Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM Cycling GPS: Details // First Impressions // Feature Review

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

I'm happy to see that legibility was prioritized over attempting a super bright and colorful screen. I'm not fundamentally opposed to color in any way, but it seems like so many implementations are just objectively less legible vs their grayscale counterparts. Wahoo seems to have taken a hit on color brightness *potential* in perfect lighting, but given us good usability in the sun and such. Definitely the direction I prefer.

[@JeffreyThistle]

Thanks for the info, almost 100k followers wow I remember when you had less than 10k. Good going. :D

[@davehoover8853]

Great review! Clear, detailed and no mucking around. Looking forward to more!

[@johnjameson9379]

Loved the little element sound at the end of the video

[@jhallock]

Same here, thought the video was over and my Bolt was nearby 😂

[@trick700]

John Jameson R2D2Wahoo 😂

[@whichdoctor4858]

Only bought the ELEMNT Bolt standard last month lol darn. I’ll never go back to Garmin based on support and reliability. Great review as always.

[@Pratalax]

Ooh just saw this pop up on GCN, knew you'd be right there with the proper lowdown. Cheers!

[@gplama]

#realtalk... Check out DCRainmakers write up too. Draws lots of parallels with what I discuss here, and more.

[@cusebike5391]

As has been discussed since the introduction of the Bolt, no Varia Radar support is keeping many of us from considering Wahoo. Reminds me of Polar refusing to recognize Ant+. Good for Polar they finally recognized that was a mistake. Wahoo should do likewise.

[@wonglemydongle867]

I think thats more of a problem from Garmin their side. Since you don't want to have your software on a competitor their device. Varia Radar is power by Garmin. So you can expect to never see it on a different device. Maybe an external company will make a bluetooth/ant+ device like the Varia.

[@cusebike5391]

@@wonglemydongle867 I've discussed this with Wahoo and they didn't put the blame on Garmin. It's Ant+ so if I'm understanding things correctly, it's open source.

[@wonglemydongle867]

@@cusebike5391 Oh boy, if it only was that easy. To view and connect to the Varia Radar you will need a different software. Since the Varia sends data to the Garmin device, the Garmin device is capable of using this data and turning it into your Varia radar screen on the Garmin itself. This means that the software on the garmin is not opensource, from Wahoo's point of view you could do 2 things. Create software to use on the Varia Radar, or make a device like the Varia (probably cheaper and better) themself in the future. They won't create the software since that costs money. If they ever make a device like the Varia they have to delete the Varia software from the Wahoo and its a waste of money. Since its an ant+ device doesn't directly mean that its open source. For example you won't connect your Garmin watch to your Wahoo and expect it to work.

[@gplama]

It's an ANT+ profile. www.thisisant.com/developer/resources/tech-bulletin/ant-radar-device-profile-released

[@disabler23]

Shane Miller - GPLama just mentioned on the video that "all of the above been told are coming soon", and ant+ radar support was on that list, wonder if they will actually update the units to support it, I know at least 50 people on my bike club that don't move to wahoo because can't use their 200usd+ radar lights with it

[@dannybeeh6332]

Really nice informative video. Almost no useless talk. Straight to the point and great detail.

[@michaelturner7949]

You are an excellent orator: every word counts and precisely selected.

[@zero5uk]

Excellent, Shane. In the UK "take me to" was a car-crash feature (pre-routed maps only) but now with the ability to select a profile of road/cross/hybrid/MTB hopefully that will be a feature to use. I still like to put time/prep to a tour with proper maps (such as Michelin for France) and build through Strava. No need for TBT, so the colours may make easier when you're navigating on the fly.

[@mtbgo7860]

Great in-depth review. You are the king of cycling tech news.

[@VanLifeTriathlon]

So happy they stayed with the non-touch screen option! Just doesn’t make much sense for cyclists as it’s too glitchy! Tactile buttons all the way!

[@Finx5008]

ME TOO! I hate trying to use a touch screen when I'm on the bike!

