Hi Shane! Thank you for this brilliant video. There seems to be a bit of confusion regarding the terminology with GPS/GNSS/Dual Frequency and so on. To put it in a nutshell: GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) means all the different navigation satellite systems that are surrounding our planet. The most popular among them are: GPS (Global Positioning System) - run by the US GLONASS (Globalnaja nawigazionnaja sputnikowaja sistema) - run by Russia Gallileo - run by the European Union Beidou - run by China QZSS - run by Japan When they talk about Multi-Frequency usage, this means not multiple satellite systems! All the naviagtion satellites emit multiple frequencies. To avoid getting too complicated, you can say, that the more frequencies from one navigation satellite system can be received the better the accuracy of the calculated position will be. There is a wrong information when you write on 14:21 min that the Bolt2 does only receive GPS satellites. You can check it out on the Wahoo website: de-eu.wahoofitness.com/devices/bike-computers#comp-sec Hope you can use the information to correct this little fuss 🙂 Thank you very much for your great work with this channel and keep on going!
Yeah we need more colours rather than high contrast on a bike computer. For you know, watching you tube while cycling…. Such a mistake switching from my Bolt to Garmin Edge 830. Looking forward to getting back to Bolt when I can justify the spend!
@@jan2000nl Same experience for me. I was switch from Roam V1 to 1040 and ive got enough of that mess and looking forward to back to wahoo (if they come with something new ill switch immidiately. Just hope for implementing "previous page" function for wahoo units/future unit.)
Great video and I was waiting on the update for the Roam, but completely UNDERWHELMED by Roam V2. I will stick with my v1 until there is something more substantial on offer.
Thank you sir, great review. I ordered the Roam v2 earlier today. I am upgrading from the original Elemnt and have been waiting on the Roam to be updated. I hope this was a wise upgrade.
On a new bike computer in 2022 for that price you would expect smaller bezels and a bigger screen. I use a bolt1 since some years, but next one will be a garmin i guess.
Been waiting for this. And the cloud config sync. So much happy - so little time! :) Edit to add: boo ...hiss - still no Tether in the box? So dumb....
I continue to be perplexed why Wahoo can't/won't add street names on the maps, particularly the larger Roam. I made the switch to Wahoo Bolt 2 a year ago, but street names is one of the little things I miss about my Garmin. Thanks for the great review, Shane.
Thank you for a great video, as usual :-) Regarding Roam v2, it's somewhat underwhelming from the perspective of Roam v1 user. If I may say so, I would advice to... compare it more against Roam v1 than Bolt v2. Then again, potential customers would not see enough reasons to upgrade - at least this is what I think.
Awesome! I'm quite happy with my Bolt v2 so I won't be looking to upgrade it, but if it dies in the future I'll replace it with the ROAM v2 for sure. Key feature for me is the slightly larger display.
How readable is the color screen in direct sunlight? I switched years ago to the ELEMNT with the monochrome screen. This was an improvement for me after using a Garmin Edge 810. I love the readability of the monochrome screen.
Agree; not sure why they don't do away with the LEDs, and implement similar functionality via the LCD screen. Personally I turn off the LEDs, and would prefer much more map area.
I'm getting older, and I cannot always read the text on my Bolt... so I'd probably get the ROAM v2 ;-). Waiting for the Garmin Edge 840 to be released next year though...
The GPS Accuracy metric displayed is referred technically as "Dilution of Precision" (DOP), it doesn't have a tangible metric since it is a combine accuracy metric of (X,Y,Z) coordinates + Time. Higher number means the accuracy is bad.
Simply wow... All the content you make GP... Thank you for that. Just wondering. How do you capture the screen on the units in this video? Keep positive en make good videos. Greetings from the Netherlands...
There's a config option on the BOLT2 and ROAM2 to record screen. You'll need to plug the unit into a Mac/PC and create a /capture/ folder, reboot, and maybe... it'll appear as an option on the debug menu screen. I'm not sure if non-beta users have the debug menu item though...
You seem to have the inside track with Wahoo... just wondering how they are coming with fixing the gear data recording that somehow got removed in a firmware update. Favorite gears are no longer in my workouts to review... but it's still connected to di2 and sees current gear....I've had a ticket open with Wahoo since last fall and they keep saying it's in the works.
Is the USB-C charging supporting USB-C to USB-C charging? Was a bit disappointed with my bolt2 only supports USB-A to USB-C charging (and specifically say they don’t support Apple charging bricks for some reason). It seems they are incompatible with USB-C PD protocol. It kind of defeat the convenience of USB-C. would be interested to see if they fixed that. Thanks!
I'm getting ~5-6W power draw when plugging it into my Mac charger. Not sure of the battery level though... if it's close to 100% they don't pull in max charge (iirc?).
Great Review , Can the Roam2 perform turn by turn voice navigation via bluetooth to my iphone, i want to be able to use my shokz headphones and get the turn notification through my headphones. Thanks for the help.
My Roam 1 really disappointed me when I traveled from US to UK and it struggled with getting GPS lock and with only hotel Wi-Fi the unit couldn’t get any internet data. I went to the Garmin 1040 and I’ve been super happy.
wat expecting more, have a original element and looking for an update next year. The karoo 2 looks to have more for the same price. Maybe compare the 2 in a video?
Shane, Have you looked at or used/reviewed the Wahoo Systm outdoor riding plans that are now available with in the Wahoo Systm training plans. Are they accurate to what the indoor version indicates for the workout to the outdoor version?? Thanks
Well, I was hoping for much more: 1. Some kind of app store so people could add own widgets 2. Some kind of security alarm (accelerometer input plus loud sound output when someone moves my bike when I’m in the shop/cafe) 3. Something like knog scout where Apple’s AirTag tech brings new features Other than that device looks like a good update for my bolt v1 🎉
Gee, you mean a useful computer that works as well as a phone? or a car unit? Or integrates your doodads? Somebody ought to do that. Or maybe just worry about how smooth the GPS lines are.
Can you make a test of battery life during navigation ? I noticed that battery that battery is really reduced during navigation on my current elmnt roam (max 9h 10h)
Thanks for the thorough review! Could you at some point test the effect of interference action cams have on the GPS accuracy of various cycling computers? I occasionally use a Insta360 one X2 and my bolt v2’s gps accuracy just goes completely to pieces (e.g. from ~3m to 20+) as soon as the camera is turned on.
