Wahoo ELEMNT Roam Vs Garmin Edge 830 - the SENSIBLE comparison!

[@StayAliveGuru]

I have a garmin edge 830 after much deliberation. Ive been using it for about 4 months. Haven't had a problem. For the average cyclist I think we can all agree that really we want something that can navigate us through new routes we make (or routes we get from friends). Honestly most of us ride the same routes over and over, so we probably don't even need nav. We also want to crush each other on Strava Routes and Segments. I think both do Strava just find. And for the actual importance of the head unit, I think both work fine when it comes to us seeing watts, cadence, heart rate, miles, times, laps, etc. Both also upload to Strava and and third party apps without a problem. Ride On!

[@mikeprytherch8875]

I've used both extensively and I find the Garmin Routing, re-routing and mapping is head and shoulders above the Wahoo, which goes to show that no review is unbiased, your personal preference always comes into play, take set-up for example, I set-up my screens and never ever touch them, so for me, it is irrelevant how easy/hard it is to set-up, but there are some things which are more important, if you reset your Garmin, you have to manually set-up all the screens again, with Wahoo you don't, this is much more important to me personally. The biggest issue for the 830, Bluetooth is garbage, the connection to the phone is always crapping out and for that reason alone, I've moved to Wahoo now that they support the Varia Radar which I won't ride without, I do miss the navigation ability of the Garmin, but the Wahoo just works, I have a Fenix 6 watch which never fails to connect via Bluetooth, so I really do not understand why Gamin can't make their computers work !!! enjoyed your review mate.

[@Wozniaxos]

Do you have any solutions in garmin that route is the same color as the suggestions route? I could be 2 places earlier on race last time if not this. Garmin showed me in the city that i need to go through whole one directional route and back other one directional route to return to the proper race route, it is ok because it was one directional but common, on the race i want to return to the proper route quickest possible way (against signs), but i couldn't tell difference between pink suggestion and the pink route, so i wasn't sure if this routing is part of the route or not. I know that on the Elemnt there is separate color for the route, and routing to the route, do you have any tips on this?

[@dirk2518]

I prefer the wahoo because routes are a chain of chevrons. This makes its easier to see which direction you have to go when your route is complicated with lots of loops.

[@lethargic_cow]

100% agree

[@reprobate337]

This was really clear and to the point, and actually covered the points I really care about, as opposed to whether it tracks altitude to 0.001% accuracy or whatever. I'll probably still go Garmin, but only to save having to change a bunch of mounts on my too many (according to my wife) bikes.

[@waxedgoat]

Great review again. Love how you actually give an opinion and the reasons why. Theres always the cheaper wahoo elemnt or elemnt bolt to compete against the 530 too

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Cheers Mark! Always glad to spray my opinions around the internet :D

[@richard7059]

Got my 530 now and it’s unbelievably good

[@willemjohannes9007]

I'm always surprised to hear people find the Roam's form factor utilitarian/ugly because I think it actually looks pretty nice. But then maybe it's because I'm comparing it to things like the Sigma Rox 12 or the Lezyne GPS units.

[@christosdrimalas1022]

I had a wahoo bolt, quite happy in general, very good connectivity with the phone, on the downside was the small screen, and the map function is not functional at all from the phone especially when The garmin 530 on the other hand has a very good function, bigger screen, while for someone who wants to do training with a program it is an excellent plethora of indications more professional I would say ..both device are really good

[@richard7059]

You made my day when you said you like the 530 . I am just about to get a 530 and watched this review and the wahoo seemed better than the 830 on all but battery life and then u dropped the 530 line 🥰

[@rbigg]

Great review, just subscribed. Loved the way you broke down the review into categories. Will definitely check out your other videos.