[@kiverrussell8369]

Agreed. The only thing worse than using my sausage fingers on a small touch screen is using my sausage fingers in gloves on a small touch screen.

[@quimicos_comunistas]

I love the Touchscreen on my edge. When you navigate, a Touchscreen is important because you can easy zoom and move the map.

[@Finx5008]

@@quimicos_comunistas I had an edge and I'm going to stick with my opinion that the touchscreen sucked. I can zoom in and out with the side buttons, and I don't have to worry about the screen being clitchy, or my hands being sweaty, or the screen is wet from rain, etc... Shane did some videos on his trials and tribulations with garmin touch screens a while back. I think they sorted some of it out, but I see touch screens as unnecessary, and in my case, unwanted.

[@marty197666]

I worry my sweat would mess stuff up like has happened on Zwift with my iPhone

[@robbchastain3036]

Thanks, Shane, and suddenly I feel like I've just attended the International Symposium on the Introduction of the Wahoo Elemnt Roam.

[@vincesorrentino7871]

I wish that the Black border around the screen was a little smaller

[@jwfriar]

Ugh! I had just bought a Bolt, which I love. Def would have waited to buy this had I known. Wahoo - so intuitive and constantly trying to improve. And they always look good and sleek. Thanks for the video.

[@01banksjon]

Thanks for the video Shane I just got a bolt, and navigated 100k with it on the first ride no problem, I think I will save a £100 in returning and getting a roam - the colour screen + re routing would be nice, but I'm not sure it's worth the price difference, in the UK at least

[@harryschuurman7026]

Just bought an Elemnt (449) love the unit and looking forward what Wahoo is going to update in the future.Thank you a great review.

[@billyk2011]

I'm sitting and watching for now. When I purchased the original bolt I was hoping they would release new features and continue to develop the product which didn't really happen. I would like to see updates to the Roam released and working before I commit that kind of money again. Strava routes would be awesome. The original bolt let me down a number of time with routes, to the point where I invested in a 810 and Etrex as an additional device on the handlebars. The Edge 830 looks really good to be honest, hopefully they fixed the dodgy screens with the halo's, but again it comes down to price. The 1030 has come down in price and I'm hoping this happens with these new devices also over time.

[@kayakingants]

Billy K doesnt strava routes work on your bolt?

[@billyk2011]

@@kayakingants it does but you need to be looking at the map screen because it doesnt notify at turns.

[@yap7656]

@@billyk2011 yeah that a con cuz everytime I use the unit I need to keep it in map mode where there's no additional info but when I change the page and keep it that even for a short time I always miss the turning

[@funk44]

Great review, looks ok but hardly worth an upgrade from the elemnt or bolt

[@Finx5008]

Count me in the "No Garmin, No Way, No How" camp. Shane, sorry if I missed this in the video. Does this unit fit on the same out front mount that was shipped with the bolt? Or would I have to replace all of those to get this onto all of my bikes?

[@nickmacias2913]

Roam it is! Thanks for the review.

[@ridesofjapan]

Now, the big question, how much does is weigh? 🤪

[@gplama]

99g on the scales (Original Element 105g).

[@cleggycyclist]

another sleepless night for rides of japan, then a ride to the mountains with some scales

[@milkouille]

Ahahahhaha !!!

[@JM-lt9ft]

Bravissimo Mr. Miller👍🏻👏🏻‼️

[@enotracoon9244]

I was expecting bit more from wahoo , basically they 've added navigation and some minor upgrades. What about new version of bolt?

[@chadwilliams4148]

I'm glad they didn't change too much. The Elemnt and Bolt still reign as the easiest computers in real life. My only hang up is the steep price. I guess Wahoo knows I'm willing to shell out serious $$ for an Elemnt that does true GPS mapping.

[@electricbikerider]

Love it, I’m definitely upgrading my ELEMNT, Thanks bro, happy cycling 👍🏻😀🚴🏻

[@raisgarifoulline2323]

What is the readability of the screen in the bright sunlight?

