Bike computers and watches continue to become more and more advanced, and also becoming bigger parts of our workouts and even our lives. We use these computers to track all kinds of data, provide route guidance, alert us to notifications, and help work us through training plans both inside and out. Many people even wear their sports watches as an everyday smartwatch. We had a chance to put the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM V2, BOLT V2, and RIVAL through rides and runs, and even a few multisport workouts, and they continue to be my personal favorite devices to use.
To give a little background, I was originally a Garmin user for easily a decade, using many different Edge and Forerunner products over the years. They worked well, but there was always a problem with most of them. Sometimes software, sometimes something physical, I always had an issue with every Edge unit I have owned. Forerunners on the other hand, always worked well and rarely had an issue.
I finally had a chance to try the original ELEMNT back in 2016, and have never looked back on the bike. It was easy to set up and use through my phone, tracked just as accurately, and it just worked. It’s been through road, gravel, and cyclocross, and I never had a physical or software issue with the unit. It’s still sitting at home with all of the other computers I have in for review, like the BOLT V2, ROAM V2, and Hammerhead Karoo 2.
I continued to use my Forerunner 925XT for running but longed for a Wahoo watch to bring everything into the same ecosystem. Rumors of the RIVAL had been around for years before Wahoo finally launched its first wrist-based unit in 2020.
The Line
Wahoo eventually branched out from the original ELEMNT and added the BOLT, ROAM, and then the RIVAL watch. Many of the computers’ features are the same, but there are some differences, along with form factors, which help you find the right device for your needs and budget. I’m not going to go into the nitty gritty to talk about exactly which features each computer has, but more point out the differences.
BOLT V2
The original BOLT shrunk things down from the original ELMNT. It was Wahoo’s first push at making an aerodynamic computer by going smaller, shaping the case, and adding a mount that smoothly integrates into the bottom of the case. It has a 2.2″ diagonal screen with 64 colors and 320×240 pixels resolution. The Bolt V2 lacks the accelerometer that you find in the ROAM computers and only has one row of customizable LEDs. Besides those options, the BOLT V2 has most of the same features as the ROAM V1, with a 15-hour battery compared to the larger option’s 17-hour battery.
ROAM V2
The updated version of the ROAM might not look that different from the original, but there are some key differences. The V2 ups the colors on the screen to 64, matching the BOLT V2. Case size slightly increased in size, but you wouldn’t tell, even if they were side by side. One other big external change is the buttons bulge outward instead of being more recessed, which makes it easier to push and helps stop water and mud pooling in them. The V2 adds support for SBAS and NavIC satellites for tracking and is the only model that supports dual-band GPS. It is also the only model with a built-in compass and gyroscope.
If you would like to see a full comparison of features, click here.
RIVAL
Wahoo’s only watch was long awaited by the Wahooligan nation. It is a sports watch that can handle anything from running, swimming, cycling, triathlon, or even daily wear. It has options to select many different activities to track, along with typical activity tracking metrics. It has a handoff feature that allows you to transfer from your ELEMNT computer to the RIVAL, which is great for triathletes. It is a very activity-focused device though, and doesn’t include recovery metrics that you see from brands like Garmin.
So let’s end this here. If you’d like to read a full review on each device, click on the links below as they become available.
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year