Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM Long-Term Review // 9 Things

[@timothychansa1157]

Thanks for this video, it just confirms the choice I made over a Garmin. 6 months in and happy with my Roam.

[@DesFit]

Nice!

[@QueenShanine]

I love these long-term reviews.

[@DesFit]

Sweet! Thanks!

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Wow… 2 years? I feel like we skipped last year somehow. Still my favorite bike computer. Great video!

[@DesFit]

2020: the blurrrrrrrrr 😂 Thanks Tariq!

[@danielsaunders563]

I've had mine since launch and everything you covered is absolutely accurate. It is a very reliable, intuitive device. One thing you missed maybe is the ride pause screen, does it really have to take over the whole screen????

[@DesFit]

LOL, you’re totally right. You definitely know you’re PAUSED 😳😂

[@jakesiney]

Press the Page button and it goes away.

[@danielsaunders563]

@@jakesiney yes that I know, it's a little thing but bugs me when I stop at a light and look down to check out the map and it's covered, and then I have to hit the page button. Small usability thing that gets annoying after 2 years of riding with it. Very small issue.

[@JadenFeddock]

Great vid! I’ve had a Bolt (didn’t want the extra cost of the Roam) for a while now, and I completely agree those three huge buttons are so easy to use, even without looking! (Compared to the Garmin touch screen)

[@DesFit]

Thanks Jaden! Those buttons are great even with gloves!

[@CrayLim]

Excellent review! You highlighted everything I need to know and to decide. Went ahead and got me a Roam after watching this! Thanks man!

[@DesFit]

Enjoy! Thanks!

[@TireFill]

Just got mine yesterday, these points sound promising for my use in the coming years. Good video!

[@DesFit]

Hope you enjoy your computer! Thanks!

[@ahafeezs]

whilst navigating, is it possible to show the speed, hr and cadence as well?

[@mortadhaabdul565]

One of the best channels that I have subscribed to!

[@DesFit]

Thanks so much!

[@mlegrand]

Wow, I’m about to post a Bolt video. Just four years later. No joke. I mention a lot of the same things. Buttons on these devices are so nice. 👌 With my Garmin, getting to those start buttons is a pain. Great video as always Des!

[@DesFit]

The Bolt is another great device but I’ve come to like the size of the Roam display. Thanks Matt! Can’t wait to check out your video!

[@itstaco1]

Thanks Des!!!! Thanks for showing the good, and bad of wahoo roam!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing!

[@g4rymw110]

Be nice to have the option of varia radar display on the right of the unit for us Brits who drive and cycle on the left which is the correct side of the road 😄 :)

[@DesFit]

Good point!

[@dedj6183]

Great video brotha 🤘🏽

[@DesFit]

💪

[@bajaigo]

thanks for the video, good info. today was my first issue. I did a 10 mile bike climb, then I had a 10 mile downhill. well, got distracted by a friend at the end of the ride, and didn't stop and save the ride. so drove 20 miles before realizing. so my 20 mile ride is now a 40 mile ride. just wish there was an editing tool that I could go to a route map and select the spot to end the ride. hate to throw the ride out. Update: here's the fix! download Strava and on the Elemnt set up the ( share ride /run with Strava ). - The Elemnt will automatically share your rides / runs with Strava. Strava saved the day, and has that tool!! The edit was so easy, and fast. Elemnt doesn't have this crucial edit tool as far as I know. It didn't 6 months ago. Don't trash your run or ride.

[@tweet-tube]

Does it have auto pause as an option? Assuming yes, and you are just not using that feature.

