Wahoo has just released the Wahoo Elemnt Roam, which replaces the original Elemnt as its new flagship GPS computer.


The Roam comes with improved readability, a colour screen and better navigation features. Wahoo aims to attract a broad range of cyclists with the computer, which boasts a wide range of features that the company hopes will appeal to all cyclists whether training indoors or bikepacking off-road.

Wahoo Elemnt Roam key features

Colour screen with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass

Workout data with up to 11 on-screem custom data fields

Quick-look LED indicators for navigation, notifications and targets for speed, power, heart rate, Strava segments and more

Improved climbing data

Free global maps pre-loaded

Turn-by-turn navigation with new smart re-routing features

Live tracking

Ambient light sensor auto-adjusts screen brightness

Three menu buttons on face, power/menu button on the right side and two arrow side buttons

Settings can be configured through Wahoo smartphone app

Upload rides and sync routes, Strava segments and training plans automatically

Wahoo Elemnt Roam ergonomics

Graham Cottingham

The Elemnt Roam follows the styling of its smaller sibling, the Bolt, and keeps the same simple button and navigation layout of the previous models — three face buttons control much of the functionality and a power/menu button on the right side, along with two buttons on the left, are used to fine-tune the data on display.

The Roam continues with Wahoo’s use of two programmable LED strips around the screen to give updates and alerts at a glance. Wahoo also assures us the new Roam will be compatible with existing Wahoo mounts.

The current Wahoo app — used for setup and managing the Wahoo range — has also received a refresh ready for the launch of the Roam.

Wahoo colour display

Wahoo

The upgrade to a colour screen is Wahoo’s headline feature for the Roam and it’s the first Wahoo to feature a colour display.

The Roam introduces colour sparingly to enhance performance metrics or terrain features to make data easier to read. Notifications are highlighted and mapping features, routing and training data all feature colour coding.

Graham Cottingham

The screen is made from scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and the LCD is mounted underneath to give the Roam a flush appearance and enhance readability.

An ambient light sensor also means the screen can auto-adjust to the light conditions and automatically turn on the backlight.

Wahoo Elemnt Roam navigation features

Wahoo has introduced a number of powerful and useful navigation features to the Elemnt Roam. These are accessible directly from the GPS unit.

You can now navigate to saved locations or a point on the map, get help finding the fastest way home and automatically get rerouted back on course.

The maps can also be panned and zoomed, allowing you to look around for details on the map.

Wahoo is aiming these new features at riders who enjoy exploring new roads or trails. To cater for all riders, the company has also brought in-mapping integration from Singletracks and MTB Projects to bolster the Elemnt Roam’s off-road routing abilities.

Below are the updated navigation tools users will have at their disposal;

Route to start: find the optimal route back to where your ride started

find the optimal route back to where your ride started Back on track: get re-routed back to your active route

get re-routed back to your active route Retrace your route: retrace your route back to the beginning

retrace your route back to the beginning Take me to: create a route to a saved or selected location

create a route to a saved or selected location Get me started: create turn-by-turn directions to the start of your ride

create turn-by-turn directions to the start of your ride Saved locations: create a route to your preferred locations

These features can be tailored, allowing you to choose the type of terrain you wish to be routed along.

This could be an appealing feature for the new wave of gravel riders and bikepackers who are currently not well represented or catered for in the GPS market.

Wahoo Elemnt Roam first ride impressions

Graham Cottingham

I used the Elemnt Roam on a brief ride and was impressed — setup was quick and intuitive, and using the app to pair with the Roam, customising data fields, pairing sensors and accessing routes saved on partner services (in this case, Strava) was straightforward.

While riding, the display was crisp and the data easy to read without glare or dullness. The ambient light sensor definitely helps here. Data and mapping were still zoomable and notifications were clear but unobtrusive.

I had an opportunity to test out the ‘Back on track’ feature, and when I strayed from the planned route, the Elemnt Roam was quick to offer an alternative route to help get me, well, back on track, colouring the existing route and the re-routing option.

The maps are also usefully enhanced with colour to show busier roads and key terrain features. As the colour is only used on key features I found it improved the readability without being dazzling or confusing.

Obviously, these are early impressions, so look out for a full review in the near future.

Wahoo Elemnt Roam specs

App partners: Strava, Ride With GPS, Training Peaks, MTB Projects, Best BikeSplit, Komoots, Todays Plan, Singletracks.

Strava, Ride With GPS, Training Peaks, MTB Projects, Best BikeSplit, Komoots, Todays Plan, Singletracks. Devices: WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+ and ANT+ FE-C

WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+ and ANT+ FE-C Supported satellites: GPS, Glonass, Beidou Galileo and QZSS

GPS, Glonass, Beidou Galileo and QZSS Sensors: Barometric Altimeter, Accelerometer, Thermometer

Barometric Altimeter, Accelerometer, Thermometer Notifications: Phone call, SMS messages and emails

Phone call, SMS messages and emails Compatibility: iOS and Android

iOS and Android Display type: Sunlight-visible, Transflective Memory-in-pixel (MIP)

Sunlight-visible, Transflective Memory-in-pixel (MIP) Screen size: 68.58mm

68.58mm Battery life: 17 hours (claimed)

17 hours (claimed) Weight: 93.5g (claimed)

93.5g (claimed) Roam size: 58.4mm x 89mm x 17.8 mm

58.4mm x 89mm x 17.8 mm Accessories: Comes with an out front mount, a stem mount and a Quickstart guide. An additional aero mount is available separately. Wahoo hopes to release the Elemnt Roam as a bundle with its Tickr heart rate monitor, however, at the time of writing, Wahoo has not confirmed a date for when this bundle will be available.


Wahoo Elemnt Roam price