Wahoo Roam vs Garmin 830 (my side by side experience + Garmin Give-a-way) 

I’m a garmin guy and watched your video. Didn’t like how you hated my garmin stuff. Then my edge 520 died. Bought an element bolt. It’s better. I don’t know how you broke my garmin but well done. Wahoo owes you some commission.

Thank you Tyler, that's a practical and articulated review. I have been on the market for 3 months + to replace my Cateye. I was leaning towards the Wahoo because the ease of use. You just got me sold. That's the first thing I am going to order as soon as I am recovered from an unwanted encounter with a reckless taxi who hit me from behind after ignoring the right of way.

Thank you so much for the review! I don't understand some of the criticism you're getting--your review felt honest and it was your real user experience. I've not used any bike computer at all and the Garmin seems to have excessive features and some strange design choices (the screen). ✌🏻 Peas!

Biggest take away of the video: Apparently it is okay to sell 2010's smartphone hardware in 2020 for horrendous prices to consumers if you're a manufacturer in the bike industry.

I switched to wahoo and fell in love. Attempted to move back to garmin when the 530 dropped. Had it for 2 weeks and then sold it and returned to wahoo. The workout mode and segments work flawlessly.

I have gotten my 530 a few weeks ago and i love it. I have a friend with a Wahoo, he likes his, i love mine and i have gotten used to it

I recently bought a Wahoo Roam as my first ever bike computer so I don't really know much but I couldn't ignore the frustration of other group riders with their Garmin's, and considering how long Garmin have been in the business surely this shouldn't be the case.

Okay! So I just started cycling over year ago at age 36 and I love it now! After riding for a while I start getting bored, similar to any other sport (especially running) I knew statistics will ignite that love again, and it sure did. Seeing improvements in numbers that hard to feel is crucial for this sport, so I started using Strava, the only annoying part was using my phone as a computer and buying an entry level computer is not ideal! A good bike computer and a power meter are on my list to get in the next couple years, and with the cycling season starting here in Ohio it would be great to get a decent bike computer!!! Ride safe and ENJOY it everyone!

The glare alone is a deal breaker for me.

The way in which Garmin has introduced incremental changes, remedying problems in the superseded model, have been at the user’s (such as myself) expense. After owning; 510, 520, 810, 820 & 1000, I went over to Wahoo and I will NEVER be going back - there are times (not many) where I be tempted to go back to the dark side, but being the financial guinea pig to support Garmin improvement leaves me stone cold.

I am long term Garmin user. I used their watches during my running trainings and it was fantastic. I manage "from zero to marathon" program with garmin 620 watch. I'm also using Fenix 5x, with is awesome gear. However, after watching a bunch of videos about wahoo and Garmin solutions for cycling I decided to go with Wahoo ROAM and... This is totally awesome pies of technology! I just love it!

Welcome to the completely unbiased and objective ROAST of the Garmin 830

Great review. Really like the tabs on the screen to keep your review organized.

Been using a wahoo elemnt bolt for 2 years, love it. Safe to say I'm a wahoo fanboy now. Great video and you are correct about the Android Vs iOS comparison.

I REALLY didnt want this to be a Garmin bash fest, but I had so many problems with the computer in one week that it was hard to not let that come through. I am sure Garmin users will be upset that I didnt give it a fair shakedown, but as a new user to Garmin, like anyone would be if they bought this, I found it very difficult and confusing to use. Like I said, that probably just comes down to that I am very comfortable with Wahoo and not with the Garmin. Take this as MY OPINION and not some super technical analysis, Competitive Cyclist gave me both of these, so I am not trying to shill for Wahoo, I just personally had a hard time with the Garmin and I explain why. Also, I mention it's a 530, but it's an 830. I am idiot, that's 100% confirmed.

i’m using edge 530, and my friend just bought wahoo elemnt bolt, i think both of them are great products for specific user. For me garmin edge are made for cyclist that love to prepare their data screen and love to change and spend a lot of time with their cyclocomp, and I love that. I’ve tried to make my data screen works like wahoo by pressing the up and down button to zoom in/out the data screen and it works but I don’t need that, so I get back to my default data screen. But after tested wahoo, I know why so much people love them. But still, no complain for my garmin and big kudos for wahoo 👍🏻

Now that's what I call a review👏👏👏 superbly informative. Great job 👌

Great conversation about these! Love the Roam.

