Super helpful vid. Really well filmed and edited. I ride with my iPhone mounted beside my Roam, which solves the lack of map topography issue as I run OS maps (UK maps app) for my mostly MTB or Road day rides. Battery life and sweat/rain messing with the touch screen totally favours the Roam. Very very sound vid/review/opinions. Thanks++++
Nice presentation. Relevant for all of us regular users who just want a simple, effective way to navigate and view some metrics. It is a bit spendy and I would also like to see a slightly larger screen. I will buy this one and I am sure Wahoo will come out with a new and improved unit within a month of that Purchase! Thanks for posting this.
I love my wahoo Roam and I use this for a few months now, Updates are still coming to the device, that's a good thing. I remember the first days of use that the Roam restarted after a update in the morning. My first reaction wash that I lost the ride, but no and in your review it is good to see that even if you Reboot the device it is going back where it wash. In sort the Wahoo continues where it left of, that's cool:) The rerouting can be sometimes irritating especially if you want to make a longer training dtour. But it is a great to have it on this Wahoo Roam, workt great to:) Greetings from Amsterdam
i bought it 4 weeks ago. It's a great little device. i started creating the routes in strava, but quickly swapped to komoot. (I create them on the laptop). As they are more focussed on other riders in the same area and also give nice stories and back ground about the ride with pictures and such to give you a good idea what the route will be about. Because in the end it isnt just riding your bike its also enjoying the environment. I then export the route from the wahoo app (create on laptop, directly available on the app) to the elemt app on my iPhone. Works seamlessly. All you have to do is select the wahoo device (which you paired in an early stage). and it is a matter of seconds and the wahoo device ask you if you want to start the selected route you just clicked on, on your phone. Tells you to reroute when you go off route, which works really well. Uploads the ride when i arive in front of my house to the strava app. Add friends automaticly who use strava as well, eventhough they havent been using a wahoo device. So that might just be a strava function, but yeah all in all still very nice. Rode 3 routes (about 3 hours) and the battery is at 87%.
Have been using Element roam for over two years on variable bike packing rides. Each time I was going over 8 Hrs or over 100 miles ride in a single day computer were freezes up. Friend of mine got Roam too. On the same trip our computers got freezes up within 20 min interval at mile 110. Wahoo Customer service wasn't able to help solve problem Were pointing on my light interference to the computer and etc. My recommendation to have backup e-trex unit.
Great review. I’ve seen lots of Roam reviews and not one has been as thorough and bikepacking-specific as yours. Thanks for helping me decide to pick one up.
I have been using the Roam for about 9 months. I think it's great but there are a couple of things you touched on that I totally agree with. An option for AAA batteries would be very nice. I hope Wahoo developes a model that incorporates that. The other thing is that my Roam totally locked up on my two biggest rides this year. The first time I was doing double centuries two days in a row (Double Double) and my Roam froze at mile 185 on the second day. The second time I was at mile 145 on a 165 mile day. Each time I was able to shut the unit off and restart, but I was not able to save either as a complete ride on Ride With GPS. I am really happy to know about the force restart technique you showed in the video. This was not mentioned to me by Wahoo tech support. Their solution was to update my iOS and my companion app, but unfortunately I could not do that due to other apps on my phone which don't work with the newest iOS. This is a problem with running a lot of apps on your phone. Anyway, thanks for the video. I do like the Roam which isn't perfect but pretty darn good.
Maybe its an issue of too less storage? I use this device for over a year, and only in the beginning I had the same problem. After throwing out some maps (I had loaded nearly all european maps) it all works fine and reliable. Overall I´m also very satisfied with this computer. Greatings from old europe...
The Roam is the best bike computer I’ve used so far (previously used iPhones and a range of Garmins). Used it to navigate off road the length of NZ this year (Tour Aotearoa - 3,000km/20 days). Real buttons make it way better in rain/sweat, btw. Only thing I would ask is that the size of the auto pause flag is reduced. When you slow\stop to check a tricky junction,or the validity of a re-route, the map is almost completely obscured which is a pain.
