Garmin Edge 830 Vs Wahoo Elemnt Roam | Top Tier Cycling Computers Put to the Test | Cycling Weekly 

I am in the market for a bike computer and am already frustrated just watching this video. It feels like both of these were design in 1999.

Have had numerous Garmin devices 705, 810 820 and even tried the 530. They were all far too finicky to set up and work and the 530 had to be paired with the phone umpteen times. Moved to an ELEMNT after the 820 piece of rubbish and loved its simplicity in terms of set up and use. Now have a ROAM and equally impressed. If I'm training, I want to see what matters, not some complicated screen full of hard to see data. If I want detailed post ride analysis, I can use Training Peaks for a subscription or Golden Cheetah for free. Give me Wahoo over Garmin any day now.

Switched from Garmin to Wahoo Elemnt Roam a few months back. Best decision I made in 2019.

I switched to Wahoo from a Garmin 1000 a year ago. I have the Bolt on my my main bike and the Roam on my tourer. The best decision I've ever made apart from getting divorced. Garmin has had a monopoly for too long and will now have to up it's game massively.

I have the Wahoo Elemnt and believe it or not many people ride in Winter and have to wear gloves. So in that respect a GPS with real buttons wins every time. Any device that has a touchscreen is simply not up to the job in Winter as you are unable to use the screen - oh and before anyone suggests touch-friendly gloves - you've been had they absolutely do not work - ever!

My Garmin 1000 went pop so been deciding on replacing with 830 or roam and was heading towards keeping with Garmin as I know the format. This has confirmed that sticking to Garmin and going for 830 best option for me. Thanks

Nobody talks about crash alert on Garmin which is absolutely amazing, I did crash one's and the computer sent a message with exact location to my partner, how good is this, that's why I will always stay with Garmin, their products are well though in all the aspects.

6 grams difference in weight. "So that's quite a significant difference..." WTF! Serious? Sneeze and you're less 6 grams!

Best review I've seen so far. I see plenty of cyclists complaining about Garmin battery and went to Wahoo, but in fact they are usually comparing a 3+ old Garmin with a brand new Wahoo. I was glad to see the new 830 has a great battery life comparable to Wahoo. I own a 820 Edge for 4 Years and even though I had some issues with it, I really liked, especially on mapping turn by turn. I was between going to 830 or Wahoo Elemnt Bolt instead of Roam, but my gut still says 830 for me... Still undecided. One thing is I still check reports and look at plenty of data on Garmin Connect website because Strava doesn't let me customise their reports. If I go to Wahoo I will lose it all. Has anyone tested BOLD and 830 to give a perspective? Thanks for the great review. And for Garmin 820 Users, how better is the 830? Or should I just replace the battery of my 820 and keep using it?

Now can you do an Elemnt Bolt vs edge 530 video please.

I've seen way too many "Garmin failed" Strava posts to ever have confidence in one of their devices. I've had a Wahoo for 3 years, and it has never once failed. Extra features and color aren't very important if the device screws up your ride.

A lot of people switched from Garmin to Wahoo. However I'm sticking with Garmin for two features which are missing on Wahoo and I love them. One is little Garmin Remote which allows me to control the device without removing my hands from handlebars and second are Ride Profiles which I adore - one for training, one for roaming through country-side and one for city riding - quite tricky to configure but I'm loving this :)

With the Elemnt you need a phone to setup your screen on the fly - with Garmin you can do it directly on the Edge 830. And seen I ride without phone, that is a big + for me

FWIW... I've owned the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. While I love the ease of setup and excellent UI, the build quality over time was nowhere near the Garmin 520. The case is made of a cheaper plastic like a toy gun is made of. Buttons are covered by a cheap rubber/plastic gasket. The first unit I owned got a fried screen when I pressed one of the three top buttons. This was after only one year of use. Wahoo eventually sent a replacement unit. The replacement unit has had some software glitches along the way, but now it no longer syncs my routes on Strava. Also, the rubber gaskets that cover the buttons have all come out, requiring me to hold them on (and keep the unit from taking on water) using electrical tape. Wahoo CS would not replace the unit. So, on 'longevity' (which most reviewers ignore), the Wahoo is no great shakes. Two units in two years is not what I expect when I shell out over $300 for a computer. I left Garmin for Wahoo after having so many frustrating experiences with Garmin's clunky software and their general, "let them eat cake" approach to CS and fixing software issues. OTOH, build quality was much better and I had an old 500 that lasted 6 years. Now that Garmin seems to have upped their game on software and UI (especially with the touch screen on the 830), plus, given Garmin has a much nicer color screen for navigation, I'm going back to Garmin to replace my busted Wahoo. Now I just need to decide if I want the 830 with touchscreen or the 530 with buttons. Ultimately, glad to see Garmin have a competitor in Wahoo. Both companies are getting better at responding to the many issues and failings of their hardware and software, plus prices are more reasonable. Win win.

