Fitness tech brand Wahoo has today launched an updated version of its Elemnt Bolt bike computer.
Building on the success of the previous version that was first launched in 2017, the updated Bolt comes with a new 64-colour high-contrast screen, improved navigation features and extended memory.
The updates come off the back of user research and months of development, with the goal being to further enhance a device that puts usability at its core and helps maximise rider performance.
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Easy viewing
Much like it’s older brother, the Elemnt Roam, the new Bolt now comes with a 64-colour high-contrast screen, which feeds into Wahoo’s desire to make it as easy to use as possible. The 2.2in display utilises colourful highlights to make key bits of data stand out from the rest, and you can actually customise your view to see exactly what you want.
An ambient light sensor is included to help with this too, automatically adjusting the backlight in order to aid visibility no matter the light.
The Bolt’s Perfect View Zoom has also been designed to improve usability, allowing you to hone in on the particular metrics that you want to focus on during your ride.
Lighting up the way
The other big upgrade to the Bolt comes in the form of Smart Navigation, which you’ll also find on the larger, more expensive Elemnt Roam. The updated functionality is designed to make navigation easier than ever. Benefits include:
- Giving you directions to the start of your route
- Automatically rerouting you if you veer from your planned route
- Allowing you to change your destination during a ride
- Giving you the ability to route back to your start point while on a ride, either by the quickest way possible or by retracing your steps
- Allowing you to save locations, so that you can generate directions on the fly
You’ll also find a series of LEDs at the top of the device that have been designed to show you the way by providing turn-by-turn directions. They’ll also light up with notifications and to signal when you’re approaching Strava Live Segments
While much of the above functionality can be accessed without going near your smartphone, the Wahoo Elemnt app does give you extra functionality, allowing you to analyse data, sync routes or customise your data screens via Bluetooth connection.
The nitty gritty
Further updates include a revised aerodynamic mount (the new Bolt will fit on the old mount, but won’t connect quite as cleanly), an expanded internal storage of 16gb and redesigned buttons that Wahoo says will make the product easier to use when gloved up.
Wahoo also claims that the Bolt has a runtime of 15 hours (compared to 17 hours on the Elemnt Roam) and is waterproof (it has a rating of IPX7), while the screen uses Gorilla Glass to offer added durability .
The Bolt can also be used across the whole Wahoo ecosystem, the brand says, which includes its range of smart trainers and bikes (see our review of the Kickr Core). It will also link up with training apps such as Strava, Komoot and Training Peaks, as well as a range of power meters.
Wahoo says this crossover means that anyone who owns the brand’s Elemnt Rival watch will be able to use the Multisport Handover mode to track data in triathlon using both devices.
The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is on sale for £249.99. Find out more by heading to wahoofitness.com.
