Can A Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt GPS Bike Computer Compete With Garmin?
Wahoo isn’t as big a name as Garmin, but that doesn’t mean that the wahoo ELEMNT Bolt GPS Bike Computer should be a lesser model.
The description for this device is impressive as there seems to be as much attention to detail in the hardware, such as the controls and casing, as there is in the data streams and connectivity.
Are riders happy with how this device performs and what they can learn?
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The Pros and Cons of this wahoo ELEMNT Bolt GPS Bike Computer.
Pros:
- The computer offer app-pairing for different programmes and routes
- There are useful notifications during the ride to keep you on track
- The device has more user-friendly hardware and buttons than other products
- It is waterproof, light, and easy to mount for added ease of use
- The battery life isn’t too bad either
Cons:
- The use of buttons means a smaller display than some other devices
- That display doesn’t have any colour in it either
- There are occasional comments about the system lagging
The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt GPS Bike Computer has some helpful features in both the software and hardware to keep riders moving.
This device is an informative little gadget that provides some great data and notifications for riders. It is the notification system that is perhaps the most interesting here as the alerts and messages can be motivational while also providing real-time guidance on your training session.
The programmes with different routes can provide encouragement for those struggling to get back into regular regimes. You can do so via the ELEMNT companion app, but also some third-party options. There are also notifications for emails, texts, and calls when paired to a phone.
The hardware on this little device is pretty good too and shows a little more thought than some that focus on the apps.
The shape is aerodynamic with a strong mount, so it shouldn’t interfere with the ride in any way. There are buttons on the front, instead of just a full touchscreen, for quick access to features.
The product is also waterproof for use in the rain. You should be able to get the same accuracy and reading in a shower as you would on a sunny day – so there are no excuses not to train.
Finally, there is the battery life. There aren’t any details on lifespans and charge times on the product listing.
But, users are happy with how long it lasts and don’t mention any long charging times. One user reports that they rode for 12 miles with the routes and notifications and only used 75% of the battery.
There are just a few little issues with the display of the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt Cycle Computer to be aware of.
When comparing this device to a flashy Garmin computer, it is easy to see the shortcomings in the display. There are pros and cons here, to be fair. On the negative side, the display size is smaller at 2.2 inches and you don’t get the same colours in the data displays.
With that said, the designers here have created a dynamic high-contrast feed and there are buttons on the side to zoom in on the text as needed. The smaller screen also means space for those helpful buttons.
When it comes to the performance of the device, there are some occasional comments about the system lagging. This could be down to poor connections based on location or other software issues. At its worst, the data can take a little while to catch up.
Does this lack of negativity mean that this wahoo GPS Bike Computer is still a highly beneficial choice?
There are some small details in the design of this device that will make it seem like a lesser model compared to a Garmin cycle computer. But, if you are happy to use the zoom scroll and give up the colourful displays, you can still learn a lot from this system.
The routes and notifications are still informative and useful for those that put the work in. This system is all about planning training exercises and pushing yourself to completion no matter the conditions – which is where the added weatherproofing and security help.
So, this wahoo ELEMNT bike computer could still prove to be a great choice for riders that need that extra nudge in the right direction.
Find more reviews about the wahoo ELEMNT Bolt GPS Bike Computer on Amazon here.