Wahoo ROAM V2 – The BOLT’s Big Brother

Continuing our coverage of Wahoo‘s cycling computers and multisport watch, it’s time to turn our attention to the ELEMNT ROAM V2. It shares a lot with the BOLT, including the aerodynamic profile, but in a larger shape and additional features.

The V2 might look like a subtle upgrade from the V1 with the change from concave to convex buttons at the bottom and USB-C charging port, but there’s more to it than that. Inside, the V2 adds multi-band/dual-frequency GPS, an upgraded 64-color display (similar to BOLT V2, but larger), and much more storage at 32 GB. Even with these increases, Wahoo was able to keep the 17-hour battery life.

Since we are here, let’s cover some of the other basic features before we get on with talking about actually using the ROAM.

Starting off with connections, the ROAM has a dual-band ANT+ and Bluetooth connection, so you can run all the sensors you want, like power, cadence, speed, heart rate, muscle oxygen, continuous glucose monitor (Supersapians) perspiration, crash detection, radar and most importantly, your phone. Your phone is what you’ll use to customize screens and settings, send routes to the unit, get notifications, provide live tracking, connects you other apps (like Strava for starred live segments) and upload your rides afterward, but we’ll talk more about that later. You can also connect through ANT+ FE, allowing you to connect and control smart trainers from any brand, not just Wahoo’s KICKR’s. It also has ANT+ LEV for e-bike integration.

The ROAM comes with built in maps from around the world, which you can add and remove through the ELEMNT app on your phone. It offers turn-by-turn navigation, retraceable routes, saved locations, really all of the options you want and need from a GPS computer. Two of the options I use the most are on-demand rerouting and route to start. Both are fairly common these days, but it also shows how far the market has come in GPS computers.

While I didn’t use the training features, it does allow you to connect to SYSTM, Wahoo’s training platform, and download workouts for both outdoor and indoor use. You can also connect to other popular training sites to import your workouts from there too.

Honestly, that covers most of the highlights. If you really want to dive in, check out Wahoo’s website to geek out, but let’s get on to talking about what it is like to use the ROAM.

I might have mentioned this in the BOLT V2 review, but one of my main issues with the smaller unit is just the smaller screen size, which the ROAM V2 makes up for. At a diagonal 2.7″, it is a full half inch larger than the BOLT. It’s a small increase, but one that my eyes appreciate, especially since I normally don’t ride with prescription lenses. The colors are clear and crisp, and really make it a joy to use. The new buttons that round up instead of down, is also a nice, yet subtle improvement. Not only does it make it easier to find and push when wearing gloves, but it also doesn’t pool mud and water.

Out on the road, just like the BOLT V2, the ROAM V2 just works. I never had an issue with sensors not connecting or the unit not connecting to my phone. Any time I needed to push a route, it did it quickly and flawlessly, letting me spend more time riding, and less time fiddling with tech. Following the route, including getting the alert about turns coming up next from the light bar at the top, made it very easy to concentrate on the road, and not stress about the route. The dual-band GPS was extremely reliable in keeping me on track, even in dense woods in the mountains of northeastern PA.

The ROAM also has the Summit feature, both on routes and on free rides. This was something that came in handy, especially on some of my gravel adventures that included 8,000-10,000′ of climbing. Being able to see the climb ahead with a color coded profile helped me mentally prepare for what was next. I think that is one of the best features that Wahoo has added to their computers recently.

Speaking of gravel, these are typically my longest days in the saddle. I never did completely push the ROAM to it’s limit with battery life, but even after 10 hours on the road, connected to HR, power, and speed sensors, live tracking on my phone, and probably adding another hour of stop time at aid stations, I never came close to running out of battery. My phone on the other hand, was a different story, and I had an external battery and cable in my bag to recharge during the ride.

While I’m not a du- or triathlete, I did play around with the handoff feature between the RIVAL and ROAM, and it worked pretty well. It’s a handy feature for du- and triathletes, allowing you to start your event on the RIVAL watch, go through a touchless transition, and then see your data on your computer (and watch), before transitioning into the final run using the RIVAL. I did a few bike and run combination using the two devices, and everything played well with eachother.

In the box, you get the ROAM V2 unit, an smooth bottom out-front mount, stem mount with zip ties, and a charging cable. It has a quick start guide as well, but honestly, between the ELEMNT app and the unit itself, it guides you through everything you need to know and do. You can also add other mounts from K-Edge, sensors, and even a Wahoo X membership to your order when purchasing right from Wahoo.

At $399.99, it slots in somewhere between the Garmin Edge 540, Edge 830, and Edge 840. The 840 lines up closer to the ROAM V2 as far as features and display size goes, and other than a touchscreen, I think the ROAM V2 holds its own, at $50 cheaper. Not to mention the seamless experience using the app with the unit and the challenges I’ve personally had with Garmin units in the past, I would pick the Wahoo over the Garmin (even the more expensive units) any day of the week.

But what about BOLT versus ROAM? That is a little harder for me to say. Features wise, the BOLT V2 is more of a smaller version of the ROAM V2, with a little less battery life and storage. For me, the battery life and larger screen is more important than saving a few grams in weight.

When it comes to cycling computers, Wahoo continues to be the leader and what you’ll find on my bike when I’m not reviewing. Reliability and ease of use are two of the biggest things I look for, and Wahoo has always stepped up to any challenge I’ve given them. The ROAM V2 improves on an already great computer, and if it fits your budget, would be my top recommendation for cycling computers.

www.wahoofitness.com