[@shred3005]

I ditched the Garmin 820 for a Wahoo Roam about a year ago and the crisp, clear screen, mobile app integration and reliability of Wahoo buttons over Garmin touch screen was a revelation after the sluggish, flakey reliability (often failed to load a saved route GPX) and short battery life of the 820. Unlike you I’m getting very long battery life on the Wahoo e.g. might go on a 4 hour club ride on a Sunday, commute every weekday to the city and come the next weekend still have battery for another longish weekend ride. I did a 720km bikepacking trip with the Wahoo on just two and a bit charges. I’ve heard good things about the 530 and kind of miss some of the Garmin training metrics (but I use Training Peaks anyway) but not sure if I’ll trust Garmin again after struggling through 3 years with a sluggish, fkaky 810 then same again with the 820. Garmin seem to try to pack too much fancy stuff in but miss point on the getting the simple user experience right.

[@1TimeRunner]

I am considering switching to Wahoo. I have a Garmin now. One other point to consider is that if you are using turn by turn navigation you won’t get your stared Strava segments to pop. Friends with a Wahoo will get segments to pop on turn by turn routes.

[@whatsnext5460]

I got a 530 yesterday but realising the above is very frustrating. So basic. Does wahoo support the popular segments feature or only starred?

[@stephenryan3372]

Thank you for two excellent reviews of Garmin and Wahoo devices. I switched from a Garmin 1000 to a Wahoo Element Roam when i got my Specialized CREO as I wanted access to front screen info on ride mode and battery usage. I have enjoyed the Roam, but get really frustrated with two ongoing issues which the Wahoo techs have not been able to fix and I wonder if you have experienced and fixed them? The first is the GPS distance traveled. While occasionally, like this morning, the distance matches my wife's Garmin 800 and the Specialized Mission Control in my phone, normally the end reading is 5-10 kms short of the other devices. The second problem is that I have to reset my TICKR bpm before every ride. Initially I continued using my Garmin heart rate monitor and when the problem developed I purchased a TICKR heart rate monitor hoping it would fix the problem. It hasn't and occasionally gets worse. This morning I deleted my TICKR and then re-added it and then at about the 10kms mark I noticed my reading was a steady 45bpm and I therefore did another delete and add and the device was then ok for the rest of the ride. I am thinking of switching back to Garmin, but I agree that if the unit worked properly it does everything I want and a little bit more.

[@tomu1207]

Thanks for the video. I’m kind of new into road cycling (currently based in Thailand), but have been a huge fan of the sport pretty much since I was a kid, especially the grand tours. I’m currently looking my first bike computer with GPS navigation instead of using my smartphone (Komoot app) or being depended on the guys I’m riding with. I’m kind of undecided between the Edge 530, Edge 830 and Element Roam, since the Bolt V2 is not yet available in Thailand. The color screen is definitely a must, and as of now navigation is the most important feature for me. Training/fitness stats might become important in the future. From watching several reviews, the map details on a Garmin device seem to be better than Wahoo, but Wahoo has an “edge” on the user interface. I guess the touchscreen on Edge 830 could become annoying with sweaty hands or rough terrains as we tend to include gravels on our rides. I’m leaning a little bit towards Edge 530 with the Bolt V2 in a close competition. I guess it comes down better navigation or better user interface. Your reviews are definitely helpful, and it would be great in the future if a review could include the actual feed/video of the navigation. I have only found 1-2 videos showing the actual use of navigation. Anyway thanks for the review.

[@norbertjankowski9960]

Absolutely best bike comp comparoson!!! My congratulations! Thank you!

[@peterbee8892]

How many times have you seen on strava a route has been lost or garmin shut off halfway round. The number of times this happened to my mates convinced me to get a wahoo. They have a simpler interface and a more reliable unit with regular updates to both head unit and phone app. Integration with the garmin varia 510 radar works on both devices and is a godsend to all who cycle alone in the quiet country lanes where car drives are less than observant.

[@Tophalf]

Thanks I think the Wahoo is the one I am going to purchase. Thanks for your help.👍

[@markdijkstra3022]

Wonderful video. It really helps me a lot. Thanks for posting!

[@jameslefleur1970]

Great comparison thanks for the video. I noticed that the buttons was the game changer for you, maybe you would want to compare the 530 against the Wahoo

[@mariop.4898]

Thanks for the video, even if I have to work very hard linguistically, I understood the most important things. Unfortunately, my English is not that great. For weeks I have been thinking about getting a Garmin 830 or a Wahoo Roam. This video helped me a lot in my decision making. It will probably be a Wahoo Roam. Greetings from Baden near Vienna, Austria.

