Skip to content

Wahoo Fitness releases new aerodynamic ELMNT BOLT computer

  • Ron 

Wahoo Fitness, the leader in workout apps and connected fitness devices, has just released ELEMNT BOLT, the latest model in its growing lineup of powerful, yet easy-to-use bike computers.

Addressing the unique needs of the performance-driven rider, ELEMNT BOLT pairs the ELEMNT’s groundbreaking ease of use and powerful performance with a form factor designed to blend as seamlessly with your bike as it does with your training and racing.

With the introduction of the ELEMNT, Wahoo reinvented how users interact with their bike computer. Leveraging a powerful companion app to simplify setup and customization, they threw out the rulebook governing the cycling computer user experience up until then. Pairing a unique software approach with innovative hardware solutions, Wahoo also introduced game-changing features such as ‘Perfect View’ zoom and its ‘Quicklook’ LED Indicators.

After reinventing the GPS computer just a year ago, Wahoo didn’t rest there. While the ELEMNT took an innovative look at how a cyclist interacts with their computer and data, with the ELEMNT BOLT, Wahoo has redirected its focus onto how the computer interacts with its environment. Collaborating with world-renowned cycling aerodynamics expert Dimitris Katsanis, the same designer behind British Cycling’s revolutionary track bike that debuted at the 2002 Olympics and components of Bradley Wiggins’ 2015 Hour Record, Wahoo Fitness set out to design a bike computer that helped improve your performance, not just record it, while retaining the acclaimed user experience introduced with the ELEMNT.

Introducing ELEMNT BOLT: the first GPS cycling computer and mount developed as an integrated system in order to drastically reduce drag. When tested against leading competitors and their stock mounts , the ELEMNT BOLT system was shown to reduce air resistance by over 50% in real-world conditions. Putting that advantage into numbers, over the course of a 40-kilometer time trial, a rider traveling at 21 miles-per-hour will save 12.6 seconds over a rider using a leading GPS bike computer competitor.

“In recent years the sport of cycling has put a premium on the study of aerodynamics and gaining a mechanical advantage wherever possible. Knowing this, it was Wahoo’s primary goal to create a computer that improved results on the bike, not hinder them. The only way to do this was to think about the end result and work backwards from there. This led us to design the computer and the mount as one; an integrated aerodynamic package. All gains needed to be achieved while also improving the user experience, the core Wahoo promise to its customers.

This forced an iterative design and testing process which resulted in the innovative ELEMNT BOLT system,” said Katsanis. “It seemed silly that professional riders spend hours in the wind tunnel trying to reduce every watt of drag possible on their equipment setup, but until now, no one has focused on the computer design and how it affected performance. Instead, everyone seemed to be perfectly happy settling with the status quo,” said Chip Hawkins, Wahoo Fitness CEO. “We designed the ELEMNT BOLT to provide riders with all of the data they need to perform at their best, while also improving their results.”

ELEMNT BOLT utilizes a high-contrast 2.2-inch display as well as the QuickLook LEDs introduced on the ELEMNT to allow riders easy, at-a-glance access to pertinent ride data as well as call, text and email
notifications. ELEMNT BOLT is equipped with WiFi for over the air updates and both ANT+ and Bluetooth allowing it to connect to sensors of all kinds, as well as most popular electronic shifting systems.

As with the Wahoo ELEMNT, all data fields and page configurations can be customized via the ELEMNT companion app available for both iOS and Android. The app also automates the pairing process for fast, frustration-free setup and personalization.

Pre-loaded with maps from around the world, the ELEMNT BOLT also seamlessly integrates with popular cycling platforms like Strava Live Segments, Best Bike Split Race Plans, and Ride With GPS.

ELEMNT BOLT retails for $249.99 and is currently available for purchase from wahoofitness.com as well as other leading bike dealers.

Tags:
Bike World News