Hot
- Easy out of the box set up with Wahoo ELEMNT companion app
- Short learning curve to use the device
- On-device smart navigation including turn-by-turn, auto rerouting, and route to start
- 64-color display is easy to read
- 16GB of on-device storage (up from 4GB)
- Slightly raised buttons are easier to press even with full-finger gloves
- Aero out-front mount design
- USB-C charges unit faster
- A good price point for a full-featured GPS cycling computer
Not
- Still no custom auto-pause MPH setting
- No option to one-off discard ride, unit forces upload
- Personally, felt the screen was too small for navigation
Price: $279.99
Screen: 2.2” color display
Display type: 64-color
Display resolution: 320×240
Weight: 70g Head unit; 26g out-front mount
Battery Life: 15-hour runtime
Onboard Memory: 16GB
Availability: Online and retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Wahoo Revamps their ELEMNT BOLT
In late May, Wahoo released version 2 of their ELEMNT BOLT, adding even more great features to the smaller of their two units. Nine new features, to be exact, which I’ve highlighted in this review. The $279.99 price tag gives you a powerful cycling computer with a better high-resolution screen and improved navigation.
The BOLT’s 2.2” new 64-color display provides a high-contrast screen making it easier to read in all lighting conditions. An updated user interface offers customizable, color-highlighted fields to make it easier to focus on specific data metrics.
Also new with this release is the Smart Navigation feature, which was previously only available on the ELEMNT ROAM. If you go off course to grab a snack or beer, the BOLT will navigate you back to the route. Other on-device navigation features include turn-by-turn, and route to start. Elevation data is available now for any route, whether you imported the file or created a route via the Wahoo companion app.
While the navigation features of the BOLT are spot on, the 2.2” screen is a bit small for these 58-year-old eyes while riding. I preferred the ELEMNT ROAM’s larger screen when exploring and using the navigation.
With a 15-hour runtime and onboard memory increased from 4GB to 16GB, the BOLT is ready for exploring. When it’s time to charge the head unit, this new version uses a USB-C for faster charging.
Another feature of the new BOLT is the buttons. The oh-so-slightly raised buttons make them easier to push, even with full-figured gloves. Before, the buttons were concave, and they were hard to operate, especially with gloves.
Wahoo has added additional supported text messaging services, including WhatsApp, so you’ll receive new message notifications.
Receive on-screen alerts for text messages, emails, and phone calls
ELEMNT BOLT v2 weighs in at only 70 grams and out front mount at 26grams
What’s in the Box?
The box includes the BOLT head unit, an aero out-front bike mount, a stem bike mount, USB-C charging cable, zip ties for the handlebar mount, plus a Quick Start Guide.
Bottom Line
The new version of Wahoo’s ELEMNT BOLT boasts nine new features, making it a robust cycling computer at an affordable price point. From local rides to faraway adventures, the BOLT will get you there and back. For a complete list of features, go to the Wahoo Fitness site.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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