I'm happy to see that legibility was prioritized over attempting a super bright and colorful screen. I'm not fundamentally opposed to color in any way, but it seems like so many implementations are just objectively less legible vs their grayscale counterparts. Wahoo seems to have taken a hit on color brightness *potential* in perfect lighting, but given us good usability in the sun and such. Definitely the direction I prefer.
@@quimicos_comunistas I had an edge and I'm going to stick with my opinion that the touchscreen sucked. I can zoom in and out with the side buttons, and I don't have to worry about the screen being clitchy, or my hands being sweaty, or the screen is wet from rain, etc... Shane did some videos on his trials and tribulations with garmin touch screens a while back. I think they sorted some of it out, but I see touch screens as unnecessary, and in my case, unwanted.
As has been discussed since the introduction of the Bolt, no Varia Radar support is keeping many of us from considering Wahoo. Reminds me of Polar refusing to recognize Ant+. Good for Polar they finally recognized that was a mistake. Wahoo should do likewise.
I think thats more of a problem from Garmin their side. Since you don't want to have your software on a competitor their device. Varia Radar is power by Garmin. So you can expect to never see it on a different device. Maybe an external company will make a bluetooth/ant+ device like the Varia.
@@wonglemydongle867 I've discussed this with Wahoo and they didn't put the blame on Garmin. It's Ant+ so if I'm understanding things correctly, it's open source.
@@cusebike5391 Oh boy, if it only was that easy. To view and connect to the Varia Radar you will need a different software. Since the Varia sends data to the Garmin device, the Garmin device is capable of using this data and turning it into your Varia radar screen on the Garmin itself. This means that the software on the garmin is not opensource, from Wahoo's point of view you could do 2 things. Create software to use on the Varia Radar, or make a device like the Varia (probably cheaper and better) themself in the future. They won't create the software since that costs money. If they ever make a device like the Varia they have to delete the Varia software from the Wahoo and its a waste of money. Since its an ant+ device doesn't directly mean that its open source. For example you won't connect your Garmin watch to your Wahoo and expect it to work.
Shane Miller - GPLama just mentioned on the video that "all of the above been told are coming soon", and ant+ radar support was on that list, wonder if they will actually update the units to support it, I know at least 50 people on my bike club that don't move to wahoo because can't use their 200usd+ radar lights with it
Excellent, Shane. In the UK "take me to" was a car-crash feature (pre-routed maps only) but now with the ability to select a profile of road/cross/hybrid/MTB hopefully that will be a feature to use. I still like to put time/prep to a tour with proper maps (such as Michelin for France) and build through Strava. No need for TBT, so the colours may make easier when you're navigating on the fly.
Ugh! I had just bought a Bolt, which I love. Def would have waited to buy this had I known. Wahoo - so intuitive and constantly trying to improve. And they always look good and sleek. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the video Shane I just got a bolt, and navigated 100k with it on the first ride no problem, I think I will save a £100 in returning and getting a roam - the colour screen + re routing would be nice, but I'm not sure it's worth the price difference, in the UK at least
I'm sitting and watching for now. When I purchased the original bolt I was hoping they would release new features and continue to develop the product which didn't really happen. I would like to see updates to the Roam released and working before I commit that kind of money again. Strava routes would be awesome. The original bolt let me down a number of time with routes, to the point where I invested in a 810 and Etrex as an additional device on the handlebars. The Edge 830 looks really good to be honest, hopefully they fixed the dodgy screens with the halo's, but again it comes down to price. The 1030 has come down in price and I'm hoping this happens with these new devices also over time.
@@billyk2011 yeah that a con cuz everytime I use the unit I need to keep it in map mode where there's no additional info but when I change the page and keep it that even for a short time I always miss the turning
Or wait forEdge 1040, and then wait another year for Garmin to fix all of the problems with lost rides, self-resets, freeze-ups, and short battery life.
Thanks for the thorough insight. Something else to consider alongside the Garmin 530 now my beloved 520 not only has a choice crack in the screen but is only giving me 5 hours of navigation (mapping courtesy of DC Rainmaker instructions) from a full charge 🤔
Count me in the "No Garmin, No Way, No How" camp. Shane, sorry if I missed this in the video. Does this unit fit on the same out front mount that was shipped with the bolt? Or would I have to replace all of those to get this onto all of my bikes?
