Since 2013, Hammerhead has been on a mission to create the world’s best bike computer. With Karoo, you could say that mission has been accomplished. Karoo boasts features like 35-plus hours of battery life, advanced live tracking, industry-leading maps and navigation, and now, seamless connectivity with SRAM AXS.
SRAM AXS is the integrated system that has revolutionized the way you control your bike’s components, from shifters to derailleurs. Pair that with the computing power of Karoo, and you have the best riding experience imaginable. The two systems were also co-designed together, giving you peace of mind that you have the most seamlessly connected ride possible. For example, the AXS Bonus Buttons allow for thumb-operated shifting or control of your Karoo.
When you’re bombing big hills or miles into the backcountry, that’s exactly what you want: peace of mind. Peace of mind is exactly what you want. Multisport athlete Sami Sauri knows this better than anyone. When she’s not competing in ultracycling races and bikepacking for tens of thousands of kilometers in remote backcountry, she’s leading the W Collective, an organization she founded to get more women outside and in the saddle. As a competitor and full-send adventurer, Sauri knows the value of a connected ride better than anyone.
Here’s what Sauri has to say about her experience with SRAM AXS and Karoo.
Outside: How did you get into riding?
Sami Sauri: I started riding when I was 16 years old. I say “started” because that was when I got my first-ever bike: a fixed gear. That unlocked so much of myself. And thanks to biking, I’ve even discovered so much of my city, Barcelona, that I didn’t know before. It was like an adventure on every street, every day.
How have Hammerhead Karoo and SRAM AXS changed or improved your training and racing?
I’ve been using Hammerhead Karoo for a while now, and the fact that everything is now connected and you can see all your data on a nice, bright screen is so much easier. I come from fixed gear, and I used to calculate my kilometers with Google Maps, so being able to see your distances and even your tire pressure on Karoo is amazing!
How do Karoo and SRAM AXS reset your expectations for connected products?
Products made together simply work better. As a longtime athlete, I’ve tried a lot of different products, and these products have changed the game. Hammerhead is continuously improving, and SRAM is elevating the effortless connection between the two.
What’s the biggest difference you’ve seen in your rides since incorporating Karoo and SRAM AXS?
The ease and intuitiveness of it all. I get all the alerts for connected SRAM AXS components during my crazy adventures, and then I get to review all of my data in the super-detailed post-ride analysis.
What are some of your favorite features of Karoo?
The colors and navigation are amazing, especially for long distances. The climb gradient through the map is really good for pacing yourself, and I have a training-specific screen where you can add your workouts and see all your data. I also love using and programming my SRAM blips and AXS bonus buttons not only for thumb-operated shifting, but also to control actions on my Karoo. It allows me to feel in total control of my ride, no matter the terrain.
The Zipp AXS Wheel Pressure Sensor. It has seamless and instant SRAM AXS connection, and it’s simple to add routes via the Hammerhead Companion app. Also, programming my AXS bonus buttons and SRAM blips has completely changed the way I ride.
Mid-ride benefits you love:
Climber stats and the 35-plus hours of battery life—I love to go on very long adventures. I also love the updated live tracking so my friends and family can keep tabs on me during my bigger rides/races.
Post-ride benefits you love:
Third-party app uploads and, of course, all of the detailed data capturing.
About SRAM:
Founded in September 1987 in Chicago, Illinois, with the introduction of its groundbreaking Grip Shift® technology, SRAM® has grown into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-performance bicycle components. Over its 37-year history, SRAM has remained committed to innovation across all cycling disciplines. The company has expanded its portfolio by acquiring some of the most respected and forward-thinking brands in the industry, including RockShox®, Zipp®, Quarq®, TIME®, Hammerhead®, and Velocio®. With more than 3,500 employees and operations in 16 countries, SRAM continues to inspire cyclists through cutting-edge product development and a passion for the ride.
About Hammerhead:
Hammerhead® is a cycling technology company with a mission to inspire and empower all people to unlock their athletic potential through cycling. Hammerhead is a subsidiary of SRAM®. www.hammerhead.io