I've ordered the XCADEY ALPHA 800 and I'm curious to see how it performs in real-world use.
At the moment, I still see the device as being somewhat in a beta stage, but I also think it has a lot of potential, especially because of the Android-based platform and the possibility of extensions.
I've contacted XCADEY to ask whether they provide, or plan to provide, an SDK / Developer API. I'd be especially interested in things like custom data fields, additional sensor support, Di2 features, Komoot integration, navigation tweaks, and ride-screen notifications.
Once the device arrives, I'll take a closer look at what is actually possible and will share my impressions.
The ALPHA 800 is currently available at a reduced price on XCADEY's website:
https://xcadey.com/bike-computers/
Cool! I don't need it, we don't even know when it will be released (still just a waiting list with no clear plan), it will probably be really rough at first, but the monkey is already climbing my back ;D
I have one from China Cycle.... but it no longer updates, so I guess it's older hardware? I've had to shelve it.
Only 20 hour battery life? It will never work for bikepackers. My IGSports 800 has 50 hrs battery life. For my multi-day rides long battery life is essential.
Not surprised at the lower battery life. Anything running a full fledged OS like Android will have much lower battery life than a purpose developed OS for the use case. Same thing applies to the Android based ereaders that are a dime a dozen these days - atrocious battery life. I think OEMs like it because it's less software development on their end.
Few people actually ride 20+ hours ride, plus nothing that can't be fixed with an external battery pack. The wahoo/hammerhead offerings don't even have 20 hours advertised yet plenty of people use them all the time.
Anyone read if you can charge it while it is in operation? Many units have to be powered down to charge them, and is it fast charge, or just 1amp?
Quote from: Tijoe on September 22, 2026, 08:45:04 AM
Only 20 hour battery life? ...
Still better than the new Garmin Edge 550/850.
The standout feature of the alpha800 is its Android-based operating system, which offers a way of using the device that differs from conventional cycle computers. If root access is unlocked, it should be possible to install custom-made apps and plugins.
Quote from: yappy on September 23, 2026, 04:19:17 AM
The standout feature of the alpha800 is its Android-based operating system, which offers a way of using the device that differs from conventional cycle computers. If root access is unlocked, it should be possible to install custom-made apps and plugins.
Yeah, the Android side is probably one of the coolest things about the Alpha 800.
If root access can be unlocked, being able to run custom apps/plugins could make this thing pretty interesting.
I came across this hands-on report:
https://jedrysik.com/bike-computer-xcadey-alpha-800/
Also, one thing that isn't mentioned in the review: the Alpha 800 uses a **Blanview display**. The guy says he was riding in direct sunlight with only 25% brightness.
That's pretty impressive.
**Update:** Adam, who wrote the test I linked above, replied to my comment. He says GPS accuracy and lock are good so far, with no dropouts or issues during his test. Battery life is also looking very promising at around **5% per hour or less**. The current map view is north-up only, and he is still waiting for a follow-direction option.
Quote from: yappy on September 23, 2026, 04:19:17 AM
The standout feature of the alpha800 is its Android-based operating system, which offers a way of using the device that differs from conventional cycle computers. If root access is unlocked, it should be possible to install custom-made apps and plugins.
Finally I can doomscroll while riding on my computer.
Some new update just come up! Now they also added some workout option! The functionality is going further which is very promising! In general the device is working really fast! Now we have connection with Strava and Intervals, that works very good. Maps are also downloading faster, that was one issues. GPS accuracy is very good, the same as for garmin edge 850. There is even option to pause the workout, not the ride itself, so its very good. I would just need an connection to training peak or option to at least upload workout from it, to the device or something. Now you can only create your own workout on the device or use one of their plan.
I loathe my iGPSPORT iGS630S precisely because it's closed source, and they absolutely suck at software, and don't give a flying F. Navigation is horrendous, and ghost watts make it half useless. The hardware is actually good.
--> community based software, especially in the age of LLMs, means that China can focus on hardware, and people can hack whatever they want onto it.
As to battery life, fudge packers who dont have access to a wall socket are probably a fraction of 1% of the market.
Quote from: Serge_K on October 21, 2026, 02:07:55 AMI loathe my iGPSPORT iGS630S precisely because it's closed source, and they absolutely suck at software, and don't give a flying F. Navigation is horrendous, and ghost watts make it half useless. The hardware is actually good.
--> community based software, especially in the age of LLMs, means that China can focus on hardware, and people can hack whatever they want onto it.
As to battery life, fudge packers who dont have access to a wall socket are probably a fraction of 1% of the market.
I have 2 of the iGS630s, Want one? They might make good fishing lures. Regarding fudge packers versus fudge hackers, fudge packers have you beat by around 5 to 1. In the USA about .05% of the population Bikepacks, and .01% of the population can write code for, or hack, Android based products.