I have the mini and want to upgrade, I’m perplexed. The 530 and 830 look good and has lots bells and whistles. A tough choice. Wow you beat dc rainmaker. Lol. I’m sure his review will be up any minute. Great review 👍🏻👍🏻
It's worth noting that while WAHOO supports Pioneer's Pedal Monitor mode, it's just for display on the device. There isn't currently a way to analyze the data offline/historically. They are even cagey about whether the metrics are even captured in the FIT file. "Probably" was the best they were willing to commit to, and will offer no assistance in trying to extract it (I offered to write a FIT parser to do it).
Hi Shane, love your work! I’m a Bolt owner but I think your wrong on the price point. DC Rainmaker makes a valid point that for its features it’s about $100.00 over priced in the market and it appears underdone. I think it sits somewhere between the Garmin 830 and 530......no mans land so not a good place to be. I love my Bolt but if I was in the market today, I think I would be seriously looking at the new Garmins. Wahoo are in catch up mode now....they better run quick!
I'm glad they didn't change too much. The Elemnt and Bolt still reign as the easiest computers in real life. My only hang up is the steep price. I guess Wahoo knows I'm willing to shell out serious $$ for an Elemnt that does true GPS mapping.
Really good review. Thanks. FWIW, though, what I think is always missing in reviews is a one-year-later update on reliability. From my own experience with both Garmin and Wahoo, out of the box, they're usually fine. But a year or so later, software and hardware issues raise their ugly heads. Looking at the 'help' boards of either company indicates I'm not alone. After shelling out big bucks for a unit, the most important question is how long it will last before it bricks (or becomes seriously degraded in functionality). So, longer term reliability data would be very informative and helpful to me in deciding which unit to purchase, much more important than latest features and bells and whistles.
The traditional media/review/industry doesn't do follow up reviews, or any-year-later follow ups. The manufacturers pay them to cover what's new. There's no financial incentive for them to do follow ups, or say anything 'bad' about what they cover. Thankfully there's now alternatives. I do a LOT of follow ups with firmware updates / feature additions / etc. This ROAM video was released May 1st 2019. I've done six (or more?) videos on this unit since then. I'm happy to do a one-year-later after May 1st 2020 if I get the time.
@@gplama Thanks for the feedback, and I've seen your updates. Greatly appreciated and very helpful. I guess what I'm asking and what would be most useful/helpful for me would be a 'one-year-later' review of competing units that perhaps looks at the most common problems customers are experiencing (lost data, bricked units, syncing issues, frozen screens, hardware fails, etc.) and compares reliability. Perhaps something along the line of a 'consumer report' kind of video that gives good data on reliability. I suppose data collection would be difficult and require some subjective judgements but data on one-year-later reliability would be THE most important factor in helping me decide which unit (Wahoo Roam or Garmin 530/830) to buy. I'll take a reliable unit that does the basics well, over a unit with all the bells and whistles that I can't trust to work reliably. Anyway, just an idea. FWIW, thanks for the really helpful videos you do.
Bolt seems to have been updated with ‘Take me to’ nav as well, just need to use the app. Battery is better than Bolt, but only by 2 hours. Not sure this is worth replacing if you have a Bolt already.
You should check out Bryton! They have plenty of 24hr+ battery life computers.. For example the Aero 60 with 32hrs! They also have wifi/bt, glonass, beidou and qzss! Furthermore they are modestly priced.
Good review! Have you tested it offroad, in the mountains? The bolt is next to useless there, it constantly goes off track, even if this track was recorded by it, on the same path! Just the GPS accuracy there is worse than off-track leeway. And it beeps non-stop, esp. going downhill on tracks with lots of tight corners.
I hope Wahoo introduce a new device, sitting between the cheapest unit (which I don't think has been that popular?) and the Elemnt Bolt. Something at the 180-200 USD price point. Fingers crossed.
a worthy refresh of the bolt, I'm very happy with my bolt but I like what they've done with this unit and I can definetly see myself riding this unit in the future.
The RFLKT legacy still lives on, even though the unit wasn't all that popular. A lot of people still believe the Elemnt series still relies on a phone for all function. I have a RFLKT+ here in the Lama Lab. I should review it sometime. :)
Hey Shane, I watched another Video explaining some very interesting color features. You say its not needed, but it is. Streets are dotted lines BUT asphalted streets are now yellow, so you can chose by yourself if you want to ride your roadbike throught dirt or if you want to re-route or take an alternative route. Cheers
Not needed for data (power, speed, etc) I believe I mentioned it was handy for the maps where it shows lakes and roads and trails in different colour. So we agree.
