Endurance test: Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT - Easy handling in an aero shape

Long-term test: The Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT is the world's first GPS bike computer in which the computer and mount complement each other to form an integrated system in order to reduce air resistance as much as possible. Nevertheless, the computer brings the best technology with it. We tested the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT for almost an entire season.

Due to its aerodynamic design, the successor to the Wahoo ELEMNT is primarily aimed at performance-oriented drivers, since the computer was developed together with its mount as an integrated system. According to the manufacturer, this should result in 50% less air resistance than the leading competitor. Otherwise, not much has changed compared to the previous model. The housing and display have shrunk and the computer has a much better fit on the racing bike. The range of functions is extensive and, as with the ELEMNT, at the highest level. The ELEMNT BOLT comes in a classy, compact package that makes the ride fun right from the start.

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT – Ready, Set, Go !

Before riding the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT for the first time, you must first download the ELEMNT app from the usual app stores. This makes it easier to use and brings other features with it. The cell phone and ELEMENT are easily linked by scanning a QR code in the app. It is advisable to also connect the ELEMNT BOLT to a WiFi network, as the bike computer then synchronizes itself automatically. The handlebar mount attaches easily in under a minute and feels stable.

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT – What's Really Inside?

The Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT uses the interfaces ANT+, WLAN and Bluetooth and thus guarantees excellent connectivity. With ANT+ you can connect to various sensors, such as power meters and heart rate. There is also a complete package from Wahoo with a heart rate monitor, cadence sensor and speed sensor. With its high-contrast 2,2" display and QuickLook LED, the ELEMNT BOLT provides the driver with easy access to all important driving data and notifications such as SMS messages. The user interface can be set up easily and clearly using a smartphone. The special feature of the new ELEMNT BOLT is the combination of easy operation and top connectivity with an aerodynamic shape that merges with the mount. According to the manufacturer, you can save 12,6 seconds in a 40 km time trial and an average speed of 35 km/h.

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT - How it rides

Not much can actually be said about the operation of the Wahoo computer, as it is simple and easy to remember. The buttons on the front can be used to switch between the differently configured screens, which can be individually adjusted via the app. On the right side you get a kind of zoom button for the various user pages, here you can also set how many columns and information are ultimately displayed. In addition to the usual bike computer values such as time, speed and distance, the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt also displays altitude, current incline and calories burned and can be individually adjusted with the usual features. The Quick-Look LED display lets you quickly see if you're in tune with your speed, heart rate, or power meter. In addition, the LED strip on the top edge takes on navigation functions. However, the easy-to-read display does without color displays and a touch screen. The battery convinced in the test with decent longevity, it is particularly convincing that the battery life hardly decreases in the long run. Furthermore, we noticed the start-stop function of the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT very positively. This reacts extremely precisely and even notices slow rolling at traffic lights or level crossings. This function gives ambitious athletes a precise overview of how much time they have actually used effectively for the ride.

The speed sensor is particularly recommended for the bikers among us, because in the forest it can happen for a short time that the ELEMNT BOLT loses the GPS signal. When it comes to GPS, the maps and navigation functions also come into play. For use on racing bikes, the map material from the Open Maps database is ideal for orientation and has hardly any weaknesses. With mountain bikes there are still smaller forest roads, but trails are no longer marked. The map was very helpful for us, especially in races where we didn't exactly know the route, because we were able to assess the following curves much better on the descents over passes. Even after the long test period of almost a whole season, it's difficult to say how much faster you really are with the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT, as this would require a precise aero test. The shape in connection with the stable bracket makes a compact impression and does not take up unnecessary space on the handlebars.