We only replace our cycling computers once every few years. Garmin held the throne for so long that plenty of riders are still on Garmin today.
But ask any Garmin user currently shopping for a new unit, and the same line keeps coming up: “I’m torn between Garmin and Wahoo.” Ask anyone who’s already crossed over and become a Wahooligan, and you’ll hear: “I could never go back to Garmin.”
Globally, Wahoo and Garmin now split the market between them — and even in Japan, Wahoo’s presence is steadily growing. Why?
With all three of the latest-generation models — “BOLT 3,” “ROAM 3,” and “ACE” — now on the shelves in 2025, we put them all to use to unpack the answer.
Reviewer
 | Tats（@tats_lovecyclist） |
text & photo / Tats（@tats_lovecyclist）［PR］
Review support / Taka & Anna
Contents
The Decisive Gap with Garmin
The decisive difference between Garmin and Wahoo lies in their origins. Founded in 1989, Garmin’s roots are in the multi-functional, information-dense world of aviation and marine navigation, and its products have always centered on advanced GPS technology. Wahoo, by contrast, was born in 2009 — a digital-native era already shaped by the smartphone. That gap in heritage gave rise to the now-familiar dichotomy: “hardware-led Garmin vs. software-led Wahoo.”
Wahoo founder Chip Hawkins once put it bluntly in an interview:
“I hated Garmin. I didn’t like the software interface. The hardware is fine, but the software is just terrible and inconvenient to use.“
That “Garmin-hating” instinct is exactly what’s fueled Wahoo’s rise. By syncing seamlessly with your smartphone and pushing every fiddly setting into the app, Wahoo’s design philosophy freed riders from Garmin’s labyrinth of nested menus — and gave them a reason to say “I can never go back to Garmin.”
The devices themselves are also exceptionally refined as hardware, built around the certainty of physical buttons and a relentless focus on at-a-glance legibility. Choosing Wahoo isn’t about owning another feature-stuffed gadget — it’s about gaining a singular user experience where hardware and software are smartly fused into one.
The reason some riders deliberately stick with Garmin, on the other hand, has less to do with the device itself than with the ecosystem behind it: ‘Garmin Connect‘. Beyond logging rides, pairing it with a Garmin watch unifies 24-hour data including sleep and stress, building something far beyond a ride log — a kind of biographical record of your own body. Moving to another brand focused purely on the ride means giving up that convenience.
But for cyclists who aren’t tracking life-logs with a watch and only want to record and analyze their rides (which, honestly, is probably most of us), the switching cost to Wahoo is about as low as it gets.
LOVE CYCLIST members are switching to Wahoo one after another
Latest Lineup: Spec Comparison
 ELEMNT BOLT 3 |  ELEMNT ROAM 3 |  ELEMNT ACE | |
| Released | 2025.4 | 2025.4 | 2024.12 |
| Display | 2.3 in | 2.8 in | 3.8 in |
| Weight | 85g | 107.7g | 210g |
| Touchscreen | – | ● | ● |
| Internal Storage | 32GB | 64GB | 64GB |
| Battery Life | 20hrs | 25hrs | 30hrs |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Dual-band GPS | Dual-band GPS |
| Wind Sensor | – | – | ● |
| Speaker | – | ● | ● |
| Price (excl. tax) | ¥58,000 | ¥76,000 | ¥99,000 |
| Character | Compact & light | All-rounder | Large display Aero sensor |
Wahoo’s current lineup splits into three clear personalities: the light and aero BOLT 3, the well-balanced ROAM 3, and the big-screen, wind-sensing flagship ACE. They all run on the same platform, so the basic data fields look identical across the board — what separates them is the added value each rider is actually willing to pay for.
● Size and weight: ROAM 3 strikes the best balance, including how it looks once mounted on the bike. ACE is easier to read, but it adds more than 100g to your cockpit compared with a typical computer.
● Battery life: ACE’s claimed 30 hours feels honest in real-world use, giving real peace of mind on 200km+ rides. Even BOLT 3 easily clears a full day in the saddle, so unless you’re tackling brevets or other ultra-distance rides — and accounting for battery degradation down the line — any of the three will do the job.