[@bajaigo]

@@tweet-tube Strava saved the day!! I couldn't adjust my Elemnt Roam, or my online Elemnt ride page... however Ive got the Elemnt linked to my Strava, so that after the ride - end - the session is then automatically uploaded on my Strava page. My Strava page --( this is cool ) - Recognized that something wasn't right, and gave me the tool on the ride map to adjust the actual end spot - that is, my parked car at the trailhead - and not 10 miles away in my driveway. It was so easy - and Needed! Thank you Strava-- and No, the Elemnt roam did not give me that option, so - on my Elemnt page it still shows my drive home. but, my Strava page is what counts for me personally. My Strava page is where I post my pictures and the description of the ride. As far as the auto pause - yes, the elemnt road does have auto pause, and it works 100% great - every time. Its just that I was distracted by someone, and In my head believed that I had already hit the - Stop - end ride. By, still love the roam.

[@Z-u-m-a]

Solid review - thanks.

[@DesFit]

👍

[@avenpace]

Came here specifically as I heard new Bolt is a pretty much mini Roam, and I like it. Was thinking of Garmin 830 as my first gps to use with komoot for my bikepacking trips, but I think I will stick to mini Roam..I mean Bolt mark2 :)

[@DesFit]

Or BRoam as GP Lama calls it ;)

[@alangrant7349]

As for different ride profiles, you can add pages through the app on your phone. Just setup a page for road/gravel and a separate page for mountain.

[@DesFit]

True but all the pages show up all the time which isn’t the most ideal

[@stpaisar03]

@@DesFit is this different than the Bolt (V1)? One can easily toggle pages on and off in the app. Yes it is a step to take at the beginning of the ride but easy enough to toggle on “commute” page and toggle off “gravel/road/power etc” page when those pages aren’t needed for that specific ride???

[@TheKarenjh]

Thanks, another great one!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@baddriversofcolga]

Another awesome thing about Wahoo is how often they update their devices and how they continue to update them. In fact they've been releasing updates to the Elemnt for over 5 years now. That's unheard of in tech.

[@DesFit]

Yup, definitely!

[@brychjakub]

...Apple?

[@tweet-tube]

I still get updates monthly for my Garmin Edge 800… from 2006. Still works great, and does everything the Wahoo devices do for the most part, but I feel like it is time to upgrade - the wifi/wireless syncing would be nice and the device seems more user friendly to configure. I do turn by turn, custom workouts and many other things with the Edge 800, but speed and cadence sensor is starting to fail.

[@kidShibuya]

Yeah unheard of in tech... Meanwhile Microsoft gets roasted for only supporting windows 7 for 11 years...

[@sandgroper1970]

I currently use an old Garmin Edge 800, but it still works well, but the battery is getting old so the life is not what it should be, maybe 8 hours. I like the idea of of the roam with the smart phone interface, but I may just go to an 830, or 1030+, for a supposed 20 hrs battery, that, And I already have a Garmin connect account, which can do a lot of the set up for you when you sync the new device.

[@tweet-tube]

I am in the same boat @andrew. Edge 800 is still working and still getting updates 15+ years later. Wireless syncing would be nice and something more responsive would be nice. I do use the Edge 800's touch feature a lot - to swipe through screens and maps. Looks like I will wait a bit. Keep having folks suggest I get a Wahoo. Before yesterday, I was very very close to pushing BUY on either the 1030/830/530.

[@BrianRouse]

I’ve had mine just over a year and love it. Funny thing fir me is that my mount doesn’t always fit on all of my handlebars!

[@DesFit]

You must have one of those super-large diameter bars?

[@BrianRouse]

@@DesFit on one bike it’s the other way around! On the other the cables are in bad locations. My bikes are finicky.

[@psjones66]

I purchased my Roam in Jan 2020 for $380 from REI, and sadly this past summer the battery has failed and the unit will immediately shut off after start up. I have no complaints with functionality, navigation, and using the app to configure. The unit is sealed/glued and not intended to perform a battery swap although I may still attempt it. I'm not pleased with the overall life of the Roam considering the upfront price and with 2.5 years of minimal use. I have no confidence to purchase another Wahoo product and my next unit will be a Garmin.

[@Onemanengine]

The lack of touch screen is actually nice in more colder climates. I (have to) ride with full gloves from Oct/Nov until sometimes April, DC knows all about the Netherlands! But for maps it would be an amazing addition for sure! And fully agree on adding waypoints, sometimes you want to avoid a certain road.