The SYSTM outdoor workouts looks an incredible feature - I had noticed the outdoor versions on the app yesterday so was thinking there must be a new head unit launching. If there’s no grade lag, I’m sold. Sick of the 10-15 second grade lag on my Edge 830 as well as its 8 second power lag. Can’t wait to never have to use it again!
What power meter do you use? You don't have smoothing enabled do you? The grade lag is a thing for sure, but an 8 second power lag? I don't experience that on my 530. In fact, of I ride side by side with my Karoo 2, the Edge definitely reacts more quickly to a power increase, though it's close. They're definitely not lagging 8 seconds
@@reginalb124 it’s an 830 I have. Ya, a friend of mine doesn’t have the issue with his 530 either. People are saying it’s the Sony chip. From reports so far, the 1040 is utter junk as regards lag on both power and grade
@@Tommy31416 Strange given that the 830 and 530 are so similar. I wonder if the touchscreen just uses too much processing power or something. That said, power meters themselves can vary, I run a Favero Assioma with the 530.
Shane my Boltv1 is long in the tooth and seems to drift more than it used to. Don't want to go back to the big 'G' (radar or not). Is the Roam v2 worth 100US more than the Roam v1? Boltv2 may also be an option i'll have to chew on. that radar integ deal u spoke of last wk was sure interesting (granted it was G only). Take care. -U10
Recently bought me the Roam V1, with a great discount. Mostly for using it as a navigation device. Garmin wasn’t an option, considering the reviews on this. However, the biggest let down on the Wahoo was; NO ODOMETER on the device! Man, come on! Still can’t comprehend. Is this issue sorted out on the V2, anyone?
@@gplama I know about this, but I prefer it to be on the device. My dumb Cateye has it, why can’t a pricy Wahoo have it on board. And I am not into Strava etc.
@@gplama I have noticed that third party services like strava and rwgps and others all calculate distance differently which in the course of a year worth of riding those descripencies really add up. So which service is correct? I'd like to be able to trust the orginal recording device.
A little disappointed that Di2 and Varia battery is not a data field. Instead you have to do multiple steps to show. Also only pedalling dynamics support for Pioneer power meters. Thought these were promised upgrades for the roam 1.
Price aside, 1040 Solar. The feature sets on the Edge units are generations ahead if you're into ConnectIQ data fields, apps, ANT+ Light control... *nudge Wahoo*
I had the 1030 for one weekend and while I agree that ConnectIQ fields and apps are nice (and I hoped the new ROAM to support sth like this), the core functionality (especially readability) is simply much better on the ROAM. So I will upgrade from ROAM V1 to V2.
@@gplama thanks Shane, fits in with the other Garmin products in my regime as well 👌🏼 - if only they could fix the battery life on my Fenix 6, which went sideways in a firmware upgrade last year 10 days to 4 days, yet Garmin claim no issues 🤦🏼♂️
Hi Shane! With regards to the GPS accuracy... I have the Roam 1, and use an outfront mount. On the other side of the mount is a Fly12 camera. Generally (~70%) of the time, the Fly12 causes interference such that the accuracy of the GPS is thrown off (e.g., it constantly beeps at me, because it say's I'm ~5 or 10m off course). This makes following a route extremely difficult if i'm also filming my ride. Do you know if the Roam 2 with it's dual band GPS would solve this issue? Thanks
I like the backup feature added to the existing units, but somehow have managed to make this completely unintuitive. I see the restore from backup unders settings, but how do you actually backup? Simply syncing does nothing and I expectred to see a Backup Now option. *shrugs*
From their doco: *Generating a backup* There is nothing specific a user needs to do. The backup will occur while your ELEMNT is paired to the Companion App, the 2 triggers are when you start a workout, or unpair your device. The backup goes directly to Wahoo cloud storage and isn't held on either ELEMNT or Companion App.
Thought they would make the screen bigger by pushing the bezels out more on the new v2 not a fan of the side lights and top lights you can see what zones you are in on a page you can set up so thought they would push the screen out more and do away with them , bigger screen and same size body would of been good,if Garmin did a similar phone app for set up etc I think they would be hard to beat, Garmin nudge nudge 😄
Hi Shane, Bought the new Roam some days ago and can’t find the option to highlight data field with colours. I saw that file users had the same problem by the past when upgraded from the Bolt V1 to the V2. The companion app thought they were still using the old version. A quick fix was to erase the app and forget the phone. I tried to do that several times with my new Elment Roam but without progress. Can’t highlight date field in colours. Can you tell me if I get something wrong? Where do we personnalise the data in the companion app and is it able to colour customise all date field? Have you heard about such problem? Thanks.
Hopefully you found it by now 5 months later. But for anyone else, you have to set a new data field that specifically mentions color. And unhelpfully, those data fields are located at the very end of the list, so you have to scroll all the way to the bottom.
@@gplama and I super duper appreciate that!! Just curious about people's opinion on possibly upgrading as my first and only computer has been the Bolt V2. It's been great but when adventuring (requiring navigation), sometimes I wish the screen was bigger. Strange that the map features (like park land) show up differently between Roam V2 and Bolt V2 if it's the same processor and underlying map files... Maybe they aren't the same. Also, does it bother anyone else that Wahoo navigation doesn't allow an option for setting North as always up? This is standard on pretty much every mapping/navigation tool :/ More silly is that when you go to change the zoom level, the preview has North pointing up but when you confirm the zoom level, it goes back to forward direction is up -- can be quite confusing!
@@ivanyhtang The mapping on the ROAM2 is more detailed, so it's slightly different to the BOLT2. Within the Elemnt Companion App there's an option to "Always rotate maps" which does what you're after, I think?
@@gplama thanks Shane. I'm aware of that setting in the companion app and I'll have to try it again on my next ride. I seem to recall that it behaved differently depending on if you were just on a map page versus if you were following a route. Cheers
Update: I was able to achieve the desired effect with the "Always rotate maps" setting toggled off. However, since the app (nor the unit itself) has a button to force north pointing up, I had to ride northward so the Bolt GPS recognized me going north first, and then go into the app to toggle off that setting. Now my map always has North at the top. A bit of a workaround, but it works nonetheless.
