I don’t see how Roam fares poorly vs. the new $400 Garmin, once the upcoming software updates are done (e.g. turn-by-turn, Trailforks, etc).
Wahoo’s problem is that the ROAM competes head-to-head with a $300 Garmin with more features. It has no shot against the $400 830. It is just the next iteration of the BOLT with a $130 price increase. Garmin only increased their price $30.
The $300 Garmin has:
Longer battery lifeFaster processor
Better screen
Mapping (until ROAM updates someday)Custom appsLots of performance analysis features (the FirstBeat stuff)
Lots of gizmo features (the radar, lighting, battery extension, etc. stuff)
If you cherry-picked down to just the essential features for displaying, capturing, and uploading a ride, it would still be uphill against an $80 cheaper unit. It is like this sucker is DOA because of price. Now, if it undercut the 530 at a $250 or $280 price point, it might have a shot.
I respectfully disagree on a few points and why i no longer use Garmin. Their advertised battery life is never correct, to the point of being dishonest. My 510, 520, and 1030 were nowhere near their advertised battery life. Conversely, my bolt is 100% correct on its battery life. The screen on the bolt and roam is what makes it so good. It is easy to read in all light conditions and in the rain. I don’t need to be entertained when looking at my power numbers, i just want to see my numbers quickly and easily. Wahoo excels at this. Finally, the mapping on the bolt has been 100% fine for lots of gravel races on roads that are unmarked. The new features that are soon to be released will meet 100% of consumers needs.
I do not understand Ray’s comments on speed? Shane Miller has a video on the unit and it looks very fast and no issues. I really have no idea how this is a problem. Seriously, what the heck are you doing while riding that this is needed?
To me the other selling point is the update stability of the software from Wahoo and the ease of use. That right there is a huge selling point that is not being addressed. I have never had an issue with my bolt, never a lost file, never dropped data. My 510, 520, and 1030 have all had issues with setup, lost files, or needed regular reboots. The wahoo has been flawless. I still have problems with my 1030/520 connecting to my phone whereas the bolt connects instantly.
The price is the other concern. I think they needed to come it at 300 or 330, 379 is a bit high. I suspect they will drop the pricing this year, but still if this was at 300 it would be a killer. Wahoo in the road racing world is doing very well. The bolt is the most popular computer at big races so far this season (from what i have seen). The gravel market seems to be split between the Bolt and 1030. I think the biggest problem for Wahoo is their bolt is so good it leaves little reason to upgrade to this unit other than for increased screen size.