them tho that's not a big deal for me as I know everywhere round my way, it's only metrics I need by and large, thanks for the video Leonard, always love them matey and you help me get out sometimes too 👌 - btw I do get disconnection also
Hi Leonard, I appreciate that you have compared the two makes of cycle computer, but it might have been better to compare the Bryton S500 with the Karoo 2, (rather than the Karoo 1, (which is 3 years old). I know the software is pretty much identical but the features (including sound notifications) is different on the Karoo 2. I use the Karoo 1 and love it! I like the fact that firmware is constently being updated (every two weeks!!!) and with regards to battery life, I use a powerbank if out all day and this charges the Karoo whilst continuing to give me all that lovely data. Just a thought.
Hi Leonard, another good video. Just wondering, I'm relatively new to cycling and don't yet own a cycling computer, but definitely feel the metrics on them would be great for me to see how i am getting on. I see you have had quite a few cycling computers to have a good opinion, so was wondering if you could only have one, what would it be? and finally do you think as a newer rider i should be looking at an entry level device or going for something more 'top end'? appreciate any info you may wish to share.
Nice review! Now that SRAM has acquired Hammerhead it will be interesting to see what that means in terms of addressing some of the negatives you mentioned about your Hammerhead 1 unit. Since the Hammerhead 1 is an older piece of tech, I suspect SRAM won't devote too many resources to it. But, one can always hope!
Good review. Can I bear to part with my Bryton 750?? That Karoo wouldn't fit between my TT bars. Ultimately, battery life is king. Any computer has to last all day, at least.
@@jollygoodvelo did you perhaps have a chance to look at GPLama vid of bryton ? Apparently it's not a accurate computer picking up cadence and power so was just wondering. It does definitely look like such good value for money
@@zaahierstanley955 I’ve not seen his video. I’ll admit that I have not used this computer for a while now but during the time I tested it for cadence, it seemed pretty accurate.
hi leoanrd. just orderd an s800.... had a karoo for a few days, batterz was not suited for long rides, even with a powerbank, could not see me doing a 600 or 1000km ride without carriing a HUGE powerbank.
@@jollygoodvelo looking forward to seeing your video on the BrytonS800. I am looking for a new device my Garmin Edge Explore is very poor battery life only about 5 hours on battery save. Don't like a blank screen all the time plus navigation is all over the place since last update.
I have a choice between a S500 and Karoo1, both new, the Karoo is 100 EUR cheaper but comes with no warranty. I do some bikepacking also, so I need a 12h battery. I would go for the Karoo 1, but the size and weight are an issue. Any thoughts?
Battery life on both the Karoos is not good. Last week I was in a ride with two of us using them; me with a Karoo1 and my friend with the Karoo2. Both ran completely out of power after about 8 hours. If it’s battery life you are after, go for the Bryton.
The latest generation of computers is a lot better than the previous ones, and it's not really fair to compare a brand new Bryton with an outdated anything (Wahoo, Garmin, Karoo). I had an old Garmin and bought a Wahoo and it was so much better ... but then it was also much newer.
thanks for the review, I just bought this a week ago and I live in China, its terribly useless, no maps and navigation works, it seems this device isn't suitable and work in China?
Does the Bryton auto-pause at a custom speed like Garmin? For example, if I set it at 3 mph, it will auto-pause at any speed under 3 mph and unpause once you exceed 3 mph.
@@jollygoodvelo Thanks. I don’t know why every bike computer doesn’t have this function since it seems so simple to provide and useful, but oh well. Thanks for clarifying. I will say though, outside of that one feature, this Bryton looks like a winner. At least Bryton is trying to push bike computers forward. It feels like Garmin relies on the success of their past to continue selling their products.
Unfortunately Karoo is now by SRAM product so probably end up going down hill 😂 just kidding Sram will probably try to take on Garmin in the near future. I have said it before I use a very old ride40 bryton I need an upgrade and have been looking at the 500s 😁
Never had a disconnection on my K1 ever. There’s a screen lock for the rain too, but that’s not mentioned. Such a weirdly slanted view and not a truthful or meaningful comparison. Looks like your paid / incentivised by one manufacturer and not the other here. Why not do a K2 side by side with the Bryton? You’re comparing a 4 year old device with a latest iteration, not exactly fair or comparable really
Yep, SRAM now own Hammerhead - I am a Karoo 1 user until the battery died and now a Karoo 2 users, all awesome but battery life is on the short side. I tried using a Garmin and wahoo but always go back to the Karoo as nothing beats the interface and speed! Bryton IMO have had some excellent GPS for the price and will fit a lot of new riders perfectly. But the starting price of £259 the s500 unit will not convert the Garmin/Wahoo or even the Karoo crowd IMO If it was priced at £150-200 then that would have been fighting talk. Always good for new units to drive innovation and prices down.