Thanks for telling it as it is man, i bought the Roam because of this review and very happy that i did

Thank you for the video, even if it was linguistically difficult for me to follow, but I understood the most important thing. Unfortunately, my English is very bad. For weeks I have been thinking about getting a Garmin 830 or a Wahoo Roam. This video and the comments in the chat have now convinced me to buy a Wahoo Roam. Greetings from Baden near Vienna, Austria.

Just what I was looking for! Perfect review point by point.

THANK YOU for mentioning the biggest issue with touch screens and outdoor devices - they don't work in the rain, or in the winter. When it's near 0F and you're still on a bike, you can still change things on the Wahoo with gloves on

Hey VC, I've also tested both of these devices and I agree with your assessment 100%. I kind of consider myself a 'Garmin Boy' and there are some small things that I think might give Garmin the edge but I have no problem recommending any of modern bike computers from Wahoo. 👌 Currently loving the Bolt because I rarely need maps.

Excited to sell my bolt and upgrade to roam. Thanks for super comprehensive video.

Nice to see video about gps computers. I am still on old cycling computer(gps is sc-fi on my bicycle...), so I can learn something new from this video.

Good review. I have used Garmin for many years (still use) and had a dozen units from them. My main experience with them is that you always have to put up a fight to get them to work as you want.

That was awesome review! I have lost my Garmin 520 which was sole destroying but after seeing this video I am definitely convinced about purchasing the wahoo! Thanks brooo 🤙🏼

I was going to buy the bar in but saw so many good reviews about the wahoo. And your review confirmed to me that my decision to buy the wahoo is the best option especially as I’m new to road cycling and want SIMPLICITY, and touch screens for riding in the rain and sweat DONT make any sense. Super great review. I’m a new subscriber, Keep up the great work.

Re: multiple live segments on Wahoo: if one ends, you can still see the others going on by pressing “SEGMNT” in the lower left corner of the screen. Can also toggle between segments that are happening simultaneously that way! Took me a while to realize that, but it’s a game changer.

I am at this point trying to figure out what computer to go with this has definitely been helpful I am not very tech so I think the wahoo is will be my go keep up the great content stay safe 🤙🏻

This is very interesting, I may have to try a Wahoo soon. I've always had a Garmin since 2008 so may need to try it since the Wahoo can now use the Garmin Radars.

Some comments, and for clarity I'm on an Edge 1030 with latest 9.5 firmware. Don't have a Wahoo unit, but have Kickr & Tickr, so fingers in both pies. So some help for Garmin x30 users... 1. Navigation visibility. You can set the visibility for the map at: navigation > map > map visibility. Setting to high contrast will show sharper lines. 2. Map turn display. This is a fairly recent config which is frustratingly defaulting to flipping to the map display. You can set the guide text to display text only in: navigation > navigation prompts > text only. 3. For the routing the default is popularity mode & highways & road. Navigation > routing has a lot of options which may give a better point to point route. Just needs experimenting with: popularity, routing mode, calc method, lock and avoidance settings have an effect. 4. Strava live segments: don't use it, so no view on this. 5. For workouts it's really easy to just create your own activity profile called workout and create a new screen with the fields you want, in the sizes you want. Not really a valid criticism. There's also connect IQ for custom data fields. But yes, Id like the option to set the default font size. With the 1030 the small is just readable, smaller units I have difficulty. My one big gripe with Garmin, though not my only one, is that I have to set it all up through the unit. This is something Garmin have to sort out, with either a specific app, or ideally as an add-on to the Garmin Connect smartphone app, and/or web app, or through garmin express. Maybe for x40? One big plus for me on the garmin is Climb Pro. They've put a lot of work into this and it's starting to show. Import or create a route and they're there with lead into the climb and veloviewer-like gradient colours. Very neat. Not bashing Wahoo in any way, never tried one, though heard good things.

