Choosing the right cycling computer can be difficult when comparing big brands like Wahoo and Garmin. Both are known for their rich, high-quality designs. Wahoo emphasizes simplicity and user-friendliness, while Garmin is known for its performance metrics and navigation capabilities.
Garmin’s best cycling computer is the Edge 830. It has safety features like a bike alarm, group messaging, and backup light compatibility for added visibility. The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 is Wahoo’s best option. It is known for its smart notifications and live tracking.
Read on as we compare the best bike computer models from both brands.
Best Garmin and Wahoo cycling computers
Compare Garmin and Wahoo cycling computers
Detailed analysis of Garmin vs Wahoo cycling computers
As promised, in this article I will present a detailed comparison between Garmin and Wahoo cycling computers, to finally settle this long-standing debate.
Keep reading to find out which option comes out on top. To kick off our comparison of Garmin vs Wahoo cycling computers, I’ve selected our top two picks from each manufacturer.
1. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 Bike Computer
Overall rating: 84
The Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 is a cycling computer that combines aerodynamic design with essential performance features.
It has an improved color display, excellent navigation tools, and a user-friendly app, making it one of the top contenders in the bike computer market.
display
The bike computer has an aerodynamic and integrated front support. It features an integrated mount lock screw, Gorilla glass lens, and ambient light sensors.
It comes with a USB-C rechargeable battery. The model also features customizable Quicklook LED indicators and perfect-view zoom buttons.
The 2.2-inch color display is an upgrade from the original monochrome display that delivers crisp, clear visuals.
The display is easy to read in a variety of lighting conditions, and customizable data fields let you see exactly what you need during a ride.
navigation
The device offers automatic route and workout downloads.
Once synced with compatible accounts like Strava, Ride With GPS, Best Bike Split, etc., your saved routes will automatically and wirelessly upload to the ELEMNT Bolt.
Completed rides will be automatically uploaded to all authorized third-party accounts.
Plus, it excels at navigation, offering turn-by-turn directions, route syncing, and real-time route planning through the Wahoo app.
Battery life
The ELEMNT Bolt V2 has up to 15 hours of battery life. While that’s slightly lower than some competitors, it’s enough for most trips, and the power-saving features can help extend its use further.
Connectivity
The BOLT V2 offers connectivity with ANT+ and Bluetooth devices, allowing easy pairing with heart rate monitors, power meters and other sensors.
It is compatible with iOS and Android and has dual-band Bluetooth.
Price
This product is affordable and does not burn a hole in your pocket. Its price is the lowest among the models compared in this article, and I recommend it as a “budget” cycling computer.
Benefits
- It comes with a built-in stand and Aero design.
- Offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and ANT+.
- You can easily set routes using the easy-to-use buttons.
- It is compatible with iOS and Android systems and devices.
Disadvantages
- You need to pair it with a smartphone to operate this computer.
- Battery life a little weak.
2. Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM V2 GPS Bike Computer
Overall score: 81
The Wahoo ELEMNT Roam V2 is a great choice for those who value intuitive operation and reliable navigation.
This model is rather simplistic but at the same time packed with advanced features and solid durability.
Its dual-band GPS provides increased accuracy in harsh environments where signals are obstructed by thick forests and urban density.
display
The ELEMNT Roam V2 is weatherproof with its rugged Gorilla Glass display that ensures durability. It has a sleek design with a 2.7-inch color display that is easy to read in all lighting conditions.
It has a dust protection rating (IPX7), which means it can withstand harsh weather conditions. The button layout is user-friendly for quick use even with gloves.
navigation
The satellites supported by the Roam V2 are GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU Galileo, QZSS, SBAS and NavIC.
It also has intelligent on-device navigation, turn-by-turn directions and rerouting features and is designed to keep you on track. Preloaded maps for multiple regions and global coverage make it convenient.
Battery life
The Wahoo ELEMNT Roam V2 has a battery life of up to 17 hours, making it perfect for long commutes or multi-day trips. The USB-C port allows for faster charging.
Connectivity
The Roam V2 uses connectivity technologies like Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, and multi-satellite support like GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU, Galileo, QZSS, SBAS, and NavIC.
It also supports sensor integration, allowing riders to connect heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, and power sensors to get real-time performance data.
