Wahoo BOLT V2/2021: 9 New Things To Know!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.ค. 2024
- It’s been four years since the original Wahoo BOLT was announced, which was arguably Wahoo’s most important bike computer in terms of shifting consumers towards their offerings. Designed to be small and easy to use, it garnered many fans. However, it lacked full onboard routable maps, as well as a color screen. Wahoo then fixed that with the Wahoo ROAM two years ago, albeit in a larger and pricier form factor.
But now, the world is righted again, and the new Wahoo BOLT (it doesn’t have any different name) includes a full color screen, full maps, and basically, is a mini Wahoo ROAM. All for $279USD (compared to the ROAM’s $379). There are almost no new unique features that the ROAM didn’t have previously, so if you wanted a cheaper/smaller ROAM, then this is likely for you. Whereas if you were looking for new advanced features from Wahoo, this release doesn’t provide that.
Nonetheless, the unit is just as full-featured as that ROAM (actually, more full featured). It’s got full ANT+ & Bluetooth Sensor support, GPS/Galileo/GLONASS connectivity, structured workout support, turn by turn navigation, live tracking, the ability to make Star Wars icons for approaching cars with Varia radar, and phone/text integration. It’s also got one hardware feature the Wahoo ROAM doesn’t: USB-C charging. Yes folks: We finally got the USB-C!
0:00 Intro
0:49 Full Routable Maps
1:40 New Color Display
2:05 Color Zone Data Fields
2:49 Increased storage size
3:40 Included map elevation data
4:11 Buttons, Battery, and Bulk
5:28 USB-C Port Details
6:08 Faster Charging
6:39 Expanded Messaging Support
7:08 And a boatload of issues
9:53 Wrap-up
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The constant chirping brings some Tamagotchi memories. Would be a nice feature to have on a bike computer actually :)
lol yeah more you ride, the healthier your pet is XD
Speaking of Tamagotchi’s, why do bike computer screens use the same technology? 😂
Firmware Update WA20-11596 from 29/5/2021 fix major issues. My Bolt V2 work fine now!
Hi Rouven, after 5 months, what's your feedback? All working great?
@@miguelmoreira5248 Yes, works well for me. Improvement to V1 are good.
@@RouvenKasten Thanks!
Rouven. I have the element bolt v2 purchased about 5 months ago. For the past 2 rides I’ve had excessive elevation gain (10,330 on flat road!!!Normally these 2 routes are under 500 feet. Only thing I have is that the wind can cause this issue. I’m new to this cycling thing so I know I don’t do 10k feet. What can I do. Is it damaged? Or any updates Is this normal?
@@jrtarmac2497 I've experienced that on the V1 Bolt as well. I think they are using the barometer and that is tricked by the pressure drop. Since the maps/routes are supposed to have elevation data, maybe they could fix that in software.
I knew something was up when I couldn’t find the bolt for sale online a few weeks ago. Great review!
You are simply the best reviewer out there for this sort of stuff.
Thank you for communicating objectively with us. We appreciate and this is why we follow your work. Good job
Can we just appreciate how Ray has the relationships with wahoo that allow him to get weeks of testing in when all the other reviewers are giving 'positive' initial impressions and positive summaries? Ive spent the evening watching all the different reviews available and none have mentioned the issues Ray encountered. Most have only had their hands on it for 24h or 1 week tops. Thanks for the real insight and value add Ray.
Thanks Michael! To be fair to others, the issues I saw seem heavily dependent on living in Amsterdam - and more specifically, the incredibly high density of bike paths and bike infrastructure here that basically killed the routing engine (and in turn, brought down the entire unit). I got a firmware fix I'm testing now to try and resolve the issues. So far, so good.