Thank you for the great Head 2 Head comparison. As a Wahoo user, I was getting the itch to purchase a Garmin because it looked shiny & new. That said, your demonstration actually shown me I'm best sticking with my Wahoo.

Rupert how is the Garmin touch screen when wearing full finger gloves? And what about sweat dripping on the screen does that change/activate things. I had that problem when I had a smart phone prior to a cycling computer.

A frustrating thing that seems to get missed by most reviews is that Strava Live Segments don't work on the Garmin units when following a route unless the segments are embedded in the route itself, and even then not all segments get included in the route Strava builds if there are a lot of them, so the segment you're interested in might be missing completely. With the Wahoo, *all* your starred segments are on the unit just like with the Garmin, but the difference is that on the Wahoo they all work all of the time.

The Wahoo is the much better device for navigation. The detailed map is much stronger. They differentiate clearly between different road qualities. This is essential for a roady or gravel rider. Navigation together with data files and so on. I also don't agree to say the wahoo is not meant for power users. Those can use additional devices like a Garmin or Polar watch to have all training plans on them. You also missed out the LED stripes on the wahoo. Which you can use for power or turn navigation or whatever. Those LEDs you can also recognize with not seeing the numbers.. Not mentioned that touch screens are not working in rain and sweat... Buttons are working always and the only robust way to stop, start and doing whatever in sports. We are riding not only in sun shines and clean roads and sometime we are sweating a lot. comments below...

Wahoo has always supported ant+. The radar support is indeed new, but ant+ has always worked perfectly fine on the element and element bolt.

I've had the Edge 830 for a year now, and it has very dangerous aspect to the touchscreen that wasnt mentioned in this video. Moisture. If that screen or your fingers have any type of moisture on it, the screen becomes very unresponsive. Those seconds fiddling with the touchscreen could cost you dearly. After a few hours of riding one day my hands were sweaty and I nearly got run over because I was too busy trying to swipe on the screen.

I actually prefer the buttons on the Wahoo Roam after switching from Garmin.. I found the touch screen a pain specially after hours, when you're dripping sweat or if you're riding in the rain.. the screen gets a little more difficult to use, and for the gravel riders, try using the touch screen going along... its a nightmare.. Wahoo set up and use is just 100% winner for me.

I went for the 530 in my opinion the better choice, it's cheaper than both of these and it has 95% of the function of the 830 and the main difference is that the 530 has no touchscreen but for gloves buttons are the better choice anyways!

Thanks, great review of Both products. I am looking to upgrade from my wahoo rflkt+ and I was wonder how each device works with Trailforks as I spend most of my time off road on the trails?

Decent review. Any chance of getting a Karoo Hammerhead to pitch up against these two?

I’ve used the Garmin 830 but found it useless in the rain my only solution was to lock the screen . Issues with iPhone connection as well. I now have the Roam and find it excellent with no connection issues , the Garmin does look better but if want a computer that does what it’s supposed to do then go with Wahoo.

I never had any issues with Strava and turn by turn navigation! I never used anything else with my Wahoo Elemnt Roam!

It's interesting that I'd totally agree with the way the points are allocated on this review. However I'd easily opt for the Wahoo anyday. It's very much a product that's been designed with the KISS ('Keep it simple stupid' ) principle in mind.

What about changing a battery, is this possible or do you have to send in the device?

I use Garmin connect , can I still upload my ride from the Wahoo to connect? If so how easy is it.... thanks

So just get a garmin 530, only difference between it and 830 is the touchscreen. Cheaper than roam too.