Price
The only downside is that this model is in the higher price bracket. But it justifies the cost with its solid construction, advanced features, and ease of use.
Benefits
- Improved battery life.
- Easy to install and use.
- Large screen and good interface.
- Decent connection with other cycling apps.
Disadvantages
- Complaints of poor connection with your device.
- Less durability.
3.Garmin Edge 830
Overall score: 86
The Garmin Edge 830 is a powerful, feature-rich GPS cycling computer designed for performance-oriented cyclists. It offers a blend of advanced tracking, navigation and training tools.
Dynamic performance monitoring provides valuable insight into your VO2 max, recovery time, training load concentration, heat and altitude acclimation, and nutrition and hydration levels when It is used with compatible sensors.
display
The Edge 830 features a 2.6-inch color touchscreen that is responsive and easy to use, even with gloves or in wet conditions.
The device also has a recording mode that displays everything on four screens; one for current altitude, calories burned, time, distance traveled, average speed and current speed.
navigation
The Garmin Edge 830 includes a routable Garmin cycle map with a popular route. The device supports on- and off-road navigation, offering preloaded maps with route suggestions.
The ClimbPro feature displays upcoming climbs, breaking them down into segments, which is useful for planning efforts on difficult climbs.
Battery life
The Edge 830’s battery life is up to 20 hours with GPS. It works with a Garmin Charge power pack for up to 40 hours of additional battery life.
Connectivity
The Edge 830 offers integration of a wide range of sensors via ANT+ and Bluetooth, including heart rate monitors, power sensors, cadence sensors and smart trainers.
Other features include group messaging and incident detection, which notifies emergency contacts in the event of an accident. Wi-Fi connectivity allows for fast data synchronization and automatic software updates.
Price
Priced between $350 and $400, the Garmin Edge 830 is positioned in the high-end segment of bike computers.
However, it can be a significant investment due to the advanced navigation and other features.
Benefits
- It lets you know if the roads on your route have had any incidents recently.
- It also serves as a bicycle alarm.
- It’s Bluetooth compatible.
- Comes with a variety of regulatory features.
- Battery life of 20 hours.
Disadvantages
- It’s not as sturdy as expected and requires a little more care.
4. Garmin Edge Explorer 2
Overall score: 80
The Garmin Edge Explore 2 is a feature-rich GPS cycling computer designed for cyclists who prioritize ease of use, reliable navigation and connectivity without the need for advanced training metrics.
display
The Edge Explore features a high-resolution 3-inch touchscreen that is glove- and rain-resistant, visible even in direct sunlight. The bike computer is therefore suitable for all weather conditions.
The interface allows you to easily switch between screens or access functions while driving.
navigation
On this device, you can see heavily trafficked roads directly on the map to help you stay alert while you ride and make informed choices for your route.
It also comes preloaded with Garmin Cycle Maps, offering turn-by-turn directions and on-the-fly route recalculations.
Battery life
It provides up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge and can be extended up to 24 hours in battery saving mode.
Connectivity
Edge Explore 2 can be paired with your smartphone.
In doing so, you can stay connected with LiveTrack and GroupTrack features and benefit from intelligent notifications, passenger messaging and built-in incident detection.
Price
Priced at $300, the Garmin Edge Explore 2 offers great value for cyclists looking for a reliable GPS device without the need for advanced performance metrics.
Benefits
- The device is waterproof.
- It allows you to keep track of your progress.
- You can connect a wide range of sensors to it.
- It will last you a long time.
- 3 inch screen.
Disadvantages
- This is not a durable device.
- It takes a while to connect to your phone.
The Garmin Edge 830 offers real-time route planning and recalculations that keep you on track…
To conclude our comparison between Wahoo and Yakima bike racks, I recommend the Garmin Edge 830 as the first choice among the options discussed.
It’s well-designed, user-friendly, and comes with advanced performance tracking, including metrics like VO2 max, recovery time, training load, turn-by-turn navigation, and mapping capabilities.
Wahoo and Garmin have been rivals for some time in many product categories.
Don’t forget to check out my article, “Garmin Tacx Neo 2T vs. Wahoo Kickr” which offers a detailed comparison of home trainers from both brands.