[@TheFlitzpiepe666]

Exactly. I wonder if a color display showing black and white is as good to read as an monochrom display. The bolt display is perfect to read WITHOUT backlight in bright sun. A smartphone display has to use a lot of power to be readable in sunlight...

[@raisgarifoulline2323]

@@TheFlitzpiepe666 , "The visibility of the display in full sunlight is very important to us, previously we had only black/white due to the particular display technology. This new screen uses the same technology and adds 8 color support, while giving even better visibility in sunlight. We took special care to only use color when we thought it added something for the user." // #43 - www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/05/wahoo-element-roam-cycling-gps-in-depth-review.html/comment-page-1#comment-3197419

[@charlied1675]

Really good review. Thanks. FWIW, though, what I think is always missing in reviews is a one-year-later update on reliability. From my own experience with both Garmin and Wahoo, out of the box, they're usually fine. But a year or so later, software and hardware issues raise their ugly heads. Looking at the 'help' boards of either company indicates I'm not alone. After shelling out big bucks for a unit, the most important question is how long it will last before it bricks (or becomes seriously degraded in functionality). So, longer term reliability data would be very informative and helpful to me in deciding which unit to purchase, much more important than latest features and bells and whistles.

[@gplama]

The traditional media/review/industry doesn't do follow up reviews, or any-year-later follow ups. The manufacturers pay them to cover what's new. There's no financial incentive for them to do follow ups, or say anything 'bad' about what they cover. Thankfully there's now alternatives. I do a LOT of follow ups with firmware updates / feature additions / etc. This ROAM video was released May 1st 2019. I've done six (or more?) videos on this unit since then. I'm happy to do a one-year-later after May 1st 2020 if I get the time.

[@charlied1675]

@@gplama Thanks for the feedback, and I've seen your updates. Greatly appreciated and very helpful. I guess what I'm asking and what would be most useful/helpful for me would be a 'one-year-later' review of competing units that perhaps looks at the most common problems customers are experiencing (lost data, bricked units, syncing issues, frozen screens, hardware fails, etc.) and compares reliability. Perhaps something along the line of a 'consumer report' kind of video that gives good data on reliability. I suppose data collection would be difficult and require some subjective judgements but data on one-year-later reliability would be THE most important factor in helping me decide which unit (Wahoo Roam or Garmin 530/830) to buy. I'll take a reliable unit that does the basics well, over a unit with all the bells and whistles that I can't trust to work reliably. Anyway, just an idea. FWIW, thanks for the really helpful videos you do.

[@AndrewL]

if you never again a Garmin person, that's the option !

[@AndrewTSq]

or Sigma Rox 12.0 ?

[@KeithFlint350]

Edge 520 is a scam. I hate it.

[@AndrewVanTil]

It's worth noting that while WAHOO supports Pioneer's Pedal Monitor mode, it's just for display on the device. There isn't currently a way to analyze the data offline/historically. They are even cagey about whether the metrics are even captured in the FIT file. "Probably" was the best they were willing to commit to, and will offer no assistance in trying to extract it (I offered to write a FIT parser to do it).

[@IanB17]

As an existing Bolt user if this had been compatible with the Varia Radar Wahoo could’ve taken my money.

[@PeteBoyd478]

Go Shane! I've been waiting for this!!

[@hereinmyownskin]

Bolt seems to have been updated with ‘Take me to’ nav as well, just need to use the app. Battery is better than Bolt, but only by 2 hours. Not sure this is worth replacing if you have a Bolt already.

[@sl66ggehrubt]

Does Bolt have an update that enabled on-the-fly rerouting? I rode yesterday and it didn't reroute when I went off route.

[@chuckbrabenac1048]

Shane, @5:10, showing anti-reflective improvement was very helpful. Aside from this and color differentiation, do you think sunlight readability has otherwise improved significantly side-by-side vs. original Elemnt for B/W images?

[@gplama]

Yep.

[@A.M03]

Does your Kedge Element GoPro combo mount work with it ? Or do you have to buy a new one ?

[@gplama]

I was using it with the K-Edge with the adapter for Garmin on the bottom of the ROAM as I was too lazy to change the puck. It should work no worries.