All valid review points. On the ease of setup, I managed to pair and configure a new Wahoo Elemnt Roam while riding; Good luck doing that with a Garmin. Also there's one matter not discussed in the review: reliability. It's the primary factor for many people who ditched their Garmins for Wahoos, myself included.

I looked 2 years ago to but a computer for the bike and after much review bought the wahoo. I upgraded to the roam last November and use all year round with gloves on for both on and off road use. The creation of routes with komoot or ride with gps gives turn by turn navigation and gives alternatives in blue breadcrumbs within a second of going off the track. I now use the garmin varia radar for solo rides and this integrates very well onto the wahoo. When riding with a buddy the Ant plus can be shared to other riders so multiple riders get the "car back " message. Angi support now available for crash awareness. Wahoo stuff just works.

I use a Garmin 830 on my gravel bike in conjunction with a Shimano DI2 gearshift. You can program the switches on the dungeon handles so that you can control the Garmin computer such as switching sides. I don't know if you can do that with the Wahoo.

I’ve been using the Wahoo ELEMNT for about 3 years now. It does exactly what I need and is very accurate. I don’t foresee replacing it, but if I do, I’ll certainly consider the Garmin.

I had the Garmin 810 and then 820 for many years and gave up on the flaky firmware and dodgy screen response to move to the Wahoo Roam and have found it rock solid to use. The new 830 screen looks far more responsive than previous models and navigation screens better than Wahoo so might be worth a look. You can’t beat Wahoos connection with phone app though. For somebody like me that is loading new RideWithGPS routes every week, the beautiful integration to load routes with a couple phone clicks to the Wahoo is magic

Does Wahoo comes with speed sensor that goes to the rear wheel because I do lot of wind trainer rides,than k you.

Quite interesting comparison, Congrats!!! 👏🏻 I have owned first a Bryton 310 for the simplicity, but later on, I choose for an Edge 520 due to the colors&maps. Then, I decided to give a try to iGPSPORT 620 looking for bigger size at low cost. However, I found out reliability issues lately on this last option 🤷🏻‍♂️ For this reason, weighting ALL the PROS&CONS among the brands I owned + reviews about Wahoo, the final decision for an upgrade was to move to my new Edge 830 !!! This high end little pall syncs perfect with my magene sensors, as well as works fine with my bontrager ion/flare lights set. The data flows easily to/from Connect and/or Strava 🤙🏻 Touch screen?! Simply LOVE without any complains related to gloves and moisture 👍🏻 I honestly can say that the 830 fits perfectly in all aspects that make the MTB Rides funny, smooth & safe 🤩🍀☀️ See ya, blue skies

I've been using the Roam for a few weeks now. Absolutely amazing, simple to setup, battery lasts incredibly long. I commute everyday (30 minute journey) and by the end of the second week it was only at 70% battery. Awesome features overall. Highly recommend. Only negatives are: - Options for handlebar mount. Unless you have a circular handlebar then you will have trouble getting the mount to fit firmly on the handlebar. I had to use the stem mount unfortunately which isn't bad at all, just less FOV when looking down. - The main 3 buttons on the bottom of the display aren't tactile enough to the point where you feel you have pressed the button correctly. I find myself having to press it a few times before it registers the button press. Just a minor issue for me.

Great video! 14 grams. "Quite a significant difference in weight" 😂

To clarify things about the GPS, the real name is GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). GPS is the US GNSS, GLONASS is russian, Galileo the EU and BeiDou is from China. I know we are used to calling it a GPS but it's the wrong term. The selection of GNSS in units as nothing to do with your riding style or tree coverage but rather where you are on the planet. In america, most devices can use data from both GPS and GLONASS.

Do you know if the Wahoo will list the remaining climb and remaining distance like the Garmin can with a router?

So if you haven't got a smart phone you just can't setup the Wahoo at all? Or can whatever you're doing on a smart phone all be done on the Wahoo itself, albeit it would be more time consuming?

Great review. On the bolt, and will be sticking with Wahoo when time comes to change. Also fascinated by the way you pronounce 'button'

Question: To use the connect browser, does one need a usb or usbc cable?I have found that very finicky with my older Garmin 1000. It simply won't connect to the computer. Could be that it's old. I had to purchase special garmin usb cords - which helped for a while, but no longer allow me to connect to the browser to set up rides on the devise. Can one connect to the browser via wifi or bluetooth?

