wahoo elemnt bike computers: features, tips, and comparing the bolt with the roam

Let’s talk about the technical realm of bike computers with Alessandro, a fellow cyclist, and one of the most tech-savvy individuals I know.

Alessandro, who swapped his Garmin for a Wahoo back in 2017, has become a steadfast advocate for the intuitive Wahoo devices. In this first guest post on my blog, he talks about why he prefers Wahoo, highlighting not just the specs but the real-world application that makes these devices stand out.

So, whether you're considering an upgrade or simply curious about what makes a Wahoo tick, read on for a comprehensive take on the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt and Roam. So, here’s Alessandro in his own words…

I bought my first cycling computer in 2014. It was a Garmin 520, probably the most popular cycling computer at the time. I originally felt proud of it and it seemed to be exactly what I needed, but soon afterwards, I realized that following just a line on the display was not ideal for when I was riding in places that I did not know at all. It was easy to make mistakes at forks or multiple junctions, and it wasn’t a pleasant feeling having to explain to friends why I had missed the turn.

Switching from a Garmin 520 to a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt

Additionally, I understood that I needed something with better battery life, especially for long group rides. The battery life of my Garmin 520, when paired with sensors, was dropping drastically. Finishing a century with a few stops without bringing the cable was just an illusion.

I finally convinced myself to switch to Wahoo in 2017. The necessity of abandoning Garmin came also due to the instability of their software. My device was often crashing out of nowhere, taking ages to reboot. It meant losing lots of time. And worst of all, all my personal screen preferences were lost as well. Switching to a Wahoo Bolt back then felt like a natural decision. It took me very little time to start enjoying this different approach Wahoo was bringing to the game. A simpler interface. Adjusting settings through my phone. What else!?

what i like about Wahoo head units

I can now speak having tried and used many different Wahoo products, always remaining astonished by how things have been improved over the years. With now the second generation of ELEMNT Bolt and ELEMNT Roam. If I had to mention my favourite features, this would probably be it.

no-nonsense interface

Their usability and straightforward interface are unmatched. In my eyes something fundamental on such an electronic device. I would compare it to using Apple over Windows. Navigating into the functionality is a piece of cake, and even setting up the device for the first time is a simple process that takes only seconds.

buttons vs touchscreen

I also like the approach of searching for functionality without complicating the device. For instance, using physical buttons and not dealing with a touchscreen makes the Wahoo not only a lot more practical to use in winter while wearing gloves. It also works way better on rainy days and during an off-road gravel ride.

matte display for better readability

When we look at the display, the Wahoo one seems superior to the one from Garmin. Its matte finish and the font used makes it clearer to read, especially in moments when you ride in bright sunlight.

the ease of loading routes

Being able to load routes with your phone without having to plug the device into a laptop is just as great as it sounds. We can just design or choose an itinerary on Komoot, Strava or whatever there’s on the market for route planning, and then send it straight to your Wahoo device, which can be linked to all of these apps.

adapting routes during your ride

Something else I appreciate on Wahoo units is the "ready to ride" functionality. Let’s say, the opportunity of switching between routes during a ride, the option of cancelling a routing without losing the recording, and the possibility of saving predefined locations such as home, work or your favourite café. From there it’s just a few clicks on your device to let it find the best way to take you there. I even know many people who regularly go out for a spin without a predefined destination. Then, at some point they let their Wahoo choose the route back.

Intuitive LED functionality

One more thing I love about my ELEMNT devices, which I don’t find on devices from other manufacturers, is the side LED that can be set to give you an indication of speed, power, or heart rate. The LED indicator provides a quick and intuitive way to understand your power output or other fundamental metrics in our training sessions.

multifunctional zoom posibilities

Wahoo’s great zoom function is outstanding when you want to prioritize certain data fields shown at a bigger size on the display. That allows you to focus only on what you need according to the type of riding you are doing. Also, the map zoom can be reduced or augmented by using the side buttons. Those buttons not only improve readability but are also a great help to predict the road ahead on descents.

5 Wahoo features you might not be aware of excising and miss out on

Here below I will list 5 Wahoo features which many don’t know about.

Pan, zoom, and move around the map

On the second generation (v2) of Bolt and Roam, you can pan, zoom, and generally move around the map to get a better understanding of where you are and to look for something in your vicinity. The cursor will display the names of streets and squares when you hover over them.

Music or podcast page

With the latest update of the firmware (16764+), you can now display a page on your screen that shows the music or podcast you are playing on your phone. The majority of streaming apps such as Spotify are supported. This feature will allow you to skip through the tracks, pause the music, or even adjust the volume.

Connect your bike lights

Both ELEMNT devices allow you to manage smart lights that are connected via ANT+. By accessing the bike lights section in the settings menu, you can easily switch all linked lights on or off. Furthermore, you have the flexibility to switch between different light modes specifically designed for each light through the sensor details page. If that was not enough, you can now have the option to control the entire light system through the ELEMNT companion app. By turning this function on, the lights will switch on as soon as you start recording the ride and will go off at the end of it.

Sharing routes the easy way

You can now share a route publicly via the ELEMNT companion app. It will be instantly transmitted to any individuals using a Wahoo Roam or Bolt within a 2km radius. This functionality is particularly beneficial for group rides or in case you are leading an event. With this feature, you will allow nearby participants to access and load the shared route without having to individually send the file to each rider.

Create custom alerts

Ever heard about custom alerts? Definitely a pretty handy feature once you start using it. In fact, you can now set personalized mid-workout reminders for specific tasks so that each message is going to be shown up on the Wahoo display for you to remember. Each alert can be set according to time or distance. For instance, you can let the device prompt you to hydrate, snack, replenish electrolytes every 15 minutes, lube the chain every 100 km in case you are out for a long ride, or even remind you to text your partner 2 km before the end of the ride. Everyone can organize and personalize these alerts in the way they want.

 Switch between dark or light mode

One last feature that has been added to the Roam model recently, is the dark theme setting. You can now toggle between light and dark color interface easily from the setting area inside the device. I personally still prefer looking at a white display but some people might find the dark mode calming for the eyes and easier to read in case of a tough workout.

Which one to choose: Roam or Bolt?

Let’s start by saying that both of these devices are great and very similar, if not identical on many aspects. The Bolt is 25 grams lighter than the Roam, which still only weighs 93 grams. The Roam, instead, has a bigger screen and probably better battery life since it is newer (17 hours instead of 15). Additionally, the Roam has better satellite connections and has Accelerometer, Gyroscope, and compass built in; all features not yet present on the Bolt. In terms of LEDs lights, the Roam is still the better one, being also the bigger device with 2 rows of customizable LEDs instead of only one like in the Bolt.

To sum everything up, if you want to save a bit of money (around 120 EUR) and you are okay with a slightly smaller display, not using the map so much, then you should consider getting the Bolt. If instead, you think that by buying a device like these you won’t be only buying a head unit, but make real investment, then the ELEMNT Roam v2 is what you should consider.

Conclusion and questions

There you have it. Alessandro’s take on the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt and Roam. He went through all the great functionalities that Wahoo ELEMNT devices offers, and also why with its simplicity and its interface are designed around the user. Wahoo seems to be the way to go when we talk about cycling computers.

Now, we’d love to hear about your take on this! Feel encouraged to drop a comment below and share your vision, challenges, or any insights you have. That’s not only nice feedback, it can also be of help to others!

And please know that Alessandro is totally open to have a chat about the topic. In that case, you should definitely get in touch with Alessandro via email, or look him up and get in touch on Instagram. He’s always eager to help!