[@LeicaPunk]

Hey Shane, I watched another Video explaining some very interesting color features. You say its not needed, but it is. Streets are dotted lines BUT asphalted streets are now yellow, so you can chose by yourself if you want to ride your roadbike throught dirt or if you want to re-route or take an alternative route. Cheers

[@gplama]

Not needed for data (power, speed, etc) I believe I mentioned it was handy for the maps where it shows lakes and roads and trails in different colour. So we agree.

[@LeicaPunk]

@@gplama oh ok sry, so I missunderstood you.

[@roilev]

Good review! Have you tested it offroad, in the mountains? The bolt is next to useless there, it constantly goes off track, even if this track was recorded by it, on the same path! Just the GPS accuracy there is worse than off-track leeway. And it beeps non-stop, esp. going downhill on tracks with lots of tight corners.

[@petercallaghan6987]

I have the mini and want to upgrade, I’m perplexed. The 530 and 830 look good and has lots bells and whistles. A tough choice. Wow you beat dc rainmaker. Lol. I’m sure his review will be up any minute. Great review 👍🏻👍🏻

[@gplama]

His post went up right as embargo lifted. He's on the case with the written word over on DCRainmaker.com

[@petercallaghan6987]

Cool.

[@billdemarais7254]

Are the turn by turn tones louder than the garmin 1000?

[@gplama]

I can hear them... no 1000 to compare with here sorry.

[@billdemarais7254]

@@gplama Yes, the tones did sound loud from what i heard.. Excellent review by the way. All the Garmins are so faint. Thanks

[@tomfield2292]

Just did a century with the Element Bolt. It recorded total ft climbed about 1000 ft more than my friend's Garmin units.

[@Andy7846]

I'm still using a Garmin Edge 800. Looking to upgrade this year, I also wear a Garmin watch so I am well in their ecosystem. Would you recommend the Roam over the 830?

[@Andy7846]

@@benm468 thanks. Although I must say I've not experienced any of those issues with my 800. I guess I may have been lucky with it.

[@OttoVanluchene]

The bigger screen with more fields and destination based navigation are the big plus over the bolt. As I see it. Color screen is OK too.

[@greg4318]

Hi Shane, love your work! I’m a Bolt owner but I think your wrong on the price point. DC Rainmaker makes a valid point that for its features it’s about $100.00 over priced in the market and it appears underdone. I think it sits somewhere between the Garmin 830 and 530......no mans land so not a good place to be. I love my Bolt but if I was in the market today, I think I would be seriously looking at the new Garmins. Wahoo are in catch up mode now....they better run quick!

[@gplama]

Agreed. I’m putting faith in all my wish list being implemented!

[@marksdave]

No usb-c! Ouch. Thanks for the nice review!

[@ticetice2998]

hello the turn by turn coming on strava? is it compatible for wahoo element?

[@gplama]

The Elemnt and BOLT don’t have the street map data required on them to implement this.

[@Soordhin]

Great timing, one day after i ordered my Bolt... Probably not gonna take it now and instead get the Roam.

[@richym2020]

I hope Wahoo introduce a new device, sitting between the cheapest unit (which I don't think has been that popular?) and the Elemnt Bolt. Something at the 180-200 USD price point. Fingers crossed.

[@ricric9521]

Ok wait! The actual screen graphics on the unit do not look like the marketing photo or photo on the box. What's up with that?

[@stephenbetley9596]

Wonder how it's going to fare against the Garmin Edge 830 in particular. Of course ecosystem loyalty will play a part somewhat. Touchscreen on the 830 seems to be a real plus from the reviews. Now, if Garmin could produce an app to modify setup/screens...

[@gplama]

Stay tuned. Mine is on back order....

[@stephenbetley9596]

@@gplama Same here. My 520 is on the way out. Rubbish battery life. Either 830 or 1030. Wonder if they'll backport the new 830 functionality to the 1030?

[@gplama]

I believe some of the new features are coming to the 1030. It is an ageing unit though. We'll see. I'll cover it when the update drops.