Hi Leonard, I have the Karoo 2 and haven’t any disconnection. After the café stop, sensors wakes up and reconnect quite quickly. There is also a “rain lock” in the drop down menu
Leonard, you mentioned compatibility of the Bryton and Hammerhead with the Garmin Varia radar/tailight units. I'd strongly recommend you try out a Garmin Varia radar. I've been riding for many years and my wife got one for me about a year ago. I now realize I should have gotten one long before. It's simply the best piece of tech ever for my bikes. Indispensable. So much safer while using it.
Got a varia last weekend, such a useful piece of kit...
Why not just use a mirror?
I use a small helmet mirror too. But I pnly glance at the mirror when I hear the Varia chime indicating something coming up behind me. Quick glance at the mirror to confirm the car sees me and is giving me enough room. The radar is always working too - I can't always be looking in the mirror. Varia will detect vehicles a very long way back (even other cyclists!) long before I can hear them coming. Really nice for those quiet, narrow, and less busy country roads where you don't want to be surprised by a vehicle quickly coming up on you.
No disrespect but how have you quantified that you're safer as a result of the radar? If you think about it the driver of approaching vehicles doesn't alter or change their driving because a rider has detected them. A rear light, bright clothing is what a driver sees. Unless the cyclist constantly pulls off the road on detection of an approaching vehicle there can't be any measure of increased safety. Nobody has been able to measure or prove any increase to safety using the Badar.
@@seanicky actually no better no worse as it's not changing driver habits having a Badar or mirror.
S500 still lacks ant+ smart light control, which is a shame for such a high price point. So, if you use a combined varia radar+rear light device, then S500 will only communicate with radar part, not the light. Karoo and Garmin can control light as well, so you don't need to manually turn it on and off before and after each ride.
Press A and C on the Karoo and "lock screen". Stops the rain issue.
Great to see new innovations in bike computers. I have the Karoo 2 and can’t fault it. I’ve never had any connection problems, love the display, its ease of use and the regular updates. The maps are brilliant and navigation superb. I’ve also had no battery problems. I’ve ran it alongside a Garmin for over 6 months and there’s no difference in battery life at all. I run speed, cadence, lights, di2 and radar and still have 75% battery after a 4 hour ride.
awesome review! been looking for some decent and honest one and finally I found it, g8 content mate.
Love my Karoo 2. Had ~20% battery left after a 108 mile ride with gps, HR monitor, Varia, Di2 and Duo Assioma pedals all going. Pedals and Di2 will disconnect for me after around 5 minutes. But, suspect that is them going to "sleep" due to inactivity. As soon as I start moving again, everything reconnects happily. I had one ride (out of 100+) where it crashed in the middle of the ride. It worked fine after a restart. Hammerhead support was very helpful trying to help me recover the data from the first part of the ride. We were unable to unfortunately. The only think I am missing is integration with my TyreWhiz monitors. But, now that SRAM has bought them, fingers crossed that they add that soon! To end it the way I started it, I love my Karoo 2.
Interesting, if my Karoo ever dies this may be an option. BTW you can lock the screen on the Karoo by pressing 2 of the buttons. Also I put a free 3 data SIM card in my Karoo, so it automatically uploads my rides when I finish without having to connect to WiFi.
What are the two buttons?
@@thomashenkler4969 On the K2 it’s the two forward ones. Press both and you get the option
Nice review. It would be interesting to see how the Bryton compares to the Karoo 2
I have no words about the price and quality of Bryton - it’s the perfect balance.
Will say about their mobile application. The device has more than 20 hours battery recording capacity - this time is enough to ride more than 200km. Just try to plan the route for this distance with POI. Only the application gives ability create the POI. No chance to do it in web version. And in application it is auwful released. And another point - no livesegments support. It could be done with POI - but.. see the first point. )
Very nice review. That Bryton looks like a winner. Looking for a computer now. This was very timely. Thank you and take care. Al
I've been considering getting a Varia radar unit which works with a phone app. The Bryton 500 could be an option because real estate is dear on my handlebars. Informative video.
The Varia radar has a very nice, and simple, phone app.
Yep, Karoo pause function has been a pain. Karoo also can use BT speaker , and small clip on ones run ~10$
Power is an issue It's that big screen. I carry a power pack, for my phone that can give a boost when needed.
Brytons BT networking is a plus, especially for the phone.
Now that the Karoo has been bought by SRAM, it will be interesting to see how they go.
I upgraded the Karoo to the Karoo 2 and it has addressed most if not all of these issues...not the battery life..its better but not as good as what you have with the Bryson for sure.