I use a Garmin 830 and can’t praise it enough. Decent battery life, live track and safety works well, Strava segments work fine, all the data you’ll ever need and most importantly the navigation and features have never failed me.

This is by far THE BEST side by side and thorough comparison I've seen of the Wahoo Roam and Garmin 830/530. Based on your review, I think i'm going with the Garmin for my next bike computer (had the 520, think i'm just going to the 530 since it's like the 830 but without touch screen and without routing, but that's okay, I create my routes with Strava Route Builder anyway)

i was struggling choosing between wahoo bolt and garmin 530 for weeks. i had a Wahoo Kickr but had been using garmin watches for years. I ended up with the Wahoo. Why it was on sale LOL! However I still ride with my garmin watch so i get the best of both, but my wahoo is simplistic in the best way and I need that for my cycling computer. Great vid.

Excellent product. Very happy with my purchase!

Also the Garmin Edge 830 works really well when wet, you just need to tap on the white hand icon on the map screen to move the map touch screen function. You are swiping the screen before taping on the white hand in your video.

Such a pleasure to watch!

Just bought a Wahoo. Thanks to your review! Got it on Competitive Cyclist. Tried your code, but didn’t work. Love you channel!

Good overview and backs up what I already knew about the Garmin devices and Wahoo devices. I used Garmin for nearly 20 years, watches, hiking and biking, but no longer. After years of being frustrated with poor software glitches and crashes (800, 810, 1000), I switched from a Garmin bike device to Wahoo one (element - yep the basic one) and I was immediately impressed with just how easy it is. More importantly - it works! I've had a couple of glitches and the elemnt software is not the greatest but it works. The non-reflective screen is a big bonus too. Just about to upgrade to a wahoo elemnt roam. By the way, I'm not a Garmin hater - I still use a Fenix 6X watch for other sports.

Very fair review. You can have segments just pop up on the 830 but the fact that you could not easily enable it speaks volumes for UI setup of the Garmin. I have an 830 and there is only one reason why I have it and not a Wahoo, it allows me to use Xert which has an IQ Connect app and worth every penny. I spend 95% of my ride time in the Xert app training outdoors. So if I was not using Xert I would have a Wahoo for sure. Having said all that I am very happy with the Garmin generally.

Great review. I think more than most other reviews you nailed all the important differences. I want to love the Garmin but have been leaning towards the Roam. Screen reflections are a big worry on the Garmin and the simplicity of the roam speaks to me. Thanks

Sent you the email and thanks for the opportunity. Keep up the GREAT content and doing a fantastic job for the cycling community.

After 4 years of owning a 520 I switched to a wahoo ELEMNT Bolt. I’m glad I did. The wahoo bolt is not perfect but definitely better than the Garmin. In my experience, the Garmin had way too many issues year round no matter if it it had the latest update or not. Only thing on the Wahoo speed sensor is that it it over measures distances. Just as an example on a 21.6 mile course I’ve been riding for many years it measures at 22.1 miles. On longer rides it measures over by as much as 1.5 miles. I already reached out to tech support and waiting to hear back.

I just purchased my first computer, and I did as much research as I could to decide between Garmin and Wahoo. I decided on the Wahoo, and am happy I did so. It just seemed that most cyclists of all levels that I follow on RU-vid were rocking Wahoo (including VC). Garmin, being primarily known as a car GPS company, probably designed their cycling products as an afterthought. On the other hand Wahoo IS a cycling-centric company, and it's logical that their product is more cyclist-friendly.