[@DesFit]

Buttons are definitely great in colder climates!

[@cappaculla]

Great job!!! Thank you.. 👍

[@DesFit]

Sure thing! Thanks!

[@dennyjohnson831]

So, for a rider that only rides mountain bikes and uses MTB Project app, would you recommend this product?

[@321seb]

looks like the new bolt v2 is really a great choice now for those that don’t want the larger screen. i wonder what wahoo are planning for the roam v2, probably a touch screen version i reckon

[@podunkman2709]

They should attach loupe so reading what's on the screen would be possible.

[@jaselikesbikes]

Hi Des. I have different ride profiles (pages) with different fields- Mountain bike Page, Race Profile, Interval Profile Page. I do love my Wahoo Roam. The navigation for mountain biking trails is next to useless which is why I am tempted to go back to Garmin with their superior integrated trailforks navigation. I am not sure that I could stand the instability of the Garmin platform again though.

[@nikolaybritun8834]

thank you for video ! Can we have negative display somehow with this device ?

[@sica4873]

Thanks for another great review! For MTB, I have the 530, but I’m not too happy with it- would the Roam/bolt 2 be a better option? For example, quicker fix after a wrong turn, the 530 takes too long to get “found route” again.

[@iang2868]

Des another great long-term review But I have to in your opinion which is the better one to buy the roam or the new Bolt/v2 thanks

[@DesFit]

I’d go for the new Bolt V2. Color display is super nice. Thanks!

[@iang2868]

Thanks 👍

[@podunkman2709]

If you have falcon eyes - screen is terribly small.

[@Rottemikkel]

Do you think they will release a new version soon? Thinking about getting the Roam, but its been out for a couple of years, would be sad to buy one now and then a new one releases soon after.

[@pw185]

Agree. Great piece of kit but I'm holding off until I know about shelf life.

[@FrankFiorentino]

I am interested in the Roam but see it is out of stock buying direct. I live in Italy. Is something new on the horizon?

[@tweet-tube]

Also wondering if something new is coming, or if they are suffering form shortages due to pandemic problems with workers and chips.

[@TexasNightRider]

Like many other comments, I am waiting on the next version of the Roam Until then I will continue using my monochrome Element which is still going strong.

[@temucanobritish8943]

Great video! I am wary of getting one, as they are out of stock in many websites and I feel this may mean that there is a new one coming, has anyone heard anything?

[@tweet-tube]

Same. In the market and waiting. Tried to get one the other day and it is out of stock. I am not familiar with Wahoo's product lifecycle. Curious of the global chip shortages are impacting the next release from Wahoo?

[@davidspencer4431]

thanks for the video! How do you get to the function at 1:21 in your video? I've trying to figure out how I can scroll on the map!

[@DesFit]

That interface is when you use the "Go to..." function to choose a location on the map. As of this time I don't think there is actually a way of browsing the map without using that feature. Thanks!

[@davidspencer4431]

@@DesFit hmm not sure what I'm doing wrong, but I can't find the "Go to..." function. I see Route, Start, Page. If I select Route I only see Retrace Ride, Route to Start, Take Me To, Surface. Am I looking in the right place?

[@philiporourke7896]

The roam is great, I just wish the screen was a little bigger.

[@rayn-studio]

I love my Roam. The only thing I miss is some fitness and training features. But therefore I use my polar watch...

[@DesFit]

Hopefully they can update the Rival with some of those features 👍

[@tweet-tube]

I thought the Wahoo devices offered training programs.

[@rayn-studio]

@@tweet-tube yes it offers pre installed programs. But what I'm missing is a training load function like on polar devices. And maybe some training suggestions what to train next regarding to my actual fitness level.