[@matthewblue7839]

Good job, frank and useful !

[@krystiannowosielecki6970]

I dont agre with that the seting up your unit thrugh the phone is beter, example: - simply you dont want to cary your phone when riding ore phone batery is dead. Garmin you can do almost everything / Wahoo no phone no app no setting - you want to chang some data fields during ride. Garmin just do it as you ride, pres and hold the field which you want to change then choose what suits you. / Wahoo - stop riding, take out your phone (if you have it with you) then "easily" change data fields. Im living in UK and presing those buttons on wahoo with winter gloves good luck. So generaly everything depends wher you living and what you looking for from those units. Great reviev. 👍😎

[@stroudnick]

FYI I'm on my 3rd edge 830 due to shattering the screens (similar used in the 530). I've had good luck dealing with Gamins customer service, but replacements are about $150 out of warrantee ... Garmin please make your screens/devices more durable, the trusty old Edge 800/810s were tanks in comparison!

[@EditioCastigata]

Maybe it's my BOLT, but it doesn't re-route at all, no dynamic routing at all - just plays a sound. Which is okay in case your detour is due to closed roads. And Strava segments, even though I did have premium, never worked; not even starred segments. I don't regret the purchase!

[@julia.wagner]

Great video, James, thank you!

[@DAcaveman100]

Was all Wahoo until the battery segment.... this could be the game changer for me....

[@brasstinmancrazy]

I've got my pre order in for the Karoo2

[@JustRideAdelaide]

wow, a ton of people have been asking about that unit. I really need to get my hands on one.

[@bogusjimmy]

@@JustRideAdelaide please review all the fringe bike computers.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

A package may have arrived from GPS Titans CYCPLUS last week...

[@bogusjimmy]

@@JustRideAdelaide the AliExpress powerhouse!

[@stevegeek]

I bought a Garmin 830 at the start of the year (to replace my old Edge 1000) and generally very impressed and happy with it, especially the long battery life. It always connects to sensors (like HR monitor and Varia radar light) within a few seconds. One complaint: a few times when I’ve stopped the incident alert has been triggered. It seems it’s a bit too sensitive...not sure if it can be adjusted...maybe I’ll have to disable it.

[@jordanmacdonald310]

Thank you for this - super helpful with this decision! I will say I'm not a big fan of the 530 so am returning and upgrading to the Wahoo after watching this :)

[@chandiranjoseph6824]

I’m still confused between 530 and bolt? Why do u prefer wahoo???

[@jordanmacdonald310]

@@chandiranjoseph6824 I just got my Bolt today and played around with it a bit - the UI is already a lot nicer and more user friendly. I haven't given it a try yet but I did try the 530 and found it really frustrating to use for a lot of the reasons this video outlined (more complicated than it needs to be, hard to read/ operate while riding, did not do well with me going off course, and the Garmin app was just meh).

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

@@jordanmacdonald310 How do you feel now? I'm trying to decide between the two. Ease of use appeals, but batterly life seems important.

[@jordanmacdonald310]

@@Kimberly_Sparkles I can’t imagine riding without my Wahoo. I absolutely love it! Though I do wish it had more suggested route capabilities. I really wasn’t a fan of the Garmin so I don’t miss that at all but I basically got frustrated after a few attempts on the road and gave up. I’m sure it would’ve gotten easier to use with time but I lost patience. I’d go with the wahoo!

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

@@jordanmacdonald310 Thank you! Appreciate the feedback!

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Really like your critical points about Garmin. I’ve been using their stuff for years and it just hasn’t gotten better. So glad they have some competition now. Go Yahoo!!

[@michaelmastell6778]

Interesting take. I am basically stuck in the wahoo environment but have had to return everything I’ve ever bought from them due to quality issues. I’ve never had a single issue with anything Garmin and that goes for boating and cycling equipment. Idk if it’s just luck of the draw but I have been so disappointed with all the headaches from Wahoo crap.