I recently bought a Garmin 530 on sale as my first computer and seems so far to be a great middle ground. I wanted some features not on the cheaper Elemnt Bolt (~$230), but I didn't want to spend close to $400 for either the Roam or 830.

damn you are one month later duuuuude :-D i was choosing roam vs 530/830. To my birthday i got Roam and im more than happy....everything working on 100% and it is damn easy and with crystal clear display! Ty for your review anyway :-D

I completely agree with you, also on garmin when you load a route sometimes its freezing. I was frustrated at the beginning but after a while i stated to love it. But if I have to go back in time i will choose wahoo. Cheers

With the Garmin range. If you have Shimano shifters that have the buttons on the hoods. You can get a part called a 'D-Fly'. It is something that can let you change your Garmin pages using those buttons. It is especially helpful in the winter when you're either wearing full finger gloves, or it is wet and you can't use the touch screen on devices such as the 830 or 1030. It also works with other Garmin headhunts, however it isn't as much of an issue.

After watching this video, I am starting to seriously consider picking up a Whaoo unit from Comptetive Cyclist. Your video was very entertaining as always, I liked seeing the live side by side comparison.

You nailed it. Apple vs android... Mac vs Windows. Etc. I'm a android \windows guy. I love the detailed customization to me. I also love the Garmin watch integration as well. Maybe because I run too.

Love the fact you gave away the one you didn't like! 🤣🤣🤣

I ordered a wahoo today and this video made me realise I am more a wahoo guy. I saw many other videos and any of them are clear as this.

Terrific video, you didn't cover battery life, probably the main reason I bailed out of Garmin and switched to the elemnt roam a few years ago. Also garmin connectivity and the store is very erratic. I switched and I'll never go back but I am tempted to upgrade to the new roam mainly because if what you mentioned about the screen crispness and clarity in all circumstances, it looks terrific and I am tempted.

After having had multiple Garmin devices, switched to a Bolt three years ago, and now some months ago to the Roam. Great devices, so much easier to use! One feature that I do like about the new Garmin devices is Climb Pro, with this you see the complete lay-out of a climb when you are riding it. Gradients upcoming, distance to finish, etc. Really hope Wahoo incorporates this as well. But this really is the only plus I could find for Garmin, I still feel Wahoo is ahead in just plain user friendliness. Although Garmin has been playing catch-up, and the difference is smaller since the x30 series. Great review, completely agree with everything you said.

Useful info. Great thanks 👍

Planning to buy a Garmin edge 830 by end of this month and this video confused me and it's about to change my mind. but I saw how fair you reviewed both cycling computers.

Great Review. I think you nailed it. I’m an ex Garmin guy who is using Wahoo now.

Never noticed the glare problem before you brought it up.

"when you are in the hurt locker..." Ease of use - the touch screen is the killer. Garmin does LOADS right, but the Roam is pretty nice. Pricey, but nice. Good review, thanks. My Roam is in the mail now. Sub'd

Fantastic review and honest

My wife has the edge 530 I use the roam... The times we had to wait before we start because the route didn't load on the 530...or the times we had to stop because the 530 glitched out again or had some other technical issue... It's so maddening... The roam just works,its that easy. I'm really happy I went for the roam.

Looks like Garmin got stuck on 2009 smartphone technology, but wanted to include everything that was available at that time in this device. Whether it makes sense or not. Touchscreens, thin coloured lines, complicated sync and set-up, reflective screens, ... Wahoo seemed to think a little more out of the box and designed a UI and buttons specifically for such a small device. I got the Bolt and it looks a little dated now (no colours, doesn’t re-calc routes when off track), but its size and low price, it’s still the perfect unit for my basic training and navigation needs. But at the end it may come down to personal preference. Good thing is that there is competition and we as riders have a choice.

I have the Garmin forerunner 230 and vivoactive watch. I really like Garmin for running and swimming but I have not heard great things about their cycling computers. I used the watch for riding for a while, which is fine when you know your route but as rides got longer I needed navigation, and a phone battery life won't last. I asked around for reviews and was told wahoo was the way to go. So Monday the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt arrived. I can still view all of my activities in Strava as a whole.

I bought the Roam recently and watched this only to see if you were right. Well done.

totally nailed the review.

