Wahoo RPM speed and cadence sensors review

The Wahoo RPM speed and cadence sensors are easy-to-install bike sensors that provide data by both Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ connectivity.

They are small and don't use magnets, which is a massive improvement over the bike sensors that you have to fiddle around with to line up. They are easy to install, too: you take the sensor and insert it into its rubber housing then strap it around your wheel hub (in the case of the speed sensor) or cable tie it around your crank arm (in the case of the cadence sensor).

The battery lasts for ages. I've been using them for over six months now, and they still have plenty of battery left in them.

The speed sensor is a bit of a pain to install, though. You have to stretch out the rubber and spend ages trying to get your hands inside the spokes to hook it around the catches that keep it secure. Luckily, it only takes a few minutes, and you only need to take it off when you need to replace the battery.

The data seems mostly reliable, but I have seen some occasional spikes where an unrealistic speed is reported. I found the data slow on Zwift: anywhere from 3-10 seconds behind the power, I was putting down. Outside, it consistently responds within a few seconds on my Garmin head unit, so I think a large part of the problem is Zwift rather than the sensor.

In this video, I'll show you both of the sensors, and I'll also show you a close-up of me installing the speed sensor on my back wheel.

[BlaQavelli]

Absolutely CLASSIC.

I wish every product had a video like this, . In this case, what NOT to buy.

[mjurio]

Thanks for the video (and the effort put), very insightful

[TheIndianCyclist]

Came for the tips, stayed for the suffering :D I had a similar experience before I tried the stretching you suggested, that made it almost easy, thank you!

[projectmorticia]

Please trim those sharp edges on the RPM cable ties, they can give a nasty cut if your leg comes in contact during a crash.

[koyotekola]

I'm scared that my Wahoo speed sensor will fall off one of these days due to the rubber strap deteriorating. Hopefully one can get a replacement and install it as preventive maintenance. Otherwise, my Wahoo Roam, speed, cadence and heart rate sensors work perfectly. I like to use ANT+, because I want to reserve Bluetooth for other devices connecting to each other.

[theundead]

I found the cadence and speed seemed off. As well as the tikr hr strap was off from my watch. Thanks for your video

[exhale.]

Came here looking for info on mounting cadence sensor to rear hub, but recognize you- enjoying your mindfulness course on Udemy. Thanks!

[brandondauphinais]

yeah I think the delay is just how these wahoo sensors are. I have noticed the same thing and it doesn't bother me outside but on zwift its kind of annoying. however when I get a kickr it wont be an issue anymore lol

[danharvey]

I can see by ya Alpinestars baggies that you do (or used to do) mtb as well as roadbike? Potentially enduro or downhill maybe? Looking at how hard it was to attach to a smaller road hub, i can imagine how difficult it would be on a chunky mtb hub haha! I think i would just remove the 200mm disc on mine to get it on! But yeah have you used them on a mtb wheel? If so how did they go? Did they handle the mud & stuff? I would at first be using them on my roadbike, on a set of rollers to record my workout, but it would be cool to get an accurate measurement of my speed on my DH, or cadence if i were to get an enduro bike.. Btw it's good to see you countered Wahoos "easy" claim for installation, so many Cos all say the same thing with alot of things & often its totally not the case haha!

[pbessey]

Hi Chris -that pushing the rubber strap up with your finger tip was golden, that was the trick! What a pain in the ass, glad I wasn't the only one that suffered. The big question is - do you trust the strap to hold on to the speed sensor during an actual ride, or just for trainer sessions? I don't want to have to worry about losing the sensor every time I hit a bump in the road, I haven't made up my mind yet. May want additional straps like zip ties. Thanks for the video!

[Mysixshooter]

It’s recommended that it is fitted to the front wheel hub, as it’s easier to fit and closer to the head unit. I’ve never fitted mine to the rear hub. 🫢

[Rob.Kisiel]

How does the sensor know the size of the wheel...do you set it on yhe App?

[johnbrookes]

Frankly, in my opinion, speed and cadence sensors are not worth purchasing. A simple Cateye, or similar, wireless bike computer can give you everything, including: current speed, average speed, maximum speed, distance covered, time of session, and calories burned. These wireless bike computers are usually very accurate, providing you calibrate them correctly, particularly with regards to wheel size. If the unit does not providte a cadence reading, count it yourself - it's so easy to do so. I have yet to find a speed and cadence sensor that is accurate and doesn't cause a signal drop at some point during a ride, either indoors on the turbo trainer, or outdoors.

[michalwiktorow]

I just did the same, just on front hub. Hub is thick, due to Cyclocross bike with hydraulic brakes, I needed second pair of hands to put it :). Painful, I hope I do not have to redo that step..\

[mosdses]

I saw in other reviews that the speed sensor is not as important as the cadence sensor and that they had problems connecting both at the same time to a phone or tablet. Is it okay if I buy just the cadence sensor to use with a bike trainer?

I've been looking at the Wahoo elemnt room cuz I would like to upgrade to it because of the maps from my cat eye system perdone the sensor system is totally different and I wanted to see just how different it is what do I who it's only two elements with the cat eye system you have to have three

[domlowe]

I’ve purchased the wahoo speed sensor and my watts on swift seem really low. Ie can’t get past 350 what’s going balls out. Do I need a cadence sensor to . Could this be the problem? Thanks

[franek]

Can view information from sensor in smartphone with Android? Which app from Google Play?

[Reflection_Wave]

Just bought v2 element took me 15 minutes and I put at the front wheel 😂😢😟I Have to move back because I just followed pictures. Wahoo has no more idea for this sensor mout🧐🤨😟😔😞

[grantdoyle]

thought this video was taking forever and I was on 1.75 speed