[@makistudio1592]

Nice, thx for sharing. Today I got my Edge 530, Roam was tempting but... I may be odd... two watches at the same time...hm Cheers

[@DesFit]

I have lots of devices to test so I typically have to wear two watches most of the time! 😆

[@RAG0407]

Looks good. But for a few years I have had no desire to upgrade. My device from 2 yrs ago still does everything need and I have not seen a new feature I really need.

[@DesFit]

That’s what’s great about most bike computers is they generally last for quite some time.

[@paginini]

Hi how do i add rpm i have power metter but on roam do i need 2 buy seperat cadence senser?? Thanks

[@Akash-jj8pi]

Good video bro. But do you think it is worth for that much money an good GPS watch vs computer ? What is the main difference

[@DesFit]

Watches can track your overall health as well as your activities but a bike computer is much easier to use while actually riding. Trying to look at data on a watch is kind of challenging if you don't want to take your hands off the handlebars. Thanks!

[@olivier2589]

Hi Des, I want to buy my first bike computer and the Wahoo Elemnt Roam is first on my shortlist, before the Bolt V2 because of the Roam larger screen. But, with the recent release of the Bolt V2, I am reluctant to invest in the current Roam as there could be a Roam V2 issued in the near future. Would you know whether and when Wahoo intends to replace the Roam by a Roam V2?

[@DesFit]

I have no indication that they are replacing the Roam anytime soon.

[@ralfschmitz1903]

Why oh don‘t Sync to Apple Health? Thanks a lot!

[@DesFit]

It can sync health data with Apple Health. Under Profile, then Authorized Apps 👍

[@ralfschmitz1903]

@@DesFit I know. I asked why you don‘t Sync to Apple Health. Sorry, I don‘t Write in english often

[@DesFit]

No worries. I don’t use Apple Health to track my daily metrics.

[@tweet-tube]

For anyone using Apple Health (I do every day to run, workout and as a back up ride in case my Edge 800 fails), there is a great iOS app called HealthFit, which provides really great data analysis (better than Strava) and it also syncs from Apple Health to many other sources. I use HealthKit ($3.99 in app store, one time payment) to get the data Strava charges for, and sync to Strava from Apple Health.

[@RawrSezerMW3]

Can you set a route goal of '50km' from home to back to home?

[@anthonyhilchey8215]

I have a Roam one thing I don’t like is trouble syncing Strava routes even though I have it starred on Strava just won’t do it!

[@DesFit]

Have you tried removing the Strava access and then re-authorizing?

[@anthonyhilchey8215]

@@DesFit I’ve tried that still not able sync the Routes unfortunately

[@Geno28]

Will the Roam work with the Garmin remote? Thanks.

[@DesFit]

I lost my Garmin remote but I doubt it.

[@marcosanti3437]

Why nobody review bryton gps in the USA?

[@JeffRejent]

I had a Bryton. Great but they never update the firmware for bugs an features. Their idea of an update is to buy their new computers as they churn them out every year. Have the Wahoo Bolt for 3 years and still getting updates.

[@mismailhameed]

Are u able to connect this with the Polar H10?

[@DesFit]

Yup!

[@mismailhameed]

@@DesFit deciding between this and Garmin Edge 830? 😬

[@DesFit]

I think the Edge 830 offers a bit more and it’s easier to use

[@MateHegyhati]

Hm.. I've seen a couple of Edge vs Wahoo videos already, and this data field customization always comes up among one of the first topics discussed. I am not a serious rider (more of a runner, not very serious at that either), but I'm always surprised about this. I change data fields and layouts very very VERY rarely. And I use a watch/bike unit for a long time, so for me it kind of seems absolutely negligible, whether I have to take 5 or 15 minutes to do it after the purchase. (Also, I'm not sure about Wahoo, but if I recall correctly, Edges sync the settings and sensor connections to new devices now, so that is essentially reduced to 0 minutes.) Am I alone with this, or are we living in such a wonderful world, that this is one of our biggest issue with our bike computers? :-D Great vid nonetheless, thank you :-) And as an Edge Explore user, I can relate with the missing profile thing. I'm seriously considering to switch to 530.