Neil - nice review. I largely agree with your thoughts. However, - I do miss a touch screen. There are times I find it would be nice to pan around to see where you are in relation to other things. With the Roam you just get to Zoom in/out. You mentioned liking that it wasn't a touch screen but I'm not sure why? - The re-route function is cool, but it can also be a pain. Sometimes I'll be on a fire road in the middle of nowhere and the Roam starts thinking I've veered off course and starts warning me and suggestion an alternate route. I've learned to mute it, but it's a pain. - Your video shows that a call is coming in (briefly) but that's a feature you don't really mention. I like that text messages pop up on the Roam. Usually I have my phone in my pocket and being able to see a message on the Roam was totally unexpected (I don't recall enabling that feature) and pretty cool - Lastly, you mention not using this on something like the Tour Divide. I've been hoping/planning to try the Tour Divide in 2021. Just curious - what would you use instead of the Roam for an event like that? I've been planning to use mine but curious why you said you wouldn't. Thanks!
Re choosing a route, simply sync device at home where it can download all the routes you need. Then choose from map page what route you want and off you go. Far simpler than the oodly convoluted method Neil demoed. In fact once device is setup, you rarely need the phone app.
Nice review, I agree with all of your opinions. What do you think about the Dataspace of 2Gb? For me it is a little annoying to always delete maps and load those I‘m going to need for my ride. 16gb would be nice!
Thank you for a great review, I've been using the roam for about a year the only issue I've had was doing a ultra bike event when I got to about 300km the count down to the Check point froze, this happened twice. But otherwise a great computer. Keep the content coming :-)
same. my elevation was completely off! Huge problem with Wahoo. I think thats why people like them ;) but all jokes aside look into the elevation problem. was a brand new roam too.
I agree with modt of the things you said. However, I don't understand why they didn't make the distance to the stem just like 2-3mm wider so the usb cables would actually fit. Even angled ones hardly fit, not to speak of the one that got delivered. Why do engineers do that?
I typically export Strava rides using a free app and then import into Locus maps. Can I import gpx files directly into this device without Strava and then how well will it navigate me on the gpx route on unknown trails?
i like the device, but you can not sync routes that haven't been uploaded to the wahoo servers which is quite stupid when you're in the middle of nowhere and want to adjust spontaneously
You can easily change routes out in middle of nowhere. I sync my device before I go out and it downloads everything from RWGPS and Strava. Then when out I choose what map I require on the Wahoo and off I go. Much simpler than using phone as Neil demoed.
Old post, but some info for anyone interested: He probably used a Garmin etrex 32x. They're popular for the TD. Rugged, reliable, no phone apps, and can run on 2 AA batteries or power bank . I rode the Banff to Whitefish section of the route using my cell phone (pixel 5) with the Gaia GPS app and TD GPX file and it worked perfectly. I had a Garmin etrex 32x also as a backup to the phone. The etrex has a horrible user interface and I would only consider using it as an emergency backup. If you choose the etrex for a backup, definitely go for a shorter trip and practice using it first. It is not intuitive or easy-to-use.
no. you only need your phone to edit pages, sync routes or upload routes. you need no Bluetooth connection while cycling - unless you want to use the live track feature.
Personally, I use the Garmin eTrex 30 from Garmin. I'll be doing an eTrex series review in the coming months as I'm currently testing all of the eTrex models.
Hey dude . We are planning to cycle England to Asia and we are trying to find the best and easiest GPS bike computer .I'm not bothered about heart rate and training stuff just want a good GPS .is this any good for the job .or could you recomend anything cheers dude and we love the channel.