Underwhelmed. While you have better user experience reviews, I find it still still lacking. How about brightness levels of units actually compared? How fast does the ambient light sensor change? How loud and and at what frequencies does the varia radar alerts occur? How often are GPS coordinates updated? Referring to the last question, I noticed that the TBT notifications are around 40 ft or so late. This about the same as my original Bolt and he Bolt V2 I tried. At 15mph that is around 22 ft per second. If the GPS update is 2-3 seconds then accuratel TBT is impossible, yet I have never seen this measured before. Any idea if it can/cannot be improved? Thanks
FYI GPS is the American satellite constellation, it was the first one which is why everyone calls navigation devices 'GPS' when infact they are GNSS receivers that is GPS compatible. Dual GPS is incorrect terminology (though this is what they have on their website 🤷🏼♂️)
Slightly annoyed that roam v2 along with bolt v2 get highlighted HR zones depending on your heart rate at the time but roam does not, even though it has the capability of it shown in the summit update with gradient zones. Shame as roam v2 'for most people' is not worth the price if you have a roam and you only need a few maps . Still a good product but nothing revolutionary. Cracking review as always though!
I struggle to see why anyone would buy this when the Garmin 530, 830 and 1030 are miles better… but even the hammerhead Karoo 2 is light years better. I always regretted my original roam purchase and sold it pretty quickly
Completely agree. All Wahoo have done here is make a bigger Bolt. I love their "simplicity" proposition, but these days you can get that simplicity, with more functionality, plus a much better display from the Karoo 2. Sorry @wahoofitness - your value proposition just isn't that compelling now.
It does seem Wahoo's upgrades have become incremental at best. The upgrade from the Garmin Edge 1030 to 1040 is a bigger uograde. Well hell, even the upgrade from the Karoo to Karoo 2 is enough to take notice.
One thing I noticed when looking at the specs on the Wahoo site is that the Roam2 no longer has a Gorilla glass screen like the original Roam did. Not that big of a deal probably, but was a bit disappointed to see the slight cheapening of the product.
Bit of a disappointment to be honest. Especially given the price increase. Looks as if it's more focused on future functionality rather being ready for prime time now. No longer the category killer it once was. Might be time to even consider switching back to Garmin or heading over to Hammerhead and the Karoo 2..
LOL. After Garmin got hacked, and the recent shitstorm with Optus, there is no way I am forgiving companies for their disregard for security. Some people have shit memory but I don't forget.
@@gplama Wahoo website says this: "ELEMNT ROAM uses watertight, dustproof USB-C charging, keeping charge times down and dirt, water and debris out." So, maybe?
Story no one is covering - can a rider quickly and with a high degree of confidence program a route of varying complexity routine on a multinational trip. Evaluation metrics 1 - 50 reveal if that device is a real word navigator. Any use of a digital scale immediately disqualified from the evaluation. Nobody I know uses their Garmin for navigation, “just to record the track?
Admittedly, I don't think I understand your question... but if you're asking about route planning, people commonly use third party services such as Strava, RideWithGPS, Komoot, etc.
Switched from Wahoo to Karoo 2 a year ago and have been very happy. Was worried when Wahoo released a new Roam I would be tempted to go back, but not even for a second. Also have Sram and 10 hours of battery is enough for me.
This is a very very disappointing release. Increased price and just a new usb connection and the cable included is not even a C to C cable - it’s the out of date A-C cable. Essentially, this is only for people who damage their old roam, don’t have warranty again and want a new one - cos I have a Roam and I am not even interested in this. Cycling tech is still weird and oddly priced to me.
I have the Boltv2 and it's been great. I may upgrade to the Roamv2 just for the larger screen. I'm still not happy with the false advertising from Wahoo about the vibrant photoshop screen on the box compared to REAL LIFE. There should be laws about that.
Embargo lifted & sight uploaded. What I want to know is have they fixed the crashing issue navigating? Tokyo routing on the fly seemed to overload the old ROAM & would restart.
Where. does that put the Karoo and Garmin lines? And what are the functions that you really need? Fine tuning minor functions for a few doesn't get me excited. Just adds complexity. A big bright clear screen, sensor stability, and a decent price shouldn't be just for the high end folks that find their 3 min cadence meaningful. Good on them, but what do the other 90% use this for? Distance, speed and not getting lost? HR and Saving some data to look at later? Ease of use, solid core functionality. We are a long way from a phone like Personal Area Network or car system like easy connectivity. Is this just about ANT+ and not putting a $1000 phone on your bars? I never have yet gotten off my bike and said," Wow , look how smooth the GPS track is!". But I have thought my mapping program wandered like it had Alzheimer's. And $1000 worth of electronics and a phone that work together about as well as the Republicans.
I knew it! The ROAM was on sale too long. I thought they may have a new computer coming out but hey a new version of the ROAM... I'll say that I called it. 😁 #PelotonSux
Man you have an amazing ability to see the future. Who would have thought a company that makes bike GPS would release a bike GPS. Do you think garmin will release another Edge unit someday?
@@kidShibuya yeah genius, I said why. The original ROAM was on sale for like 3-4 months. It's rare to have a sale for that long if there's not a new product coming out. 🙄
@@jeffduncan9347 lol..smh..I know exactly what your saying..I noticed that too..don't let these social media folks get to you..they live for the jokes...lol
I was really looking forward to this Wahoo version but, It's 2022 and the map is still not fluid, looks the same pixelated as the older model ...Why Wahoo?. Smart phones from 2020 had better map navigation. Secondly screen is still very small for a cyclist to read while riding bike. More memory is not what most cyclist need, it's the smooth navigation and larger screen. Great review though Shane.
just recently took the new Wahoo Bolt v2 for a 550km ride and I was very disappointed to see that it lost it's turn by turn navigation at that distance already. Fortunately I still had my Garmin as backup, which notified without problems. It's pretty ridiculous that they keep releasing new hardware, but don't fix the main complaint in software - ie. unable to deal with more complex / bigger GPX routes still. Frankly I don't expect the roam fixes anything in that regard so still useless for any serious long distance riders... It didn't work properly at 500km I wonder how badly it copes with people doing Tour Divide or some other Trans Continental epics...
You can lower that distance to atleast 230km. Did a ride like that last weekend with the same message. I do not really have a problem with that though, only a few places that made it a bit hard to see what road to take. I had more a problem with the map not loading anymore after 200km so I had to wing it a bit.