@@Dcrainmaker Its a fair point that they probably didn't test it in an options-dense environment like Amsterdam, but your extensive testing protocols did reveal a flaw that will doubtless save a lot of cyclists some headaches. Lets be honest, it's a bit silly that the system got overwhelmed and shut down in the first place. Amsterdam is definitely one of the cycling havens but I'm sure the bug could be replicated in other major cities around the world. TBF I am a big fan of Wahoo products even if they sometimes ship a bit buggy, they do seem like they care about users and patch things up as quickly as possible. You should definitely get some consulting credit or gigs on the side ;) All the best and keep up the great work.
@@Dcrainmaker did you do a 1 year update? Have they improved anything in later updates?
That's why I love your reviews. You are probably the only one that will say this. All the other ones can't or won't say that Wahoo is selling a faulty product.
Great review as usual and thanks for the heads up about the crashes. I’ll wait upgrading from my version 1 until they fix these.
Finally an updated Bolt! I’ve loved mine forever. Thanks for the review Ray!
Did you watch the video? Lol.
@@davidlynch9049 oh I’m definitely sticking with my old one, those chirps alone ;) but I’m just glad Wahoo didn’t forget about the Bolt
Thanks. My V1 went bad and Wahoo was awesome to send me a brand new V2. I can't wait to try this new one out.
I just bought the Bolt v2 based on several friends' recommendations. I used it for the first time near Amsterdam, and I was off route for a few KM before I received a notification. Your video might explain why I was having issues! So far I am lukewarm on the device, but I have been told there is a learning curve, and it gets better. For several years I had a Garmin, but I didn't like the Garmin Connect interface, so thought I would try something new.
I have the ROAM and love it! I don’t need the full color screen. Great review!
I also love the RIVAL. Looking forward to a new review on it.
I am incredibly happy I've sold my roam a few days ago before the price for the used unit would drop significantly. And yes, I've sold it because it is not a very usable unit in Ams area, the same list of a pain points as in the video but for my former Roam.
If DC can't stop the beeping, then I'm waiting for the first update.
Thank you for this review, saved me a lot of frustration.
Looks like I'm not the only one that had trouble keeping the flap closed on my v1 Bolt🤣 I'm looking at reviews for the v2 now because Wahoo has great customer service. I had a issue with my v1, "wrote" them to ask basically how long it had left before it croaked...they're replacing it with a v2. That's really cool of them. Anyway, thanks for the thorough review
I really hope Wahoo gets this sorted. I love my Bolt v1, but the color fields and routing ability would definitely have me buy the new version. I think this is one of those devices where I'll wait for your UPDATE giving the all-clear to buy.
As always, many thanks for the video and the in-depth review
Any update on this issue ?
@@PierreJohnsonPro, I got wahoo a few months back and there are no more problems
Hey DC! Can we have an update regarding the issues you mentioned in this review, are they fixed?
+1 in 2024 lol
It works fine 👍
Honest review. Great. Given the lack of any updated information in the description so far, should I assume that over a year later, these bugs haven't been fixed yet?
I love my new Roam V2 GPS, I have been part of the Garmin family for 20 years, however; when Whahoo came out with the new Climb Pro where you do not have to upload courses for it to work that was a game changer. I have not had any of the problems you speak about at all. The ironic thing is my Garmin would always do those things and I finally had to try something else, and thankfully I found Wahoo, I highly recommended itl
DC great! Review as always but which one would you buy the roam or the Blot v2
Thanks
140km on my new Bolt today. Faultless. Love the new screen, far better resolution for small detail and type. Much nicer mapping with colour added. Battery life appears same as old bolt. Memory now adequate for ultra distance races with regards maps.
Good so far!
I have one too and used it for 2 trips. Both times the route/chevrons would dissapear at certain points. Then I need to either wait or choose a direction (mostly the wrong one), before it starts showing the route again. With the previous bolt the route was always there. It’s like now it only shows certain parts of the route and when you reach the end of that part it, it needs to load the next part of the route?
@@NessMeister there is an update which addresses route issues on manually imported route files. Check the firmware update details.
@@richardgate1571 ah, awesome. Will check. Thanks!