I think it is funny that so many of my cycling friend go out and purchase the top end Garmin or Wahoo bike computers, and then use their cell phones to record and confirm routes, view pending climbs, and their cycling computers basically become recorders. Their complaints being that the screens are to small to actually use them like they do their cell phones. (I have to add that many have Garmin watches that they wear to gather biometric performance data from.)
From my perspective, bike computer manufacturers have a big challenge in that they are trying to sell a product that will fill all of the "niche" needs plus "features" to a diverse cycling market, that the majority of cyclists believe that they want/need, so that the manufacturer is able to sell their product and make money. Especially when a cell phone can do everything a bike computer can.
Lol. Well... Everybody's on windows, yet only Microsoft codes it... On my fenix watch face, I have a panda on a bike. Best watch face ever. I didn't code it, I installed someone else's work. Likewise, I don't sew my own clothes :D
Technically though, I do agree that more people fudge pack than fudge hack. And both group are allowed to marry, rather than be simply called butt buddies.
On another forum I proposed that a company like Strava or Komoot makes an android based bike computer but do it as an Android software layer only. Imagine this device with a Strava or Komoot software interface with their mapping and programming skills. They could make money by either charging a premium for additional features or even have an app store. Leave the hardware side to companies like this who could innovate with longer battery life, bigger screens or just cheap just like the Android phone world.
I'm just too wary of the software development from a small startup. For the record I have a Bryton 750 and the software sucks.
I managed to get Karoo 3 Software running on the XCADEY ALPHA 800 – without root access!
The biggest challenge was porting Karoo 3 from Android 12 to the ALPHA's Android 8.1.
I developed a custom compatibility bridge to handle missing system services and an independent ANT+ host to overcome the sensor integration problems.
Heart rate, radar, Shimano Di2 via Ki2, and Power and other sensors are working through Karoo's native sensor management and extensions.
Some issues remain, including UI compatibility, unsupported system functions, and the inability to use ANT+ radar and light control simultaneously.
If XCADEY provided an open SDK and opened up its sensor interface to third-party developers, we could add these features directly to the original ALPHA software without needing such a complex port.
One important thing: I'm not a programmer or software developer. I used AI to help with the coding and technical adaptations needed to get the software from my own Karoo 3 running on the XCADEY ALPHA 800. I guided the project, provided the hardware, and tested the results.
This is a personal experimental project intended to demonstrate what the ALPHA 800 hardware is capable of. I'm not distributing any Karoo software, modified APKs, or the port itself. I'm only sharing my results and a demonstration video.
https://uploadnow.io/f/x2DGMcb
Quote from: poyo on October 22, 2026, 01:27:51 AMI managed to get Karoo 3 Software running on the XCADEY ALPHA 800 – without root access!
The biggest challenge was porting Karoo 3 from Android 12 to the ALPHA's Android 8.1.
I developed a custom compatibility bridge to handle missing system services and an independent ANT+ host to overcome the sensor integration problems.
Heart rate, radar, Shimano Di2 via Ki2, and Power and other sensors are working through Karoo's native sensor management and extensions.
Some issues remain, including UI compatibility, unsupported system functions, and the inability to use ANT+ radar and light control simultaneously.
If XCADEY provided an open SDK and opened up its sensor interface to third-party developers, we could add these features directly to the original ALPHA software without needing such a complex port.
One important thing: I'm not a programmer or software developer. All the coding, reverse engineering, and technical implementation was done for me by AI. I guided the project, provided the hardware, and tested the results.
It's an experimental port, but it demonstrates what the ALPHA 800 hardware is capable of!
I've attached a link to a demonstration video below.
https://uploadnow.io/f/x2DGMcb
Wow that's cool! That is the one thing why I am also interested in the product. Saw it at Eurobike, and the maps app etc. where relatively smooth compared to the other budget head-units available, and the base android with the option to side load APK's ... that sounds intriguing for a tinkerer.
I will unbox mine soon and adb bridge some apps on it :) - Android 8 vs 12 is a bummer though, let's see.
I plan to code (like you, assisted, ehm) some app, that records the full ANT+ packages for later analysis, for better Power meter reviews, as I found different head-units to calculate the missing packages differently for instance. Also recording more than 1 PM at the same time...
Wonder why they're using Android 8.1 in 2026 :-\
Also ordered one to tinker.
I've already done certain projects like having osmaps with trailforks in an Amazfit Pace (Android based watch) so as soon as it arrives i'll root it, try a newer android version and play with what I can take from the Karoo + some custom built apps, just an extension of what I do on my day to day for a living but hobby over here
Quote from: poyo on October 22, 2026, 01:27:51 AMI managed to get Karoo 3 Software running on the XCADEY ALPHA 800 – without root access!
The biggest challenge was porting Karoo 3 from Android 12 to the ALPHA's Android 8.1.