@@gplama Wahoo Bolt V2 supports turn-by-turn navigation for routes below 200km. "The Max route length to generate Turn by Turn cues for a GPX route or Strava import is 200km. " was the answer from support
Oh snap, I was confident Roam2 will atleast comes with solar panel and bezeless screen to compete with the Garmin 1040. Such a killjoy, what a let down. Now, Garmin 1040 can proudly claim the first headunit with multiband GNSS and solar panels.
@@stefanvansteenberge the difference between the Edge 1040 and roam2 is actually vast. In reality, the two devices are to ment for different types of riders. Wahoo tends to market the're two computers to a wider audience with its ease of use and "just works" model. The 1040 on the other hand, is for those who require to keep all there ride data under one roof I.e. Garmin Connect, instead being required to export your ride data to a third party service potentially paying for another subscription fee just for ride analysis. To me, this is huge. Managing multiple subscriptions can get out of hand (this is Wahoo's main downfall). Also the roam 2 is really a larger version of the bolt 2. What do you gain in the Elemnt version 2 series? Really the roam and bolt are the same device with different sizes. Garmin has a whole line up of bike computers for all kinds the riders from the competitive cyclist to explorer to the rider who just want to track their miles.
Looks like a good product. But a GPS without raod names. What is the point. Garmin 840 is much better in this regards than wahoo v2. And 840 has touchscreen with buttons. Easy to enter address directly in the unit in garmin 840. Wahoo needs to make maps with more details especially the road name. And so much wastage of these useless leds on the side taking up screen space.
I am back here again because I am so angry at this wahoo release- there were so many features that could have been included, quick text replies like I hear Garmin has, music control , so many things - its rather disappointing , also considering the fact most users of the people using these devices are used by regular people not the pros.
@@gplama hi Shane, I am sorry if this came across as an attack on you or your content, I apologise- Twas definitely not my intention - the device update was just a bit annoying because I indulge in the biennial +X device upgrade and with cycling tech, it hardly seems like a fun indulgence - and thanks for clarifying about quick text and Android devices only. Cheers
@@atexnik ANT+ was a Garmin project. The Light implementation by Garmin is incompletely accessible by the ANT+ light protocol. Other head units struggle with it and Garmin is not great. See: Thisisant
@@atexnik No, rather it has proprietary features. Varia implementations ( as well as the other "smart"lights) have differing implementation on head units and since they may also use BT, phones. Thus differing displays , feature access and stability. The great thing about operating standards is that there are so many of them.
Been waiting for this! Though I do wish that they would have put an even larger screen in it - 62 year old eyes can use all the help they can get!
Hi Shane! Thank you for this brilliant video.
There seems to be a bit of confusion regarding the terminology with GPS/GNSS/Dual Frequency and so on.
To put it in a nutshell:
GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) means all the different navigation satellite systems that are surrounding our planet.
The most popular among them are:
GPS (Global Positioning System) - run by the US
GLONASS (Globalnaja nawigazionnaja sputnikowaja sistema) - run by Russia
Gallileo - run by the European Union
Beidou - run by China
QZSS - run by Japan
When they talk about Multi-Frequency usage, this means not multiple satellite systems! All the naviagtion satellites emit multiple frequencies. To avoid getting too complicated, you can say, that the more frequencies from one navigation satellite system can be received the better the accuracy of the calculated position will be.
There is a wrong information when you write on 14:21 min that the Bolt2 does only receive GPS satellites. You can check it out on the Wahoo website:
de-eu.wahoofitness.com/devices/bike-computers#comp-sec
Hope you can use the information to correct this little fuss 🙂
Thank you very much for your great work with this channel and keep on going!
Wahoo has finally achieved Crayola levels of colors. Although I have a 240 count tub so Wahoo still has a way to go in the color department.
Yeah we need more colours rather than high contrast on a bike computer. For you know, watching you tube while cycling…. Such a mistake switching from my Bolt to Garmin Edge 830. Looking forward to getting back to Bolt when I can justify the spend!
@@jan2000nl Same experience for me. I was switch from Roam V1 to 1040 and ive got enough of that mess and looking forward to back to wahoo (if they come with something new ill switch immidiately. Just hope for implementing "previous page" function for wahoo units/future unit.)
@@CrustySVKSwitched back to Wahoo. Got the colour Bolt. Happy bunny!
My go-to channel to learn any new Wahoo updates. Thank you GPLama.
One thing that ROAM2’s increased storage brings: on-device elevation data (like BOLT2) allowing for gradient profile for routes computed on device.
Great video and I was waiting on the update for the Roam, but completely UNDERWHELMED by Roam V2. I will stick with my v1 until there is something more substantial on offer.
Great review Shane. That’s what I wanted.needed to know, particularly coming from a Bolt V1.
Thanks for showing out front mount compatibility between V1 and V2! Nowhere on the webernet it says that they are identical..
Thank you sir, great review. I ordered the Roam v2 earlier today. I am upgrading from the original Elemnt and have been waiting on the Roam to be updated. I hope this was a wise upgrade.
On a new bike computer in 2022 for that price you would expect smaller bezels and a bigger screen. I use a bolt1 since some years, but next one will be a garmin i guess.
Been waiting for this. And the cloud config sync. So much happy - so little time! :) Edit to add: boo ...hiss - still no Tether in the box? So dumb....
I continue to be perplexed why Wahoo can't/won't add street names on the maps, particularly the larger Roam. I made the switch to Wahoo Bolt 2 a year ago, but street names is one of the little things I miss about my Garmin. Thanks for the great review, Shane.
You can generate your own tiles (maps) with the level of details you want
@@bbldox When I pay hundreds of dollars for a device that device should be able to do that for me.
@@michaelkane8861 agree. Although I find Garmin maps a bit too messy
Thank you for great review, especially appreciated all the comparisons to Bolt v2. Cheers!
Excellent review... just what I was looking for.
More high-quality content as always! Great work.
Thank you for a great video, as usual :-) Regarding Roam v2, it's somewhat underwhelming from the perspective of Roam v1 user. If I may say so, I would advice to... compare it more against Roam v1 than Bolt v2. Then again, potential customers would not see enough reasons to upgrade - at least this is what I think.