I would use an Garmin Etrex unit for something like that, It's a bit old school, but is reliable, and uses disposable batteries. Check it here: th-cam.com/video/yqkVojuX_jM/w-d-xo.html
I’ve had two Roams with the sunspot issue. First one was replaced by Wahoo. The second one lasted just two months before a sunspot appeared. Three months after contacting them it has still not been replaced, and is almost useless as it cannot tether to a new iPhone as the QR code is obscured. Perhaps not the best device for use during the hours of daylight.
Hi Neil! I really doubt between Garmin 830 or Roam, i try to decide before tmw as i have big event, do you think the Roam maps are enought for mountain bike on the mountains? Im not sure if wahoo will work on that with more detailed version soon, for you its ok or its downpoint? Since also the device have very short memory also concern me.. Garmin its quite powerful, and looks bigger mapps. But on the other hand i think the chevrons navigating sytem and the profile view of the route are two big winners when you are on route.. So what you think? Dp you know if its possible to follow a gpx download from strava without using Strava routes? Finally any concern with the front mount for Mtb? Maybe too exposed in a fall? Thanks a lot
The most important thing for me is to follow the .gpx trail in the mountains. Sometimes I upload the route of the competition, which partly does not lead along any known roads, only in the wild, designated paths for the purposes of the competition. What did you choose in the end and how does it work for following a .gpx trail?
The wahoo roam is useless as the elevation reading is very low compared to strava or garmin 520, when I contacted them about this as I had issue with a 200km cycle, they didn't care and told me that the elevation gain would have to be out more than 121m in 10km, so it's useless in Ireland because it is all hills and hollows #wahooroamuseless#
I have Wahoo Elemnt Roam v1. I do not recommend!!! After 3 years the battery lasts up to 45 minutes and it is not exchangeable. I have contacted Wahoo and they offer 20% discount to buy new unit. Rather poor, spending 400$ and after 3 years you have to buy new one...
For navigation only, why not just use your smartphone? Besides battery life (which is also not great on the computer), I don't really see the advantages of this device
My understanding is that vibration from hard mounting on the handlebars causes major issues for smartphones over time. Also why risk a $1000 device if you fall vs a cheaper purpose built computer with a sunlight readable screen with way better battery life
@@austinp3299 check out the Samsung m31 s. Huge battery. With nav on I think you can use for a day. Fast charge also. And price is low. Plenty of sturdy cases you can find also.
Other issue I found with smart phones and bike computers with touch screens is they can be problematic in the rain (and are in the sweat zone). You can also operate with gloves on. Real buttons work best for me. I’ve used all three and found the Roam the best overall solution.
Super helpful vid. Really well filmed and edited.
I ride with my iPhone mounted beside my Roam, which solves the lack of map topography issue as I run OS maps (UK maps app) for my mostly MTB or Road day rides.
Battery life and sweat/rain messing with the touch screen totally favours the Roam.
Very very sound vid/review/opinions. Thanks++++
Nice presentation. Relevant for all of us regular users who just want a simple, effective way to navigate and view some metrics. It is a bit spendy and I would also like to see a slightly larger screen. I will buy this one and I am sure Wahoo will come out with a new and improved unit within a month of that Purchase! Thanks for posting this.
Thx for review. I bought it as my first bike computer. And looks like i won't be disappointed :)
If you haven't tried it, when you share your live location, the person can actually see some of your live stats like heart rate and speed.
I love my wahoo Roam and I use this for a few months now, Updates are still coming to the device, that's a good thing.
I remember the first days of use that the Roam restarted after a update in the morning.
My first reaction wash that I lost the ride, but no and in your review it is good to see that even if you Reboot the device it is going back where it wash.
In sort the Wahoo continues where it left of, that's cool:)
The rerouting can be sometimes irritating especially if you want to make a longer training dtour.
