Wahoo Cycle Computers: In-depth Comparison & Summary

Wahoo’s line of cyclocomputers

ELEMNT ACE (WFCC7)

Wahoo’s latest cycling computer, released on December 3, 2024, is a bold model featuring a larger 3.8-inch touchscreen display and the company’s unique “integrated wind sensor,” which enables direct measurement of aerodynamic drag.

Compared to previous models like the ROAM V2 and BOLT V2, it offers major upgrades beyond its headline features, including:

1. Battery life extended to over 30 hours
2. Voice guidance added to navigation
3. Both touch and button controls available

On the other hand, the move to a high-end segment has driven up the price. Wahoo is promoting the device at $599. Wahoo’s cycling computers originally built their brand on being “simpler, more user-friendly, and more affordable than Garmin,” but, in line with current industry trends, they too are now shifting toward higher price points.

ELEMNT ROAM 3 (WFCC8)

Wahoo ROAM Series 3rd Generation, released in May 2025.

The screen size has been slightly increased from 2.7 inches to 2.8 inches, and a touchscreen panel has been added. With the addition of a voice speaker, it is now possible to receive guidance without looking at the cycling computer. Furthermore, the battery life has been extended to 25 hours, allowing for safe and reliable use during long rides. On the other hand, the LED notification, which was a hallmark of Wahoo cycling computers, has been discontinued from v3.

Internally, it is equipped with dual-band GPS for highly accurate positioning, and map layer display has been enabled, increasing the amount of map information. It has evolved into a cycling computer with stronger navigation capabilities.

As with the previously released ACE, the management app has been integrated from the ELEMNT app to the Wahoo app.

ELEMNT BOLT 3 (WFCC9)

The third generation of the Wahoo BOLT series, released in May 2025.

The screen size has been slightly increased from 2.2 inches to 2.3 inches, and the battery life has also been improved to 20 hours. Like the ROAM v3, the LED notifications—once a hallmark of Wahoo cycling computers—have been discontinued from v3 onward.

Internally, it features dual-band GPS and layered map display, much like the ROAM v3, making its internal functions almost equivalent. However, since it lacks a voice speaker and touchscreen, the navigation usability is quite different. This results in a cycling computer that is more race-oriented, true to the BOLT’s character.

As with the ACE and ROAM v3, the management app has been integrated from the ELEMNT app to the Wahoo app.

ELEMNT ROAM v2 2022 (WFCC6)

Wahoo’s large-screen cycling computer series, the ROAM 2nd generation. This update came three years after the previous model released in 2019.

Maintaining the iconic 2.7-inch color LCD, it features internal upgrades such as the addition of dual-band GPS and increased storage to 32GB. The buttons inherit the new, easy-to-press design adopted in the BOLT v2 released in 2021.

Functionally, it includes features like “Summit Segment Climb,” which displays climb graphs for routes created with third-party apps, and “Wahoo X Workout Mode,” which integrates with the training app service Wahoo X.

Additionally, it supports the “SUMMIT Freeride” feature announced in April 2023 via an update. This convenient function displays detailed real-time gradient data of upcoming hills without prior route registration.

While the appearance is almost the same as the previous model, the inside is packed with the latest trends and Wahoo’s latest technology.

ELEMNT BOLT v2 2021 (WFCC5)

The second generation of Wahoo’s race-ready cycling computer series, released in 2021. This model evolved the classic and popular Wahoo cycling computer ELEMNT BOLT (WFCC3) into a color LCD version.

Not only did the screen become color, but it also newly incorporated features previously exclusive to the ELEMNT ROAM, such as the reroute (BACK ON TRACK) function and the “TAKE ME TO” function, which allows setting destinations and creating routes directly on the device. Functionally, it is almost the same as the ELEMNT ROAM, making it a standalone cycling computer.

The built-in storage was significantly expanded from 4GB in the previous model (v1: WFCC3) to 16GB, allowing map data to include gradient information, road details, and trail information, enabling riders to access rich map information during rides.

In terms of usability, the front three buttons were redesigned for easier pressing, improving operation during rides.

Additionally, the ELEMNT BOLT Color/2021 also supports the “SUMMIT Freeride” feature announced in April 2023 via an update.

ELEMNT BOLT Color/2021 (WFCC5)

The latest model of Wahoo’s cyclocomputer for 2021. This model is an evolution of the old and popular ELEMNT BOLT (WFCC3) model, which is one of Wahoo’s most popular cyclocomputers, into a color LCD.