I totally agree 💯 with everything you said
Awesome! I'm quite happy with my Bolt v2 so I won't be looking to upgrade it, but if it dies in the future I'll replace it with the ROAM v2 for sure. Key feature for me is the slightly larger display.
Agreed! I do love the Bolt V2 but thought the screen was a bit bigger. So a somewhat larger screen like the Roam offers would suit me as well 😎
How readable is the color screen in direct sunlight? I switched years ago to the ELEMNT with the monochrome screen. This was an improvement for me after using a Garmin Edge 810. I love the readability of the monochrome screen.
5:23 It's a screw, bolts aren't usually threaded all the way along the shank 😜
Aside from ambient sensor size, are there any changes in backlight level or range? The ROAM V1 backlight is a bit dim...
Great reviews tech wise mate. Cheers
Great review as always. Was hoping they would get rid of the massive screen bezels, but certainly lots about this unit to make up for that.
Agree; not sure why they don't do away with the LEDs, and implement similar functionality via the LCD screen. Personally I turn off the LEDs, and would prefer much more map area.
@@smfr123 To me, the LED’s are the best thing about the Roam. Especially when using GPS, regarding taking turns. Furthermore ... overprized.
I'm getting older, and I cannot always read the text on my Bolt... so I'd probably get the ROAM v2 ;-).
Waiting for the Garmin Edge 840 to be released next year though...
A Hammerhead advert played in the middle of the unboxing - 😂
Ah, there is a god.
Are these advanced mapping details coming to the Bolt V2, too?
This is one thing I find very annoying and hope to get an Update on it.
I can always tell when a publication embargo ends, my youtube feed is 20 Roam2 video's this morning 🤣
The GPS Accuracy metric displayed is referred technically as "Dilution of Precision" (DOP), it doesn't have a tangible metric since it is a combine accuracy metric of (X,Y,Z) coordinates + Time. Higher number means the accuracy is bad.
Bottom line would you buy the R2 or a Garmin product?
Simply wow... All the content you make GP... Thank you for that. Just wondering. How do you capture the screen on the units in this video? Keep positive en make good videos. Greetings from the Netherlands...
There's a config option on the BOLT2 and ROAM2 to record screen. You'll need to plug the unit into a Mac/PC and create a /capture/ folder, reboot, and maybe... it'll appear as an option on the debug menu screen. I'm not sure if non-beta users have the debug menu item though...
You seem to have the inside track with Wahoo... just wondering how they are coming with fixing the gear data recording that somehow got removed in a firmware update. Favorite gears are no longer in my workouts to review... but it's still connected to di2 and sees current gear....I've had a ticket open with Wahoo since last fall and they keep saying it's in the works.
good gps but no ad on application like garmin
Is the USB-C charging supporting USB-C to USB-C charging? Was a bit disappointed with my bolt2 only supports USB-A to USB-C charging (and specifically say they don’t support Apple charging bricks for some reason). It seems they are incompatible with USB-C PD protocol. It kind of defeat the convenience of USB-C. would be interested to see if they fixed that. Thanks!
I'm getting ~5-6W power draw when plugging it into my Mac charger. Not sure of the battery level though... if it's close to 100% they don't pull in max charge (iirc?).
That boot up time! 😮😮😮😮. Yikes!
Great Review , Can the Roam2 perform turn by turn voice navigation via bluetooth to my iphone, i want to be able to use my shokz headphones and get the turn notification through my headphones. Thanks for the help.
That's one for Wahoo support. I'm not sure if that's something they've added in recent updates.
Whatever head unit you may have I just wish they kept the total odometer on the the companion app
2012 just rang up they want their bezel back.
Absolutely atrocious that they could allow something this wide to go into production
The dark hand of Bezel, bud.
Can u advice me, I’m looking at the roam 2 vs edge explore 2. Mainly for navigation
Do you think upgrading from a Roam v1 to a Roam v2 is still a safe buy this summer or is Wahoo likely to drop a v3 in October?
Entirely your call on this one.
My Roam 1 really disappointed me when I traveled from US to UK and it struggled with getting GPS lock and with only hotel Wi-Fi the unit couldn’t get any internet data. I went to the Garmin 1040 and I’ve been super happy.
Just don't travel with it, at last not to Japan. They say it has global maps, they lie.
Nice review as ever Shane , have you had any luck getting your Kickr2 bike in for review yet?
It’s built. Then the last two releases came along that I had to get to it the door (Zwift Huh and this). I’ll be riding it today.
@@gplama good stuff 👍
Hi Shane . Jo here in the UK. Any idea what the removable clip panel on the underside of the New Roam 2 mount is for?
Not sure. I don't think it'll be for mounting lights/cameras as their mount is still only plastic.
wat expecting more, have a original element and looking for an update next year. The karoo 2 looks to have more for the same price. Maybe compare the 2 in a video?
Shane, Have you looked at or used/reviewed the Wahoo Systm outdoor riding plans that are now available with in the Wahoo Systm training plans. Are they accurate to what the indoor version indicates for the workout to the outdoor version?? Thanks
Not something I've looked into.
Well, I was hoping for much more:
1. Some kind of app store so people could add own widgets
2. Some kind of security alarm (accelerometer input plus loud sound output when someone moves my bike when I’m in the shop/cafe)
3. Something like knog scout where Apple’s AirTag tech brings new features
Other than that device looks like a good update for my bolt v1 🎉
Gee, you mean a useful computer that works as well as a phone? or a car unit?
Or integrates your doodads?
Somebody ought to do that.
Or maybe just worry about how smooth the GPS lines are.
I hope they fixed the issue I have with the “old” Roam…
Maps disappearing as soon as you enter a busy area
Are you able to side scroll the map view?
Pretty great review.
Can you make a test of battery life during navigation ? I noticed that battery that battery is really reduced during navigation on my current elmnt roam (max 9h 10h)
Thanks for the thorough review!
Could you at some point test the effect of interference action cams have on the GPS accuracy of various cycling computers?
I occasionally use a Insta360 one X2 and my bolt v2’s gps accuracy just goes completely to pieces (e.g. from ~3m to 20+) as soon as the camera is turned on.
The new Fly12 Sport is on the way. The older Fly12 really shagged with GPS signal.
The SYSTM outdoor workouts looks an incredible feature - I had noticed the outdoor versions on the app yesterday so was thinking there must be a new head unit launching.
