Wahoo Elemnt Roam Bike Computer – Its been about 3+ years since Wahoo released the first iteration of the Elemnt bike GPS computers, in this article I have a look at the latest Wahoo Elemnt Roam GPS, my newest toy for 2020.
Having been a long time user of the Garmin edge 810 device I recently looked into the Wahoo device, I headed on down to my local store and had a good chat to Jake at at Bike Matters Torquay and as they say the rest is history. Merry Christmas to me and December 26th seen me heading out new device fitted.
Wahoo Elemnt Roam Bells Beach Test Ride
Before I jumped into the purchase I spent a few rides asking around the local riders and many seemed to be experiencing some frustrations with the Garmin units, as was I. My latest issue was the device failing mid ride and reseting, and you know what isn’t on Strava didn’t happen! #frustration. As for the functions between the two devices most is either available via an app or something that is very rarely used by the average cyclist. With this understanding I was more comfortable with my decision to drop the cash on the Wahoo device and try something different.
Nearly two months on I can say I’m very happy with my purchase. The price of the unit was reasonable compared to the latest Garmin unit; although when comparing the features of the Wahoo unit it doesn’t seem to have as many of the features of the Garmin 1030. Looking at the current prices listed on each brands site the retail prices have the Wahoo unit listed at $599.95 (AUD) against the Garmin 1030 $749 (AUD). Currently the Garmin 1030 and the Wahoo Elemnt Roam are the top of the range for both brands. As for the variations in features to be honest the only one that I do miss from my older Garmin so far is the alarm function, I used to have this set to remind me every twenty minutes to take a drink and maybe some food.
At the bottom of this article I have listed the extensive list of features of the Wahoo Elemnt Roam, however the best bits so far for me are below:
The ease of use and set up and the added advantage of wi-fi connection when at home.
The light indicators on the head unit, what I thought was a gimmick on the first ride has become a useful tool when training and racing. Set up your heart rate zones (or power if you are so inclined) and watch your zones in lights, I have found this really useful in recent races, particularly crit racing, when making attacks off the front, I can quickly get a read on how hard I’m working and hence how long I have before I pop. The feature is really helpful in the dark, when out on early morning training rides, again the simplicity of the colour coded light helps manage the training zones.
No touch screen, in the age of everything being touch screen I have found the use of tactile buttons to be a simple yet effective tool. Two buttons on the right, enable you to zoom in and out of the current page, the left side one button to power on and off and main menu options. Three buttons along the bottom of the screen enable easy reach. Once you are familiar with the buttons you can effectively feel your way around the device with confidence and hands still firmly holding the bars.
Maps and routes are easy to use and come ready to go on the unit. Although its not something I regularly use, the saved locations and route tracking and planning work really well.
Live Track allows you to share a link by text or email using the ELEMNT Companion App, so that others are able to follow your ride in real-time on the Live Track web portal. This is something I use on all of my rides to enable my family to locate me should something unexpected happen, or keep track of race locations. Yes you do occasionally get busted at the bike store! You will need with the Wahoo app and your smartphone to use this functionality.
The ELEMNT ROAM GPS bike computer makes it simple to explore – whether you need turn-by-turn directions or just want to find the fastest way home. It’s on-device navigation features and powerful integrations are designed to help you roam with confidence.
FEATURES:
NEW! SPECIALIZED ANGI SENSOR INTEGRATION
ELEMNT ROAM works in conjunction with the Specialized Ride App, to support alerts from the Specialized ANGi crash detector. If ANGi detects a potential crash, the countdown timer will appear on the Wahoo display. In the event the rider is OK and doesn’t need to call for help, the alert can be cancelled from the computer itself.
ELEMNT COMPANION APP SET UP
The free ELEMNT Companion App effortlessly guides you through a step-by-step set-up so that you can create customized user profiles, track performance, update maps and firmware, and share ride data effortlessly.
WIRELESS CONNECTION
A truly wireless bike computer with no plugin required (except to charge it)! There’s no need to connect to your laptop to sync ride data, download maps, or update software. All of this can be done via WiFi, Bluetooth, or ANT+.
DUAL-BAND ANT+ AND BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY
Both ANT+ and Bluetooth capabilities allow you to pair any of your preferred devices and sensors. ANT+ RADAR INTEGRATION
Pair your ANT+ Rearview radar to your ELEMNT ROAM to get the real time proximity of vehicles approaching you from behind. ELEMNT ROAM features two unique modes: LED mode will illuminate the side LEDs with color coded lights to indicate the presence and speed of oncoming vehicles. On-screen mode adds a color coded channel and car icons to the left side of the ELEMNT ROAM screen and illuminates the top LEDs to indicate the presence and speed of oncoming vehicles.