● Touchscreen (ROAM 3 and ACE only): essential if you care about maps and navigation. ACE’s large display pairs especially well with touch input, and the feel is nearly indistinguishable from operating a smartphone.
● Speaker (ROAM 3 and ACE only): used for turn-by-turn voice guidance and the electronic bell. You may not need it often, but it’s nice to have.
● Wind sensor (ACE only): a novel feature. Watching your “air speed” is genuinely interesting, but its practical value is still limited at this point. The real hope is that future updates will let it measure CdA values that factor in the rider’s position on the bike.
Which ELEMNT is right for you?
ELEMNT BOLT 3: The purebred racer
The compact, aero-shaped body cuts through the wind, making it the natural choice for hill climbers obsessed with shaving every gram, and for race-minded riders. The display is the smallest of the three, but high contrast keeps it perfectly legible. It also speaks to minimalists who want their cockpit clean.
ELEMNT ROAM 3: Where Wahoo’s philosophy lands in perfect balance
A 2.7-inch display, paired with the high positioning accuracy of dual-band GPS. Visibility and usability hit just the right note, and when you weigh practicality against price, this is the right answer for most cyclists.
ELEMNT ACE: The flagship loaded with cutting-edge tech
A vast 3.8-inch display. Beyond superior usability and visibility, only ACE lets you experience the cutting-edge wind sensor. Now that it has overcome the early bug troubles and finally approaches its complete form, it stands as one of the best choices for any cyclist — though weight is the price you pay.
Why ACE was torn apart at launch
ACE shipped with unfinished software
The flagship ELEMNT ACE, which arrived in 2024, was hammered by overseas media right after release — DC Rainmaker in particular — and the reasons mostly came down to delayed software updates.
- The shift from the “ELEMNT” app to the new “Wahoo” app made settings more complicated, and the on-device UI was incomplete
- Features that already worked on existing models — Strava Live Segments, Live Tracking, fueling alerts — weren’t supported on ACE at launch
- Some features advertised on the packaging and marketing (such as route elevation profiles) shipped unimplemented
- Wahoo claimed 30 hours of battery life, but real-world testing repeatedly fell well short of that figure
- The wind sensor that measures headwind and tailwind only displayed air-speed data, with almost no way to apply it to training
*Aerodynamic drag (CdA) calculations are slated for a future update
Releasing first and refining via firmware updates is something startups often do, but with this many features kept waiting, users felt they had been handed a beta — and that’s what dragged the reviews down.
That said, a year on from launch, frequent updates have already resolved items 1 through 4 above. The actual on-road experience is what we’ll dig into in the next chapter.
BOLT 3 / ROAM 3 / ACE review
I’m a die-hard Wahooligan who has been riding with ELEMNT ROAM since the very first generation. I’ve been running the ELEMNT ROAM v2 up to now, so I’d like to think I have a solid grasp of what makes Wahoo so usable — and this review will also touch on how the experience has shifted from the previous generation.
All three new models are built on the Wahoo app and share the same platform, so basic data fields and routing features don’t differ between them. For device-specific features, I’ll note which model applies in each section.
Looks
Simply put, Wahoo nails industrial design. Finish, feel and form combine to give a device a sense of quality, and within what’s available in Japan, only Wahoo and Garmin can sit on an expensive road bike without looking out of place. Of the two, Wahoo’s matte finish blends in without disrupting the overall mood of the bike. With the third generation, the LED navigation strip is gone, leaving a cleaner look overall. It won’t betray the aesthetic of its owner, and the satisfaction of running a Wahoo — a brand with real momentum right now — is high.
←BOLT 3 | ↑ROAM 3 | ACE→
Mounted on a bike, the ROAM 3 in the middle feels the most balanced. As for ACE, anyone who lays eyes on it has the same first reaction: “that’s huge.”
The smallest BOLT 3 boasts the best aerodynamics
Usability
Wahoo has long leaned on smartphone integration, but with this latest generation, tweaking settings directly on the device itself has become noticeably smoother.