If there’s no grade lag, I’m sold. Sick of the 10-15 second grade lag on my Edge 830 as well as its 8 second power lag. Can’t wait to never have to use it again!
What power meter do you use? You don't have smoothing enabled do you? The grade lag is a thing for sure, but an 8 second power lag? I don't experience that on my 530. In fact, of I ride side by side with my Karoo 2, the Edge definitely reacts more quickly to a power increase, though it's close. They're definitely not lagging 8 seconds
@@reginalb124 it’s an 830 I have. Ya, a friend of mine doesn’t have the issue with his 530 either. People are saying it’s the Sony chip. From reports so far, the 1040 is utter junk as regards lag on both power and grade
@@Tommy31416 Strange given that the 830 and 530 are so similar. I wonder if the touchscreen just uses too much processing power or something.
That said, power meters themselves can vary, I run a Favero Assioma with the 530.
Shane my Boltv1 is long in the tooth and seems to drift more than it used to. Don't want to go back to the big 'G' (radar or not). Is the Roam v2 worth 100US more than the Roam v1? Boltv2 may also be an option i'll have to chew on. that radar integ deal u spoke of last wk was sure interesting (granted it was G only). Take care. -U10
Thank You GPLAMA
Recently bought me the Roam V1, with a great discount. Mostly for using it as a navigation device. Garmin wasn’t an option, considering the reviews on this. However, the biggest let down on the Wahoo was; NO ODOMETER on the device! Man, come on! Still can’t comprehend. Is this issue sorted out on the V2, anyone?
They’ve got one tracking overall kms in the Elemnt app. People typically track overall hours/distance on services such as Strava or TrainingPeaks.
@@gplama I know about this, but I prefer it to be on the device. My dumb Cateye has it, why can’t a pricy Wahoo have it on board. And I am not into Strava etc.
@@gplama I have noticed that third party services like strava and rwgps and others all calculate distance differently which in the course of a year worth of riding those descripencies really add up. So which service is correct? I'd like to be able to trust the orginal recording device.
A little disappointed that Di2 and Varia battery is not a data field. Instead you have to do multiple steps to show. Also only pedalling dynamics support for Pioneer power meters. Thought these were promised upgrades for the roam 1.
Were you buying a new unit, price aside would you get this or the 1040 Solar?
Price aside, 1040 Solar. The feature sets on the Edge units are generations ahead if you're into ConnectIQ data fields, apps, ANT+ Light control... *nudge Wahoo*
I had the 1030 for one weekend and while I agree that ConnectIQ fields and apps are nice (and I hoped the new ROAM to support sth like this), the core functionality (especially readability) is simply much better on the ROAM. So I will upgrade from ROAM V1 to V2.
@@gplama thanks Shane, fits in with the other Garmin products in my regime as well 👌🏼 - if only they could fix the battery life on my Fenix 6, which went sideways in a firmware upgrade last year 10 days to 4 days, yet Garmin claim no issues 🤦🏼♂️
Hi Shane! With regards to the GPS accuracy... I have the Roam 1, and use an outfront mount. On the other side of the mount is a Fly12 camera. Generally (~70%) of the time, the Fly12 causes interference such that the accuracy of the GPS is thrown off (e.g., it constantly beeps at me, because it say's I'm ~5 or 10m off course). This makes following a route extremely difficult if i'm also filming my ride. Do you know if the Roam 2 with it's dual band GPS would solve this issue? Thanks
Haven't tested. Something I can look into though.
@@gplama That'd be really useful thanks. Or an idea of how to shield my Roam1 from the Fly12's intereference!
@@cyclecoachcyclecoachcom8071 Put some tinfoil around the fly12.. Might make a faraday cage if the foil is think enough
@@kidShibuya had wondered that myself, but thought it may make me look odder than i already am!! ;-)
Put the tin foil on your helmet for best results.
I like the backup feature added to the existing units, but somehow have managed to make this completely unintuitive. I see the restore from backup unders settings, but how do you actually backup? Simply syncing does nothing and I expectred to see a Backup Now option. *shrugs*
From their doco:
*Generating a backup*
There is nothing specific a user needs to do.
The backup will occur while your ELEMNT is paired to the Companion App, the 2 triggers are when you start a workout, or unpair your device.
The backup goes directly to Wahoo cloud storage and isn't held on either ELEMNT or Companion App.
Thought they would make the screen bigger by pushing the bezels out more on the new v2 not a fan of the side lights and top lights you can see what zones you are in on a page you can set up so thought they would push the screen out more and do away with them , bigger screen and same size body would of been good,if Garmin did a similar phone app for set up etc I think they would be hard to beat, Garmin nudge nudge 😄
The 1040 is quite easy to setup using the Garmin Connect app. Much easier then the experience I had with the older 1030.
@@industryrule-4080 👍🏻
Will the extra memory mean that the ride does not freeze after 12-14 hours as the Roam1 constantly does?
That's one for Wahoo support. I'm unlikely to ever hit that limit on a ride.
Ackward release time for us in the northern hemisphere who are headed into fall & winter.
I just upgraded to the fancy edge 1040 from the O.G. bolt.
Hi Shane,
Bought the new Roam some days ago and can’t find the option to highlight data field with colours. I saw that file users had the same problem by the past when upgraded from the Bolt V1 to the V2. The companion app thought they were still using the old version. A quick fix was to erase the app and forget the phone. I tried to do that several times with my new Elment Roam but without progress. Can’t highlight date field in colours.
Can you tell me if I get something wrong? Where do we personnalise the data in the companion app and is it able to colour customise all date field?
Have you heard about such problem?
Thanks.
The fields with colour should have that noted when setting field types within the Elemnt companion app.
@@gplama Thanks unfortunately can’t find that…
Hopefully you found it by now 5 months later. But for anyone else, you have to set a new data field that specifically mentions color. And unhelpfully, those data fields are located at the very end of the list, so you have to scroll all the way to the bottom.
Still no street names on the map! Bit disappointed
Is it worth upgrading from the Bolt V2? Anyone
I've included a side by side comparison in this video.
@@gplama and I super duper appreciate that!! Just curious about people's opinion on possibly upgrading as my first and only computer has been the Bolt V2. It's been great but when adventuring (requiring navigation), sometimes I wish the screen was bigger. Strange that the map features (like park land) show up differently between Roam V2 and Bolt V2 if it's the same processor and underlying map files... Maybe they aren't the same.