GPS FUNCTIONALITY
Integrated GPS with simple, crisp maps for easy navigation wherever you are in the world.
ON-DEVICE TURN BY TURN NAVIGATION
The ELEMNT ROAM will automatically generate turn-by-turn prompts for all routes and file types; including GPX files, TCX files and routes imported from Strava, Ride With GPS and Komoot.
INCLUDES GLOBAL MAPS
Pre-loaded with maps of North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and South America. Maps for Russia, Asia, and Africa that can be downloaded over WiFi.
AUTOMATIC AND WIRELESS ROUTE DOWNLOADS & WORKOUT UPLOADS
When synced with compatible accounts (Strava, Ride With GPS, Best Bike Split, Komoot, MTB Project, SingleTracks), your saved routes will be automatically & wirelessly downloaded to the ELEMNT ROAM. Completed rides will automatically upload to all authorized third party accounts.
ROUTE SYNC VIA BLUETOOTH
All the magic of WiFi route syncing can now be done over Bluetooth! Automatically send any route to the ELEMNT ROAM from your smartphone with the ELEMNT Companion App.
TAKE ME TO (ON-DEMAND ROUTE GENERATION)
Take Me To allows you to create a route with turn-by-turn directions by simply selecting a location directly on the ELEMNT ROAM map page using it’s pan and zoom or by selecting from one of your saved locations. In the ELEMNT Companion App, enter a destination, address, or point of interest and to generate a route with turn-by-turn directions and sync it to the ELEMNT ROAM via Bluetooth.
RETRACE ROUTE (BREADCRUMB TRAILS)
Either directly on the ELEMNT ROAM or in the ELEMNT Companion App, selecting Retrace Route will provide turn-by-turn directions route you back to the starting point of your ride by reversing the route you just rode.
SAVED LOCATIONS
Save your favorite locations either directly on the ELEMNT ROAM or in the ELEMNT Companion App so you can easily generate a route on the fly and get turn-by-turn directions to your frequently visited spots.
GET ME STARTED (ROUTE TO STARTING POINT)
Exclusive to ELEMNT ROAM, Get Me Started is an on-device navigation feature that will give you turn-by-turn directions to the starting point of your route. When selected, ELEMNT ROAM will create a route for you, just follow the blue chevrons and when you reach your planned route, the chevrons will turn black.
BACK ON TRACK (ON-DEMAND REROUTING)
Exclusive to ELEMNT ROAM, Back on Track is an on-device navigation feature that will reroute you with turn-by-turn directions. If you take a wrong turn or veer off course, the ELEMNT ROAM will show blue chevrons directing you back to your planned route, and the chevrons will turn black when you are back on track.
ROUTE TO START (SHORTEST ROUTE)
Exclusive to ELEMNT ROAM, Route to Start is an on-device navigation feature that will find the shortest way back to the start of your ride and create turn-by-turn directions. No need to follow the same route back home!
INTEGRATED OUT-FRONT MOUNT
Unique to Wahoo, the integrated out-front mount creates a cohesive system of the ELEMNT ROAM unit and mount for a sleek look and smooth riding.
INTEGRATED MOUNT LOCKING SCREW
Includes a locking screw that riders can use to secure the computer to the mount. When utilized, the ELEMNT ROAM may remain on the bicycle for weigh-ins for UCI races.
Automatically adjusts screen brightness and LED lights as lighting conditions change both indoors and outdoors.
COLOR 2.7″ DIAGONAL SCREEN
Vibrant, crystal clear color 2.7″ (68.6mm) display makes seeing your data and routes easier than ever.
FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE SCREEN
There’s a page for every element of your ride: a workout view with a complete look at performance metrics, a climbing view to track ascents in real-time, a map view to stay on course, live tracking, and more. All screens are fully customizable from within the ELEMNT Companion App.
USER FRIENDLY BUTTONS
Three tactile and easy to press buttons on the top of the device allow you to quickly toggle through screens for all ride metrics.
INCLUDES VARIOUS MOUNTING OPTIONS
Two sturdy and secure mounting options – aerodynamic out-front and stem – so that you can see your ride where you want.