But it is a great to have it on this Wahoo Roam, workt great to:)
Greetings from Amsterdam
this is by far the best review ive seen so far. Seen a few.
i bought it 4 weeks ago. It's a great little device. i started creating the routes in strava, but quickly swapped to komoot. (I create them on the laptop). As they are more focussed on other riders in the same area and also give nice stories and back ground about the ride with pictures and such to give you a good idea what the route will be about. Because in the end it isnt just riding your bike its also enjoying the environment. I then export the route from the wahoo app (create on laptop, directly available on the app) to the elemt app on my iPhone. Works seamlessly. All you have to do is select the wahoo device (which you paired in an early stage). and it is a matter of seconds and the wahoo device ask you if you want to start the selected route you just clicked on, on your phone.
Tells you to reroute when you go off route, which works really well. Uploads the ride when i arive in front of my house to the strava app. Add friends automaticly who use strava as well, eventhough they havent been using a wahoo device. So that might just be a strava function, but yeah all in all still very nice. Rode 3 routes (about 3 hours) and the battery is at 87%.
Have been using Element roam for over two years on variable bike packing rides. Each time I was going over 8 Hrs or over 100 miles ride in a single day computer were freezes up. Friend of mine got Roam too. On the same trip our computers got freezes up within 20 min interval at mile 110. Wahoo Customer service wasn't able to help solve problem Were pointing on my light interference to the computer and etc. My recommendation to have backup e-trex unit.
Love my Wahoo Roam! Great review Neil.
Great device I like the roam, how are you getting on with it? I like the look of the hammerhead Karoo 2
Seriously, one of your best informative videos, thank you 😊
Great review. I’ve seen lots of Roam reviews and not one has been as thorough and bikepacking-specific as yours. Thanks for helping me decide to pick one up.
I have been using the Roam for about 9 months. I think it's great but there are a couple of things you touched on that I totally agree with. An option for AAA batteries would be very nice. I hope Wahoo developes a model that incorporates that. The other thing is that my Roam totally locked up on my two biggest rides this year. The first time I was doing double centuries two days in a row (Double Double) and my Roam froze at mile 185 on the second day. The second time I was at mile 145 on a 165 mile day. Each time I was able to shut the unit off and restart, but I was not able to save either as a complete ride on Ride With GPS. I am really happy to know about the force restart technique you showed in the video. This was not mentioned to me by Wahoo tech support. Their solution was to update my iOS and my companion app, but unfortunately I could not do that due to other apps on my phone which don't work with the newest iOS. This is a problem with running a lot of apps on your phone. Anyway, thanks for the video. I do like the Roam which isn't perfect but pretty darn good.
Maybe its an issue of too less storage? I use this device for over a year, and only in the beginning I had the same problem. After throwing out some maps (I had loaded nearly all european maps) it all works fine and reliable. Overall I´m also very satisfied with this computer. Greatings from old europe...
Thanks for the informative comments.
The Roam is the best bike computer I’ve used so far (previously used iPhones and a range of Garmins). Used it to navigate off road the length of NZ this year (Tour Aotearoa - 3,000km/20 days). Real buttons make it way better in rain/sweat, btw. Only thing I would ask is that the size of the auto pause flag is reduced. When you slow\stop to check a tricky junction,or the validity of a re-route, the map is almost completely obscured which is a pain.
Does the auto pause flag stay up the whole time you're paused?
On my older Elemnt I just have to hit the page button to get rid of the auto pause message. Try this on your Roam.
Best review I have seen on this - thanks!
Neil - nice review. I largely agree with your thoughts. However,
- I do miss a touch screen. There are times I find it would be nice to pan around to see where you are in relation to other things. With the Roam you just get to Zoom in/out. You mentioned liking that it wasn't a touch screen but I'm not sure why?
- The re-route function is cool, but it can also be a pain. Sometimes I'll be on a fire road in the middle of nowhere and the Roam starts thinking I've veered off course and starts warning me and suggestion an alternate route. I've learned to mute it, but it's a pain.