Also, does it bother anyone else that Wahoo navigation doesn't allow an option for setting North as always up? This is standard on pretty much every mapping/navigation tool :/ More silly is that when you go to change the zoom level, the preview has North pointing up but when you confirm the zoom level, it goes back to forward direction is up -- can be quite confusing!
@@ivanyhtang The mapping on the ROAM2 is more detailed, so it's slightly different to the BOLT2. Within the Elemnt Companion App there's an option to "Always rotate maps" which does what you're after, I think?
@@gplama thanks Shane. I'm aware of that setting in the companion app and I'll have to try it again on my next ride. I seem to recall that it behaved differently depending on if you were just on a map page versus if you were following a route. Cheers
Update: I was able to achieve the desired effect with the "Always rotate maps" setting toggled off. However, since the app (nor the unit itself) has a button to force north pointing up, I had to ride northward so the Bolt GPS recognized me going north first, and then go into the app to toggle off that setting. Now my map always has North at the top. A bit of a workaround, but it works nonetheless.
Underwhelmed. While you have better user experience reviews, I find it still still lacking. How about brightness levels of units actually compared? How fast does the ambient light sensor change? How loud and and at what frequencies does the varia radar alerts occur? How often are GPS coordinates updated?
Referring to the last question, I noticed that the TBT notifications are around 40 ft or so late. This about the same as my original Bolt and he Bolt V2 I tried. At 15mph that is around 22 ft per second. If the GPS update is 2-3 seconds then accuratel TBT is impossible, yet I have never seen this measured before. Any idea if it can/cannot be improved?
Thanks
My Roam installed WR20-15323 yesterday and I am not a Beta user.
Does anyone know if the original Bolt can be sent in for a new battery when it starts to loose too much endurance?
7:06 Nice….
I see what you did there. 🤣
Now they just need to include ANT+ Light support!
FYI GPS is the American satellite constellation, it was the first one which is why everyone calls navigation devices 'GPS' when infact they are GNSS receivers that is GPS compatible. Dual GPS is incorrect terminology (though this is what they have on their website 🤷🏼♂️)
Slightly annoyed that roam v2 along with bolt v2 get highlighted HR zones depending on your heart rate at the time but roam does not, even though it has the capability of it shown in the summit update with gradient zones. Shame as roam v2 'for most people' is not worth the price if you have a roam and you only need a few maps . Still a good product but nothing revolutionary. Cracking review as always though!
I struggle to see why anyone would buy this when the Garmin 530, 830 and 1030 are miles better… but even the hammerhead Karoo 2 is light years better. I always regretted my original roam purchase and sold it pretty quickly
Completely agree. All Wahoo have done here is make a bigger Bolt. I love their "simplicity" proposition, but these days you can get that simplicity, with more functionality, plus a much better display from the Karoo 2. Sorry @wahoofitness - your value proposition just isn't that compelling now.
It does seem Wahoo's upgrades have become incremental at best.
The upgrade from the Garmin Edge 1030 to 1040 is a bigger uograde. Well hell, even the upgrade from the Karoo to Karoo 2 is enough to take notice.
Bloody hell a lot of plastic used in packaging compared to the Garmin Edge 1040 pakagaging.
One thing I noticed when looking at the specs on the Wahoo site is that the Roam2 no longer has a Gorilla glass screen like the original Roam did. Not that big of a deal probably, but was a bit disappointed to see the slight cheapening of the product.
Makes zero difference.
@@kidShibuya I realize that. That wasn't the point.
Still up to eleven data poles for screen?
Yep. Same as before.
Bit of a disappointment to be honest. Especially given the price increase. Looks as if it's more focused on future functionality rather being ready for prime time now. No longer the category killer it once was. Might be time to even consider switching back to Garmin or heading over to Hammerhead and the Karoo 2..
LOL. After Garmin got hacked, and the recent shitstorm with Optus, there is no way I am forgiving companies for their disregard for security.
Some people have shit memory but I don't forget.
Agreed Iain.
540, 840 have to be right around the corner. Interested to see what those releases offer/entail.
@@brotherfranciz did you type that from your iPhone?
@@brotherfranciz agree
Does the USB-C actually allow fast charging now? On Bolt V2 there's no fast charging.
Good question. I didn't see it listed in any of the documentation supplied.
@@gplama Wahoo website says this: "ELEMNT ROAM uses watertight, dustproof USB-C charging, keeping charge times down and dirt, water and debris out." So, maybe?
Story no one is covering - can a rider quickly and with a high degree of confidence program a route of varying complexity routine on a multinational trip. Evaluation metrics 1 - 50 reveal if that device is a real word navigator. Any use of a digital scale immediately disqualified from the evaluation. Nobody I know uses their Garmin for navigation, “just to record the track?
Admittedly, I don't think I understand your question... but if you're asking about route planning, people commonly use third party services such as Strava, RideWithGPS, Komoot, etc.
the bolt 2 has real time gradient? that means i don't have to load a map?
No, you have to load a map.
Still no street names. I was really hoping for that
I’ve been waiting for this video. Garmin have become the Liz Truss of cycling computers so I’m looking for alternatives.
Maybe Hammerhead’s Karoo 2
@@fellwoody No app functionality, terribly battery life, super fragile screen, fussy touch screen - no thanks - Roam2 for me.
@@fellwoody It looks like a decent device but the lack of Shimano and smartphone integration rule it out.
Switched from Wahoo to Karoo 2 a year ago and have been very happy. Was worried when Wahoo released a new Roam I would be tempted to go back, but not even for a second. Also have Sram and 10 hours of battery is enough for me.
USB C. Thank the Gods. But 600 Beer tickets? Hmmm. Think I'll save a little more for that Solar charging number from the big G..
anybody knows how I can get the roam v2 maps onto the bolt v2, I hardly use any of the storage and would like the better maps.
Not likely. It might be possible with some hackery....
This is a very very disappointing release. Increased price and just a new usb connection and the cable included is not even a C to C cable - it’s the out of date A-C cable.
Essentially, this is only for people who damage their old roam, don’t have warranty again and want a new one - cos I have a Roam and I am not even interested in this. Cycling tech is still weird and oddly priced to me.
How would this compare to the 1040? Also are the LEDs customizable to power, HR, etc?
