Wahoo ELEMNT
Wahoo understands that in today’s smartphone world, a GPS computer shouldn’t be a stand-alone system – intuitivity and smooth connectivity are musts! But can the Wahoo ELEMNT also compete with top-dog Garmin when it comes to navigation?
At a price of € 299.99, the substantial-looking ELEMNT is Wahoo’s top-of-the-range model. The 2.7-inch display with its black and white screen seems quite simple, but offers a clear overview. The ELEMNT can be operated simply and intuitively using the buttons on the top and sides. Unfortunately, their pressure point is quite undefined, so it is difficult to tell if the button has actually been pressed.
When developing the ELEMNT, Wahoo looked to the future and designed a GPS computer with the notion of full control and usage through a smartphone. You’ll notice this immediately when you pair it; it is lightning fast and couldn’t be more intuitive. Routes received via e-mail in the form of gpx files can be imported into the Wahoo app at the push of a button and forwarded directly to the ELEMNT via Bluetooth – it’s that simple! Furthermore, the Wahoo ELEMNT is compatible with apps like Strava and BEST Bike Split, automatically uploading the recorded data to the coupled platform after your ride via wireless connectivity. With the ELEMNT Companion App, you can create a route to a selected destination on your smartphone, but it can’t create circular routes. For this feature, Wahoo links up to third-party apps such as Komoot or Ride with GPS instead of running its own online platform like Garmin or Lezyne.
In contrast to Garmin, the developers of ELEMNT acted according to the principle of ‘less is more’ and managed to develop a map display with just the right amount of detail for every type of riding situation – bravo! The map, based on OpenStreetMap data (an openly accessible database of geodata compiled worldwide), is pre-installed and updated regularly via WiFi. Also, the GPS computer provides the rider with precise and early turn-by-turn instructions, which can optionally be accompanied by flashing LED lights. While the risk of going off track is minimised by the very clear guidance system, it’s a shame that the Wahoo lacks a re-routing function.
On the negative side, the ELEMNT suddenly lost the planned route during our test ride around Girona. After the route was restarted, however, the problem was immediately resolved and never occurred again. Furthermore, the usually practical auto-pause function is somewhat hindering, since the auto-pause symbol on the display restricts the view of the map and can only be made to disappear by pushing a button.
GPX-transfer: 6 Klicks
GPS accuracy:
Navigation:
Battery runtime:
Price: € 299.99
Route calculation time: 23 Sek
Usability:
Value for money:
Design:
Weight: 99 g
More info: eu.wahoofitness.com
Buttons instead of a touch screen, black and white instead of colour and minimalism instead of rich detail – you’ll notice that Wahoo has deliberately trimmed the ELEMNT for functional simplicity from front to back. The concept is brilliant, and clearly outs Wahoo ahead of the market leader Garmin regarding usability. It does lack a rerouting function in navigation, but if you can do without it, the clear and easy-to-read display not only makes navigation more reliable than with a Garmin, but also safer on the road.