USB RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
Powered by a USB rechargeable battery with up to 17 hours of battery life.
CUSTOMIZABLE QUICKLOOK LED INDICATORS
Two rows of customizable LED indicators provide a quick visual cue to see if you’re on pace with performance metrics or to follow navigation cues.
PERFECT VIEW ZOOM BUTTONS
Easy to access buttons on the side of the unit allow you to zoom in and out of data fields with just a touch.
LIVE TRACK PORTAL
Live Track allows you to share a link by text or email using the ELEMNT Companion App, so that others are able to follow your ride in real-time on the Live Track web portal. Perfect for keeping you safely located by loved ones, tracked by a coach, or even meeting fellow riders in-route. This feature is only available if you are riding with your smartphone.
TEXT, EMAIL, PHONE ALERTS
Provides on-screen LED and pop-up alerts to notify you when important contacts are trying to reach you. Only available if you are riding with your smartphone, and can be easily turned off with Do Not Distrub mode.
KICKR SMART TRAINER CONTROL
Use the ELEMNT ROAM to control KICKR, KICKR CORE or KICKR SNAP in three different modes – level mode, ERG mode, and routes & ride history mode. In route & ride history mode, the ELEMNT controls the KICKR to automatically change resistance to match the elevation profile of your route.
ANT+ FE-C CONTROL
Use the ELEMNT ROAM to control non-Wahoo Smart Trainers that are equipped with ANT+ FE-C.
ON-DEVICE PLANNED WORKOUTS
TrainerRoad, TrainingPeaks, and Today’s Plan are fully integrated with ELEMNT ROAM. Now you are able to see your training plan, execute structured workouts, and send data back to the apps automatically. Ride your workout plan outdoors or indoors. On a KICKR Smart Trainer, the KICKR will automatically change resistance to match the target power of each interval so you get the most out of your structured workout.
TEAM INEOS STRUCTURED WORKOUTS ON-DEVICE
Preloaded with five structured workouts for you to do indoors or outdoors – two FTP tests and three Team Ineos structured workouts designed by the team coaches.
SOFTWARE INTEGRATIONS: STRAVA, BEST BIKE SPLIT, KOMOOT, RIDE WITH GPS, AND RELIVE
ELEMNT ROAM is fully integrated with your favorite apps:
• Strava: Track your Relative Effort and Live Segments, complete with progress status and the Final Push to help you crush your PR or the KOM.
• Best Bike Split: Guides you during a race with power and speed targets specific to the course and your race plan. If the course route is loaded to your ELEMNT, you can also ride it indoors on any Wahoo KICKR trainer for advanced preparation.
• Komoot: Turn-by-turn directions with pop-up and LED notifications for Komoot routes
• Ride With GPS: Turn-by-turn directions with pop-up and LED notifications for Ride with GPS routes
• Relive: Track your cycling adventures and turn them into beautiful, animated 3D videos so you can relive every awesome moment.
• Find out more with our full list of compatible software.
ELEMNT ROAM is fully integrated with select hardware and will display corresponding metrics:
• Electronic Gear Shifters
• Displays a visual and numerical indication of front and rear gears and gear shifting battery.
• Shimano Dura Ace Di2, SRAM eTAP, FSA WE, and Campagnolo EPS
• Muscle Oxygen Sensors
• Displays saturated and total hemoglobin metrics for your workout or lap
• BSXInsight and Moxy Muscle Oxygen Sensors
• Power Meters
• Displays dual leg power measurement and pedaling efficiency
• Pioneer Pedaling Monitor
• Find out the details with our full list of compatible hardware.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL INTEGRATIONS
Automatically sync your To-Do List from MTB Project and your Wishlist from Singletracks to your ELEMNT over WiFi or Bluetooth
Find new and used bicycles for sale in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and more on Bike Chaser, Australia’s marketplace for cycling products.
If you’re anything like us, you’re passionate about cycling. It’s the freedom of being on a bike, the burning feeling through your legs when you climb a steep hill, the feeling of accomplishment after a big ride and the competitiveness and camaraderie that makes the sport so enjoyable.
And then, of course, there’s all the gear! You’re on a constant hunt for the newest and latest equipment. Equipment that will make your ride feel lighter, faster and perhaps even a little cooler. That’s what we love about cycling (just as much as having that latte at the end of a ride). Bicycles, wheels, components, saddles, handlebars – it’s never-ending and so much fun.