I have the Boltv2 and it's been great. I may upgrade to the Roamv2 just for the larger screen.
I'm still not happy with the false advertising from Wahoo about the vibrant photoshop screen on the box compared to REAL LIFE. There should be laws about that.
It seems like the bolts and roams are really same unit in terms of function, just in two sizes.
Surprised to see this device released so late in the cycling season (though I know the lower hemisphere is just hitting spring now)
Embargo lifted & sight uploaded. What I want to know is have they fixed the crashing issue navigating? Tokyo routing on the fly seemed to overload the old ROAM & would restart.
69g, nice.
Where. does that put the Karoo and Garmin lines?
And what are the functions that you really need? Fine tuning minor functions for a few doesn't get me excited. Just adds complexity.
A big bright clear screen, sensor stability, and a decent price shouldn't be just for the high end folks that find their 3 min cadence meaningful.
Good on them, but what do the other 90% use this for? Distance, speed and not getting lost? HR and Saving some data to look at later?
Ease of use, solid core functionality. We are a long way from a phone like Personal Area Network or car system like easy connectivity.
Is this just about ANT+ and not putting a $1000 phone on your bars?
I never have yet gotten off my bike and said," Wow , look how smooth the GPS track is!".
But I have thought my mapping program wandered like it had Alzheimer's.
And $1000 worth of electronics and a phone that work together about as well as the Republicans.
I knew it! The ROAM was on sale too long. I thought they may have a new computer coming out but hey a new version of the ROAM... I'll say that I called it. 😁 #PelotonSux
Man you have an amazing ability to see the future. Who would have thought a company that makes bike GPS would release a bike GPS. Do you think garmin will release another Edge unit someday?
@@kidShibuya yeah genius, I said why. The original ROAM was on sale for like 3-4 months. It's rare to have a sale for that long if there's not a new product coming out. 🙄
@@jeffduncan9347 lol..smh..I know exactly what your saying..I noticed that too..don't let these social media folks get to you..they live for the jokes...lol
Finally!!
I was really looking forward to this Wahoo version but, It's 2022 and the map is still not fluid, looks the same pixelated as the older model ...Why Wahoo?. Smart phones from 2020 had better map navigation. Secondly screen is still very small for a cyclist to read while riding bike. More memory is not what most cyclist need, it's the smooth navigation and larger screen. Great review though Shane.
just recently took the new Wahoo Bolt v2 for a 550km ride and I was very disappointed to see that it lost it's turn by turn navigation at that distance already. Fortunately I still had my Garmin as backup, which notified without problems. It's pretty ridiculous that they keep releasing new hardware, but don't fix the main complaint in software - ie. unable to deal with more complex / bigger GPX routes still. Frankly I don't expect the roam fixes anything in that regard so still useless for any serious long distance riders... It didn't work properly at 500km I wonder how badly it copes with people doing Tour Divide or some other Trans Continental epics...
What do Wahoo support say about these extended routes?
Could you not break the route up into much smaller stages?
You can lower that distance to atleast 230km. Did a ride like that last weekend with the same message.
I do not really have a problem with that though, only a few places that made it a bit hard to see what road to take. I had more a problem with the map not loading anymore after 200km so I had to wing it a bit.
@@gplama Wahoo Bolt V2 supports turn-by-turn navigation for routes below 200km. "The Max route length to generate Turn by Turn cues for a GPX route or Strava import is 200km. " was the answer from support
My friend recently did a 666km ride on his bolt v1 and it lasted with one recharge sesh
Oh snap, I was confident Roam2 will atleast comes with solar panel and bezeless screen to compete with the Garmin 1040. Such a killjoy, what a let down. Now, Garmin 1040 can proudly claim the first headunit with multiband GNSS and solar panels.
what's the price difference between 1040 and Roam2?
@@stefanvansteenberge the difference between the Edge 1040 and roam2 is actually vast. In reality, the two devices are to ment for different types of riders. Wahoo tends to market the're two computers to a wider audience with its ease of use and "just works" model.
The 1040 on the other hand, is for those who require to keep all there ride data under one roof I.e. Garmin Connect, instead being required to export your ride data to a third party service potentially paying for another subscription fee just for ride analysis. To me, this is huge. Managing multiple subscriptions can get out of hand (this is Wahoo's main downfall).
Also the roam 2 is really a larger version of the bolt 2. What do you gain in the Elemnt version 2 series? Really the roam and bolt are the same device with different sizes. Garmin has a whole line up of bike computers for all kinds the riders from the competitive cyclist to explorer to the rider who just want to track their miles.
That ridiculous body-screen-ratio 🙈😂
Once again no tether😢
Looks like a good product. But a GPS without raod names. What is the point. Garmin 840 is much better in this regards than wahoo v2. And 840 has touchscreen with buttons. Easy to enter address directly in the unit in garmin 840. Wahoo needs to make maps with more details especially the road name. And so much wastage of these useless leds on the side taking up screen space.
I am back here again because I am so angry at this wahoo release- there were so many features that could have been included, quick text replies like I hear Garmin has, music control , so many things - its rather disappointing , also considering the fact most users of the people using these devices are used by regular people not the pros.
No need to get angry. Just choose another product. Garmin only have text replies if you’re using Android.
@@gplama hi Shane, I am sorry if this came across as an attack on you or your content, I apologise- Twas definitely not my intention - the device update was just a bit annoying because I indulge in the biennial +X device upgrade and with cycling tech, it hardly seems like a fun indulgence - and thanks for clarifying about quick text and Android devices only. Cheers
I find that Wahoo is very basic I've switched especially there maps are really disappointing no street names a real let down
No Ant+ light control once again...Wahoo, WTF?!
ANT+ light protocol is f'ed up, thank you Garmin
Get on, turn it on and ride? Naw
@@whazzat8015 why so?
@@atexnik ANT+ was a Garmin project. The Light implementation by Garmin is incompletely accessible by the ANT+ light protocol. Other head units struggle with it and Garmin is not great. See: Thisisant
@@whazzat8015 aha, so it means, Garmin's light implementation doesn't meet the Ant+ standard?
@@atexnik No, rather it has proprietary features. Varia implementations ( as well as the other "smart"lights) have differing implementation on head units and since they may also use BT, phones. Thus differing displays , feature access and stability. The great thing about operating standards is that there are so many of them.