I've got 2 sensors for my dumb trainer. They both stopped work. They start with G & rhythm with "bloody charmin" because they was not cheep. And they want proof of purchase ect ect not a chance, a few years old. Just bought some cheep ones to try today. Wish me luck. Keep turning those motorway pillars Leonard 👍
The Garmin Radar devices (Varia RTL-515) are remarkable devices, okay a little pricey but for me essential. These bike computers are advancing rapidly, Android and other.
I have had a 750 for over a year but when I got it I contacted Bryton regarding Strava live segments and they stated at that time there were no plans to add that feature. I think it is unlikely that the S500 will get Strava live segments. The 750 is great but sometimes I like to chase segments so have to use my lezyne which has other problems.
I have a 750 too. Slightly slower processor but all day battery life is the ace in the pack for me.. If I want to chase segments I either make a mental note where they start and finish, or use my phone on abar mount.
The raindrops drive me crazy as well, I'll have to play with that two button suggestion. As to battery life I can do 60+ with some room to spare. I do like the live segments so staying with the Karoo 1 for now but the S500 would be worthy of consideration if replacing was required.
nice comparison and review Leonard, im still old school LCD screen on my wahoo elemnt bolt - its bulletproof, an excellent head unit - be interesting to see the direction SRAM take with karoo/hammerhead brand now. i always hear good things about the bryton units though. cheers
If you're running the RN1500 with the Karoo you can use it as a battery bank for longer rides while still maintaining the light functionality. Impact on the 1500's runtime has proved minimal so far.
I have an old cateye GPS computer that still charges like it was new and has a strong dedicated connect that has lasted. I have another computer that is more featured but had finally failed at the micro USB C. I can modify it but I wish manufacturers would move away from micro USB. At least that Bryton has a good battery life.
I've tried Bryton and sadly loved it can't recall which one but I bloody dropped it 😱..so I went back to Garmin then swapped to a Wahoo elemnt, which I've had for 2yr I think maybe more but just recently got excited for the K2, and after getting to know it, is very very good, the K1 I tried on offer and they needed soo much to be sorted with it and it is now near perfect, lastly on the Bryton s500 I hope the speed on the CPU is good as I've found them to have a lag. These computers have mapping really pushed on them tho that's not a big deal for me as I know everywhere round my way, it's only metrics I need by and large, thanks for the video Leonard, always love them matey and you help me get out sometimes too 👌 - btw I do get disconnection also
The glass is so fragile, dropped my 420. support don't reply to emails.. not buying bryton again. don't know why it can't have a plastic screen?
I'm using hammerhead Karoo 2, but still keep Karoo 1 because I like it so much. Recently after update I discovered rain lock.
Hi Leonard, I appreciate that you have compared the two makes of cycle computer, but it might have been better to compare the Bryton S500 with the Karoo 2, (rather than the Karoo 1, (which is 3 years old). I know the software is pretty much identical but the features (including sound notifications) is different on the Karoo 2. I use the Karoo 1 and love it! I like the fact that firmware is constently being updated (every two weeks!!!) and with regards to battery life, I use a powerbank if out all day and this charges the Karoo whilst continuing to give me all that lovely data. Just a thought.
Sadly I don’t have a Karoo 2 to compare it to.
Hi I think comparing this to the Karoo2 would be more relevant as the differences between the Karoo 1 & 2 is pretty huge.
Hi Leonard, another good video. Just wondering, I'm relatively new to cycling and don't yet own a cycling computer, but definitely feel the metrics on them would be great for me to see how i am getting on. I see you have had quite a few cycling computers to have a good opinion, so was wondering if you could only have one, what would it be? and finally do you think as a newer rider i should be looking at an entry level device or going for something more 'top end'? appreciate any info you may wish to share.
The Bryton S500 is a pretty good all round cycling computer.
@@jollygoodvelo thank you.
you are talking about a very old karoo 1 obsolete you must compare it with the karoo 2 the difference is like chalk and cheese
Ive a Bryton 750, its a quality bit of kit
Nice review! Now that SRAM has acquired Hammerhead it will be interesting to see what that means in terms of addressing some of the negatives you mentioned about your Hammerhead 1 unit. Since the Hammerhead 1 is an older piece of tech, I suspect SRAM won't devote too many resources to it. But, one can always hope!
Yep, that was an interesting purchase! Has to to be strategic. Perhaps a SRAM trainer in the works?
A solid 10 hrs on the Karoo2 which is fine for me.
Good review. Can I bear to part with my Bryton 750??
That Karoo wouldn't fit between my TT bars. Ultimately, battery life is king. Any computer has to last all day, at least.