- Your video shows that a call is coming in (briefly) but that's a feature you don't really mention. I like that text messages pop up on the Roam. Usually I have my phone in my pocket and being able to see a message on the Roam was totally unexpected (I don't recall enabling that feature) and pretty cool
- Lastly, you mention not using this on something like the Tour Divide. I've been hoping/planning to try the Tour Divide in 2021. Just curious - what would you use instead of the Roam for an event like that? I've been planning to use mine but curious why you said you wouldn't.
Thanks!
He probably prefers no touchscreen because touchscreens don't work in rain very well if at all, physical buttons will work in all weather conditions.
Could you do a video on its Garmin counterpart, the Edge 830?
Re choosing a route, simply sync device at home where it can download all the routes you need. Then choose from map page what route you want and off you go. Far simpler than the oodly convoluted method Neil demoed. In fact once device is setup, you rarely need the phone app.
Nice review, I agree with all of your opinions. What do you think about the Dataspace of 2Gb? For me it is a little annoying to always delete maps and load those I‘m going to need for my ride. 16gb would be nice!
It's look like they heard your needs , the newer V2 version have that data storage
Super helpful video thanks
Many thanks for the review
Can you please do a review on Fart World? I need to know
Great review!! i 🧡 my wahoo too!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you for a great review, I've been using the roam for about a year the only issue I've had was doing a ultra bike event when I got to about 300km the count down to the Check point froze, this happened twice. But otherwise a great computer. Keep the content coming :-)
Mine suffers from poor GPS accuracy in the woods. Already using a speed sensor. Any advice?
same. my elevation was completely off! Huge problem with Wahoo. I think thats why people like them ;)
but all jokes aside look into the elevation problem. was a brand new roam too.
Thanks for your Extra info about this topics
Thx for your review! You answered some question I had that I couldn't find anywhere else! Btw looks like you have some awesome trails out there!!
Looking at Tour Divide Route gear lists, I noticed most people use either the Wahoo Roam or a Garmin eTrex 32. Preferences?
Both, etrex as backup
When you view a route on the app, do you know a way to show distance markers? All i get is the overall route. No information is given. Thx.
I agree with modt of the things you said. However, I don't understand why they didn't make the distance to the stem just like 2-3mm wider so the usb cables would actually fit. Even angled ones hardly fit, not to speak of the one that got delivered. Why do engineers do that?
I typically export Strava rides using a free app and then import into Locus maps. Can I import gpx files directly into this device without Strava and then how well will it navigate me on the gpx route on unknown trails?
Can you point me to your route for the UP in Michigan? Great video!
Do you find turn by turn reliable on the roam
i like the device, but you can not sync routes that haven't been uploaded to the wahoo servers which is quite stupid when you're in the middle of nowhere and want to adjust spontaneously
You can easily change routes out in middle of nowhere.
I sync my device before I go out and it downloads everything from RWGPS and Strava. Then when out I choose what map I require on the Wahoo and off I go. Much simpler than using phone as Neil demoed.
easy to use and install
Thanks Neil. What do you use on the TD for navigation if you don't use the roam and why?
I am very curious about this as well. I have been playing with GAIA on my phone which I think pairs nicely with the ROAM.
Old post, but some info for anyone interested: He probably used a Garmin etrex 32x. They're popular for the TD. Rugged, reliable, no phone apps, and can run on 2 AA batteries or power bank . I rode the Banff to Whitefish section of the route using my cell phone (pixel 5) with the Gaia GPS app and TD GPX file and it worked perfectly. I had a Garmin etrex 32x also as a backup to the phone. The etrex has a horrible user interface and I would only consider using it as an emergency backup. If you choose the etrex for a backup, definitely go for a shorter trip and practice using it first. It is not intuitive or easy-to-use.
Is it constantly connected to your phone using Bluetooth, and then using battery of your phone?
no. you only need your phone to edit pages, sync routes or upload routes. you need no Bluetooth connection while cycling - unless you want to use the live track feature.
what is your iphone case?
Thank you, this was super helpful!
I have an Iphone 5s and have zero connection issues
Which computer would you recommend for the Tour Divide Race?