I have a garmin watch that I used for running for ages. When it came to a bike computer it was a simple choice. I went Wahoo. So much more user friendly. And for doing triathlon theres a tri mode on the watch that I use when I race. But I still use the wahoo for the bike leg to watch my watts.

Dude, best review on these computers to date! So thankful. Allows me to make a clear decision. Keep being you, love you buddy!

I'm still on my first computer - Garmin edge 520 Plus. It has been a year or so of confusion and dead ends and factory resets WTFs and whatever just ride. It works .... I guess ..

I had a Garmin 810 a few years back. The thing was so buggy and annoying, I hated it. I stupidly lost it in a cafe and never got it back. Bought a Wahoo Element Bolt. I thank myself every day for losing that damn thing. The Apple/Android thing is a sensible comparison. Wahoo are definitely the iOS of the argument ;) Fun video VC 🤟🏻

I have one of the first Wahoos. I bought in early. It has incrementally gotten better with every update. I don't find myself wishing for color or a touchscreen. Garmin on the other hand has been a mess of bad updates, unintuitive OS, and new features that you don't get access to. My Garmin experience has been with multiple Garmin watches in my household. My personal feeling is that when Wahoo makes a watch, there will be no more Garmin in my house.

I love the Wahoo because they are a real competitor for Garmin that keeps the prices down and the rate of development higher, even then I'll probably buy the Garmin because I can't be bothered getting used to a new unit. Other than I hate touch-screen units, so probably get a 530 instead of an 830.

Good solid review

I had the Wahoo Bolt for a few years. Never an issue with Wahoo. Like everything you said, it's very simple to use and user friendly. This spring, out of curiosity and that I prefer a touch screen I purchased the Garmin 830. Well here's my reader's digest experience thus far. I'm going back to Wahoo. Garmin is like 10 years behind is terms of setting this thing up. It took hours to do that and finalize the setup of the 830. I had to replace the first unit as it wouldn't sync correctly. The new one constantly drops out or freezes. You don't know how many times the 830 almost found itself in a middle of a farmer's field. I've never experienced any of that with Wahoo. If you're looking to buy a bike computer head, I strongly recommend you purchase the Wahoo. Why? Because Wahoo simple just works.

I have a Wahoo bolt and a ROAM. Love both, the ROAM takes too much time to get a stable GPS fix for my taste and is sometimes a little slow when navigating, or a few meters off, so that I have a lot of rerouting in dense areas. Besides that, both are super intuitive, reliable and very easy to use on the bike. From fellow cyclists I hear a lot of complaints about their Garmins all the time, lost data and so on. Never heard anyone complaining about a Wahoo. Except in the first few weeks, when the ROAM was brand new, since it came with some software bugs at first.

Good review. I just upgraded my 5yr old 520 to an 830, basically just for the better battery life and the true navigation. I don’t use any of the fancy widgets other than the standard data fields. I don’t even use the Eat! Drink! prompts lol. But I do like the touch screen vs the push buttons. I haven’t really noticed the shiny screen on either computer (it’s much better than a cell phone’s that’s for sure) but maybe that’s just because I haven’t used the Wahoo.

Interesting review,,, however, what maps is whaoo supporting for trails?

Really enjoyed the video and honest opinion about both. I've used Garmin in the past but lately have switched to Wahoo for cycle computers (also use the KICKR, TICKR, CLIMB) but Garmin Forerunner for triathlon so can see the good/bad on both sides. As constructive criticism, please mind the spelling on the text overlays. Even the video's sponsor Competitive Cyclist was wrongly spelled! Takes away from what is an otherwise pretty cool video.

Had Garmins for years ... was fed up of things not working properly. Wahoo Roam just works!. Intuitive. Control from phone. Sensor hookups. Route transfers from Strava and Komoot seem-less. I’m a convert!!!