My Garmin 830 works great for me and especially impressed by economy mode when I did a 3 hour ride yesterday and came back with 85% battery power! When I needed to make a turn or came to a junction it lit up automatically. When I needed to check I am on my route - just touch the screen. It has never failed me in almost a year (touching wood) and is small compact and I think looks far better than Wahoo. That said I have never used a Wahoo product. I also use a Garmin watch (VivoActiv4 for cycling skiing and walking) and a Garmin SatNav in the car and makes it so much easier just updating everything using the one interface on my laptop. I am also a plug and play guy and found it very easy to set up..

Thanks for excellent review. Hope you can answer my question: I am above beginner but not expert and have been cycling consistently for past two years around a big road/track 2/3 times per week. Because I’ve improved a lot, I want to start measuring my performance but also have a computer that can train me as I ride. For example, improve my cadence, power, speed etc. Ideally, I want all the equipment (cadence sensor, computer, smart phone, heart rate monitor etc.) all on my bike and me. I don’t have a smart trainer and probably won’t. If you can recommend a setup, it would be very much appreciated. Thanks and subscribed!

I have fenix 6 watch and hope to use the HR and display it on the bike computer. Can wahoo accept the HR from fenix and display it together with other stats?

Would be good to include reliability and support. I am sick of my Garmin breaking down and then getting either no support or expensive repairs. I want to swap away from Garmin but it still seems better device but support might sway me

I have been using an Edge 800, never used the navigation so far, but I have been using it for so long now , I would be lucky I get more than 7 hours ( the battery is not as efficient as it was). I will eventually replace it probable with another Garmin unit, cause I know of a few longer rides I would like to do where Navigation will be key.

Very good review. I would suggest price should be a factor in assessment. But good review - I will likely go with Wahoo as I am not a fan of the touch screen.

when weighing the units you should include the mount as well since that is required when the unit is on the bike

I like the look of the climb feature on teh Garmin, % of climb completed etc. IS there anything similar on the Wahoo?

On 24th July 2019, Shane Millar uploaded *Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM: Strava Route Turn-By-Turn Navigation Update* yet at 13:32 our host here says it doesn't work. I was hoping to buy one of these but I'm confused now : - (

Hi!! Question... What would be your recommendation between Garmin 1030, Garmin 830 or Wahoo Roam today 3/20/20 knowing that the 1030 price has been dropped (due to new model coming up). Is still worth it getting into a 2017 model with the newer versions 830 or Roam available? Thanks much!

Just got the the 2021 Wahoo Roam - the Strava integration is flawless so far.

Thank you, liked and subscribed!! 🚲🚲

The big one that was not mentioned is reliability. Garmin is notorious for having software issues, join a Garmin forum and you see why. Faulty elevation, not picking ip sensors, issues with ride uploads via mobile. All my friends including me have gone through numerous Garmin units before switching to wahoo. What a Garmin has is brand recognition which continues to sucker in new buyers.

After watched your video, I had made up my mind which one to buy! Thanks a lot!

In a rainy riding the Garmin touchscreen is working fine or.. Not so soo?

Sometimes, really seems like people that opt for anything other than Garmin, they do it just for that. Going for something else then Garmin. Yes they are around for a long time. No, they are not perfect. But there is a reason for them to be around for so long: they still are at the top of the game.

but touch screen doesn’t work well for bike computers. Sweaty fingers, gloves, sweat drops, dirty fingers all are like kryptonite for touch screens, not to mention these mentioned things make the screen dirty from being touched. Wahoo Roam does need to fix their button issue though, it was easier with the elemnt.

Great video, it helped a lot with deciding which one to get. I have seen many videos comparing both and you said something that is seldom mentioned: the navigational issues with the Wahoo. Starting a route somewhere else other than the starting point and the device telling you to make a U-turn to go back to original starting point is just unacceptable. If you're traversing unknown roads on a long trip that pretty much sets the GPS useless. I love so many things of the Bolt over the Edge, but the main reason I'm getting a computer in this price range (vs a sub-$100 one) is the navigation. If Wahoo can't do that autonomously and well, I'm left with getting the Edge.

Great video,thanks for the good review.I’m thinking about to change to Wahoo.I just noticed the “EF” t-shirt, is there a story behind? I’m going to travel with EF soon.It’s funny how the world is connected :)

Very good review. Thank you for it.