The “Ready-To-Ride” screen at startup lets you dial in that day’s navigation and add sensors in seconds, and thanks to a clear UI, you never find yourself wondering “where was that setting again?” Backlight, alerts, and other fine-tuning during a long ride no longer demand pulling out your phone at every traffic light — and that, in the details, makes all the difference.
Toggle the backlight or notifications on/off in a flash, depending on battery status
And in an era when touchscreens dominate, Wahoo’s commitment to tactile, physical buttons stands out. No other brand designs buttons this assertive, and every model offers a crisp click feel — even with gloves on, you get that reassuring “yes, I pressed it” feedback.
The buttons offer a crisp, satisfying click
The “Wahoo” App
With the new devices, the companion app has been renamed from “ELEMNT” to “Wahoo.” The menu structure has changed considerably, but everything sits where you’d intuitively look for it — I completed the initial setup without ever opening the help.
It’s hard not to marvel at how effortless Wahoo makes this setup experience. Even on the tiny BOLT 3 screen, you never have to fight the device: laying out data fields and pairing sensors all happens on the phone in your hand. Once you’ve tasted it, there’s no going back. Launch the app and it pairs instantly; cloud-synced settings push through in moments.
Activity review is built in too
Navigation
Navigation setup is unchanged from previous models. Most of us build routes in third-party apps like Ride with GPS or Strava (or get files passed along from riding buddies). Open the GPX/FIT/TCX file in the Wahoo app, and it syncs automatically to the device. No clunky import workflow — that’s the Wahoo way.
The navigation screen remains as legible as ever. Wahoo renders the route as a line with V-shaped chevrons; gradients shift from yellow to red as the climb steepens. I’ve borrowed plenty of other GPS computers, and Wahoo’s route display is, to my eyes, still the easiest to read on the move.
Those V-shaped chevrons keep you oriented at every turn
You can also customize map display layers — POIs, town names, wind, dedicated cycling paths, summit segments, and more. Town names even include street names like “Meiji-dori” or “Showa-dori,” matching the actual signage on the road. The “wind” layer pulls from aerodynamic sensor readings rather than weather forecast data (so I couldn’t really evaluate its accuracy).
Granular control over map elements — the street name layer is a quiet game-changer
Google Maps Integration
The ability to send a Google Maps destination straight to the device is genuinely brilliant. This feature alone makes the new ELEMNT worth it.
Lately I’ve been riding more loosely — no rigid plan, just rolling with the day — and when hunger strikes, I search for cafés on Google Maps. Until now, that meant pulling up the route on Google Maps and fishing out the phone at every red light to check progress.
With Wahoo, you simply open the destination in Google Maps, tap “Send to Wahoo app,” and the ELEMNT draws the route there for you.
① Open the destination in Google Maps and tap [Share] → ② Select the Wahoo app → ③ Tap [Navigate] in the Wahoo app
You search a destination in Google Maps → send it to the Wahoo app → it appears on your ELEMNT. Routing in just three steps. No GPX downloads, no friction — the experience on your phone flows seamlessly through to the ELEMNT. Nothing makes us happier than this.
Battery
The one area where the previous-generation ELEMNT trailed its rivals was battery life. While emerging Chinese and Taiwanese brands routinely deliver 30–50 hours, the ELEMNT ROAM v2 maxed out at 17.
The latest generation changes that dramatically: BOLT 3 at 20 hours, ROAM 3 at 25 hours, and ACE at 30 hours. While Garmin has actually trimmed its latest model down to a maximum of 20 hours, Wahoo has tuned its lineup to spec levels that genuinely hold up on long rides.
The ACE’s 30 hours is especially powerful. At launch, reviews complained it didn’t even last half that, but algorithm refinements have brought real-world runtime close to the official figures.
In fact, when a riding buddy tackled a 270km ride, he still had 53% left at the finish. The only battery-saving move he made was turning the backlight off during daylight hours. Notifications stayed on, navigation ran the whole way — and getting that kind of endurance without sacrificing usability is hugely reassuring.
Battery status immediately after completing a 270km ride
If we had one complaint, it’s that with the backlight set to “off after 5 seconds,” the light doesn’t come on when a turn approaches during navigation. Garmin properly lights up the screen at turns. We’d love to see this addressed in a future update.