[@chadwilliams4148]

I was thrilled to hear the Roam doesn't have touchscreen. Leave that to the smartphones. I want clicks when riding, not taps and swipes.

[@stevehayes8867]

When setting the home location point, should I use just the street name or the postcode ?

[@johncraven3560]

Have you ever compared ascent descent values on roam (and other wahoo) to garmin edge units?

[@stevehayes8867]

When you view the map do you zoom in or out? Trying to find best setting

[@veloaddict]

It would be nice if Wahoo would have an upgrade programme (hardware).

[@woutdefruyt5302]

Would like a video about comparison Garmin 830 vs Elemnt Roam

[@alb.1911]

It's not necessary I think, take a look at this one based on the old models and you will understand why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqi1mqp4fpapr7M

[@conceptuallyugly530]

Buy Garmin. Get lost with Garmin. That will be maybe good comparison ;)

[@mikeprytherch8875]

830 has far superior routing and navigation, always turn by turn, always elevation, rerouting is intelligent, 830 works like car satnav, wahoo doesn’t, and this maximum distance of 110km is just a joke

[@conceptuallyugly530]

Mike Prytherch 110km? I did 1000km on it to Vienna from Copenhagen.

[@mikeprytherch8875]

@@conceptuallyugly530 It is what Shame said in the video, 110km maximum if it calculates the route, so one of you are wrong :)

[@richardggeorge]

Your attention to detail is impressive as always! Still leaning towards Garmin 530....hmmmn

[@bike_rider-k2h]

I was looking at the element bolt but I think the 530 would be better too.

[@prestachuck2867]

Or wait forEdge 1040, and then wait another year for Garmin to fix all of the problems with lost rides, self-resets, freeze-ups, and short battery life.

[@veloaddict]

Also, do you know if they intend to port the new features to the older models?

[@gplama]

Maybe some features. Unlikely the mapping as that involves having the more detailed maps on the unit. If it was as easy as loading the detailed maps on the pervious units, I would assume they would have done it. Not sure though to be honest. It's all in their court.

[@atiroocky]

Do you think elevation profile on map page will be soon available on the Elemnt ? Thx

[@rsmenton]

Very good review. Thanks!

[@seancawby189]

Any word on if the turn by turn and back on track features will be released to the Bolt via a firmware update?

[@stephenbetley9596]

Just thinking about ecosystems - not the gaia kind, Wahoo vs Garmin. Garmin have bought Tacx to get into the trainer sector. Do you think Wahoo will come out with a crank or pedal based power meter? Seems the only thing missing from their range, other than SmartBike. Maybe the Wahoo Powr. You heard it here first! :) Something for the FitFiles.

[@gplama]

Hmmm. They'd be better purchasing WattBIKE and sorting out global distribution of the ATOM and getting the ATOM X to consumers, not just the commercial market.

[@orci77]

Since I have no instagram account 😱 I have to comment here that your instagram video for the Roam ist awesome 😎👏

[@Craigo5000]

I was all for replacing my Edge 800 which has been great with a bolt until I saw the edge 530. Now this has been released I think I still fancy the edge 530?

[@kiverrussell8369]

Thanks for the thorough insight. Something else to consider alongside the Garmin 530 now my beloved 520 not only has a choice crack in the screen but is only giving me 5 hours of navigation (mapping courtesy of DC Rainmaker instructions) from a full charge 🤔

[@anthonyhilchey8215]

Shane Wicked Pissah Cool Video. Wahoo is da Best!🙂🚴‍♂️💨

[@cyclecheshire8164]

Hi Shane, thanks for the review. As a long term elemnt user I found the alert noise to be very low and it’s easy to miss turn cues. Is this louder?

[@gplama]

I can hear the sounds and tones.... I didn't do any side by side testing of how loud it was though. Noted for Round #2.

[@wbuchmueller]

a worthy refresh of the bolt, I'm very happy with my bolt but I like what they've done with this unit and I can definetly see myself riding this unit in the future.

