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When the Elemnt Roam saw the light of day three years ago, it was Wahoo's first GPS navigation device with a colour display. But since 2021, its little brother Elemnt Bolt has also been showing its training and navigation data in colour on the display. The smaller and cheaper Elemnt Bolt also caught up with the top Roam device in terms of bike navigation functions (such as the rerouting options). However, this is now set to change with the launch of the second generation of the Wahoo Elemnt Roam. However, the new GPS bike sat nav from the US company remains true to its core values. The Elemnt Roam is still operated using buttons - not a touchscreen - and continues to focus on the most intuitive operation possible. The size of the Wahoo computer for cyclists also remains the same: the largest Wahoo bike sat nav has the same dimensions like its predecessor (17.3 cm x 12.3 cm x 6.9 cm), and the 64-colour display with a diameter of 2.7 inches (resolution 240 x 400) remains the same. Like its predecessor, the new Elemnt Roam should weigh almost exactly 100 grams. Wahoo even specifies a battery life of 17 hours, just like the old Elemnt Roam. With the predecessor we had In the BIKE test, the lithium-ion battery ran for 13.5 hours determined. So much for the familiar but proven key data for the Elemnt Roam.
The facts about the Wahoo Elemnt Roam - second generation
- 2.7-inch colour display with 64 colours
- Size/weight: 17.3 cm x 12.3 cm x 6.9 cm / 100 grams
- Dual Band GPS (GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU, Galileo)
- 32 GB memory
- Price: 399,99 Euro >> available here
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wifi
- Battery life: 17 hours
- USB-C charging cable
- Operation: 6 buttons (no touchscreen)
- Features: barometric altitude, heart rate, cadence, power, temperature, incline, live tracking, turn-by-turn directions, electric gearstick, emergency warning, weather, auto-sync
Wahoo Elemnt Roam - this is really new
Despite the same size, colours and resolution of the display, Wahoo promises better readability of the screen for bikers. With the new Elemnt Roam, details in the OSM Wahoo maps should be even easier to recognise. Wahoo has also made further improvements to the colours of the diagrams and data fields. However, the readability and presentation of the data was already very clear on the old Elemnt Roam. The matt display was also barely reflective in sunlight. In addition, the Roam computer still has two coloured LED bars (Quicklook LEDs), which can be assigned to display heart rate zones or help with navigation, for example.
Wahoo bike computer with dual-band technology
The Wahoo Elemnt Roam is said to have made the biggest leap in navigation and accuracy. Because like the new Garmin Edge 1030 GPS device (Garmin calls it Multi-GNSS-Multiband), the new Roam also operates on two tracks for satellite navigation and uses two different frequencies. This so-called dual-band GPS function ensures a more precise determination of the biker's location. This means that the tappable satellite systems GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU or Galileo are always used on two frequencies in parallel for more precise location determination. This means that it receives more signals and works more accurately, but it also uses up more battery power. This dual-band GPS technology is intended to help mountain and gravel bikers, especially in regions and areas where GPS reception can be limited, e.g. in deep gorges, dense forests or even in large cities. The three side buttons (one on the left, two on the right) on the new Elemnt Roam also have a convex shape. This should provide better feedback when pressing one of the buttons, especially when wearing gloves.
Elemnt Roam gets USB-C port, 32 GB memory and climbing function
The update of the Elemnt Roam also includes two hardware innovations that will please many bikers on multi-day tours or long bikepacking trips. The outdated micro USB slot has been removed. Like most smartphones, the new Roam is charged using a USB-C cable. In addition, the internal memory of the Wahoo GPS device has been increased to 32 gigabytes. This means that the Elemnt Roam sets new standards compared to the more compact, more favourable Bolt computer with its 16 GB. This also makes sense, as a few gigabytes are quickly taken up when loading the OSM Wahoo map material. The old Elemnt Roam quickly reached its memory limits. For example, if you loaded the maps of Germany, Austria and Italy onto the Wahoo computer for a mountain bike crossing of the Alps, the storage capacity was quickly exhausted. The new model also has enough space for GPS tracks or training plans.
The new Elemnt Roam has a completely new function especially for climbers and mountain pass riders. Wahoo calls it "Summit Segments" and is the counterpart to Garmin's Climb Pro function. The Summit Segments function automatically recognises inclines and climbs in routes and shows the pilot detailed information (such as altitude metres, current incline or an altitude profile of the climb) about the current climb. The function also provides insights into all ascents already ridden or upcoming ascents on the tour.
App connections and the Wahoo universe
As you would expect, the new Elemnt Roam bike navigation device communicates simply and easily with all other Wahoo devices such as the Kickr smart trainersthe Tickr heart rate monitors or the Speedplay Powermeter pedals. The GPS computer can be controlled and set up as usual via the clear, free Wahoo Elemnt Companion app. If you have access to the training plans in the system app via a Wahoo X subscription, you can transfer your workouts to the Elemnt Roam with just a few clicks. Wahoo has also announced the new "Routing Share" function for the new Elemnt Roam, which allows you to share a planned route with friends or fellow travellers who also have a Wahoo device via the Elemnt Companion app. The new Roam can also be connected to the Supersapiens glucose sensor system which enables drivers to keep a constant eye on their glucose data while driving.
