When I started cycling, and running also, I always went straight to Garmin and have had various versions of their products for both disciplines. I can’t say I was unhappy with them either and in fact I still have and use the Garmin Fenix watch but I was intrigued by the bike computers from Wahoo.
And then they bought out a limited edition bike computer – in pink. Call me fickle but that interested me even more (I know it is just a colour – don’t @ me).
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt versus Wahoo Elemnt Roam
My husband had already made the switch and had the Roam, which he found great and surprised himself by his own admission that he would find it a struggle to move away from them after use. However, he did say in hindsight for his use he would probably look at the Bolt and so I opted for that.
I should say to start with I am not hugely technical and when it comes to areas like this I do tend to lean on my husband (a complete gadget geek) for his input.
Most notable differences:
| Wahoo Element Roam | Wahoo Element Bolt (V1) |
| Up to 17 hours battery life | Up to 15 hours battery life |
| Colour screen | Black/grey screen (new version has colour screen) |
| Screen size 2.7 inches | Screen size 2.2 inches |
| Screen resolution 240 x 400 pixels | Screen resolution 240 x 300 pixels |
| Memory 4gb | Memory 4gb |
| Charging time 1 hour 47 minutes | Charging time 1 hour 44 minutes |
| 94 grams in weight | 68 grams in weight |
| 89 x 54.4 x 17.8mm | 77 x 47 x 21mm |
| £299.99 | £249.99 |
So what one is better?
Honestly I think it is personal preference. Yes one is bigger than the other but the differences otherwise are quite subtle.
I would say though I find the Wahoo Bolt so much easier than other bike computers I have had and am very happy with it for the following reasons:
- super easy to set up
- it links with the app almost instantly
- charges very quickly
- can upload routes very quickly – I have joined rides and had a shared route that has loaded within minutes
- extremely easy to follow routes (and I am directionally useless so if this works for me then honestly it’s good)
- battery life is great – I used for the Vatternrundan 315km bike ride and it didn’t come close to running out
- customisable screen layouts – I personally opt for moving speed, gears and cadence so I don’t get in my own head for average speed etc
- can link to my wahoo kickr turbo trainer and follow a route on there, where the resistance will follow the increase/decrease in gradients I would experience on the road
There are obviously some cons (nothing is perfect) and I would list those as follows:
- not touchscreen – however I have not found this to be an issue when using
- not colour – but again as above and definitely not a must have and more of a nice to have and the screen is very clear even in sunlight
- if you are connected to your smart phone you can set it up so you can see incoming calls – I find this a nuisance as the unit does not answer but it does allow you the option to stop and take the call as it is very visible/audible
Leave a Reply