[@williamwade7059]

Thanks, excellent video. You're not trying to waste my time and you get straight to the point. You even impressed my wife, 😆

[@hardmtnbiker]

I have a Garmin Edge 530 too( using for both MTN and Road cycling) and a Polar Vantage M watch. I personally agree that Wahoo is a choice for those that really focus on cycling. Garmin is trying to create their own Fitness/Community eco system that isn't necessary for those of us that don't want that. For Community we all use STRAVA already and for off-bike health and fitness we have tons of choices and do not try to be proprietary. I have been with Polar and my family has Apple watch,Fitbit, Samsung and others. The bottom line is choose a bike computer for the ease of use and keeps track of your miles and cycling data

[@wilmaruseche7106]

I also agree with that, for those of us who have never had a cycle computer, the wqhoo bag or the Roam is better...?? it is difficult for me to see up close

[@ajkampinga1667]

great explanation, was about to push button on Amazon to buy 520 Plus. I'm so confused what to buy, been researching for 3 weeks now and was about to decide on some buddies of mine who are Garmin fanatics and better in cash then I am. I budgeted $350.- am about to receive my new Tarmac and have been riding with Cateye Strada and iPhone for years and thought it was time to upgrade. QUESTION are there any hidden cost with the Wahoo app and added censors ????

[@jameslefleur1970]

Is the Garmin 530 equivalent to the 830 but with buttons?

[@JohnSmith-qn6wq]

I recently purchased a Garmin Edge 830 - first purchase of a Garmin product. My display seems blur, in particular the the large text/characters in the main menu with white background. Annoying, a bit uncomfortable but not dramatic. I don't know if this is a defect or if I am used to better screen in general (i.e. iPhone). Are you experiencing the same?

[@ColmHarling]

Great video, v. informative. I've been reading about terrible user problems with Wahoos companion app, what's been your experience? Also, does the Roam give you turn by turn nav with Strava since it only gives you a breadcrumb with the Bolt.

[@peterbee8892]

As long as you download the regular updates to both the head unit and companion app you should have no problems. I have never had a garmin but most of cycle buddies have and it's a constant source of gripes on a ride. Wahoo on the other hand just works. The level of detail may be less than garmin but what it does is solid. I have both Elemnt and Roam for the last year's and have lost zero rides and have had no trouble loading off road , road and walking routes from Komoot ride with gps and Strava.

[@gabrielmarias972]

Hi! On the Roam how you cannhave alarm every hour lets say to remember eat? The auto pause its possibble to change the speed needed to stop start? (Sometimes pause when im walking with the bike in avery steep section) Thanks!

[@PedroFerreira-ze5yp]

I'll tell you what. I'm gonna wait for a few months before I buy anything, since it's about time Garmin released something new, so they might have improved on the 830's flaws. What do you think? Does thins make sense in October 2021?

[@volodymyrstepanov7068]

Smart choice. Wahoo, on the other hand may release Roam v2 as well :)

[@SidiNic]

Might be doing the same thing

[@Thiaspeed]

Maybe I've missed it when you talked about it but how do they compare when it comes to the maps ? I'm talking about MTB trails. Not so long ago, when you bought a garmin (it's the case with my 820), if you wanted to use the GPS and have all the details on the map while riding your MTB, you had to purchase and download the maps and those were pretty expensive. Is it still the case ?

[@KoenMiseur]

No u get maps (OSM) for free for your region (for example I live in Belgium and I get whole western Europe on the 530), also it has been so for a few years even your 820 has mtb-trails, but u have to put map details on HIGH.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

I bundled MTB trails into general map thoughts... Which means I didn't specifically mention them 😂 But that's because they're really good. Trails seem always marked and clear. I ride my gravel bike a lot in a trail network and it seems to be super accurate.

