Sold Out?

[krsr]

I believe the Hammerhead Karoo was a “money grab”. Those who were LUCKY to receive a unit from their inventory...were the test pilots and advertisers of the product. If there was a restock or NEW unit coming...I’m almost positive they would make new customers aware on their website. Be happy you have one...I don’t think anymore are coming. IMO

Sadly this could really be the case.

[dthempel]

I believe the Hammerhead Karoo was a “money grab”. Those who were LUCKY to receive a unit from their inventory...were the test pilots and advertisers of the product. If there was a restock or NEW unit coming...I’m almost positive they would make new customers aware on their website. Be happy you have one...I don’t think anymore are coming. IMO

Gonna be some pretty upset investors and VC "angels" if that's the case, but they know what they're getting into with tech startups. It's the customers who would eventually suffer if you are correct, as the units start to fail and the software updates and underlying websites and support disappear...

[mickeybricks]

The Christmas discount should really make you think. I wonder if anyone remembers this “money grab” from a few years ago ( bike stem computer ) https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/spee ... g-computer

They did a press run...sent out a few...got people interested...took MANY orders...then closed up shop. Seems similar with promised updates and sold out stock.

[Brian]

I just received an email from HH on the recent software update. It linked to a nice looking page with very detailed info on the Training Peaks and Map updates. If they are on the verge of failure, they are putting on a pretty good show of not letting on. Which, I suppose, is entirely possible for many reasons.

[dthempel]

The Christmas discount should really make you think. I wonder if anyone remembers this “money grab” from a few years ago ( bike stem computer ) https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/spee ... g-computer

They did a press run...sent out a few...got people interested...took MANY orders...then closed up shop. Seems similar with promised updates and sold out stock.

Not defending, just saying that this is a completely different situation. Pretty sure everyone that's given HH money has gotten a working unit. It would be different if they weren't saying "Sold Out", were taking money, and had no intention of shipping more.

The main issue I see with any HH collapse would be lack of ongoing software updates and possible/probable reduction in usefulness if/when the backend websites/servers go belly-up. Anyone who has fully unlocked their Karoo -- when you could do that -- would probably be in better shape than the rest. I guess either way I've gotten almost two years of pretty good use out of it. I've had Garmins that didn't survive that long and cost just as much (as I paid back in the day)...

[Steve]

HH are hiring - https://boards.greenhouse.io/hammerhead/jobs/4029847003

[Brolly33]

Two new software releases in March. The software team appears to be keeping busy.

[mickeybricks]

The Christmas discount should really make you think. I wonder if anyone remembers this “money grab” from a few years ago ( bike stem computer ) https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/spee ... g-computer

They did a press run...sent out a few...got people interested...took MANY orders...then closed up shop. Seems similar with promised updates and sold out stock.

Not defending, just saying that this is a completely different situation. Pretty sure everyone that's given HH money has gotten a working unit. It would be different if they weren't saying "Sold Out", were taking money, and had no intention of shipping more.

The main issue I see with any HH collapse would be lack of ongoing software updates and possible/probable reduction in usefulness if/when the backend websites/servers go belly-up. Anyone who has fully unlocked their Karoo -- when you could do that -- would probably be in better shape than the rest. I guess either way I've gotten almost two years of pretty good use out of it. I've had Garmins that didn't survive that long and cost just as much (as I paid back in the day)...

Have you ever heard of the term “Cognitive dissonance?”

[dthempel]

Not sure the giant graphic was warranted or even applies? Read through this forum. Watch (painfully) my YouTube reviews and updates on the Karoo. I'm not an apologist of fanboy. My point was that you're comparing a money grab where no product was delivered to a product that's happily in many people's hands and used on a daily basis successfully and for which the software continues to be updated. Despite their mostly "radio silence", they're also apparently still in business (see above about software updates and job openings).

The bigger issue here is the timing of everything. They apparently either ran out of product and/or hit a snag in production because that product is made in China. It's a double-whammy of bad timing and a sudden work stoppage compounding availability.

Again... they're not taking money and not delivering. They don't have anything to sell right now (it would seem). Lots of companies are having this problem right now... How many can sustain it?

[nordog]

I agree with dthempel, I for one have had more good times with my Karoo than bad times, they seem to be a great bunch of chaps. As an old git they have been more than helpful with the problems that I have had, knowing what I know now I think I would go and buy the next unit if they have the new Karoo.

[Brian]

I second Nordog’s agreement. I ordered and received a pretty impressive piece of hardware. Granted, the turn-by-turn direction capability was terrible for a good while, but I simply side loaded Komoot and was off to the races. In over two years, my device has never shutdown unexpectedly or had any type of hardware failure to speak of. And recent software updates have taken the built in turn-by-turn to an amazing level. My riding buddy’s Garmin pales in comparison.

I paid a reasonable price for, received and am enjoying a solid piece of cycling equipment. So I’m also not sure what the obnoxious and misplaced graphic is for. Disgruntled former HH employee, perhaps???

[GarethSargeant]

Hammerhead said yesterday on Instagram "be patient an announcement is coming soon".

Also they all appear to still be at work.

[KM1.8T]

Now we know Karoo2 coming soon. Wonder if there will be trade in options!?

[heilewelt1110]

Ok, so the whole talk about "money grab" seems to be a bit exaggerated now. I got my Karoo last winter and even though I haven't had the chance to use it as much just yet, I was thrilled to see how much better it worked compared to my previous Garmins (although I admit that I came to the Karoo when the system was working fairly well already). Even in the time I had it lying around and couldn't ride I received at least 3 updates (and there were maybe a total of 4 updates for the Garmin in years and I haven't been contacted about it but had to check on their website). I do agree that the (server) infrastructure needs to be available in order for it to fully function but I don't see why that would go down. Now that the Karoo 2 has been announced it seems even less of an issue.

Concerning the Karoo 2 – yeah, I would like to have a smaller unit and maybe some sound notification. But I'm very happy with the Karoo 1 the way it is and as long as it keeps being updated – and it does seems like it, I see no need to upgrade.

Oh and concerning a discount for the Karoo, of course nothing is official, but Hammerhead replied to similar question via Instagram – albeit in a certainly vague manner.

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[mickeybricks]

Still waiting?...hahaha

[acmedragon337]

Yes, mickeybricks. I'm still waiting for a response from Hammerhead. I love their product and stand by their vision. I'm simply disappointed that they never responded to me, even with a simple "thanks, but we're promoting K1 in a different manner" would have been suffice. I still bought a K2 nonetheless and can't wait to use it. You must think you're pretty funny chirping from the sidelines with your comment, but you missed the point. Ghosting is still ghosting. Nobody likes it. It's just bad business. I'm trying to help promote them beyond my circle of friends. What have you done to help move HH forward?

[mickeybricks]

What have I done? NOTHING. I have been wise enough to enjoy my Garmin 830 and all the lovely accoutrements that pleasantly attach to it. Do you remember the first electric car called the EV1 by General Motors?

Enjoy the Holidays!!!