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== Beeline (navigation technology) ==
'''Beeline''' is a UK-based technology company that designs navigation devices for bicycles and motorbikes. Founded in 2015 by Mark Jenner and Tom Putnam, Beeline develops rider-first GPS tools focused on simplicity, clarity, and exploration. The company is headquartered in London, England.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Coldewey |first=Devin |date=18 September 2017 |title=Beeline's simple navigation device keeps cyclists headed in the right direction |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/18/beelines-simple-navigation-device-keeps-cyclists-headed-in-the-right-direction |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref>
== Overview ==
Beeline’s navigation devices are purpose-built for two-wheeled travel. They favorfavour glanceable guidance and minimal interfaces, offering either turn-by-turn maps or a compass-style arrow that directs the rider “as the crow flies.”<ref>{{cite web |title=Route mode vs Compass mode |url=https://support.beeline.co/en/articles/9030681-route-mode-vs-compass-mode |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Beeline Support}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite magazine |last=Vincent |first=James |date=27 October 2015 |title=This Compass Is Made for Geographically Challenged Cyclists |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/10/this-compass-is-made-for-geographically-challenged-cyclists |access-date=2025-07-28 |magazine=Wired}}</ref>
The devices pair via smartphone, but the Beeline unit shows only essential info—speedinfo, speed, next turn, trip progress—so riders can keep their eyes forwardprogress.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 April 2022 |title=Beeline Moto review: Features and mapping included |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/tech/beeline-motorcycle-satnav-review-b995575.html |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Evening Standard}}</ref>
== History ==
Co-founders Mark Jenner and Tom Putnam founded Beeline in 2015.
Co-founders Mark Jenner and Tom Putnam, both former management consultants, launched Beeline after Jenner got lost on a cycle ride in London and sought simpler, safer navigation options.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 November 2015 |title=Cyclists: you'll never get lost again with this new compass-style device |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/cyclists-you-ll-never-got-lost-again-new-compassstyle-device-helps-steer-you-in-right-direction-a3124016.html |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Evening Standard}}</ref> Their 2015 Kickstarter funded the first device, resonating with urban riders seeking less intrusive tech.
== Products and Features ==
Beeline produces devices for both cyclists (Velo series) and motorcyclists (Moto and Moto II). Corewith attributesfeatures include:including
* Choice of compass or turn-by-turn guidance
* Bluetooth connection to a paired app
* Lightweight, weatherproof construction
* Extended battery life
* Clean, minimalist mounting (handlebar or stem)
* Community-sourced route refinement<ref>{{cite web |date=25 July 2025 |title=Beeline revolutionises navigation again with major feature update |url=https://www.outdoor-insight.co.uk/news/beeline-revolutionises-navigation-for-cyclists-again-with-major-feature-update-2 |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Outdoor Insight}}</ref>
Beeline’s routing engine continuously improves using rider feedback and mapping data.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |date=23 July 2025 |title=Beeline Velo 2 navigation device review |url=https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/computers-and-heart-rate-monitors/beeline-velo-2-navigation-device-review-simple-to-set-up-and-fun-to-use |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Cycling Weekly}}</ref>
== Beeline App ==
The Beeline App (iOS and Android) is a free companion for all devices and works standalone. It enables route planning, GPX/Komoot import, style selection (fast/quiet/balanced), navigation mode toggle, and ride logging.
=== Beeline Plus ===
This optional subscription (≈£3.99/month) adds:
* Offline maps and live 3D navigation
* Audio navigation (phone only)
* Loop-route generation
* Gradient and elevation data
* Mid-ride rerouting and editing
* Speed camera alerts (Moto only)<ref>{{cite web |title=Viewing Speed Camera Alerts |url=https://support.beeline.co/en/articles/11645719-viewing-speed-camera-alerts |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Beeline Help Center}}</ref>
* Ride history, stats, Komoot/Strava sync<ref>{{cite web |title=What is Beeline Plus? |url=https://support.beeline.co/en/articles/9030734-what-is-beeline-plus |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Beeline Support}}</ref>
=== Device-Specific Integration ===
* Velo 2: shows speed, ETA, climb profiles, and supports loop routing with Plus
* Moto/Moto II: includes trip timer, elevation data, speed‑limit alerts (Plus), and radar camera notifications
== Founders ==
* '''Mark Jenner''' leads sales, marketing, and customer service, focusing on rider engagement, branding, and growth.
* '''Tom Putnam''' is responsible for all technology and product development, overseeing device engineering and software innovation.
== Reception ==
Beeline has been featured widely in cycling and motorcycle media for its user-centric simplicity:
''Wired'' (2015): “BeeLine … designed for urban cyclists who prefer simplicity and freedom over detailed, turn‑by‑turn directions.”<ref name=":1" /> ''TechCrunch'' (2017): “fuzzy navigation” concept that points directionally without rigid routing.<ref name=":0" /> ''Cycle World'' (2020): “clear and accurate … incredibly easy to use … under $200.”<ref name="cycleworld">{{cite web |date=28 June 2020 |title=Beeline Navigation Review |url=https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-gear-and-products/beeline-navigation-review |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Cycle World}}</ref> ''Bennetts BikeSocial'' & ''MCN'' (2025 Moto II): rated Moto II 4/5, praising its compact simplicity, rugged design, and long battery life.<ref>{{cite web |last=Milbank |first=John |date=29 May 2025 |title=Beeline Moto II review: a supremely compact navigation device |url=https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/motorcycle-technology/beeline-moto-ii-2-review |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Bennetts BikeSocial}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 2025 |title=Beeline Moto II Motorcycle Navigation Device Review |url=https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-kit/accessories/beeline-moto-ii-review |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=MCN}}</ref> ''Cycling UK'' (2025 Velo 2): praised for ease of setup, intuitive interface, and affordability.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 2025 |title=Review: Beeline Velo 2 |url=https://www.cyclinguk.org/cycle-magazine/review-beeline-velo‑2 |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Cycling UK}}</ref> ''Cycling Weekly'' (2025): “compact… essential features like time, speed, distance… simple arrow icons.”<ref name=":2" /> ''LondonCyclist'' (2017): noted the app’s exploratory freedom and intuitive UI. More candid and personal but useful context.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beeline Review – Cycling directions with a difference |url=https://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/beeline-review-cycling-directions-difference/ |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=LondonCyclist |date=30 October 2017 }}</ref> ''ItsBetterOnTheRoad'' (2025 Bangkok Moto II review): “turned out to be exactly what I needed”—ideal for disorienting city streets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beeline Moto II Review: After Months of Use in Bangkok |url=https://itsbetterontheroad.com/gear/beeline-moto-ii-review/ |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=ItsBetterOnTheRoad}}</ref>
== References ==
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