I have the Garmin 530, it's a little bit of a learning curve but worth it, Great battery life, navigation is not confusing as wahoo, tells you street ahead, and many more great features. Wahoo bolt is very user friendly but navigation was very confusing, doesn't tell you the st ahead. I returned it the next day

I'm totally going to learn how to use all the features on these, or learn how to knit a sweater. I can't decide which. A sweater would keep me warm though. I am a fan of good maps. I would pick Garmin due to that. And, if my phone died I would still have navigation.

This is a good video. Thanks 😊

This week I'm going to buy a roam. Thanks for clearing my doubts. Just in time. Cool

Pretty neutral and informative review. Interesting would be a word about battery runtime. That was always a downside on my Edge 1000, my 2 years old Bolt runs easily over 10 - 12 hours!

I have 3 Garmins: Edge 200, 510, 820. The one I use almost exclusively is the Edge 200. The other two aren't reliable, glitches left and right. My next bike computer will be a Wahoo.

Dude, on 3:49 you say that 'take me to' on the wahoo roam is only done via the phone, it's however possible on the headunit itself. If you go to the 'route' page and press the bottom left button you see a list of routing options, scroll down 'to take me to' and press on the bottom middle button. Then choose 'location on map' and then you can choose your destination just as on the 830. It is a bit of a hassle sometimes but it definitely works when you need it. But I love your video's, keep em coming yeahh🤙🤙

I'm switching to Wahoo as well soon. Hope they can come with watch as well. Would be complete ecosystem for Triathlete.

I can definitely understand how the touchscreen can be counter-productive to the idea of a fitness device. Before my most recent Garmin Fenix 5, I'd run with a Samsung smartwatch and it hated my sweaty fat fingers when I was 11 miles into a run. And don't even get me started on swimming.

The only reason someone should in any circumstances buy a garmin cycling computer is if they use a garmin watch for everything else. In that case I would recommend just using the watch. The watches are far more reliable than the computers for some reason, and the touchscreen is absolutely terrible on the computers. Seems like someone with a garmin loses their ride on half my group rides.

I used to have a garmin 520 and when I switched to Wahoo I was stunned. There is no going back. Just look at all of the images: do you see any reflections in the Wahoo? Just the fact that the Garmin screen is reflective is a deal breaker for me. Touch screen is totally overrated, especially in the UK - I'm cycling with winter gloves 6-7 months of the year, gimme those big mf buttons.

I bought a brand new Garmin 530 as it was recommended by several well known online reviews as most bang for your bucks. Then I got lost on a long ride away from home and was horrified to realize that there is NO WAY 1) to enter an address or 2) to reverse a course from the device. And I won’t say anything about all the glitches I have encountered trying to connect the device to my iPhone. I am getting rid of my Garmin and will stay clear of their product from now on.

Hi Tyler, could you maybe make a video on which datascreens you would suggest to show on your Wahoo/headunit? Thanks and keep up the good video's!

Superb video! Great comparision. Wahoo is the winner in the end!

It's true that the garmin software is pretty wierd to understand (I have the 830), even thought after a week I could easily navigate through the system and adjust the pages when I wanted to. I think wahoo has a couple of very handy details, like adjusting the data pages, but if you haven't got those extra's, just as me, you don't miss/ need them

I’m glad you mentioned how atrocious Wahoo’s internal routing feature is. In the few instances I’ve been forced to use it, it’s taken me down wooden paths, mtb trails, etc. Its pretty much next to useless.

My Wahoo Bolt purchased in 2017 is still running fine with no issue. I ride with people that have Garmin 500 - 1030 and they always seems to have battery or map issue. Got curious and bought a Omata only to go back to my Wahoo.

SEQUEL IDEA: do it battle style with a Garmin wiz and a Wahoo wiz and have them go head to head to showcase the products/features coupled with equally experienced users of each.

I have the Garmin and am often confused but I love the cusomization and apps you can load into it. I may buy another one but a wahoo. I do love the data pages and Cycling Dynamics that go with my Assiomo DUO power meter pedals. I'm sure I'd be satisfied with either but I got a rebate on the Garmin so I went with that. Its getting easier the more i use it.