[@tylerlougheed569]

I'm still using my garmin edge 800 circa 2010. My ideal unit would be something like the edge 130 and 24hr+ battery life.

[@rkan2]

You should check out Bryton! They have plenty of 24hr+ battery life computers.. For example the Aero 60 with 32hrs! They also have wifi/bt, glonass, beidou and qzss! Furthermore they are modestly priced.

[@johnhayes1641]

Saw this gadget and immediately thought, but what does Shane have to say? Great review!

[@ivosmo]

Did Wahoo update the Roam maps with elevation data? I.e. does it know the upcoming elevation profile if you route on the device itself?

[@gplama]

I don’t believe so. One to check with Wahoo.

[@ivosmo]

@@gplama thanks! That’s what I thought, despite Wahoo’s claims, couldn’t find such info anywhere.

[@stevehayes8867]

Hi. Does the wahoo roam Have it’s own routes or can you make your own routes with wahoo own mapping system

[@teroy45]

Cmon Wahoo! USB-C!!!!!!

[@Finx5008]

I agree. I'm ready to be done with Micro USB

[@dddtaaa]

Yes! What the hell?

[@teroy45]

One more cable i need to bring , everything I have is USB-C.Oh my lights I guess.

[@marksdave]

Agreed! A $300+ device with micro-usb!!!

[@xgalvan1]

I would have bought this just for usb c alone. No lie

[@markpace8303]

Great video. Thanks for doing this. The features coming soon will be available through a software update and not by replacing the hardware, right?

[@gplama]

It's been a while since this launch. There have been a number of updates to the firmware since.

[@MrCybowski]

How do you think. Will it be possible for wahoo to add Varia radar support on this new device? ANT+ its no a problem but data information from Varia should be possible to read for Wahoo.

[@gplama]

The Varia should support the ANT+ Radar profile (a standard, somewhat). Wahoo will have to add support for that device as they do for heart rate monitors, speed sensors, power metres, etc. Then they'll have to decide how to present the information from the radar on screen and/or in combination with the LEDS.

[@MrCybowski]

Shane Miller - GPLama LED would be brilliant!!! Thats what I thought. Cant wait. If they do that im gonna switch from my Garmin820 to ROAM!!!

[@patricksheppard6164]

ok, the big questions, Garmin Radar? and third party pedaling dynamics, is it compatible with more than Pioneer? rotor, garmin...

[@gplama]

The exact questions I’ve raised and answered in the video.

[@patricksheppard6164]

@@gplama you certainly did cover that... I guess i should not multi task while watch.. thanks again!

[@rasmuswi]

I would like to add one minor pain point to your list: I want to see my power on the live segments screen. But I just ordered a ROAM anyway, literally seconds ago. The battery on my old ELEMNT isn't what it used to be, a full charge now lasts about two hours. Once I get the ROAM I'll investigate if it's possible to get a new battery for the ELEMNT, googling the subject has turned up nothing...

[@pietrofantastic]

will the turn by turn on strava also be available for bolt en elemnt? its just a software update no?

[@gplama]

Unlikely. The BOLT has no road names, so if the route from Strava has to be processed on the head unit to give direction, it won’t work.

[@MrBJPitt]

Will the bolt have turn by turn using strava routes? Or only the roam once the feature is implemented? Also is the altimeter still the same as the bolt? I'm not sure what is right, but garmin and wahoo seem to give different gained altitude for the same ride going from others strava rides.

[@gplama]

I assume it'll only be the Roam as it'd likely be the head unit itself doing the computation of the provided route. The Elemnt and BOLT don't have street name information. If Strava did get behind this they could likely export the navigation cues and everything would work.... but... business.. I guess... no idea. Tesla are making self driving cars. Cycling can't get directions.... Altimeter. Not sure. Altimeter readings are an art... here's some fun I had a while back getting different readings based on the location/position of an Edge unit on the same ride: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIHcdqeQfZiEl7c

[@MiniatureReview]

Nice Shane. Hopefully, I will get a review sample before too long. At least I got a heads up a few days ago it was coming out. Gave me some time to write an article on it.

