A Quick Summary: Iâve officially adopted the Beeline Velo 2 as my default directional toy for testing all the routes on the CycleSydney map. After hearing about a rider who navigated a 220km loop around Sydney using just this $160 device, I had to test it out myself. I took it on a 160km run of the Greater Sydney Bike Trail, and it worked perfectlyâespecially in tricky areas like the Prospect Reservoir to Canley Vale stretch where I usually get lost!
Rather than scrolling through a bunch of text, letâs go straight to the video. Check out how the Beeline smartphone app communicates with the handlebar device in real-time as we ride from Paddington through Trumper Park and down to Rushcutters Bay.
If you want to grab one for your own handlebars, you can check out the Beeline Velo 2 on Amazon here: https://link.amazon/B0bTZjuxu CycleSydney gets a 3$ commision.
âąď¸ Key Video Highlights (Pop-Up Timestamps)
If you are jumping around the video, here are a few key moments and pop-up comments to look out for:
0:00 - The Minimalist Bike GPS Approach
0:30 - App Setup: Importing GPX Files & Breadcrumb Mode
1:05 - Handlebar Mounting & Bluetooth Connection
3:02 - Price ($160) & The 220km Sydney Test Ride
4:55 - Off-Road Testing Through Trumper Park
6:18 - Interface Review: Zero Distractions on Screen
7:08 - Battery Life & App Power Consumption
8:45 - Ride Conclusion
Caveats
Not mentioned in the movie that is important. GPX rides are directional. The Breadcrumb mode is one way. If the ride goes A-B, you need to find a non Beeline Tool to make it go B-A. Or ride it one way and ride it back and learn it.
Another thing not mentioned is you can join the ride in the middle as long as you go the direction of the ride (A-B). This actually works quite well but you will need the phone on and the Beeline app open to work this bit out.
Conclusion
Using RideWithGPS (city collection) or another navigator on the phone might be your thing. If so, the Velo 2 likely isnât your Assistant. Remember the Beeline in the mode shown is a Breadcrumb tool. You are following a line on a map that some dude happened to ride a few months ago. It doesnât automatically adjust to find the best/fastest/đbusiest way to get to an end point. It will show you the longer more scenic way and those lovely shared paths that Sydney has hidden away in plain sight. That is why CycleSydney spends a lot of time photographing, videoing and writing up rides so you are comfortable with what you about to explore. Then next time down the breadcrumb path, you will just ride it đŞ.
đ¤ Why Not Garmin or Wahoo?
A lot of experienced road warriors who ride the full Greater Sydney Bike Trail swear by popular cycling computers from Garmin or Wahoo. So, why didnât I use one of those?
Basically, they are just too costly and come packed with way too many options that the average commuter doesnât need. They are also very prominent and bulky on the bike, whereas the Velo 2 is a tiny, sleek puck that is almost invisible on the handlebars. I believe I know my target audience here at CycleSydneyâyou are the folks trying out weekend 25km rides, exploring local infrastructure, and commuting. For everyday city riding, the simplicity of the Velo 2 wins hands down. That is something I want, I am loaded up with too much tech every ride as it is.
đşď¸ Navigating the Loop â Google My Maps vs. Beeline
I recently had a online chat with fellow rider Kym about how we actually follow these routes on the ground: Check the 3 three explorers story here
Garry: When Iâm out mapping these routes, I usually sketch the intended track in Google My Maps and just follow the blue dot on my phone. How did you actually follow this map? Did you load the GPX into your phone, a Garmin, or something else?
Kym: I exported the GPX file out of Ride with GPS and used Beeline. I actually use the dedicated Beeline device on my handlebars rather than just looking at the phone app. Itâs incredibly simple for touring, and it saves your phone battery.
Garry: Interesting, I hadnât heard much about Beeline. When you import the GPX, do you rely on Turn-by-Turn directions or something else?
Kym: I use Breadcrumb Mode. Instead of trying to snap the track to known roads, it keeps the exact GPS trace. Because it doesnât force a road route, I can follow absolutely anything. Itâs ideal for off-road trails or newly constructed paths.
(That conversation is what made me check Beeline out in the first placeâand led to this very review!)
Ready to try it out? Grab the Beeline Velo 2 here: https://link.amazon/B0bTZjuxu