Personally, I use the Garmin eTrex 30 from Garmin. I'll be doing an eTrex series review in the coming months as I'm currently testing all of the eTrex models.
Hey dude . We are planning to cycle England to Asia and we are trying to find the best and easiest GPS bike computer .I'm not bothered about heart rate and training stuff just want a good GPS .is this any good for the job .or could you recomend anything cheers dude and we love the channel.
I would use an Garmin Etrex unit for something like that, It's a bit old school, but is reliable, and uses disposable batteries. Check it here: th-cam.com/video/yqkVojuX_jM/w-d-xo.html
@@BIKEPACKINGcom cheers dude .I'm going to watch your video and do some research on the Garmin etrex . Thanks again brother
I’ve had two Roams with the sunspot issue. First one was replaced by Wahoo. The second one lasted just two months before a sunspot appeared. Three months after contacting them it has still not been replaced, and is almost useless as it cannot tether to a new iPhone as the QR code is obscured. Perhaps not the best device for use during the hours of daylight.
Also the zoom feature on the maps how much do you zoom in or out for best results
Hi Neil! I really doubt between Garmin 830 or Roam, i try to decide before tmw as i have big event, do you think the Roam maps are enought for mountain bike on the mountains? Im not sure if wahoo will work on that with more detailed version soon, for you its ok or its downpoint? Since also the device have very short memory also concern me..
Garmin its quite powerful, and looks bigger mapps.
But on the other hand i think the chevrons navigating sytem and the profile view of the route are two big winners when you are on route..
So what you think?
Dp you know if its possible to follow a gpx download from strava without using Strava routes?
Finally any concern with the front mount for Mtb? Maybe too exposed in a fall?
Thanks a lot
The most important thing for me is to follow the .gpx trail in the mountains. Sometimes I upload the route of the competition, which partly does not lead along any known roads, only in the wild, designated paths for the purposes of the competition. What did you choose in the end and how does it work for following a .gpx trail?
The wahoo roam is useless as the elevation reading is very low compared to strava or garmin 520, when I contacted them about this as I had issue with a 200km cycle, they didn't care and told me that the elevation gain would have to be out more than 121m in 10km, so it's useless in Ireland because it is all hills and hollows #wahooroamuseless#
Fart world app! Lmao 🤣
What is the fart world app?
It’s a hoot, give it a DL!
lol did anyone else look up "Fart World"? 11:47
One of my favorite apps!
I have Wahoo Elemnt Roam v1. I do not recommend!!! After 3 years the battery lasts up to 45 minutes and it is not exchangeable. I have contacted Wahoo and they offer 20% discount to buy new unit. Rather poor, spending 400$ and after 3 years you have to buy new one...
For navigation only, why not just use your smartphone? Besides battery life (which is also not great on the computer), I don't really see the advantages of this device
My understanding is that vibration from hard mounting on the handlebars causes major issues for smartphones over time. Also why risk a $1000 device if you fall vs a cheaper purpose built computer with a sunlight readable screen with way better battery life
Nice Fart App!
The Wahoo ROAM is great, but unfortunately for Wahoo, the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus is the absolute king of battery life.
Great review. Batteries? No No No. Like the recharging feature.
isnt a smartphone just better?
In my experience, battery life is a huge issue with phones when using navigation, and they aren't as durable in the case of a crash.
@@austinp3299 check out the Samsung m31 s. Huge battery. With nav on I think you can use for a day. Fast charge also. And price is low. Plenty of sturdy cases you can find also.
Other issue I found with smart phones and bike computers with touch screens is they can be problematic in the rain (and are in the sweat zone). You can also operate with gloves on. Real buttons work best for me. I’ve used all three and found the Roam the best overall solution.
is a good investment if you are often riding, specific device for specific purpose.
God I hope they dont start putting AAA batteries in these. BAD IDEA
I requested it, I doubt it will happen, but I would love to see it!