Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 vs ROAM

GPS bike computer: Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 vs ROAM

Want to know what different Wahoo bike computers are available? Then read this blog: Difference between Wahoo bike computers
Want to know the difference between the Wahoo BOLT and the Wahoo ROAM? Then read this blog: Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 vs ROAM
Want to know the difference between the Wahoo KICKRS? Then read this blog: Wahoo Kickr Snap vs. Kickr Core vs. Kickr Power

Four years ago, the original Wahoo Fitness ELEMNT BOLT was announced. The bike computer was small, simple and needed to win people over to Wahoo products. However, it lacked some features, think rotatable maps, live navigation and a color screen. Something Wahoo corrected two years later with the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM, albeit a larger and more expensive version.

But now Wahoo has released a new version of the ELEMNT BOLT. The name: Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT, nothing changed. (Note: On our website, it's called the Wahoo Fitness ELEMENT BOLT V2) Simply put, it's a smaller version of the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM. It has pretty much the same features as the ROAM, but looks like the BOLT. For those looking for the features of the ROAM but the compactness and price of the BOLT, this is the perfect solution.

What's new?

Although it looks pretty much the same from the outside, there's a lot that's new inside. Here's a small list of all the new features on the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT.

- Fully routable onboard mapping (like ROAM).
- Additional color display
- Increase in color count to 64 colors (from 8 colors on ROAM).
- Color data fields (based on HR and power zones).
- Increase of internal memory to 16 GB (ROAM had 4 GB, BOLT had 4 GB)
- Added onboard elevation data to map sets (previously not in ROAM due to lack of memory)
- Almost all maps for Europe, North America and Australia are pre-installed (the rest of the world can be downloaded via WiFi)
- Buttons instead of cutouts (much easier for gloves).
- Switch to USB-C port (generally more durable, also IPX7 waterproof).
- Faster charging, 5 AMP vs. 1.5 AMP
- Battery cover/cap also replaceable
- Added support for more messaging apps (WhatsApp, Line, Signal, and Telegram)
- Many of the user interface fonts have been changed (compared to previous versions)
- Ambient light sensor (in ROAM, not previously in BOLT).
- Slightly larger dimensions, weight also increases from 61 g to 70 g (ROAM: 95 g, Edge 530: 79 g)
- Battery life remains unchanged at a claimed 15 hours.

Route capable maps and color display

One major change from the previous BOLT is the routable maps. The old BOLT had maps, but they were actually black and white templates that sort of overlapped with your route. The map was not routable. The BOLT didn't know if you were on the main road or on a secondary road. If you deviated from the route, you received no instructions to return to the route. The new BOLT, like the ROAM, has the function of returning you to the correct route, in the form of turn-by-turn directions.

These are displayed very accurately by the new color screen. The normal route is shown with black arrows. If you deviate from the route, you will get a new route with blue arrows, which will ensure that you return to the original route in the fastest way. 

The color screen is known from the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM, but this one is a little more advanced. The Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM has 8 colors and uses shadows to make more colors appear. The Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT has a 64 color screen. Significantly more. The colors are most visible on the map page, where streets are clearly indicated by colors. In addition, the color screen also allows you to see certain data fields in color. In particular, power and heart rate are colored. These colors correspond to the color coding you have set for your zones. 

Storage

The new ELEMNT BOLT also has a larger memory capacity than its predecessor. This is now 16 GB compared to the previous 4 GB. This means that the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT now has all the maps of Europe/North America/Australia pre-installed. Normally you would have to download these before you can ride your bike, but Wahoo has taken care of this for you. Remember, Wahoo has all the maps worldwide. Some places are just not preloaded, this can easily be made up with a Wi-Fi connection through the Wahoo app.

With the increase in memory, the ELEMNT BOLT can now include elevation data in the map set. If the map provider (e.g. Strava or Komoot or another provider) does not include this elevation data with the route, you will get elevation data halfway up the route showing how steep the climb was.

USB-C and new buttons

The new charging port has a USB-C connector and is IPX7 waterproof (30 minutes under water at a depth of 1 meter). Fast charging is also supported with this new port. The Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT draws up to 5 amps of current, compared to the previous 1.5 amps. Another advantage of USB-C ports is that they prove to be more durable in the long run.

On the front, we also see two new differences, mainly the buttons. These are now slightly curved outwards, making them easier to use with gloves. Previously, the keys were located further inside. There is also a light sensor in the upper left corner next to the LED lights. This sensor automatically turns on the backlight in dark lighting conditions. Something that the old BOLT did not have.

Size and weight

The new BOLT is slightly larger than its predecessor and therefore also increases in weight. But compared to the ROAM, the BOLT is still smaller and lighter. The following overview shows the differences.

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