@@NessMeister How about now? Are there any improvements with the update? I was so close bying the new bolt, but those news holding me back.
@@kluc2000 The last few times I used a downloaded gpx route, I did not have the issue anymore. The issue was when you reached the end of a recalculated bleu chevron line, it took a few seconds before the normal black chevrons would re-appear. However, there's a solid black line visible where the black chevrons will appear. So you can still see the original route. I didn't pay attention to that in the beginning. I would just buy it, it's such an awesome device. Jury's still out on the buttons though. I think I liked the old buttons better. But other than that, worth the upgrade (for me)
super good review as always, any updates on the mentioned problems yet?
The bugs seem all the more striking considering that the major appeal of the Bolt vs. Garmin was largely that it "just works." As an owner of the original Bolt, I'm surprised that Wahoo would have trouble in this area.
Agree V1 amazing so simple everything always works. My dads Garmin is shit
Great review as always
Great review, thank you!
Been using my Bolt2 for 5 months and all is good except for a poor functioning auto-pause. I rode with my 530 Garmin, The Bolt2 and Strava I-phone for the same ride and got 25.4 kph ave for th Garmin and Strava and 23.4 kph ave for the Bolt over exactly the same distance. I reckon it's all down to the Bolt's delay when stopping plus re-starting the ride when walking the bike or going extra slow. An easy fix for Wahoo is to allow us to set a min speed for resumption of the ride e.g. 8 kph. When I told Wahoo about this recently I was told " it's all due to GPS variations". They weren't interested. I know Strava will recalculate the ave speed on my rides so I don't care all that much, but the Bolt should get this relatively correct.
Looks good. As always, we can count on you for your HONEST feedback on the device. This may be my next GPS when my Garmin 520 croaks. Looking forward to more and more goodies being released as the TdF nears. Please please Shimano wireless 12-speed!
thanks, great video Will you recommend the element bolt for a spinning bike....
Hello DC, first of all thanks a lot for great videos. Very instructional.
I’m about to buy my first bike computer GPS, I’d like something very good, long term use and most complete in all aspects. I’m so hot to buy the new Wahoo Element Bolt V2, but I discovered the Hammerhead Karoo 2. I know the difference of price, but, I’m really in doubt which one to take. What’s your recommendations?
Since now, thanks a lot, looking forward for your answer.
Cheers.
Hmm… interesting the issues you had. Didn’t have any of these issues but would trade living locations and BOLTS
Currently torn between Bolt V2 an Garmin 530. Mainly commuter and venturing into some distance rides.
Thanks for this excellent and good review! I have a question about the color on the datafielt (heartrate). I don't have these colors on my Bolt v2. Is there a special setting for?
Bugs aside the color coded power zones is a nice addition. One reason I went back to Garmin was the workout screen. I couldn’t get used to the side by side goal/actual numbers coming from the Garmin graph.
Thanks for the awesome review I'll stay clear might even go to Garmin
How are the bugs now after 10 months? Is this unit worth getting?
thx for the vid - ordered mine :)
24 chirps, including one text alert chirp, is my count!
Boom!
Lol great stuff
Just bought a bolt v2......Best I have owned.
Me: sees a meme about the new wahoo.
Me: let me check with DC rainmaker to see what's up!
Fastest route to stroopwafels 😍
Will the color identifier for power and hr come in an update for the roam? Thinking of upgrading from the original bolt and was wondering if I should go with the new bolt or roam. Thanks!
Been waiting for this new Bolt! I can finally switch from 520+ to the new Bolt!
@Ben & Cyn I also have a 520 and ready to upgrade. Curious your reasons for moving to Wahoo vs going with the Edge 530? I’m on the fence between the two. Biggest gripe with Garmin is the occasional need to re-pair BTE with my iPhone. If Wahoo can solve that I’m a switcher.