[@MrCfredrickson]

And now my preorder from REI has been canceled for the Wahoo Elemnt Roam (not able to get inventory). Expected shipping listed on clever training now mid July...Well poop!

[@gplama]

Hmmmmm. :(

[@chuckbrabenac1048]

Same here. Also, I notice that REI has completely pulled the Roam from their website.

[@chuckb4375]

@@chuckbrabenac1048 REI has now re-listed the Roam, with the usual "Pre-orders ship within 30 days" statement.

[@paulmorgan7294]

Great Vid, I might have missed this but how easy is it to change profiles, say from outside MTB to indoors Zwift?

[@gplama]

There’s no profiles but you switch modes to indoor from the main menu if using indoors.

[@jspaceman71]

I'll buy one. . .when they add Varia support.

[@tal121966]

Is it possible to transfer settings from a Bolt to the Roam?

[@danielsan6666]

Yes.. everything is in your companion app. Just sync with the new device

[@mikesuiter7842]

Any updates on what features that were missing (the X's) on your chart at the 10 minute mark that have now been added with firmware updates since your review?

[@gplama]

A few of them have been updated. I'd have to dive into each specific again..... I'll look at doing a 12 month update on this unit soon.

[@bhavinderjassar6394]

Hello, I am looking to buy my first GPS cycling computer but I am on a budget. It must support ant+ heart rate, speed and cadence sensors. It must also be able to import maps from places like komoot, etc. I was going to buy the Garmin 130 but is there any other computers you would recommend around the same price as the Garmin 130? I could be able to increase my budget a little if needed. Thank you very much for your kind help as always my friend.

[@gplama]

Best visit a local bike shop and have a chat about what they have in stock and what they think will suit.

[@kennethcools2393]

Just read dcr's reviews of the garmin 530 and the roam. Garmin grudge asside, you must admit that garmin has won here. 530 has more features out of the box (not promissed features) for less price. Only thing I can give wahoo is the better menu structure/navigation with bottom buttons.

[@gplama]

On feature lists and price, yep the Edge wins. The 520 still gives it a nudge. According to the market, there's more to it than feature list length. I'm hopeful the Roam will have all the features on my wishlist rolled into it... soon.... I hope. Saying that, the 830 is on backorder here as I want more hands on with that.

[@Eagleburger90]

Does it fit in bolt mount?

[@gplama]

It's the same Elemnt/BOLT 1/4 turn mount, yep. I didn't try it in the Wahoo BOLT mount. It ships with a larger aero out-front mount.

[@robertm1552]

Global Map system? As in you don’t need to download specific regions?

[@gplama]

They're available for download, for free. I kind of skipped over that as it's just how Elemnts have always worked. (it's in the video description).

[@robertm1552]

Thanks. Saw that term in the description and my imagination leaped for a moment. But then the reality of how much data, and data management, that would take up set in. But region downloads are free I see!

[@azbikerider49]

I like my Bolt, but can the Roam give you more then just one custom map screen?

[@gplama]

It has just the one map screen which can have up to 6 fields and the elevation profile on/off.

[@markovich88]

How many maps does it have pre-installed? ie how much of the world will it cover, out of the box?

[@gplama]

Likely your local region out of the box. Connect to wifi and pull down whatever maps needed. They're free with Wahoo.

[@kjetilnordaas5679]

Does the ELEMNT / BOLT show the whole elevation profile on predefined routes?

[@disabler23]

Yes, it does

[@kjetilnordaas5679]

What is the difference on elevation profile on Elemnt and Roam then?

[@acupunk7379]

No update to interface with cyclo-sphere yet? Have you found a work around Shane?

[@gplama]

It all depends how the unit records the data. The CA600 (and 500?) records in a DB file. If the Elemnt/Bolt/Roam record in FIT then there might not be the same data recorded for export. Pure guess work... but could be a reason why it's not directly integrated.

[@acupunk7379]

@@gplama I was hoping that Wahoo/Pioneer would have developed an app or something to convert the files by now.