Nice Shane. Hopefully, I will get a review sample before too long. At least I got a heads up a few days ago it was coming out. Gave me some time to write an article on it.
It's not necessary I think, take a look at this one based on the old models and you will understand why: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pwRiwBI1vyQ.html
830 has far superior routing and navigation, always turn by turn, always elevation, rerouting is intelligent, 830 works like car satnav, wahoo doesn’t, and this maximum distance of 110km is just a joke
Ive gone Awol and taken a punt on a igsport 618. Ive got a couple of big brand computers but curiosity got to me. It may be money badly spent😣 Ps i like the matt black utvreminds me if the finish on older hifi equipment.
Exactly. I wonder if a color display showing black and white is as good to read as an monochrom display. The bolt display is perfect to read WITHOUT backlight in bright sun. A smartphone display has to use a lot of power to be readable in sunlight...
@@TheFlitzpiepe666 , "The visibility of the display in full sunlight is very important to us, previously we had only black/white due to the particular display technology. This new screen uses the same technology and adds 8 color support, while giving even better visibility in sunlight. We took special care to only use color when we thought it added something for the user." // #43 - www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/05/wahoo-element-roam-cycling-gps-in-depth-review.html/comment-page-1#comment-3197419
Why the hell do they still have the top and side LEDs, they should build in into the LCD screen, the LEDs are battery hogs and cannot be viewed in daytime, building it into the screen itself would make it visible in all conditions since it is now in color and allow the users to have an option to turn it off for a bigger screen display....Wahoo what were you thinking?
@@jakesiney I bought an Edge 530 in May. I’m on the third warranty replacement because they are garbage. First one had firmware issues, second one had the screen stop working, third one sync issues, GPS Nav issues and lost data. Garmin is garbage. Watching this video to find a replacement.
I'm still using a Garmin Edge 800. Looking to upgrade this year, I also wear a Garmin watch so I am well in their ecosystem. Would you recommend the Roam over the 830?
Just thinking about ecosystems - not the gaia kind, Wahoo vs Garmin. Garmin have bought Tacx to get into the trainer sector. Do you think Wahoo will come out with a crank or pedal based power meter? Seems the only thing missing from their range, other than SmartBike. Maybe the Wahoo Powr. You heard it here first! :) Something for the FitFiles.
Hmmm. They'd be better purchasing WattBIKE and sorting out global distribution of the ATOM and getting the ATOM X to consumers, not just the commercial market.
Just read dcr's reviews of the garmin 530 and the roam. Garmin grudge asside, you must admit that garmin has won here. 530 has more features out of the box (not promissed features) for less price. Only thing I can give wahoo is the better menu structure/navigation with bottom buttons.
On feature lists and price, yep the Edge wins. The 520 still gives it a nudge. According to the market, there's more to it than feature list length. I'm hopeful the Roam will have all the features on my wishlist rolled into it... soon.... I hope. Saying that, the 830 is on backorder here as I want more hands on with that.
I would like to add one minor pain point to your list: I want to see my power on the live segments screen. But I just ordered a ROAM anyway, literally seconds ago. The battery on my old ELEMNT isn't what it used to be, a full charge now lasts about two hours. Once I get the ROAM I'll investigate if it's possible to get a new battery for the ELEMNT, googling the subject has turned up nothing...
I was all for replacing my Edge 800 which has been great with a bolt until I saw the edge 530. Now this has been released I think I still fancy the edge 530?
I just use my iPhone with the "Cyclemeter" app. It does all of this and more, is super reliable, and their "dark" mode sips battery very efficiently. I did have to spend $10 on a stem-cap mount, and $1 on a cheap case but that was all. These WAHOO "computers" are so expensive, and do so little! At this price-point ($350 + Tax), I would rather buy a second cheaper phone instead.
first? lol I'm sure they see this as a competitor to the 800series edge units, but the 530 seems like a better value (price/features) compared to this. wonder if wahoo has a sort of "roam bolt" on the mind now
Shane, @5:10, showing anti-reflective improvement was very helpful. Aside from this and color differentiation, do you think sunlight readability has otherwise improved significantly side-by-side vs. original Elemnt for B/W images?
Wonder how it's going to fare against the Garmin Edge 830 in particular. Of course ecosystem loyalty will play a part somewhat. Touchscreen on the 830 seems to be a real plus from the reviews. Now, if Garmin could produce an app to modify setup/screens...
