How to Choose a Bike Computer

Make navigation simple with this cycling computer from Wahoo Fitness GPS. It has a large, anti-glare display with touch-screen convenience. And its robust construction is adventure-ready.






Imported.
View the Wahoo Fitness ELEMNT Product LineView all Wahoo Fitness Cycling Computers| Best Use | Cycling |
|---|---|
| GPS Tracking | Yes |
| Current Speed | Yes |
| Maximum Speed | Yes |
| Average Speed | Yes |
| Speed Comparator | Yes |
| Odometer | Yes |
| Trip Distance | Yes |
| Auto Start/Stop | Yes |
| Clock | Yes |
| Cadence | Yes |
| Altimeter | Pressure-based |
| Temperature | Yes |
| Target Zone Indicator | Yes |
| High/Low Target Heart Rate | Yes |
| Exercise Log | Yes |
| Illumination | Backlight |
| Smart Device Notifications | Yes |
| Low Battery Indicator | Yes |
| Batteries | Lithium |
| Battery Life | Up to 25 hours |
| Wireless | Yes |
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First bike computer coming over from cellphone/quad lock. I scoured the internet for recommendations and chose this model. Fairly easy to set up in the app (preferences, sounds etc) and the features are easy to use in the unit. I used the included stem mount (instead of the out front) and I think I will need to use something grippier than just the zip ties. Not loose, but on roughy terrain I could see it slipping some. Screen is bright enough in full sun with shades on, but the touch screen layer plays a part in dimming it a bit at least compared to a cellphone screen. Battery life was not affected by maximum brightness setting. Buttons are easy to use and reach. I appreciate the “click” feel to let me know I pressed hard enough. My unit missed a few miles when I had paused then started again (I was checking out a new gravel area, so lots of stops and orienteering), but I don’t think that will happen again on a normal ride. Overall, pretty satisfied and I don’t have to worry about wrecking my phone as a nav computer.
I returned my Garmin Edge 1050 because I felt the interface to be clunky and unintuitive. If you’re already familiar with Garmin products that may be a different story, but for me it was a quick no. The Wahoo is so easy to use, with voice turn by turn directions and a built in bell. I know the Garmin has some or all of those features and more, but it was too clunky. I appreciate Wahoo’s ease of use. I only wish the bell could be integrated with Shimano or SRAM buttons.
Loved my Bolt v2 but lost it. Decided to spring for the Roam v3. Unfortunately, it's probably getting returned for the following reasons: 1. The screen is so much harder to read outdoors, especially when it's a bright sunny day and your shadow is over the display. The Bolt v2 screen was fantastic in comparison. Part of this is due to poor, mystifying UX design choices with very little contrast, but the new screen technology they chose also seems at fault. This is a common complaint if you search on forums. 2. I was excited about the digital bell, but it doesn't work on the map screen, only the data-only screens. It's also not that loud when riding. 3. They made other baffling UX design choices with this new OS, like having the "Ride resumed" notification cover the entire screen for multiple seconds (???). I start and stop frequently when mountain biking, with auto-pause turned on, and the device becomes temporarily unusable every time it resumes recording. The Bolt v2 just did a small notification that didn't cover the entire screen. I do like the new ride profiles feature so I can have different data fields for different bikes. But I'm honestly just so disappointed this $450 bike computer mostly feels like a downgrade to the older, smaller model.
I love the Roam. The advancements they’ve made on this version are worth the upgrade if you are on an older version. The enhanced colors and touchscreen make this a great computer. As always, it is easy to mange the computer from you phone.
The software is a huge disappointment. The user interface is significantly different than the existing software and there is very limited information on these changes. Wahoo has terrible product support - no manuals, no chat service available and AI what doesn't answer many questions. What information there is on its website is confusing and unclear. This is a bike computer that costs almost $500 and most of its features are not usable.
Product kept losing GPS. Have a service ticket on this for them to look into.
Excellent Computer- I download maps from Ride with GPS. Set up was not as easy as I remember from previous Wahoo computer and this uses a different app (Wahoo rather then Element), which doesn't see to have as much connectivity (yet). Touch screen is good. I had the original element and this was worth the upgrade.
Bought this to replace a hard to use Garmin 540. Very easy set up and map loading. I found the user interface much more straightforward vs Garmin. Used many times in CO and Europe, guidance was clear, got me back on track if we missed a turn. Love the touch screen and buttons.