@@craigthomasutube I have used 520 since 2016 and now I ordered new Bolt (still waiting for delivery). Although 520 has been good device, I also have Forerunner 645 for other sports (mostly running) and I don't like Garmin not updating FR645 at all (compared to cheaper 245). They completely ignored 645, so I decided that I switch to Wahoo, since I had good experience with Kickr v1 trainer in the past.
@ Since getting an Apple Watch I stopped using running watches. But I don’t put much stock in my running these days anyway. The 530 has actually be great. 3 weeks in and syncs are smooth. The features continue to amaze me, such a jump from my 520. Climb pro, Strava segments and just the data that comes into Garmin Connect are super interesting. Most people complain about the setup of the all Edge bike computers. I finally “get it” and even though I know Wahoo is much simpler, once Garmin is setup it’s the features that keep me in the ecosystem. I hear you though, it’s no fun when they ghost the older models.
Any chance this could be a hardware limitation? CPU can't render the maps, or RAM not sufficent to store them prior to rendering?
This gives you so much credibility compared to clearly bought ad paid for content. Really useful. Thanks
Just heard the news on the new bolt. 🤔 Hmm, does DC have a video? Yes....yes he does. Happy days!
"Happy days!" No, that would be the other guy. :)
First ride today. LOTS of TIKR hrm dropouts. Even the cadence sensor dropped a bunch of times. But there was at least a 50/50 chance the HRM showed blank every time I looked down.
Didn’t have the rest of the issues. But definitely dropouts!!
You don't need to apologize to Wahoo if they sent you a half baked product. Thanks for the review!
My first ride - I jumped away as with Favero and now Rally Pedals - the AVG PWR for the workout is low - I know that to fix it in TP you can simply cut a few seconds - but while training the head unit displays a low number - the individual laps seem fine. During import - TR and Strava are always higher (I assume correctly) but the device and app will show that. Is the answer to just not display AVG power workout - do you know why, it is different - the 530 and SRM PC8 numbers aren't low and they also have the exact same delay from the pedals from a stop?
How did it end up @DC Rainmaker , and will the new bolt v2 attach to old front mounts?
The crashing due to lots of stuff is what my old Garmin used to do, as it was just not powerful enough! Ie quite happy routing out in the sticks but struggled once into bike path busy areas such as London and could crash out.
Any update on this?
Has these GPS issues been resolved by now?
I'm looking at some good deals, and my edge 820 with an unoriginal battery, faded blue screen and poor performance needs an upgrade quite soon..
Will i be happy with this when i'm used to garmin and have a garmin fenix 6x for mountainbike riding? (this is something i would use for my road bike)
Hi Ray, I want to buy my first bike computer and the Wahoo Elemnt Roam is first on my shortlist, before the Bolt V2 because of the Roam larger screen. But, with the recent release of the Bolt V2, I am reluctant to invest in the current Roam as there could be a Roam V2 issued in the near future. Would you know whether and when Wahoo intends to replace the Roam by a Roam V2?
Is it worth upgrading to this over the roam? As it has more colour
Refreshing to have an indepth honest review. All the other sites (except for Desfit/GPLama perhaps) just ran down the marketing literature and then did a glorified unboxing. What is the point of all of those reviews if the information content is literally zero ? I am a tad surprised that the engineers over in Atlanta did not fix those issues a few days ago, as they should be able to simulate the map density by injecting fake GPS coordinate at the workbench ... so that kind of sounds a tad odd to me, but then again, identifying an issue and properly fixing it are separate things. Looking at Desfit's review, who roams just a few miles up the road, it seems in the US we might be just fine. Big shoutout to Ray for testing this stuff in miserable weather. Why ? Because guess what, the route navigation in a downpour is where I need this bike computer over a cellphone that may or may not be water proof, and may or may not respond to my fingers on a touchscreen.
DC, appreciate the informative vlog on Bolt 2. Can I assume Wahoo has yet to sync with Trailforks for us MTB'ers? Blue skies from AZ. Jg
Have you gotten an answer to this sir? Same concerns from a fellow mtb’er
Does the garmin edge 1030 + have the ability to change the color via heart rate or power zone like the wahoo? That’s pretty cool!