[@DesFit]

I agree that most people will likely have their data fields set up at home, beforehand. I just wanted to point out the difference to prospective buyers, especially if they are coming from a Garmin device as it would be something different. Thanks Mate!

[@MateHegyhati]

@@DesFit You did an absolutely amazing job listing the pros and cons unbiased ( and silently comparing it to Edge devices between the lines) :-) I'm just always surprised that we don't really have "more important" differences :-D

[@DesFit]

I think that illustrates that devices from many manufacturers are offering a lot, just with a different flavor, so it may come down to user preference. Thanks Mate!

[@dariel7001]

I found one in the park whilst I was walking my dogs. How do I find it’s owner. This looks like an expensive piece of kit

[@artieshokin]

Can it reroute if you cycle off the route?

[@DesFit]

Yup!

[@artieshokin]

@@DesFit thanks!!!

[@explore-western-colorado970]

Fort Collins co 👌

[@DesFit]

🤙

[@atmamont]

2 cents from my 6 months experience: - whenever I miss the right turn and the route is adjusted (blue lines) it always has this blue line cut somewhere in the middle so basically you don't know what is the right direction to go after you reach the end of the line. - GPS sometimes gets 20 minutes to start - it can be easily crashed by zooming the map quickly in and out few times - few times in the middle of the route the main nav line just disappeared and then I had to read small text poining the direction - next interval countdown sound always stops working if you have let's say a lot of intervals to be honest, I think it is one of the worst buys in my life I still don't get why such a shitty device can cost 400 eur

[@coachrobwille4176]

Hi does it do Strava Live Segments ? Thanks

[@DesFit]

Yup! And quite well!

[@jimhansen5395]

I bought one at launch - sadly, the battery life has deteriorated. I went for 3 hour ride and the battery went from 100% to 60% in that time. For a device that supposed to have 15 hours of battery life, this is disappointing...

[@JadenFeddock]

That’s crazy... you’ll have to charge it for every ride soon enough :/

[@DesFit]

The battery life was a little disappointing, for sure. Sorry to hear about that Jim!

[@jimhansen5395]

@@JadenFeddock Charging it for every ride isn't really an issue - I charge everything after every ride anyway. I'm more concerned that the battery life will be be short enough that long rides may result in some battery anxiety. In summer, I often to 100mi plus rides off in the foothills near my home. It's not uncommon to be out for 7-8 hours. I hope I don't have to start carrying a spare battery bank. At the urging of the bike shop where I purchased it, we've opened a support case. We'll see what Wahoo recommends.

[@saifazza2479]

i never find the wahoo roam is stable .The screen will frozen after long ride normally after 300km . Even after i receive a replacement unit, it still have the same problem. Alot of my friend who used bolt or roam before now change to garmin 530 / 830. Never trust roam for long ride .

[@kidShibuya]

Nothing like my experience with the roam. To this day I have never seen anyone testing in a city, I don't believe the roam can handle it. I ride in Tokyo and the roam constantly crashes, especially if I go off route, it locks up then says "installing", then it wont do anything. It's basically useless, I suspect it runs out of memory when the roads are like spaghetti and there are too many options. Worst purchase I have ever made, its left me stranded not knowing where I am several times. I am waiting on a Garmin to come. Also, how come nobody mentions that the auto pause completely blocks your view of the navigation? The only time wahoo let you view the route is while riding, when you should be watching the road. If you stop to see where you are going the all important AUTO PAUSE message comes up... FFS. They put zero thought into the whole product.

[@fisharefriends598]

Damn .. you talk fast.

[@patmaloney1908]

Wahoo elemnt roam elevation is wrong, when I got on to wahoo they told me it has to read more than 121m in 10 km, so on my 200km cycle wahoo can tell me I climbed 10 meters before the would do anything to help me, so really the wahoo roam is useless in Ireland, because Ireland is all hills and hollows

[@podunkman2709]

Screen is terribly small. Hello, we are not in 90s anymore