[@Paul_Sims]

@@JustRideAdelaide You glossed over Trailforks integration, which is a massive feature for MTB - the Roam doesn't have it, the Garmin does. When riding a new area, trailforks is one of the best ways to find trails, and having this directly on the GPS, not having to stop, get out your phone, wait for the gps to get a lock, all to just confirm that trail you're on, is in fact not the trail you wanted to ride. And climb pro - I have a Wahoo bolt, so they may have improved it on the Roam, but the only similar thing is the climb screen which gives a rough elevation map of the upcoming few miles, however the zoom levels are either the entire ride (not great if you're doing 30 miles and the climb is 2) or to the top of the next climb, but with very little detail. Climb pro isn't just for hill climbing nerds, it's for MTB so you can manage your effort on big days, or can see what sections of a climb are coming up that you'll want to save some energy for. These 2 features alone make the Garmins a much better GPS for MTB, IMO. Plus, if you have a Garmin watch, a Garmin GPS integrates so much easier, believe me. Having to record on 2 devices, then make sure the Wahoo has the upload to strava done before hitting complete on my watch, is a right pain. I do this as I run and use a Garmin watch for this, and for general fitness/health stats, but if I'm on a ride where I need navigation or easily readable stats, I also use the Wahoo.

[@floraliciavinascoch.2519]

ThankYOU

[@davidrae8475]

You omitted the external battery integration for the edge units for those that go long. Could be a separate video idea?

[@JustRideAdelaide]

ehhhh I don't like how expensive those batteries are. They're a suuuuper expensive way to charge your unit while it's still in the mount which isn't something I desperately want to do with cheap and endless options for USB battery packs.

[@BrentonCollas]

With my edge 800 I can plug in external battery bank for extra power whilst riding(as long as you use the proper Garmin cable.) Is this not possible with the newer edges?

[@arminhess1512]

The biggest disadvantage of the Roam is its limited memory! If you riding through several countries watch out for free WLAN. Otherwise you will get in trouble!

[@josephlund9748]

User interface on wahoo is superior and simplistic so u can focus on riding!

[@MehediHasanSizan]

Nah, the navigation on 830's screen is superior. If you just want to ride! Dont buy these expensive computer's in the first place.

[@darrencripps]

Agreed Joseph

[@KoenMiseur]

I've been using Garmin for years now and although I had a problem with my 530 getting a blackscreen (Garmin will replace it for free) I still wont get a Wahoo, they are just way expensive for what u get, the 530 for example is the same price as a Bolt but is vastly better. Also I'm mostly the route-guy from my cycling group and for that the Wahoo's don't even come close! Ow yeah the blackscreen of death is kind of common with the 530 so watch out for it, Garmin does replace it for free but it is something u should know!

[@mihavuckovic8413]

I've been bugging wahoo for 3 years to please, please, PLEASE implement a W'bal field into the app. They said they'll look into it soon, every time. With the garmin and the connectiq api it literally took me 15 min to implement the field myself.

[@tacticalceo685]

Ride Adelaide I thought that was a very good video and great explanation I do not have either of these units I use my phone but if I were to pick one I would say the wahoo I think they could make the screen slightly wider get rid of the lights on the left-hand side and move them to the top and make the screen edge to edge I know it wouldn’t be much but it is something maybe I’ll just wait for the wahoo 2 thanks for the video and stay safe be.

[@shred3005]

The Roam has lights at the top as well as the left. The top ones mostly are to indicate navigation turn directions (I never look at them) and the ones on the left you choose as a scale for either your heart rate (my choice and I find it more useful than reading a number on the screen) or your power meter (which is becoming quite common in certain circles). The Wahoo Bolt puts that at the top as you suggest and skims down the device significantly but it’s mapping is more limited.

[@tacticalceo685]

@@shred3005 OK thank you for replying to my Message I was just trying to figure out a way to make the screen slightly bigger I forgot about the lights on the side never mind .

[@LoscoeLad]

wahoo units have huge software issues this year. not fox after 6 months of trying. i have to 'fiekd destroy' mine and then buying an 830. WTH is it with lack of reliability and cycling coms?!