I had the original TickrX and some bike sensors. Nice products, but always feel I could lose something if I switch from the Garmin ecosystem to Wahoo.
I'm very intrigued by both the Rival watch and this new Bolt, but I'm still stuck in Garmin's world and can't see a better solution so far.
What should i buy ? Garmin 530 or Bolt v2 ?
I love Wahoo products, but the one frustration I have is connectivity issues at times. Sometimes on my kickr my bolt is bulletproof, and other times it drops everything 5-6 times a ride.
Just got my Bolt v2. 21 hours after ordering at Wahoo Netherlands delivered by DPD. Yes, the display IS polarized. Diagonally at least, so I can live with it. And yes, it still only supports 2.4 GHz Wifi.
The need to connect my old Bolt V1 directly to 2.4GHz wi-fi is my biggest gripe, it means I'm creating a hotspot with a mobile and waiting for the ride data to upload as my home wi-fi does't work with the Bolt. Meanwhile, garmin computers just sync seamlessly via bluetooth, I like my Wahoo bolt but seamless connectivity looks very attractive after living with the Wahoo for so long.
@@m1mbz
The issue is probably your home wifi, not the Wahoo. Connectivity has never been a problem with my Bolts. I still have nightmares from the Edge 605.
@@heinblod571 the issue is my home WiFi is 5GHz, completely not supported by Wahoo.
Any issues with the notifications appearing on the bolt v2
Like many of us I have multiple bikes... single speed, MTB, gravel bike. Does the new bolt allow you to track which bike/equipment you used on each ride? At end of year would like to know how much mileage I put on each individual bike.
I think there's an excel function for that
Hey, does this support Trailforks for mtb?
Thing I liked is that the Bolt was in black & white.
The bugs will get fixed soon, doesn’t bother me at all. I am ready to make the jump from Garmin - where the most recent bug took 5 months to get resolved. But this is just too small for me. Bring on the Roam 2!
I'm in the market for a computer now - upgrading my trusty old Garmin 510 that just kicked the bucket. I'm curious, have the bugs been ironed out yet?
Do you think they will update the roam soon as I would like the newer screen?
Do you know if high gradients show up on a different color on the elevation graph? or if the elevation graph can be shown on the map page as on the Roam?
Afraid not
It would be interesting to see a review of the iGPSport iGS620, there price seems really good for comparable features to Garmin or Wahoo
Biggest issue I have with the Bolt v2 is delayed navigation cues... when coming up to a turn, its anywhere from 50-100' off. I'm already in the turn and its still suggesting the turn is 30-40' ahead. In the same scenario, my iPhone is only delay 25'.
Does the BOLT2 work properly yet?
THANKS Amico great "write up" If I need info you are the one. Does this mean a Roam 2021 / Version 2? is coming soon?
perfectly said. I'm holding out for the roam 2.0
Does it do auto laps by location? Not just time and distance?
I wonder if we see the colored data fields at the roam too?
Or is this the reason why we all have to buy the roam V2 next year?
Hi are you able to sync workouts from a bolt v2 to garmin connect?
Hello! Can navigation also be used for walking?
Did you also experience crashes while routing? I have my Bolt V2 a couple of weeks now and on 50% of my tours the routing just stopped in the middle of the route and I needed to start the navigation again. Very annoying.
thanks for the honest review! appreciate it!
Any idea if they have added Trailforks integration?
Did you get it working properly now? I have just installed Sram Red etap and cant get to see the battery levels all the way down the screen cuts off either the left shifter or right shifter battery status. Wish they would fix this . Ironically when I press the shifter the light is still green, but the Bolt says "battery critical" Your thoughts on this?
How is the offroad tracking? The original Bolt was constantly complaining I'm off the track (that was recorded by the same unit) when riding tight switchbacks and twisty single track on speed. It just couldn't keep up, lose GPS accuracy and the range for the off track warning was smaller than the GPS accuracy.