@@gplama Same here. My 520 is on the way out. Rubbish battery life. Either 830 or 1030. Wonder if they'll backport the new 830 functionality to the 1030?
I'm very underwhelmed, I love my bolt and see no reason to switch to this just for mapping. TBH I preferred the new Garmin from last week but their poor battery life means a no no.
Might have to get this one, started with garmin 820 wich had lots of issues switched to the wahoo elemnt wich was great but the navigation sucked switched from that to the edge 1030 wich started out great but after recent updates it has turned into a pile of garbage wont even pair to phone unless I forget device and reload before each upload, takes about 15minutes, and strava live segments doesn't work cause it wont stay connected to phone long enough. So over garmin garbage
i've start with the 1000 great but dead after 25 month, 820 the slowest , ELEMNT great but not good offroad , i 've try the 1030 but the lisibility in the sun not perfect after the EL , back to the ELEMNT and his simplicity
@@gplama thanks for reply, edge 530 me then went to the Bolt but was too small so back to 530 but still undecided as I like the Wahoo set up and this would be easier to read for my ageing eyes , dilemma dilemmas 😃
I wish Wahoo would add support for the Garmin Varia radar. They could use the LEDs to indicate cars or something like that. The radar is a life saver with all these moronic phone-using motorists we have to deal with.
@@MrBJPitt small mirrors.. not cool but enable you to see what's happening behind you time to react if they aren't giving you space. Just last weekend I had to ditch the bike into the gravel shoulder on the Northern Hwy because a truck would have been way too close.
@@MrBJPitt I use the CatEye mirror on the end of the handlebar, so whenever the Varia beeps, I glance down just to see how close the car is. Some are considerate and some aren't. If Wahoo would support this feature, I'd easily ditch the Garmin.
Interesting info my wahoo element gps' chip just stop working . I am tryinf to get it alive but so far unsuccessfully. I have been seeing a new garmin 530 and thinking on move to garmin because the issue i got with the element. Now, you introduced us this new wahoo roam. What will be the best option, between them. could you advice me please. Many thanks
to be honest, I agree more with DC rainmaker's conclusion in his depth review. The BOLT back in 2017 tackled many issues cycling computers had back in those days and worked very well. But I cannot see the competitive edge of the ROAM. Together with the bugs Wahoo introduced with their "new look & feel" update mid April 2019 you cannot recommend their products currently - too unreliable and inaccurate.
I've given them a little more rope, yep, based on my wish list as posted in the video being implemented. And the market decides. Not me. If the 530 or 830 smashes this in sales and popularity. *shrug* My 830 is on pre-order. I'm interested in that unit. If people are moved to post anti-Wahoo posts. *shrug*. There's monster threads all over the place that have descended into reviews of reviewers and opinions of opinions. I don't want to get involved in one of those. As for reliability and inaccuracies of this particular unit - Nothing I can report on first hand experiencing. Data from it looks good. My baseline is different to others too.
@@gplama I understand that opinions on the internet have their own dynamics and it won't get you anywhere responding to all of them (or even read them). So thanks responding to this one. I am sure for many, probability the vast majority, the BOLT update worked (apologize to post this below the ROAM review). But for some (maybe more than anticipated) it didn't. Having many mails exchanged with Wahoo I have the impression they released a half baked firmware update and left it to the customer to do the final testing. Let's see how the ROAM updates later in year will work. Thanks.
Hello, I am looking to buy my first GPS cycling computer but I am on a budget. It must support ant+ heart rate, speed and cadence sensors. It must also be able to import maps from places like komoot, etc. I was going to buy the Garmin 130 but is there any other computers you would recommend around the same price as the Garmin 130? I could be able to increase my budget a little if needed. Thank you very much for your kind help as always my friend.
I don't know that any additional features this has over the Garmin 530 justifies the price, and I'm not particularly happy with my Bolt right now given that at stops it doesn't like to zero out my power output. That's not a good thing, and it's something that Wahoo support has yet o fix. They said the most recent update would fix it. Well, it didn't. For the record, my old Garmin 705 do this. Ease of setup? Well, given that setup isn't done all of the time and for most people is a one-time event, spending an extra few minutes doing the setup via buttons on the head unit isn't a big deal at all. I'd hoped that the Roam would really advance the Wahoo game, but frame everything I've read and the video reviews I've seen, all I feel is meh.