[@WillyTheWang]

Great review! I'm having trouble deciding between the 530 and roam...my main use would be for navigation for commuting day to day, and maybe gravel races in the future. Do you think the 530 could handle commuting type navigation well? Seems like the Roam would be so simple to just type in points of interest or addresses in the app, but quite a bit more expensive.

[@darrelduke]

best opinion/fact review i have found. thanks for making my decision easier.

[@TheMrpaul28]

Have you had any negative experience regarding long term software stability on the Garmin, both 530 and 830? It seems to me like that's an issue for many people

[@twatts4436]

Might be older devices, but I know a few people who have regular issues with the Garmin devices crashing. I've only had one issue with my wahoo in three years and don't know anyone else who had had any. But the caveat is that many more people use Garmin, so the likelihood of seeing issues is higher.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

I haven't had many noteworthy issues. I sort of swap GPS units in and out regularly so the most annoying thing is having to reacquaint myself with everything over and over. I do find some of the Connect IQ features can be patchy. For example, going back to Garmin and suddenly I can't connect Strava routes for some reason 🤷

[@TheMrpaul28]

Thanks for the reply, great video btw, comparisons like that are always helpful! I'm thinking about getting the Garmin because it's cheaper, but I feel like most cycling youtubers nowadays are using wahoos in their videos, and they can't all be paid by wahoo, right? :)

[@CEMIII70]

Gotta say I thought you were Garmin bashing. Then the 530 drop... But then back to the bashing... But hey the ROAM came out before the 530 so to each's own... HEAD SCRATCHER...

[@joshpodejko7305]

After my second Garmin Edge 520 died unexpectedly I decided to try something different - the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt instead of the Garmin 530. Boy! I'm glad I did. kzbin.infoUgkxXZCtB-wGdHVTBSz8RswePK5vllHNi06N The display on the Wahoo Bolt is much easier to read. I like the configuration of the display more (up to 7 items visible on page 1 without scrolling and the first item chosen is larger characters than the next 3 rows that have pairs of items (still very readable). I also like the configurable item selections. The Bolt synced with my Garmin ANT+ Speed sensors on both bikes easily so no additional investment was required there. While the rated battery life is a couple hours less than the Garmin 520/530, I easily get a weeks worth of 1+ hour rides before recharging (and it's never really low on charge). At the end of a ride syncing to the Wahoo app, Strava, and Apple Health app is painless.

[@stephanvanlunenburg4930]

i had a garmin and i regret it a lot. the device worked fine but the accompanying app has continuous problems and that makes the device useless. if you buy an expensive product, you can expect that accompanying things such as apps also work well. Garmin is then totally unhelpful and not open about the problems they have. I'll never buy anything from garmin again.

[@MM-ih4rj]

I have use both extensively. Battery life of garmin... crap... touchscreen... nice on a phone, useless on a bike computer.. try it with gloves or rain.... If you are riding you bike often, opt for wahoo....

[@doliemans]

Read all of the reactions and yours where short and on the point. Wahoo battery life is still doubtfull as i read. Compared to 1030(+) some things get better like battery life off course more expansive and garmin why not both touch and Navi buttons!

[@curvenut]

awesome video !!!! but your background music is too loud ! and annoying ..

[@Micha-ls6mm]

How could you come out with opinion that optics of roam is better than 830 ? You basically compared monochrome gameboy, to smartphone. I do give it to Wahoo, that for training their screen is a better solution, but those are pricey GPS computers. Plus the fact that wahoo have no back light settings is a big no-no for anyone that rides in the night. Glossy screen is a big minus, but it's not all there is in the screen to look for.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

The optics are better because you can see it 🤷

[@darbycurrie3391]

@@JustRideAdelaide exactly, its so crisp and clear no fuss 🖤

[@jameslea0]

Roam has an Auto backlight setting.

[@peterbee8892]

The wahoo has just enough resolution and clever back lighting to work in all conditions and keep battery usage low. I ride on and off road , by day and night and the colour and back lighting is good. It maybe the 530 has better resolution but not much good when the ride is lost due to some garmin gremlin. Sometimes less is more.

[@napoli4624]

Garmin è avanti anni luce....