No such issues with 830, I suspect it uses the gyro/accelerometer and the compass to compliment the GPS for better accuracy and path tracking. Though 830 has tons of other issues, mainly Garmin forcing on us features that nobody wants and nobody uses!
Hi DC, do you know how to turn off the turn by turn navigation feature? Cheers
Are all the issues you mention fixed now? Is it good?
For someone who doesn't have a power meter and only uses HR data with forerunner 230 for Cycling, I want to either get the bolt or the edge 530(plus/540?), I find that Garmin Connect offers something that Wahoo doesn't (I can't view my HR info in detail on Strava without Premium), which makes me lean more toward the edge. But in a perfect world I think I'd pick up the Bolt. I love it's simplicity.
Love simplicity, have a look at 130 plus 😉
waiting untill they fix this, I'm in Belgium also with a lot of infrastructure.
Also, data is off by around 300ft.
Hopefully a firmware update will resolve the issue.
Do you know anything about language settings on the Wahoo Element Bolt V2? As far asI can find out there is no possibility of Danish language
In the written version of your Wahoo V2 review you made the comment that Garmin vs Wahoo is similar to Apple Iphone vs Android. Is Garmin Android and Wahoo Iphone ?
Great honest review. Guess Garmin is still the go to.
Could you please provide some battery life comparison between the three, I have a bolt1 which used to last almost 10 hours, but now, it hardly last 8 hours with all the sensors connected, I would like to know should i go with Roam or Bolt2?
Thank you!
@Ali - I recently got the Bolt2 and after a 12hr ride I had 20% power remaining, so Wahoos claim of 15 hrs for Bolt2 seems about right. I had connected Varia radar, heart rate monitor, and power meter/cadence all over ANT+. Also had the screen backlight set to “5 sec” (outside in daylight the screen backlight is not needed, visibility is very good without it).
We are a year later now, my Elemnt did navigate me on blurred map. "loading" icon remained on the screen for the entire trip, I was seriously dependent on the navigation by this time and was freaking annoying. That was one time in a month but I tried to get home from a place I've never been to. Hopefully bugs are not daily anymore but I feel every update fixes one and brings a new issue. I love that device as long as it not getting any more frequent.
You’ve got nice bike trails in Amsterdam
Bolt v2 is the best choice overall also the lightest even lighter than all modern Garmin devices.
any chance for choosing power source from your PM (e.g. vectors) while controlling FE-C compatible trainer?
I just tried this a couple days ago with my v1 bolt with the latest firmware a couple days ago. Appears to ignore power meter and just go with trainer readings when doing an erg structured workout. So no “power match” as far as I can tell. Having said that, the user interface doing structured workouts on the bolt is very nicely done.
@@toddtannenbaum7092 thanks - same here. It's my biggest pain with wahoo. I need to use app and wahoo bolt while on trainer :(
Any chance there will be a new Roam within… 3 weeks ?
Is there a way to turn on the color coding within the data fields ? Somehow it doesn’t do that..:(
Any update to for this review? Quite a few firmware updates over the past 4 months ...
How does it keep up with your cadence and power?
I’ll guess I’ll wait till it’s fully sorted
Anyone with the new BOLT and Assioma Duo pedals can check/confirm if Wahoo maybe fixed the total work done during the workout (i.e. total kJ output)? Up until recently, with Assioma Duo, BOLT was miscalculating total kJ (i.e. 1 hour workout with avg power 150 W would show like 405 kJ instead of 540 kJ (1 hr = 3600 s * 150 W = 540 kJ) - it regularly showed 25% less than it should). Wahoo aknowledged this bug through a support ticket but didn't fix it. It was one of the reasons I changed to Hammerhead computer. But maybe they fixed that finally?
Note it happened only with Assioma Duo pedals (earlier I used bePro single sided pedals and all worked great)