Does anyone have experience with the Wahoo Elemnt or other bike computers? I have been using Garmin products, but I have had two of their cycling computers die in three years, so I am looking at switching to a different brand. I want something that is Bluetooth compatible so I can pair it with my phone and download data without having to physically connect the cycling computer to anything. It also needs to be compatible with my Stages power meter. It also needs to be able to fit on the stem between my aero bars (something that was extremely difficult with the Garmin 1000). I don’t care about mapping functions.
Thoughts? Experiences?
Your timing is fortunate. DC Rainmaker just put up a comaprison of the Edge vs the ELEMNT
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/07/best-bike-gps-2017-garmin-wahoo.html
I poked around this issue for a month before buying the Elemnt. The most significant difference to me was the Elemnt’s ability to “scale” the display. By hitting a button you can make the display gradually larger or smaller. When I hit my late 40’s I had to start wearing reading glasses so little itty bitty #'s are now a nogo.
There’s a sale going on right now where Wahoo will refund $80(?) of the purchase price to you if you send them your old GPS enabled bike computer.
I just picked up an Elemnt Bolt. Keep your eyes in the ST classifies, as there are some new ones in box occasionally at a discount.
I just bought a bolt. Went back and forth between Bolt, 520, and 820.
Updated live tracking on Bolt was what sold it for me. DCrainmaker had an article on it and for me being able to easily have my wife see where I’m at was a big plus.
Looked at full size Elemnt with the $80 off but it was just too giant for me. So stuck with smaller Bolt.
I picked up the Elemnt at the beginning fo the season, the biggest draw for me was razor sharp/scalable data fields and easy real time setup via your smart phone. I previously had a Garmin 510 that was showing its age and I’m very happy overall with the Elemnt.
I’ve had the “full size” Elemnt since January and it’s been brilliant.
It’s never frozen, syncs easily to my phone (Android), picks up my Stages 6800 power-meter even when out front.
It comes with an aero-bar mount, but I’ve not tried it so cannot comment on it’s usability.
As mentioned, the live tracking was updated last week and it’s now MUCH better (or so my wife says). DCR has also done a post on this updated feature.
It’s a bit bigger than most Garmin units, but it’s very robust and the battery life is excellent. It’s also very easy to read in all conditions, unless you go into a tunnel and forget to turn the backlight on.
I’ve got the Bolt (came from a 500) and love it. It’s very easy to work compared to the Garmin products. Most everything is done via the app and is super quick.
I have used the Elemnt for one year. It has been flawless. Far superior usability and reliability vs. all Garmin bike computers I have used.
That was useful. Thanks.
I’d be worried that my fiancee would realise how little time I spend actually training, and how much monstering coffee.
Does anyone have experience with the Wahoo Elemnt or other bike computers? I have been using Garmin products, but I have had two of their cycling computers die in three years, so I am looking at switching to a different brand.
As others have said, the BOLT seems rock solid. I find it very easy to use and very easy to read. (The display really is amazing.) Best part for me is automatic WiFi uploads to Strava. Most of the time I ride from my house, so the ride ends right outside my garage (and in range of my home WiFi). By the time I unclip, remove my helmet/glasses/gloves, stash the bike on a rack, and come inside, the workout’s already uploaded. It happens automatically with no action on my part.
Having said that, if you want to save some money, the Lezyne computers are also pretty good.
anyone else curious if Wahoo will ever make a GPS running watch?
I feel like they would integrate the 2 worlds better than Garmin currently does
I just bought a BOLT on Monday, ended up using their extra 10% off on accesories (not the BOLT sadly), to get the whole package but with the Tickr Run instead of the regular Tickr for less then $17 more then their pre-packaged deal.
Reading this post has me really looking forward to getting this computer. I wonder how well the GPS tracker will work during a race? If it works well, you just carry the head unit with you from the bike until the finish, you save $35 or so everytime from renting an official tracker (for those that like more accurate location for friends/family).
anyone else curious if Wahoo will ever make a GPS running watch?
I feel like they would integrate the 2 worlds better than Garmin currently does
I thought about that too recently. It would make sense to add it as they have the Bluetooth Tickr heart rate strap. Maybe they are gauging the success of their bike computers as a way to determine if a run watch would be worth it.
Wouldn’t that necessitate carrying your phone and the Elemnt for the whole bike and run?
Wouldn’t that necessitate carrying your phone and the Elemnt for the whole bike and run?
I dont know, havent gotten mine yet. I thought since it was GPS enabled, you didnt NEED the phone to ping a location and you would only need it to get directions…maybe i am wrong?
I will test after I get it figured out and respond back.
Does anyone have experience with the Wahoo Elemnt or other bike computers? I have been using Garmin products, but I have had two of their cycling computers die in three years, so I am looking at switching to a different brand.
As others have said, the BOLT seems rock solid. I find it very easy to use and very easy to read. (The display really is amazing.) Best part for me is automatic WiFi uploads to Strava. Most of the time I ride from my house, so the ride ends right outside my garage (and in range of my home WiFi). By the time I unclip, remove my helmet/glasses/gloves, stash the bike on a rack, and come inside, the workout’s already uploaded. It happens automatically with no action on my part.
Having said that, if you want to save some money, the Lezyne computers are also pretty good.
I’m sure the Bolt is great, but in terms of nearly instant post-ride upload via either wifi or via Bluetooth connection to my phone, my Garmin already does exactly what you describe.
Wouldn’t that necessitate carrying your phone and the Elemnt for the whole bike and run?
I dont know, havent gotten mine yet. I thought since it was GPS enabled, you didnt NEED the phone to ping a location and you would only need it to get directions…maybe i am wrong?
I will test after I get it figured out and respond back.
Live tracking only works when the Elemnt is connected to your phone.
Your phone needs to be switched on, and the application open for it to work.
Not that it necessarily helps, but a new flavor of the ELEMNT is coming very soon. I’m not sure what else I’m allowed to say at this time.
Watch the Wahoo website August 1.