The Lab: Wahoo ELEMNT Bike Computer Review
With the ELEMNT, Wahoo launches an all-new, innovative operating concept as far as bike computers go. Settings are no longer changed via the actual unit; instead, a dedicated smartphone app will grant access to all configurations and interactions. This way, the ELEMNT de facto becomes an external unit, working faultlessly without smartphone connection when cycling. This technology offers many indisputable advantages and works flawlessly most of the time. Regrettably, the software still carries some glitches, although most of these should be fixed over time through simple updates.
For the sake of better legibility and map reading, Wahoo waives the idea of both touch- and colour-screens; on-the-move functions are achieved by simple button-pressing on the device itself. Unfortunately, this compromises the quality of map representation, which looks rather rudimentary and dated by modern standards, limiting its functionality as a navigation device. Once you’ve arrived home, the ELEMNT connects automatically with the Wahoo app, and optionally with other apps like Strava – great! The people at Wahoo definitely bring some fresh air into the GPS market with their new ELEMNT; however, this is still much more of a GPS-enabled bike computer than a navigation device.
Strengths
- Strong smartphone connection
- Easy to operate
Weaknesses
- Navigation is rudimentary
- Software glitches
Tester: Moritz
Length of testing: six months
More Info: wahoofitness.com
Price: € 399.99 (with sensors)
Weight: 99 g
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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl
