Is Smaller Better? Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT Review

Last year, Wahoo launched the ELEMNT BOLT V2, updating the unit for the first time in five years. The BOLT is still smaller than the ELEMENT ROAM, but with its variety of new features and adjustments, is it more mighty? Neil shares his thoughts on the BOLT and compares it to other GPS units in our latest tech review.

Outline:
Intro: 0:00
Outside Specs: 0:54
Inside Specs: 3:15
Battery Life: 6:00
Maps / Nav: 7:42
Final Thoughts: 10:01

Related Links:

#bikepacking #pedalfurther #wahooligan
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::About The Host::
Geometry: 150lbs, 5'9.5", 32" inseam

[scottbeutel]

word!!! ive been using the original V1 bolt for 5 years now, i had a problem with the charging port 1-2 years in and they replaced the unit with a new one. i havent had any MAJOR navigation problems with the platform other than re routing that is common on other devises as well. bolt charges quick and is easy to use. ive been happy with the purchase
thank you for comparisons and review. i love this channel man!

[larrywhite]

I've been using the Bolt v1 since the beginning, and I'm still very happy with it. Battery life has been excellent. I have been using K-Edge mounts on all my non road bikes and they have been great. The older Bolt is for sure less accurate in heavy trees than the new ROAM, it tends to slightly underestimate distances. I've really never had issues with the element app, it basically works as advertised.

[staceyaustin]

I love my Wahoo Element Bolt! I bike commute and Mountain Bike. Great video!!

[bobtilton]

Agree with your review on the Bolt. During the 7-10 day turnaround time to replace my Roam under warranty (thanks Wahoo!) I purchased the Bolt as I needed a head unit that weekend. I had intended to sell the Bolt upon return of the Roam but liked the Bolt far better just for the more friendly buttons - silly I know. Plus the Roam started to feel outdated and it's a matter of time before the Roam V2 comes out.

[sashamagee]

I've had the v1 and used to do the Oregon Timber Trail, Tour de los Padres and various other routes. Never had issues with it, other than I've never been able to get POIs to show up on it. Never had it crash, I don't think, and the battery life has been good enough.

[shred]

An interesting point about the Roam is that Wahoo did change the buttons on the Roam at some point. I got a Roam in late 2019 and I did find the indented buttons needed a very decent push to activate. Earlier this year (2022) the edge of the screen started to delaminate and Wahoo replaced it for free even though it was long out of warranty (chapeau Wahoo!). The new Roam I received still has the indented buttons but they are way easier to activate. I’ve been happy with everything else and don’t see me going back to Garmin (had 810 and 820 previously) as their firmware and connectivity reliability was flakey. I use mapping a lot with my Kamoot and RideWithGPS and Strava accounts connected and that’s definitely been a great experience compared to loading maps to Garmin. Navigation has been tricky in areas where there are unmarked trails. Had a little navigating confusion in state forest last weekend but at least the Roam showed me a trail to follow when Google Maps indicated there was no trail there at all. I use K-Edge mounts on two of my bikes too.

[matthiaslastname]

Totally agree with the conclusion. It does what you need, stuff mostly Just Works, and extra functionality is sensibly delegated to the app. Would be nice if Wahoo could be convinced to open the unit for custom maps, but some guys seem to have hacked most of the process already so we might just be able to fix the less than ideal maps, too.

[ThePolyCyslist]

For me (having both the bolt and roam) I love the bolt way better than my roam. I use my roam for longer tours but my bolt is just better for everyday rides and errands. For some reason it just cleaner and and makes for faster commutes.

[outbackwack]

Great review and great timing! My wife will be getting my small Garmin Edge 530+ and I'm not sure what I want to get next... Thanks!

[michaelmann]

Love my Bolt. Regarding satellite signal, I had an issue on one ride in a fairly narrow deep rock canyon - it repeatedly dropped the signal. Didn’t affect the final recording of the ride but the constant beeping and flashing LEDs was pretty annoying on an otherwise quiet section of the ride.

[Hobomountainwander]

Is there voice turn directions or prompts? Or just the reroute option? Thanks for this in-depth review.

[oldanslo]

I have a Bolt V1. Starting back on April 2, on long rides the unit would crash and reset at about the 6 hr mark. Didn't have a problem before, always had a problem after. Contacted Wahoo and after six weeks they finally admitted there was a problem. Over 5 months later no fix though.

[tomeveraerts]

The bolt suits my needs as a road/gravel cyclist perfectly.

[davidrae]

Getting a Edge1040 solar to test for battery life?

[samuraioodon]

I have bolt v1. It barely holds charge for more than few hours now…is it time to replace?

[erikfroburg]

For the most part, I really like my Bolt v2, however it has an occasional software glitch when re-routing. If I leave the route that I am following, often as a deliberate detour, rather than recognizing when I rejoin the route, it will sometimes keep trying to route me back to the point at which I left. The only solution that I have found is to re-start the route mid-ride (and not select the option to route to the start). Fortunately, the track keeps recording, so all of the ride data is correct, but it can be difficult to do this without stopping, if I am off-road or riding in a group. Hopefully, one of the regular software updates will fix this.

[denisetaschereau]

Curious why there is no connection to Trailforks? Is that something that will never happen or something that could be in the pipeline? Debating between the bolt or roam vs the Garmin 530. As a mountain biker as well as bikepacker, TF integration would be great.

[arcoulant]

I will stick with my Garmin edge 810 it just works, ok the battery life is only 8 /10 hours(6 years old ) but carry a battery bank on tour not a problem

[hardmtnbiker]

I agree, larger devices or the those that choose to mount huge plus size smart phones seems ridiculous. I think it really depends what you really want but I like and will always want to keep my smart phone in y pack and the smaller Garmin Edge 530 or smaller Wahoo if I decide to change to that eco system

[ze_ep]

The only catch with the Bolt v2 is the USB. They goofed the USB-C implementation such that it will only charge reliably from the included A-C cable. It may as well be proprietary. And it's an black, unbranded, 12 inch cheapie so hope you didn't throw it out or lose it. I had to put a label on it and attach a 3ft extension to make it useful. Other A-C cables or C-C versions will charge it intermittently or cut out at like 80%. This is a well documented issue and confirmed by Wahoo support when I raised it with them. Apart from that, it's wonderful. Just don't lose that magic charging cable.