Seems like a pretty good attempt to compare the two. If he was more familiar with the Garmin a few points would have changed. Garmin does have an option in settings for how navigation prompts are displayed. It can stay on the training page and just pop in from the bottom. Many of the extra pages you mention can just be turned off. I own a Wahoo Kickr Snap and Tickr HR strap and an array of their sensors. I also own a Garmin Edge 830 and Fenix 6 watch. Each company has their quirks, strengths and so on. One simple thing to note about this video though is Garmin likely has a lot of folks looking into the 830 because they are coming from prior products. If they are new to the scene and not quite ready to spend almost $400 on a bike computer then Garmin can snag them with the 530 which is not touch screen but has full mapping and a color screen or they might end up grabbing them with the Edge 170 which is well below $200 and has a very sharp black and white screen with breadcrumb navigation much like the Bolt. Once you are in the ecosystem as long as they keep improving and an array of new and better products then there is less motivation to leave. Many folks equate the 530 with the Roam and in that comparison the Roam is more expensive, has less storage space, etc. Garmin releases many features that are refined via their users over the life of each bike computer. That is the polite way of saying their users end up being beta testers at times but many of the features do end up being very useful and cool. I do like ClimbPro as an example. I love using my DI2 set up with my Edge 830. I use the buttons on the shifters to take me straight to my navigation page, elevation profile, etc. It's really cool. It might be a less refined solution but their constant attempts to improve, excellent warranty support the whole ecosystem with their website, etc all help mitigate the bits of frustration when going through the clunky set up. When I was getting my Edge 830 I looked very hard at the Wahoo Roam. I will admit I was dissuaded from it by all the initial problems the first units had where reviewers and influencers were having the mounts break. Likewise many of the initial reviews mentioned the lack of onboard storage which meant that while map management was easily accomplished from the phone you'd have to deal with it more often since the entire computer only had like 3 GB of storage. Finally perhaps it was worked out with updates but many initial reviews mentioned certain features feeling very unrefined or just outright slow. I hope that was ironed out over time. For me this was 2019 and after the fiasco of all their trainer problems in 2018/early 2019, hearing about issues with review units gave me pause and so I gave my money to Garmin for another round. I will say that when I look to upgrade in a few years there are a few things I'd like to see to consider Wahoo next round. They need some user forums. I feel like their lack of responsiveness to requests like radar support are because there is no feedback loop between their users and the company. Second their use of partners for core functionality is a problem in my view. It leads to problems where some partners perform well, say Ride with GPS on turn by turn navigation while others, say Strava, are problematic. This wouldn't be a concern if you could just go to the Wahoo resource and use it instead but they do not have an equivalent of Garmin Connect flawed though it may be.

I have both the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus and the Roam.. One thing you don't even mention is the integration of app, like Strava Routes and Komoot! If you are home and make your route, the integration on your phone with the Wahoo is fantastic, and the Garmin is acceptable! But, let us say that you are out riding on Mallorca, and decides that you want to do about 100km more that day, from point X, meaning you have recorded 30km's and now want to make a custom route.. That is where Wahoo's integration with the apps works so much better than Garmin. I did it with my 1030 plus, and both apps is under IQ apps. But... Selecting a route in the apps only gave me the option of ending my current course!!!! I did the same with my Wahoo, and voila, the route was loaded from Komoot and I had a nice route, and I didn't have to have 2 recordings for that day.. And integration of Garmins own Varia is honestly weird on the Garmin, on the Wahoo you have a green/orange/red sidebar - showing at all time that it's connected the Varia, and not least if the rear is clear. Plus, on the Wahoo you have an accoustic sound when the track is clear behind you, meaning, you don't have to look at the Wahoo to verify, and when I do grouprides all around me react to the sounds from the computer. In short, there is also positive things with the Garmin, but I feel that the Garmin is like a Swiss knife, it want to be everything.. And yet it's so cumbersome.. ;) And for now, I will learn to accept the Garmin workflow even in this outage, since my wife stole the Wahoo...