Just my 2 cents but having had Garmin and Wahoo I would choose the Wahoo every time. Setup is incredibly easy on the Wahoo. The fact that routes automatically are added to the Wahoo means for me the Wahoo wins hands down on navigation, The battery life is far superior on the Wahoo, Garmin can claim anything they want but a year old Garmin's battery will not last half as long as when it was new. Touch screens are great for mobile phones but for a cycling computer in the rain or wearing gloves, buttons are far easier. I also completely disagree with your statement that the Garmin is better for cyclist with specific training requirements. The ability to seamlessly link apps like training peaks to the Wahoo and have planned workouts automatically display when you turn your Wahoo on, to me makes the Wahoo far better for training than being able to create plans on the head unit. Lastly, why do Garmins need to beep so much, I drive me mad in the bunch when everyone's Garmins are constantly beeping?

Ok I watched your video , but you did not answer my question. I currently have a Garmin and like it with one big exception it does not record elevation gain correctly. I have talked to Garmin many times and gotten new devices also ,they all keep haveing the same trouble. Example Saturday I rode 34 miles and the device said I did 607 ft of gain . When I got home I went to Garmin Connect and it corrected to actual gain of 1,800ft gained. This is driving me nuts. Is Wahoo any better.

is the roam also good for MTB (Trails etc) or just for roadbikes? i have both, mtb and road and i'm looking for al "one to it all" device. So, currently i'm standing between the ROAM and the Garmin 830.

Am a recent roam convert. Still trying to figure things out. For the off course and back to route function to work, do I need to have the local map downloaded to the roam? I was afraid of space on the roam so I didn't download any maps on the device. When I traveled to a different state and got lost, the roam kept buzzing off course and rerouting but it never showed me blue arrows to get back on track. Do I need to have the local maps stored for the rerouting option to work when I go off course? Thank you.

Having been a garment user for the last 7 years, with reluctance i bought a wahoo roam just before Christmas, IMO the navigation and screen are far superior to the garment. For starters i can see the screen on the roam in the sunshine, not just glare and reflection. I have never been “lost” so far with the Wahoo, with my 810 this happened at least once a month. I have the top LEDS on the Wahoo set to indicate the turn direction when navigating, saves staring at the screen when approaching junctions. And with the side LEDs set for power i can see if I’m am in the power zone i want to be in at a glance. Also with the Wahoo, I don’t suffer from accidental button presses, stopping rides 1/2 way through. I could go on for hours about how much better the Wahoo is over a Garmin, but the best thing to do is try one, I wont be going back to Garmin for the foreseeable future.

Does the rear radar light drain the 830 like it does my 520 !! It's brilliant but it drains the battery very quickly

Can you compare these two to the Hammerhead Karoo aswell?

Liked and Subcribed, Video with lot of information. Thanks

Thank you! Perfect video!

Don't care for touch screens with gloves on. Gimme physical buttons.

How about the Bryton Aero?

I am going from Garmin Edge 1030 to the Wahoo Elemnt Roam. The reason is navigation. Wahoo does draw "arrows" on the way I should follow, where Garmin is changing color to a different-to-see color (teal?). Impossible to follow the map on Garmin.

Great video. I hadn't realized there was no site based metrics for Wahoo... that's a deal breaker for me... guess I'll be getting another Edge.

I ride with gloves 100% does the Garmin work with gloves. I also ride in the rain often, does that affect the touchscreen much? Do they have maps for Germany?

Can you comment on which is easier to see in sunlight/shadows and in terms of screen resolution? The Garmin has a glossy screen and would be harder to see I would think, than the matte finish of the Wahoo?

Unfortunately I'm one of those riders who, errr, sweats a lot! I had a Garmin 800 a few years ago and got really fed up with the way that sweat drops cause erroneous touch screen entries and render the device virtually unuseable, it's a similar story with my Garmin Vivoactive smartwatch in the swimming pool. On a friend's recommendation I bought a Wahoo Elemnt a couple of years ago and have never looked back, the Elemnt has never crashed like the Garmin 800 used to. It's much simpler to operate and as a reliable route planner/navigator together with ridewithgps it just works! Very happy with the Elemnt and no plans to upgrade to the latest devices anytime soon, but would have been useful to understand in the review whether anything has changed with the Garmin touch screen in this respect?

