Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT
The
Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT bike computer is an on-device for turn-by-turn navigation and therefore generates, among other things, automatic turn-by-turn prompts for the selected route. The navigation system uses various file types, including GPX and TCX.
It imports the suggested routes from MTB Project, Ride With GPS, Strava, Best Bike Split, SingleTracks and Komoot. Displays are provided with LEDs and acoustic signals so that the rider is always informed where the route leads or whether he has strayed from the course.
Synchronization with the map providers mentioned above enables automatic workout uploads and route downloads. The navigation system downloads saved routes online. Completed trips are uploaded to third-party accounts if the driver has authorized them to do so.
On-Demand Route Generation with the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT
This feature allows the driver to create their own route with turn-by-turn directions. They select a destination and/or their current location on the map page of the navigation system, which may already be saved ("Home"). The locations can be narrowed down more precisely by panning and zooming. The ELEMNT BOLT also comes with a companion app that allows you to enter any address or POI and use it to generate routes. Synchronization between the smartphone and the navigation system takes place via Bluetooth. The app offers even more functions, including:
- smart notifications
- live tracking
- Pop-up notifications for calls, emails and messenger messages via WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Line and WeChat
The app is available for iOS and Android. Since 2021, the ELEMNT BOLT v2 has had a 64-color display, making the maps even more detailed. The internal memory is extremely generous at 16 gigabytes. The connection is a USB-C.
Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM
Wahoo's ELEMNT ROAM has been on the market since May 2019. The new navigation system immediately received a lot of praise from testers, including for its very easy-to-read display: It sets new standards in all lighting conditions. In addition, there is free, detailed map material and the "back to track" function, in which the navigation system recalculates the route and guides the driver back to it. Both of these things delighted users right from the start. The latest upgrade of the ELEMNT ROAM v2 in 2022 now makes it Wahoo's top model. The manufacturer has not changed everything when changing from ELEMNT ROAM v1 to v2. The handlebar mount has remained the same and can therefore be used for ELEMNT ROAM v1 as well as v2. When switched off, the three control buttons under the display reveal whether it is ELEMNT ROAM v1 or v2: In the latter case, the buttons are convex (slightly raised), which makes operation easier, especially when wearing gloves. The ROAM v2 has the same dimensions as its predecessor, but weighs almost 100 grams more. It has a USB-C port and is future-proof, as the EU will require this port from 2024. Some key advantages of the ELEMNT ROAM v2 are:
- The display shows the map in 64 colors like the ELEMNT BOLT v2 and has a resolution of 400 x 240p.
- The diagonal is 2.7″ (~6.86 cm).
- Like its predecessor, the ELEMNT ROAM v1, the v2's display is easy to read in all lighting conditions, even when quickly changing between direct sunlight and shade.
- An ambient light sensor optimally controls the display brightness. However, the user can also optionally switch it off completely, set it to a certain value or only let it light up for five seconds at a time.
- The display colors make it easier to read the map and at the same time show the rider's heart rate zone.
Maps and memory of the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM v2
The OSM maps available free of charge are the same as those on the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2. The cycle path infrastructure is marked in blue and is very easy to see. The internal memory offers 32 gigabytes of space for worldwide maps. The computing power is also significantly higher than that of its predecessor. The user notices this when zooming in on the map and when reloading map data, which is displayed on the screen in a flash. The Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM v2 is also very quick at recalculating a route and it also boots up quickly.
Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT or ROAM?
Both navigation devices are impressive in their latest version v2, but the ELEMNT ROAM navigation device from Wahoo is a little bigger. It also performs a little better and is probably preferred by professional cyclists. However, it is also a little heavier, although the small difference in weight is hardly noticeable.
About Wahoo
Wahoo Fitness, based in Atlanta, offers a variety of fitness equipment under its CEO Mike Saturnia. The company was founded in 2009 by Chip Hawkins. In 2023, Wahoo has offices in Berlin, London, Tokyo, Brisbane and Boulder.
The product portfolio includes indoor cycling trainers and accessories (KICKR family), the GPS bike computers of the ELEMNT family, the TICKR family of heart rate monitors, the SPEEDPLAY Advanced Road pedal systems and the SYSTM Training app. In addition to the ELEMNT ROAM and BOLT bike computers, the ELEMNT family also includes the RIVAL GPS multisport watch. Among the indoor trainers and smart bikes from Wahoo, the KICKR CORE, SNAP, BIKE Indoor and ROLLR smart trainers are very popular, and among the heart rate monitors there are also models with sensors for cycles.
The Wahoo company prefers to employ active athletes with a high level of technical expertise who know the needs of customers precisely and develop comprehensive but easy-to-use solutions. The basis of the research is a holistic sports science approach.
The products are aimed at ambitious amateur athletes and professionals alike. They support their users in a wide range of areas of training, as the RPM devices show. These include cadence and speed sensors, which are also available as a bundle, as well as the BLUE SC cadence and speed sensor in one device.
Wahoo supplies a wide range of accessories for indoor training. Cyclists also appreciate the manufacturer's pedal systems. They also like to use the SYSTM training app, which takes virtual riding to a new level. With its curves, climbs and sprints, it offers sophisticated workouts that were developed by internationally renowned trainers.
