The Garmin Fenix pretty much maxes out the technology I can have on my wrist, so I’ve had to turn my technology obsession to bike computers. Several people who do the Conte’s hill ride have some version of the Wahoo Elemnt, and once I saw its clear mapping and heard about its turn-by-turn directions, I couldn’t resist for long.
The perfect Father’s Day gift–for me! 🙂
What Is The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt?
What is the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt? It’s a GPS bike computer that can track and display ALL your ride data. It can be paired with various sensors and heart rate monitors, but for now I’m content with focusing on MPH rather than RPM, so I didn’t get the full bundle.
After eyeing the display at Conte’s for a few weeks, I finally succumbed last weekend. I charged the device and download the Wahoo Elemnt app while my husband attached the holder to my handlebars. The basic set up was a cinch, but it took some playing around to figure out how to get routes loaded onto the app. (Once there, they automatically synch to the device.)
I linked the Elemnt app with my Strava and RideWithGPS accounts, but then realized I didn’t have the Conte’s route saved on Strava. I emailed the gpx file from Conte’s Strava page to myself and then was able to open the file into the Elemnt app. For RideWithGPS, I figured out that pinned routes–but not saved routes–would synch automatically.
Testing Out The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt
I was eager to test out the turn-by-turn directions function, and luckily found a route on RideWithGPS that starts at a bike shop just a few miles from home. We rode there, and then I started the route.
The detail and clarity of the map is amazing! I could read everything clearly even wearing (polarized) sunglasses on a bright sunny day. When you’re following a route, the map shows a dotted track of where you’re going, and lists the next turn (direction, street name, distance) at the top. It beeps shortly before a turn, and beeps repeatedly if you miss a turn.
I had a general idea of where this route would take us, but didn’t memorize the details. The turn-by-turn directions were fantastic and I only got confused twice–at the same point coming and going. It also was interesting having my pace right in front of me. I was pleased to maintain 17-19 mph on the flat stretches and a bit chagrined to see 8 mph as I climbed the last hill home.
I can’t wait to try the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt again on the Conte’s ride this weekend–and then at the Farm to Fork Fondo-Pennsylvania Dutch ride next week! While I’m still wary of cycling on the roads, at least this eliminates the worry of missing a turn and getting lost!
I’m joining the Friday link up at Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness.
Do you get obsessed with fitness gadgets?
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Very cool! I have the Wahoo Blue thingy on my bike and I sync it to my phone but it completely drains the battery. I don’t have a bike computer and I’m reluctant to buy one because really, who needs one more gadget? This one looks pretty cool. I may have to reconsider…
Who DOESN’T need one more gadget??!! 🙂
Hope you had fun at the Farm to Fork in my neck of the woods!
Wow that’s very cool. I have a Wahoo Fitness Tracker that I like quite a bit. Have fun at the F to F!
Thanks, I’m so excited!
This does look like a cool edition to your bike and your data collection. We need to do a ride together soon.
Definitely! Are you considering the Reston Metric again?
What a great gadget to have for your bike. I don’t like using my garmin to track my bike data so Scott recently bought me a new odometer that also does all sorts of fancy stuff. We’ll see if I ever use it for anything more than tracking speed or mileage…haha
Yeah, my Garmin can do way more than I can. 😉
It’s amazing what technology is available now. I don’t have a bike, and my Garmin has a couple bells and whistles.
Very cool. Too bad I don’t bike.
I think there’s a tennis mode on the Garmin Fenix. 😉
I love that it has the map on it and shows where you are!
It really is amazing. Just like for your car, but you can upload a specific route to follow.
That’s an amazing “little gadget!” Even though I’m not much of a cyclist (nor am I a tech fanatic), this is a device I’d definitely benefit from having. I love that it beeps if you miss a turn LOL (that would be me) 😉
Yeah, ask me how I know about that feature. 😉 but you also can see how to get back on route if you don’t need to turn around altogether.
This looks like a really cool fitness gadget addition
Oooh this little gadget sounds super fun!!
What a great gadget to have for street riding. I mostly ride on bike trails but some have detours on the street and I worry I’m going to miss where to get back on.
I’m still waiting to get the Garmin Fenix so it will be a while before this is at the top of my list. 🙂
That looks great, I know a few cyclists who struggle with remembering routes or having their phone yell at them out of their pocket! I am a bit obsessed with my Strava on my PC, I have to say …
It took me several rides to learn the Contes route, partly because we loop around and overlap but take different turns each time.
Ohhh this looks so fun and fancy! I will have to look into in when I get back on my bike more!
Hope you have wonderful races!
What a fun little gadget. If I biked I’d definitely look into acquiring this for myself.
I’m not sure I’m obsessed with gadgets, but I sure do enjoy my Vivoactive.
Having those turn by turn instructions must feel good! I know I’d be stressed about a route without something like that.