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Wahoo Ace review

The Wahoo Ace is the brand's biggest and most expensive bike computer to date. Should Garmin, Hammerhead et al. be worried?

Wahoo Ace bike computer
Look at power and heart rate not speed (Credit: Wahoo).

Wahoo has recently launched the Ace, its biggest bike computer to date, both in terms of cost and size. 

At £549.99 / $599.99, it’s £200 / $200 more than the Roam V2. At 208g, it’s the heaviest unit I’ve ever tested. 

Double the Roam’s battery 

Wahoo Ace bike computer
Credit: James Witts

Much of that largesse stems from the 96.7mm screen which isn’t as clear as a premium effort like the Garmin Edge 1050 – and battery that’s twice the size of the Roam V2, which lasts for 30hrs albeit around half that with the backlight on. 

But is more really more? Hmmm… The Ace features a series of firsts, for Wahoo and the best bike computers

For Wahoo, it’s their maiden effort at a  touchscreen. And a fine one it is, too, as it’s reactive and usable. 

Thankfully, they’ve retained buttons, though, which I prefer during winter gloved riding.

Is a wind sensor helpful?

Wahoo Ace bike computer
Credit: James Witts

It’s also the first time I’ve seen a wind sensor. A sensor at the front of the unit translates data  into a frontal wind speed, which is represented as ‘air speed’. This then compares to ‘ground speed’, which is sans wind. 

Why is this useful? Well, if your speed is  20mph but air speed’s 25mph, you’re enjoying a 5mph tailwind. 

On the other hand, if your speed is 20mph but air speed’s 25mph, you’re facing a 5mph headwind. 

This is broken down further post-ride into coloured categories, starting from ‘Heavy AirBoost’ to ‘Heavy AirDrag’. 

Again, you ask, why is this useful? Well, it means you can analyse a ride and see how the  conditions affected your speed and effort. 

Or, you can observe how riding in a group impacts your speed and energy saved.  

Wahoo Ace bike computer
Credit: James Witts

And with this information, you can do what exactly, you ask? That’s a good question I can’t provide an unequivocal answer to. 

Yes, the information’s interesting, but at this stage I question how actionable that information is. 

If it’s laying the foundation for updates and a bona fide aero sensor down the line, it’s a big win. 

I’ve monitored the aero-sensor market for years. The Body Rocket looks the latest likely contender to go mainstream. But until that happens the jury’s out.  

There’s just so much noise around accurate aero measurements in the real world. Sceptically, I suspect the Ace’s wind sensor won’t morph into an aero alternative.  

Wahoo Ace bottom line

Wahoo Ace on bike handlebars
You’ll need a special computer mount for the Ace (Credit: Wahoo)

On the positive, GPS and elevation data are accurate. The climbing segments are appreciated for pacing control. It syncs swiftly to sensors like power meters and heart-rate monitors

Navigation and route details are impressive.

And I appreciate the double-tap bike bell, albeit you must be on the correct data page for it to work. 

Like most manufacturers it comes with a round-bar mount only, so you’ll need an out-front  mount for aero handlebars. But ensure you bag the right one, as its size means it won’t fit all bars.

220 Triathlon verdict

A lot of good features but needs refinement. One to keep an eye on. Score: 76%

Pros

  • Lots of tech
  • Does the basics well
  • Slick first Wahoo touchscreen

Cons

  • Lacks polish
  • Wind-sensor data’s worth is uncertain

Wahoo Ace specs

Price: £549.99 / $599.99
Screen: Touchscreen, 96.7mm
Weight:208g
Features: Wind sensor; Bluetooth, ANT+; dual-band GPS
Battery life: 30 hours (backlight off)
Profile image of James Witts James Witts Freelance sports writer and author

About

Former 220 Triathlon magazine editor James is a cycling and sports writer and editor who's been riding bikes impressively slowly since his first iridescent-blue Peugeot road bike back in the 80s. He's a regular contributor to a number of cycling and endurance-sports publications, plus he's authored four books: The Science of the Tour de France: Training secrets of the world’s best cyclists, Bike Book: Complete Bicycle Maintenance, Training Secrets of the World's Greatest Footballers: How Science is Transforming the Modern Game, and Riding With The Rocketmen: One Man's Journey on the Shoulders of Cycling Giants