WAH0O ELMNT ROAM
£299.99
WE SAY...
The perfect GPS computer for those who favour an easyset-up If you're a fan of Wahoo's simplicity and run times, then the Roam is worthwhile
WEIGHT 95.2g SIZE 85mmx58mmx20mm SCREEN SIZE 35mm x 58mm SCREEN TYPE 8-colour LCD, programmable LEDs IN THE BOX 1 x bar mount, 1 x out-front mount, micro USB, zip ties WATERPROOF IPX7 MEMORY Not specified BATTERY LIFE (CLAIMED) 17 hours
Set-up is simple and is done by downloading the Element app, scanning the QR code on the unit and it’s all set to go through smartphones (Android or iOS). The unit syncs and downloads any updates, allowing you to connect to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ant+. GPS pick-up took between 50 seconds and one minute six seconds. Add into that loading time for the mapping and you do find yourself drumming your fingers. The routing (using the app) has the same issues as the Bolt in that it doesn’t distinguish enough between roads and permitted tracks, trails and byways. It’s a little clumsy when trying to reroute, too.
With full Strava compatibility and the ability to upload pretty much any route file it gets around the shortfalls of the Element app routing. Maps are well presented but a little light on detail. Also, the map doesn’t orientate to your direction of travel so you can end up riding in any direction on the screen.
Like the cheaper Bolt, the Roam also features a bank of LEDs that you can assign for numerous functions, like power or heart-rate zone. It’s just as brilliant as the Bolt in recognising available sensors quickly, making setting up any bike a breeze. Phone connection is quick and Wahoo deserves kudos for getting so much of the set-up procedures right.
Each screen holds up to nine fields, with well over 170 data options. The mount is a similar flush-fitting unit to the Bolt and has the same small retention bolt for the same fixed reason. The out-front mount does suffer more than the Bolt when it comes to vibrations.
The eight-colour screen is legible though dimmer than the Garmin 830. The less power-hungry screen means that it does have an impressive run time of a claimed 17 hours. With all sensors and phone connected we got more like 11 to 12.
The Roam is ANT+ FEC compliant, so you can control your smart trainer for indoor use and run it alongside Zwift to track virtual mileage as you train indoors.
This feels more like a hopped-up Bolt than a new stand-alone unit, the colour screen doesn’t add much but the resolution gains over the Bolt do when it comes to mapping. If you’re a fan of Wahoo’s simplicity and run times, then the Roam does offer enough true navigation to make it worthwhile, but if you predominantly want a GPS for mapping and routes the Garmin and Sigma offer much better for a similar price.