Dithered and dithered for ages and decided on a Garmin 530. Setting up is time consuming and frustrating. However its only to do once - well twice in my case. However once its done its done. So far so good. A lot to learn to get the best from it, but I suspect that's my fault, having moved from an edge 25. I don't think there's much in it.

What do I need to upgrade to ride ?: Cyclocomputers, carbon wheels or SPD-SL?

Excellent Review - best I've seen comparing the 2 units. I would be inclined to go with the Garmin based on your presentation

Nicely done. In this series of cycling computers Garmin has done some hardware changes along with software integration to vastly improve on previous models. Wahoo still remains king of setup. Maps goes to Garmin along with their connect app to get routes from the likes of RideWithGPS straight into the new series Garmin. But through all of that if you're not using the device for training your phone can do everything and more than dedicated GPS devices.

Great video. You helped make my decision on which one to buy

Which cycing computer is best for travelling overseas? I presume both units only come with local preloaded maps? and if I travel overseas, how difficult is it to load foreign maps to them?

When you listed the features of touchscreen I thought you list the cons and then gave a point for Garmin. Touchscreen works good at home in the couch, in 20 degrees, dry weather and hands which are rarely a case on the bike. Wahoo has more functionality using reliable buttons.

Is there an equivalent to climb pro for the wahoo roam?

Oh the irony of watching a review of both units after getting so pissed off with my otherwise excellent 830 when it rains, the screen is so sensitive it tries to swap data fields and wont react to any sort of finger interaction gloved or not. Also as soon as there is rain or mist in the air the elevation and grade function is absolutely useless (rectified when uploaded to Strava by elevation correction). Looks like the Roam I’ve just ordered will be my go-to in the winter.

wahoo all day! started with the bolt and now i have the roam. both were great, but the roam is awesome for mountain biking finding new trails.

My Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM is slow compared to my Garmin Forerunner 920XT in Terms of GPS. Acquiring GPS and Speed Changes are just so much faster on my old garmin watch. However I still prefer the Wahoo because of the features - display and the RGB LEDs as well as ease of use.

How many way points can either device handle?

I recently switched from Garmin 1000 to wahoo Roam When my buttons fell out fell out of my 2yr old garmin and garmin wouldn't fix it unless you pay them 200. But besides that the Roam is far better and easier to use. Buttons are much better then touch screen. just try and wipe mud off the screen and see what happens

For me, Wahoo ROAM wins in every category. Garmin couldn't do more than 2 data on the map for me. I walked to wahoo roam. Beautiful driving and visibility of data on the map. Finally, I have HR, CAD, SPEED, POWER, km to end, GRANDE, km to turn. For this quick button zoom map +/-.

Enjoying the Garmin 830 Not a button pressing fan And that beautiful screen Nice slim gloss black case Win

I have garmin 830, you forgot to mention Safety, most important character of Garmin, it warns u going downhill if the turn is very steep, prevents you from killing ur bike and yourself

Finally a review which concentrates on the only real important features of these devices, navigation (otherwise buy a 520 or Element)... and Garmin wins hands down on every single aspect, I owned an 820 and got a Roam as the screen on the 820 was garbage and it was slow, the Roam navigation is garbage, routing on the device was hit and miss, would you put up with navigation in your car that only worked some of the time? Also when I went off route more often than not the Roam would only want to take me back to where I left the route which is useless, bought an 830 instead, screen works and it is fast and responsive, Roam was sold on eBay

About seting up Garmin/Wahoo. You can chang your data fields on garmin during ride (just pres and hold on the field which you want to chang, select new an its done) and you dont need to stop to tuck out your phone from the pocket. The other thing with garmin you DO NOT NEED phone to cheng/ setu up data fields. I woud say Garmin 1 Wahoo 0. Yes wahoo is kind of easier (wahoo - what you said "stil didynt find out how to chose GPS profile) to set up when you at home but you need to realy know waht you need on your display other wise during the ride you need to stop to chang it using the phone if you tucket with you, if not you stuck with the wrong set up until you not come back home.

Have both, prefer wahoo elemnt roam for pacticality

The Wahoo mount is not compatible with my Merida Reacto :(