The Wahoo Rival is on a steep discount and considering that some think the device may be soon dead, it may or may not make sense to get it. Any thoughts on that (and no not you DC lol I already know what you think). 
They tried to enter an already really packed market with absolutely nothing interesting new tech-wise. Of course their name is far from enough to make it alone. So, yes, doomed they are.
I’m all for the new tech, but lately, companies like Wahoo and Form, are really getting it wrong. There’s a limit to the cash a rich random IM person is willing to burn on a whim (and believe me I’m a stupid and willing gullible customer myself!).
Ooof. That was one of DCR’s commentaries in his Wahoo financial analysis.
It’s a good watch, but I have read that it is not selling well. People who love it LOVE IT.
I was so happy when the Rival came out thinking Wahoo would something great and it was underwhelming particularly at the price point it was released. It’s unfortunate they dropped the ball on this one.
I was excited too. Before realizing it was just a fat-ish Garmin that merely saves us two clicks during a triathlon. Now, I’m just waiting for a watch brand to allow us to put music on the device without having to use spotify or other service we have to pay for. I’d buy that.
On the bright side of new tech, the anti-drafting device being tested out of NZ sounds pretty cool. Except of course for the slowtwitch forum about Laidlow’s performance, comments could become scarcer.
Now, I’m just waiting for a watch brand to allow us to put music on the device without having to use spotify or other service we have to pay for. I’d buy that.
It’s cumbersome, but technically the Garmin watches allow you to copy music files directly to the watch and play them.
Now, I’m just waiting for a watch brand to allow us to put music on the device without having to use spotify or other service we have to pay for. I’d buy that.
It’s cumbersome, but technically the Garmin watches allow you to copy music files directly to the watch and play them.
I was under the impression it weren’t possible. But thanks for mentioning, Bufordt; my son and nephews will be looking into making this work from tomorrow wahoo watches just got moved to the very back of the desired-purchase line even more.
I’m selling a NIB Rival that was gifted to me for no other reason than I’m committed to the Garmin ecosystem.
The AMOLED display on the Garmin Epix 2 is the best I’ve seen for an active watch. Wahoo had a high bar to cross just based on that.
Bumping this. At $199 right now, it is probably a good deal. We’ll see if it lives on. But if you’re looking for a GPS watch to run, ride and swim. And don’t need a lot of the extras that Garmin offers. This is probably for you. Also if you’re already in the Wahoo ecosystem.
I say this as I am looking for a new watch. I don’t want to break the bank. And I am not a fan of Garmin. Just looking out there, I could probably get a running watch for $199, but it probably wouldn’t do swimming and biking well. I’m replacing a Garmin 910 from 2010ish… This will be a big upgrade. I also have a Wahoo Bolt and a Roam2.
Anyone have any comments, tips or things I should be aware of, please let me know. (And I do have HR strap and Footpod)
Anyone have any comments, tips or things I should be aware of, please let me know. (And I do have HR strap and Footpod)
Expensive (~$600), but my new Garmin 965 is pretty dang remarkable. Amazing screen, great battery life, great connection to all sensors or broadcast of HR. Great GPS and HR performance, no need for a strap. HRV stuff looks good so far, but jury still out there.
I tried hard to join the Wahoo ecosystem, and used the Bolt on my bikes for a long time. But I’m Garmin now. Garmin’s solved their daytime screen readability issues, their data upload issues (a disaster for a long, long time), it’s all super slick.
It’s for a price, yes. But worth it for me. They’re several years ahead of Wahoo overall.
Anyone have any comments, tips or things I should be aware of, please let me know. (And I do have HR strap and Footpod)
Expensive (~$600), but my new Garmin 965 is pretty dang remarkable. Amazing screen, great battery life, great connection to all sensors or broadcast of HR. Great GPS and HR performance, no need for a strap. HRV stuff looks good so far, but jury still out there.
I tried hard to join the Wahoo ecosystem, and used the Bolt on my bikes for a long time. But I’m Garmin now. Garmin’s solved their daytime screen readability issues, their data upload issues (a disaster for a long, long time), it’s all super slick.
It’s for a price, yes. But worth it for me. They’re several years ahead of Wahoo overall.
Thanks. Yeah, I know the current crop of Bike Computers from Garmin are slick. I just bought the new Roam2 and love it. (Already had a Bolt). I just can’t stomach $600 for time, run pace, HR, Cadence. My garmin 910 still works fine, I did debate going back to Garmin for the 540 or 840, but settled for the Roam2 instead. It has everything I’d want in a bike computer.
Count me in the camp that absolutely LOVED the Rival…except when it didn’t work
My problem with all the new “smart” tech is the proliferation of features just to add stuff for marketing copy without any thought on how the user interface works.
The Rival really cut through the clutter and simplified the entire UI experience. Just tell me how fast and how far I’ve gone and get the heck out of the way during my workouts. Plus Wahoo absolutely nailed the phone to device interface, making setup an absolute breeze.
So why am I currently wearing a Garmin 255 Music then?
Because I went through no joke 5 different Wahoo Rivals in about a 12 month period. First one didn’t display elevation properly. Not a huge deal as I live in Florida but Wahoo sent me a warrantee. Second one had a faulty battery that wouldn’t charge so back it went. Third one had the same battery issue. Fourth one had bluetooth dropouts when paired with my Bolt when doing screen mirroring. Fifth one wouldn’t pair with my Bolt for touchless transition, and the Sixth was back to a bad battery and at that point Wahoo just refunded me completely and I bought the Garmin I’m currently wearing.
I was really hoping to see them try to bring out a Rival 2.0 around the $199-250 price point it could be a winner for them because I think there’s a market for simplicity. But unless they can get the glitches fixed I think the Rival is gonna be doomed
Count me in the camp that absolutely LOVED the Rival…except when it didn’t work
My problem with all the new “smart” tech is the proliferation of features just to add stuff for marketing copy without any thought on how the user interface works.
The Rival really cut through the clutter and simplified the entire UI experience. Just tell me how fast and how far I’ve gone and get the heck out of the way during my workouts. Plus Wahoo absolutely nailed the phone to device interface, making setup an absolute breeze.
So why am I currently wearing a Garmin 255 Music then?
Because I went through no joke 5 different Wahoo Rivals in about a 12 month period. First one didn’t display elevation properly. Not a huge deal as I live in Florida but Wahoo sent me a warrantee. Second one had a faulty battery that wouldn’t charge so back it went. Third one had the same battery issue. Fourth one had bluetooth dropouts when paired with my Bolt when doing screen mirroring. Fifth one wouldn’t pair with my Bolt for touchless transition, and the Sixth was back to a bad battery and at that point Wahoo just refunded me completely and I bought the Garmin I’m currently wearing.
I was really hoping to see them try to bring out a Rival 2.0 around the $199-250 price point it could be a winner for them because I think there’s a market for simplicity. But unless they can get the glitches fixed I think the Rival is gonna be doomed
Wow. That is concerning. Fingers crossed the one I get works…