I developed a custom compatibility bridge to handle missing system services and an independent ANT+ host to overcome the sensor integration problems.
Heart rate, radar, Shimano Di2 via Ki2, and Power and other sensors are working through Karoo's native sensor management and extensions.
Some issues remain, including UI compatibility, unsupported system functions, and the inability to use ANT+ radar and light control simultaneously.
If XCADEY provided an open SDK and opened up its sensor interface to third-party developers, we could add these features directly to the original ALPHA software without needing such a complex port.
One important thing: I'm not a programmer or software developer. All the coding, reverse engineering, and technical implementation was done for me by AI. I guided the project, provided the hardware, and tested the results.
It's an experimental port, but it demonstrates what the ALPHA 800 hardware is capable of!
I've attached a link to a demonstration video below.
https://uploadnow.io/f/x2DGMcb
Great work! SRAM lawyers are on their way to your house with guns
Looks like things are moving forward with the XCADEY ALPHA 800 and its software development! 👍
They've now opened a Discord server where users can report bugs, share feedback, and suggest new features. Great to see more direct communication between the developers and the community. Hopefully this will help improve the software even faster! 🚴�♂️
https://discord.gg/5v9AaA7nk
Whoops I bought it too ;D
Poyo:
I'd be especially interested in things like custom data fields, additional sensor support, Di2 features, Komoot integration, navigation tweaks, and ride-screen notifications.
A: The latest version integrates the Xcadey Store, which includes Komoot; you can download and install it yourself. You can also view message notifications on the cycling interface, and the navigation feature now allows you to toggle between "North-up" and "Heading-up" (direction-of-travel-up) modes with a single tap.
Tijoe:
Anyone read if you can charge it while it is in operation?
A: The device can be charged while it is in operation.
yappy:
If root access is unlocked, it should be possible to install custom-made apps and plugins.
A: The device can be charged while it is in operation.
Another update today, you can install external application directly from the device e.g. GPS test, komoot, and spotify.
Version 3.1.9.
There are "bike computer" apps available on Google Play store for Android.
Run one on an old or cheap Android phone.
What's the advantage of a dedicated device running an obsolete version of Android.
Better sunlight screen maybe?
Quote from: Mint Julep on October 30, 2026, 02:29:23 AMThere are "bike computer" apps available on Google Play store for Android.
Run one on an old or cheap Android phone.
What's the advantage of a dedicated device running an obsolete version of Android.
Better sunlight screen maybe?
While the Android 8.1 system may be considered dated, it is sufficiently stable and offers a flexible permission structure with few restrictions—qualities that are ideal for a dedicated device and lay a solid foundation for the future openness of the bike computer.
Quote from: Mint Julep on October 30, 2026, 02:29:23 AMThere are "bike computer" apps available on Google Play store for Android.
Run one on an old or cheap Android phone.
What's the advantage of a dedicated device running an obsolete version of Android.
Better sunlight screen maybe?
I looked into that, but after just a bit of browsing I lined up a few problems:
- phones battery will run dry much faster than a dedicated computer
- phones are BIG, you won't find an armored phone around 4". There is some cheap thing from Oukitel but it's not waterproof
- those apps are not really on-par with middle and top level bike computers
For me, the best bike computer is the iPhone 13 mini, as phones go, it is fairly small, but the screen is still very large because it goes all the way to the edge. It will survive a rain shower, but you can get waterproof cases for it (e.g. quad lock).
The downside is it lasts about 5 hours, which is enough for the rides I do, but I wouldn't mind something longer. Every now and then I have a look to see if there is a proper bike computer that can replace it (or even an android device with better battery life), but I have yet to find one.
Another update and another functionality. The app for the android and ios system. The only missing this is an option to add your own workout, not to create a new one in the app or in the device.
Here's a comparison to the Karoo 2 & 3 so it looks to be similar to the Karoo2 rather than the 2024 Karoo3
Xcadey 800
12nm Quad-Core Processor
Processing Speed up to 2.0 GHz
2GB RAM + 32GB Internal Storage
2500 mAh Rechargeable Battery
Android 8
price $159 (Launch) to $259
Karoo 2
2GB RAM + 32GB Internal Storage
1.1 GHz CPU
Battery 2,800mAh
Android 8 32-bit
Price $399
Karoo 3
4GB RAM + 64GB Internal Storage
2GHz Cpu
Battery 3200 mAh
Android 12 64-bit
Price $474
Got my unit and it's super wobbly in the Garmin (non original) mount. Anyone else experiencing the same problem?
Another update today, they added some climbpro!
From their website, Version 3.1.12:
New Features
ClimbPro – Climb Planning: Added climb planning functionality to help riders view and prepare for upcoming climbs.
Graphical Data Fields: Added graphical data field options for a more visual presentation of riding information.
Improved Data Page Readability: Increased the font size of numerical values on data pages, making key riding metrics easier to read at a glance.