Wahoo Elemnt Roam review

Despite being a couple of years old now, the Wahoo Elemnt Roam still does a lot right and is a great bike computer. But at a price of £349.99 ($349.99), Wahoo’s range-topping head unit needs a reboot, argues 220 gear tester James Witts…

In recent times, Wahoo seems to have focussed its attention more on the indoor training market than bike computers. 

Over the past couple of years, you’ve had the Kickr Smart Bike, Kickr Shift and, most recently, the Zwift Ride with Kickr Core. 

Pencilled in for early 2025 is the Wahoo Kickr Run treadmill, which was scheduled for 2024 but has been delayed. 

Compare that to computers and this second version of the Roam launched in 2022 but, certainly when it came to the hardware, was the same as the 2019 original. 

The result is still an impressive computer but one that’s just starting to feel a little dated.

Wahoo’s raison d’etre is usability and so it is with this palm-sized unit.

Seamless start-up

Set up’s simple, when it comes to both mounting on the out-front mount and data pairing. 

Simply download the Wahoo app on your smartphone and connect to your head unit via a QR code. 

You can then configure up to 11 data fields on a page, displaying your desired number via the buttons on the right-hand side.

We interviewed founder Chip Hawkins a few years back and he stressed how usability is key to all Wahoo’s products. 

The intuitive interface is certainly one of the Roam’s big sells – as is viewability. Well, it was. The crisp 2.7in Gorilla Glass colour display features a 64-colour display, a huge upgrade on the first edition. 

However, the 240 x 400 pixel screen seems a little dull compared to the best bike computers for triathletes. Recent launches like the Garmin Edge 1050 are far brighter.

Yes, the ambient light sensor automatically adjusts brightness when riding outdoors or indoors, but it just doesn’t sing.

Smartphone integration

Where Wahoo’s computers score is their tight integration with the Elemnt smartphone app. 

This allows you to configure the Elemnt Roam via a simple, clear touchscreen interface, rather than having to do everything on-device, although it remains an option. 

Once paired – this happens automatically when both are turned on – changes made in the phone app are immediately reflected in the Elemnt Roam. 

This lets you choose a route or workout to follow on the phone and have it available in the computer straight away without the need to make a physical connection or wait a download. 

With its Wi-Fi functionality, routes mapped out in Strava and elsewhere are also uploaded seamlessly to the Elemnt Roam.

Swift and solid GPS link

GPS pick-up is impressive, as is retention. I’m also a fan of the Summit climbing feature, which adds colour-coded gradients to the grade data field and elevation chart on the climbing page when riding a third-party route or Strava segment. 

The only minor issue is the rerouting feature, which does get you on track if you’ve absentmindedly veered off course, but not always the most direct way. 

The Roam also integrates with popular software like Strava, Training Peaks and Today’s Plan, for features like Live Segments and structured workouts.

The bottom line

Overall, it’s a strong bike computer and one that’d certainly appeal to those of you embedded in the Wahoo ecosystem, which also includes the Elemnt Rival watch. 

But like the Rival, the Roam needs a bit of a reboot to reel in the competition.

Wahoo Elemnt Roam specs

Price:	£349.99 / $349.99
Weight:	94g
Display size:	69mm (2.7″)
Battery Life:	Up to 17 hours (claimed)
Display type:	Non-touchscreen