I thinking of getting the garmin 1030 got the garmin 810 but it's getting a little old now :( kewl video m8 keep em coming
I think you could still trade in your Karoo1 for their latest K2.
Any thoughts on the sticky watts and cadence reading issues ?
No problems with cadence. I’ve not tested the power.
@@jollygoodvelo did you perhaps have a chance to look at GPLama vid of bryton ? Apparently it's not a accurate computer picking up cadence and power so was just wondering. It does definitely look like such good value for money
@@zaahierstanley955 I’ve not seen his video. I’ll admit that I have not used this computer for a while now but during the time I tested it for cadence, it seemed pretty accurate.
hi leoanrd. just orderd an s800....
had a karoo for a few days, batterz was not suited for long rides, even with a powerbank, could not see me doing a 600 or 1000km ride without carriing a HUGE powerbank.
Hi Raoul. Very wise. I’m trying out the s800 at the moment and the battery life is great. The Karoo really isn’t good for rides longer than 6 hours.
@@jollygoodvelo looking forward to seeing your video on the BrytonS800.
I am looking for a new device my Garmin Edge Explore is very poor battery life only about 5 hours on battery save. Don't like a blank screen all the time plus navigation is all over the place since last update.
Garmin edge 830
Or the Bryton s500?
I have a choice between a S500 and Karoo1, both new, the Karoo is 100 EUR cheaper but comes with no warranty.
I do some bikepacking also, so I need a 12h battery. I would go for the Karoo 1, but the size and weight are an issue.
Any thoughts?
Battery life on both the Karoos is not good. Last week I was in a ride with two of us using them; me with a Karoo1 and my friend with the Karoo2. Both ran completely out of power after about 8 hours. If it’s battery life you are after, go for the Bryton.
Can u do everything with the bryton without using the touchscreen with only physical buttons? I hate the idea of touchscreen on cycling computers.
I don’t think so.
The latest generation of computers is a lot better than the previous ones, and it's not really fair to compare a brand new Bryton with an outdated anything (Wahoo, Garmin, Karoo). I had an old Garmin and bought a Wahoo and it was so much better ... but then it was also much newer.
thanks for the review, I just bought this a week ago and I live in China, its terribly useless, no maps and navigation works, it seems this device isn't suitable and work in China?
Hi mate what light are you using on the outfront mount, also which adapters do you use for it?
It’s a Magicshine light too. All the adapters come with the TTA mount.
Does the Bryton auto-pause at a custom speed like Garmin? For example, if I set it at 3 mph, it will auto-pause at any speed under 3 mph and unpause once you exceed 3 mph.
It has auto pause but not for a custom speed.
@@jollygoodvelo Thanks. I don’t know why every bike computer doesn’t have this function since it seems so simple to provide and useful, but oh well. Thanks for clarifying. I will say though, outside of that one feature, this Bryton looks like a winner. At least Bryton is trying to push bike computers forward. It feels like Garmin relies on the success of their past to continue selling their products.
Hi Leonard was this review on the 500E or 500T? Thanks
I think they are the came computer but they have different accessories
@@jollygoodvelo 500T is apparently "bundled" with cadence and heart rate functions but I'm not sure if that means the actual sensors.
@@caahacky Strange wording. The base unit has those functions as standard. My guess…..and I stress it’s a guess, they probably mean sensors.
@@jollygoodvelo Thanks Leonard. Good news that the base unit has those interfaces.
if its paired with the phone do you get voice directions like I do with my Garmin??
I don’t think so.
Look at the karoo 2
Unfortunately Karoo is now by SRAM product so probably end up going down hill 😂 just kidding Sram will probably try to take on Garmin in the near future. I have said it before I use a very old ride40 bryton I need an upgrade and have been looking at the 500s 😁
Get a Garmin 1030 and have all the goodies.
Never had a disconnection on my K1 ever. There’s a screen lock for the rain too, but that’s not mentioned. Such a weirdly slanted view and not a truthful or meaningful comparison. Looks like your paid / incentivised by one manufacturer and not the other here. Why not do a K2 side by side with the Bryton? You’re comparing a 4 year old device with a latest iteration, not exactly fair or comparable really
Sadly I don’t have a Karoo 2 to compare it to. If you watch to the end I do say that despite its flaws, I love my Karoo.
@@jollygoodvelo I watched it all and it’s still a poor and weighted comparison. Is it a sponsored / paid add?
@@adrianparrington7454 I was sent both computers to test.
@@jollygoodvelo hopefully you get sent a K2 to make a fairer comparison….. keep up the good work
All a bit beyond me…..
Sounds like the Bryton is a Chinese copy of a Garmin.
Hardly.