Display
The displays are sharp and easy to read. Comparing the three, the ACE is in another league for visibility. The BOLT 3 is more than enough if you only need the essentials at a glance, but for anyone who relies heavily on navigation, the ROAM 3 or ACE is the smarter pick.
Side by side, the ACE’s clarity stands out
Dark mode is also a welcome addition. It trims power draw, and since we’re all used to dark mode on our phones, the experience feels consistent across devices.
Even at night, the backlight makes everything clearly legible
Bicycle Bell (ROAM 3 and ACE only)
Double-tap the screen and a bell sounds. The volume is genuinely loud, so it’s practical (though not adjustable). We rarely use a bell on the road, but it could double as a bear-deterrent in mountain areas. The catch: an accidental tap will set it off and startle you.
Curiously, taps on the map area itself don’t trigger the bell — but double-tapping near the “pause” button below works reliably
The shame is that, unlike the latest-gen Garmin Edge, you can’t map the bell to a shifter button. We’d love to see this implemented in a future update.
Aerodynamic Sensor (ACE only)
When the announcement first dropped, the prospect of a head unit measuring aerodynamics had us seriously excited. As of now, however, the only metric it actually displays is air speed. You can see numerically just how much wind you’re fighting — but that figure doesn’t really translate into actionable insight for your ride or training. For now, it’s limited to letting you quantify things like “so this is how much wind resistance I’m dealing with,” “drafting really does drop the number,” or “today was a headwind day” (which, to be fair, is interesting in its own right).
The figure at lower right is air speed. When the wind picks up, the number matches what you feel on the bike
Wahoo has indicated that features like CdA-based aero position optimization are on the roadmap, so this is one we’ll be watching patiently as updates roll out.
The opening on the front face is the aero sensor. We’re hopeful this little port opens a new chapter for what GPS head units can do
Weight (ACE only)
The ELEMNT ACE isn’t just big — it’s heavy. The Edge 1050 weighs 161g; the ACE comes in at 210g. That makes it the heaviest among the major brands, and depending on your mount and riding style, there’s a real risk of it launching off. Caution is warranted, especially on rough roads or gravel.
We’ve been lucky so far — nothing has come loose — but it’s worth taking precautions: torque your mount right up to the spec limit, and add a tether strap in case the worst happens.
Add a light and you’re past 300g — mount it with care
Mounts compatible with the ACE
K-edge’s integrated-cockpit mount is ACE-compatible. Shown here on a Roval Rapide Cockpit
For round 31.8mm bars, the bundled aluminum-alloy mount does the job.
For integrated cockpits you’ll need a dedicated mount, but the ACE’s larger body means clearance can be an issue — some mounts simply won’t fit.
If your current mount doesn’t work, we recommend the K-EDGE ELEMNT ACE-compatible mount (sold separately).
On the Polymer cockpit I’m running a Framesandgear mount (ACE-compatible)
Why it has to be Wahoo
I’ve stuck with Wahoo for years, and after spending time with all three of the latest models, I’m convinced: nothing else quite scratches the itch.
Few cyclists today have a real reason to settle for Garmin’s shorter runtimes. Long-distance riders might gravitate toward the COROS DURA or one of the Chinese newcomers.
But out of all of them, which device gives you the most thrilling experience on the bike? Apart from the scenery itself, your GPS computer is what you look at most during a ride. If it isn’t your absolute favorite, what’s the point?
The startup illustration changes with the seasons — a charming little touch
The feel of the housing, the on-screen UI, the quality of the sound — every detail feels considered, and Wahoo wraps it all in a seamless user experience.
For this review the distributor loaned me all three devices, but in the end I bought both the ROAM 3 and the ACE for myself, choosing between them depending on the ride. ROAM 3 for everyday outings, ACE for long-distance rides and travel.
With the latest ELEMNT platform, the ride experience itself has been refined to something more sophisticated — and that’s something I’m genuinely happy about.
Each of the three models has a clear character, making it easy to pick the one that fits you
text & photo / Tats (@tats_lovecyclist)
Review support / Taka & Anna
[PR] Provided by / Intertec Inc.
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