Not only does it have a color screen, but it also has a new reroute (BACK ON TRACK) function that was previously only available on the ELEMNT ROAM, and a “TAKE ME TO” function that allows you to set a destination and create a route on the ELEMNT ROAM. In terms of functions, it is almost the same as the ELEMNT ROAM, making it a standalone cycling controller that can be completed completely.

ELEMNT ROAM (WFCC4)

This is the latest model released in 2019. While it has the same large 2.7-inch LCD as the older ELEMNT (WFCC1) model, the ELEMNT ROAM has evolved to a color LCD.

What has evolved even further is the navigation function. In addition to the basic turn-by-turn navigation and reroute (BACK ON TRACK) functions, the ELEMNT ROAM also features a “TAKE ME TO” function that allows users to set a destination and create a route on the ELEMNT ROAM, making it possible to complete a route using only the ELEMNT ROAM.

Map data is pre-installed in the main unit, but depending on the country of use, map data may need to be downloaded via Wifi.

ELEMNT BOLT (WFCC3)

The ELEMNT BOLT is a smaller and lighter version of the previous model ELEMNT (WFCC1), with a more aerodynamic design. “The ELEMNT BOLT is an evolution of the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT.

Compared to the ELEMNT ROAM, which is a later and higher-end model, the navigation function that can be completed only by the main unit is weaker, but the functions as a basic cycling controller are sufficient.

In 2021, a color version of the new ELEMENT BOLT (WFCC5) will be released under the same name, so it is expected that the old monochrome BOLT will gradually be replaced by the new version and sold.

ELEMNT (WFCC1)

Wahoo’s first GPS cyclocomputer was the ELEMNT (WFCC1), which shocked the world with its 2.7-inch screen and features that were included in the top models of cyclocomputers, such as integration with various applications and sensors such as Bluetooth and ANT+, at a price of $300.

Although it is now an end-of-life model, its functions have been firmly inherited and evolved in its successors, ELEMENT BOLT and ELEMENT ROAM.

Comparison of specifications and functions for each model

Compare the difference between ELEMNT ROAM and ELEMNT BOLT (Color, 2021)

The color LCD and advanced stand-alone navigation and mapping functions are the same for both models. The major difference is the LCD screen size and notification LED, which is 2.7 inches for the ELEMNT ROAM and 2.2 inches for the ELEMNT BOLT (color, 2021). Although the size is different, the resolution of both models is the same in terms of horizontal pixels, and the ELEMNT BOLT (color 2021) is only 80 pixels less in vertical length, so the amount of information is not that different.

Also, the programmable LED notifications, which are a feature of the Wahoo ELEMENT series, are only on the top of the ELEMNT BOLT (color 2021), while the ELEMNT ROAM has two on the left and top.

Comparing the differences between ELEMNT BOLT (monochrome/2017) and ELEMNT BOLT (color/2021)

The ELEMNT BOLT series is popular as a high-end GPS cyclocomputer that can be obtained for $3 in actual sales.

The 2021 version, released four years after its debut in 2017, is a good enough reason to replace the monochrome original ELEMENT BOLT, as it has evolved navigation features as well as colorization.

However, the screen size and the number of LED notifications are the same as the old ELEMENT BOLT, so if the colorization and the navigation function do not appeal to you, you may want to spend a little more and choose the ELEMNT ROAM with a larger screen.

Comparing the differences between ELEMNT ROAM and ELEMNT BOLT (monochrome/2017)

For the past few years, the question I’ve been asking myself about Wahoo cyclocomputers is, “Should I go with the ELEMNT ROAM or the ELEMNT BOLT (monochrome/2017)?” The difference between the two is the LCD.

The difference between the two is the LCD, the navigation function, and the LED notification function. That’s the only difference in words, but it’s enough to make up for the $150 difference in price.

In particular, the navigation function of the ELEMNT ROAM can be completed only with the cyclocomputer itself, so for those who use the navigation function frequently, the price difference will be more than worth it. On the other hand, if you just want to acquire basic ride data, the compact and lightweight ELEMNT BOLT (monochrome/2017) is a good option.

However, since the color version of the ELEMNT BOLT was released in 2021, unless the price has been reduced too much, it is better to [compare ELEMNT BOLT (monochrome/2017) and ELEMNT ROAM](#elemnt-roam and elemnt-bolt color 2021) It will be good.