[@lHolyDriverl]

Did they add Timer as a stand alone feature? I do not want to use TrainingPeaks to create a batch of specific planned workouts only to have timer like 5x3 min and so on. This is only one disappointment with my Elemnt Bolt.

[@gplama]

Not that I'm aware of.

[@lHolyDriverl]

@@gplama So sad I have a frind who is not going switch his head unit to Wahoo because of that. I know that some guys request this feature througt the support and in google groups from 2017 and still no luck with it.

[@gilese2345]

Essentially you have a timer in "Elapsed Lap Time" and at the start and end of each 3 minutes hit the lap button, and also use lap average for your power during the intervals etc.

[@IanB17]

Screen looks like a big upgrade on previous units as I sometimes struggle in bright light with the Bolt but like you I wish it didn't have the border.

[@leodirectvleo1703]

Interesting info my wahoo element gps' chip just stop working . I am tryinf to get it alive but so far unsuccessfully. I have been seeing a new garmin 530 and thinking on move to garmin because the issue i got with the element. Now, you introduced us this new wahoo roam. What will be the best option, between them. could you advice me please. Many thanks

[@AaronGoodTimes]

Is it necessary at this point to have a smart phone to use newer cycling devices like the Roam? If it is, then it looks like I will be buying one for the first time in the near future.

[@gplama]

To use, no. You can leave your phone at home and ride. You won't get notifications (of course) or Live Track. Setup and management, yes, it needs a mobile device of some type.

[@AaronGoodTimes]

@@gplama Thanks Shane! Looks like I will be buying my first smart phone when the new ones come out in the fall.

[@jamesvaughan7274]

Shane, I've had a look at the website but can't see it mentioned. Does the Roam use the same upfront aero mount as the Bolt?

[@gplama]

It's the same puck thingy, but a larger aero mount in the box. It's a big spoon/shovel looking thing. K-Edge just released their own version of it too.

[@jamesvaughan7274]

@@gplama Thanks Shane - appreciate the review and quick feedback. So if you're a Bolt user with a handful of Wahoo aero mounts an upgrade just got a whole lot more expensive. Fair enough if the underside couldn't be engineered to fit at all - but if it could that's a dick move by Wahoo.

[@docbrew]

How is the speaker? Is it louder than the elemnt? That has to be one of my biggest complaints. I need to hear it beep at me when a turn is coming up.

[@gplama]

Not a comparison I did. I could hear the tones no problems. Also environmental... and subjective I guess.

[@g4rymw110]

What is your go too bike computer, the one you use all the time or most of the time, you have tested a lot so intrigued to see what you recommend 👍🏻

[@gplama]

Garmin Edge units most for testing / data collection. The ROAM comes along for a few rides every now and then if it's in reach as I roll out the door.

[@g4rymw110]

@@gplama thanks for reply, edge 530 me then went to the Bolt but was too small so back to 530 but still undecided as I like the Wahoo set up and this would be easier to read for my ageing eyes , dilemma dilemmas 😃

[@TexasNightRider]

Hi Shane, I've been happy with my Wahoo Elemnt purchased in Oct 2017, but I'm getting bike computer fever and want to get the ROAM. I'm forcing myself to wait until late 2021 before purchasing the ROAM. Wahoo seems to be coming out with something new ever couple of years. Do you have any insight on the future of the ROAM or do you think Wahoo will be coming out with another model in the next 12 months?

[@gplama]

One to ask Wahoo. The way KZbin works is that if I have any info I can share like this, it'll be in a video immediately. This isn't information you'll find tucked away in a comment section.

[@TexasNightRider]

@@gplama Thank you. I thought you may have some inside information. I did contact Wahoo support and they responded they didn't know anything about future products which is probably the truth. Great channel.

[@glennoc8585]

Ive gone Awol and taken a punt on a igsport 618. Ive got a couple of big brand computers but curiosity got to me. It may be money badly spent😣 Ps i like the matt black utvreminds me if the finish on older hifi equipment.

[@AussieInJapan]

More bike shops should stock those Wahoo Garmin adaptors.