The Wahoo Elemnt Roam and Elemnt Bolt biking computer systems provide a lot of the identical performance in different-sized packages. Whereas the Wahoo Elemnt Roam might be categorized as mid-sized, the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is extra compact.
Each are used extensively by professional cyclists, with sponsored teams together with EF Schooling, Lidl-Trek, UAE Workforce Emirates, Cofidis and DSM-Firmenich PostNL.
Though, on the floor, the performance supplied by the Elemnt Roam and Elemnt Bolt is analogous, look deeper and there are delicate variations.
Right here, we’ll spotlight these variations; you may learn extra detailed impressions of each Wahoo biking computer systems in our in-depth critiques of the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and Wahoo Elemnt Roam.
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt vs Roam: historical past
Each the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and Wahoo Elemnt Roam have had main updates since their preliminary launches, in 2017 and 2019 respectively.
V2 of the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt was introduced in 2021, changing the monochrome display screen with a 64-colour one, including full mapping as an alternative of breadcrumbs and swapping to USB-C charging. There was a slight case-size enhance and additional storage was added.
The Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2 was introduced in 2022, with updates together with further reminiscence, a 64-colour show and dual-band GPS, though the unit remained the identical measurement.
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt vs Roam: key specs in contrast
Lots is identical between the Bolt and Roam, however under are the important thing variations between the 2 Wahoo Elemnt bike computer systems.
We’ll assume you’re not too fussed in regards to the Roam with the ability to lock into SBAS and NavIC, in addition to GPS, Glonass, Beidou Galileo and QZSS. You’re not going to get misplaced for lack of a satellite tv for pc constellation until you journey right into a cave or a deep lake.
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt vs Roam: show
The Wahoo Elemnt Roam has a 2.7-inch display screen with 240×400 pixels, whereas the Elemnt Bolt’s display screen is 2.2-inch diagonal with 240×320 pixels. Neither is a touchscreen.
Each depart numerous room within the case across the show (the bezel). A few of that is taken up by the three buttons on the decrease face of the unit, whereas extra case area is crammed by an array of LEDs.
The Bolt has a single set of six LEDs above the show, whereas the Roam has 5 LEDs above the show and an extra seven down its left aspect. These might be programmed so as to add a visible cue for knowledge akin to coronary heart fee, with out having to learn the numbers on the display screen – and in addition to point flip path when navigating.
The LEDs can mild up in numerous colors too: pink, inexperienced, blue, yellow or white, including extra differentiation to the info displayed.
With model 2 of each the Bolt and Roam, Wahoo has elevated the display screen show to 64 colors, though neither might be described as vivid. Wahoo says that is intentional, with colors used to spotlight key stats akin to heart rate and power zones, whereas different knowledge is displayed in monochrome, so the essential info is not drowned out by the opposite fields as you journey.
The map display screen makes use of colors extra to assist spotlight options, together with woods and main roads.
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt vs Roam: measurement and weight
The Wahoo Elemnt Roam has a mid-sized case, comparable in measurement to the Garmin Edge 540/840. Its dimensions are 90.5×59.5×20.5mm and the unit weighs 93.5g. The Elemnt Bolt is smaller at 77x47x21mm, weighing 68g.
Each models are provided with a neatly built-in plastic out-front mount, which Wahoo claims is extra streamlined than the usual quarter-turn mount. There’s additionally a stem-top mount within the field. Wahoo’s mounts should not appropriate with Garmin’s.
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt vs Roam: connectivity
The Roam and Bolt differ of their GPS reception. Whereas each can use the GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo and QZSS constellations, the Roam provides SBAS and NavIC to this. It additionally has dual-band GPS reception in comparison with the Bolt’s single-band.
Twin-band GPS is claimed to extend place accuracy, notably beneath tree cowl or between tall buildings.
Whereas each models have a barometric altimeter, to offer extra correct elevation and fee of climb knowledge, solely the Roam provides an accelerometer, gyroscope and compass, which allow it to make use of lifeless reckoning to complement its GPS repair.
Each the Roam and Bolt hook up with different gadgets utilizing BLE or ANT+, each work with the Wahoo Elemnt app on Android and iPhones, and each have built-in WiFi for downloads over the web.
Each will present automobile proximity when used with a rear-view radar and may show electronic groupset knowledge from Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo.
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt vs Roam: options
As you’d anticipate, the Wahoo Elemnt Roam and Elemnt Bolt share a lot of their options. That begins with shut connectivity to the Wahoo Elemnt companion app, which can be utilized for the preliminary setup.
The app then gives performance so as to add and configure knowledge pages and select alert sounds, set the info displayed by the LEDs and extra. You may as well handle linked sensors and WiFi community entry, maps and different performance. Adjustments made within the app are mirrored instantly within the biking laptop when it’s linked.
Each the Ingredient Roam and Bolt now present gradient profiles for hills on a deliberate route and for these encountered when using with out navigation. Each additionally help Strava Dwell segments.
Each the Bolt and Roam incorporate Wahoo’s Good Zoom perform. Utilizing the smartphone app, you select the fields you need to show and their order of significance to you. When using, you need to use the buttons on the aspect of the case to decide on to show fewer fields in a bigger font or extra fields in a smaller font.
Good Zoom is a straightforward strategy to focus in your key knowledge when using onerous. It additionally works on the map display screen to vary the dimensions to see roughly of the map. It may be simpler to make use of when using than attempting to pinch on a touchscreen.
Wahoo has increased connectivity for each the Elemnt computer systems, so now you can management a GoPro, lights with ANT+ connectivity and music whereas using.
If you happen to’re carrying your cellphone when using, each computer systems can present reside monitoring, group rides, public route sharing (for fast switch of routes between customers) and crash alerts. They can even present alerts for cellphone messages, incoming calls and emails.
You should use each computer systems to manage smart trainers too, if you wish to use them for indoor training.
It’s price noting that whereas the Wahoo Elemnt Roam’s 32GB of reminiscence means you may hold a continent’s price of maps on-device, the 16GB reminiscence of the Elemnt Bolt could imply it’s essential handle maps extra actively, deleting some to make manner for brand spanking new ones if you happen to journey someplace new to journey.
The Roam comes pre-loaded with maps of a superb chunk of the world, together with Europe, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and the UAE; principal exclusions are continental Asia, Africa and Antarctica.
The Bolt is extra constrained and consists of Western Europe, North America and Australia. In each circumstances, free maps are downloadable if you wish to journey someplace extra unique.
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