Wahoo: Elemnt Bolt vs Roam (or possible Garmin)

eolson124 · #1 08-09-2022, 07:47 AM

This weekend my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt froze and then died. I want to replace with a new Wahoo, but wonder whether I should go with the Wahoo Elemnt Roam. I welocome any guidance. Also, let me know if I should be considering a Garmin. Thanks. EWO

Bob Ross · #2 08-09-2022, 07:59 AM

fwiw I'm a bit of a luddite when it comes to new technology, and I only entered the cyclometer/GPS world reluctantly, kicking & screaming (wife finally gave me one for my birthday) and yet I've been pleasantly surprised at how easy to use the Wahoo Elemnt Roam has been. Would recommend.

AngryScientist · #3 08-09-2022, 08:00 AM

What are you primarily using it for Eric?

I say get the Hammerhead! It's literally like going from a black and white TV to an High Def looking at the screen.

Bob Ross · #4 08-09-2022, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

I say get the Hammerhead!

True Story: At the start of this past Sunday's club ride the ride leader came up to me and asked "Do you know anything about Hammerheads?"

I replied "Only that they seem to show up on every club ride I've been on."

Note, I was not talking about the cyclometer/GPS units!

Until he showed me his new Hammerhead I'd never even heard of the company!

Rob1519 · #5 08-09-2022, 08:13 AM

As Sram now owns Hammerhead, Shimano has blocked any Di2 interface if that matters to you at all.

The V2 Bolt actually has a better spec than the current Roam other than screen size. A new Roam is overdue for release and I assume coming shortly as there are discounts on the current unit

benb · #6 08-09-2022, 08:26 AM

Regardless of which brand you pick unless you know you're just training and doing very well known routes over and over I think dedicated on-device maps are very valuable.

OSM off road data is amazing these days. It's super cool to have it exploring MTB trails, dirt roads, fire roads, etc..

charliedid · #7 08-09-2022, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob1519

As Sram now owns Hammerhead, Shimano has blocked any Di2 interface if that matters to you at all.

The V2 Bolt actually has a better spec than the current Roam other than screen size. A new Roam is overdue for release and I assume coming shortly as there are discounts on the current unit

Very shortly.

rice rocket · #8 08-09-2022, 10:50 AM

Hammerhead is the brand, they have two products, the Karoo and Karoo 2.

I still struggle with my K2, whereas my Bolt just worked. New fancy maps are fun, but in the end, I use it for just realtime numbers monitoring and for logging, not route navigation, and I need it to not drop all my ANT+ connections mid-ride, which it still is a "known bug" and "will be fixed".

AngryScientist · #9 08-09-2022, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rice rocket

Hammerhead is the brand, they have two products, the Karoo and Karoo 2.

I still struggle with my K2, whereas my Bolt just worked. New fancy maps are fun, but in the end, I use it for just realtime numbers monitoring and for logging, not route navigation, and I need it to not drop all my ANT+ connections mid-ride, which it still is a "known bug" and "will be fixed".

That's interesting. You and I obviously have very different uses for the computer. Navigation is the most important feature to me and I dont use any Ant+ devices. I do agree that my Wahoo was a good solid device, right up until I stupidly cracked the screen.

Alan · #10 08-09-2022, 12:32 PM

Suggest you call Wahoo support and they will do something to keep you happy. They give a lot of upgrade pricing in situations like this. I just bought a Bolt 2 for $236 and they should give you a better deal.

I have had very good experiences calling support as they want to retain you as a customer.

BrazAd · #11 08-09-2022, 01:08 PM

I had a Bolt and one of the side buttons stopped working after a couple of years. I contacted Wahoo and they offered me 40% off MSRP on either a new Bolt or Roam. I bought the Roam and love it!

Great battery life
Intuitive setup and use
Easy screen customization
Great battery life
Easy-to-read screens

Did I mention the battery life?

Contact Wahoo - they’ll make you happy!

Gary

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

tab123 · #12 08-09-2022, 01:17 PM

I have a Roam for the road and a Garmin for gravel. Why? Because the maps on the Roam do not show road, trail, etc. names or numbers except when using turn-by-turn directions in a downloaded route.

I can’t get lost on the paved roads where I ride because Central Oregon seems to have only about two dozen roads, ha. But when I’m exploring gravel roads in the forest, it’s helpful to see the Forest Service road numbers or trail names. (Many unpaved roads around here have multiple designations, which makes exploring even more interesting.)

Rob1519 · #13 08-09-2022, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliedid

Very shortly.

Pretty much guaranteed as I just received my Bolt V2!

eolson124 · #14 08-10-2022, 11:40 AM

Update:
I contacted Wahoo and they send me a 40% off discount code.

Thank you to all that replied. EWO

Bob Ross · #15 08-10-2022, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tab123

I have a Roam for the road and a Garmin for gravel. Why? Because the maps on the Roam do not show road, trail, etc. names or numbers except when using turn-by-turn directions in a downloaded route.

That's so weird; my wife got a Wahoo ~4 years ago specifically because she had joined an off-road training group and the ride leaders for that group all insisted it was the other way around, that Garmin couldn't identify unpaved roads whereas Wahoo excelled at it!