Updates include a color display, expanded memory, and on-device navigation to this best-in-class GPS bike computer.
ATLANTA, May 25, 2021 — The new ELEMNT BOLT from Wahoo Fitness, the market leader in connected devices, boasts a crisp color display and expanded navigation features. Like all Wahoo devices, the new BOLT, available for sale today at $279.99, maintains the easy-to-use, intuitive interface and connectivity that makes Wahoo ELEMNT computers the choice of the world’s top cyclists and triathletes.
The new ELEMNT BOLT introduces a 64-color, high-contrast screen, making it easy to focus on ride data. The 2.2” inch screen is made of durable, scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass. Now featuring Smart Navigation (previously available only on the ELEMNT ROAM), the ELEMNT BOLT automatically reroutes riders who stray from their planned route, lets riders change destinations, route back to the start, and retrace their rides right from the computer, without having to use their phone. An updated user interface offers customizable, color-highlighted fields to make it simple to focus on specific data metrics. An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the backlight to ensure that the screen is always easy to see, even on dawn patrols or dusky rides.
The aerodynamic, low-profile body carries on the sleek design of the original BOLT. Quick View LEDs on the top of the screen provide turn-by-turn directions, signal approaching Strava Live segments, and provide notifications. With a 15-hour runtime and onboard memory increased to 16GB (from 4GB), the BOLT is designed to make exploring simple with millions of miles of roads and trails already preloaded.
When paired with the Wahoo ELEMNT app, riders can easily customize their data screens, sync routes, and analyze data. BOLT’s waterproof body (IPX7) stands up to the rainiest rides or a botched creek crossing. “BOLT has always been known for its sleek form factor, as well as its ease-of-use,” said Wahoo ELEMNT Product Manager Megan Powers.
“We’re excited to add features that Wahooligans have been clamoring for, including the clever use of color on the display and Smart Navigation in a package that looks great on any bike. Like all of our ELEMNT GPS devices, BOLT integrates into the whole Wahoo ecosystem, whether you’re using the Multisport Handover mode to track data in triathlon seamlessly or to control your KICKR.”
Since it was first launched in 2017, the ELEMNT BOLT has been embraced by road cyclists, triathletes, and mountain bikers, thanks to a sleek shape that’s at home on any cockpit. Like all Wahoo devices, ELEMNT BOLT is trusted for its reliability and intuitive operation.
For the 2021 season, 11 professional cycling teams will race and train with BOLT, including BORA-HANSGROHE, Deceuninck-Quick Step, AG2R, Arkea Samsic, Alpecin-Fenix, Ale BTC Ljubljana, Rally, Team DSM, Cofidis, Trek Segafredo, and Team Twenty24. Some of the world’s best triathletes will also ride with BOLT, including Jan Frodeno, Lucy Charles, Alistair and Johnny Brownlee, Heather Jackson, and Sarah Crowley.
The new ELEMNT BOLT (MSRP $279.99) is available today at Wahoo dealers and Wahoofitness.com.
First Impressions
As with all their bike and watch computers, it’s simple to set the BOLT up using their smartphone ELEMNT app. To pair the BOLT up to your phone, read the BOLT’s on-screen QR code, and the app and BOLT will walk you through all the setup steps. From there, you can customize the screens, pages, data, LED’s, sounds, notifications, sensors, etc., as desired. The app interface allows you to customize what the BOLT is doing instantly, so you don’t have to use the BOLT itself for any changes. I happen to like the top LED’s to show my heart rate, so I can follow the color-coding (blue, green, yellow, orange, red) to see what my current HR zones during a workout.
The new BOLT has an amazingly sharp and crisp screen, with easy-to-read font and maps. The 64-color is a nice addition, as is the larger onboard memory. The screen is nice and bright, making it easier to read things in both bright sunlight and when things get dim out.
Although the BOLT bigger than its predecessor, it’s still quite a bit smaller than the ROAM. I like that they added advanced navigation features to keep yourself on track, on the route, retrace the route, etc. The top three buttons have a nice tactile feel and distinctive click, and it’s easy to page through the screens.
Both the mount and computer have an aerodynamic shape so that you won’t lose watts to your GPS device, but that’s usually not an issue on my mountain bike, but it does offer a sleek look to the setup.
The app makes it very intuitive to use and set up the BOLT, and you can customize things to your heart’s content.
Issues: I did have the HR sensor randomly drop out, and it would sometimes go into a pause mode even though auto-pause was off. The most glaring one was the accuracy of the data, as it seemed to always be slightly low for mileage and elevation, compared to my ROAM, and a POLAR watch that I was using as base points. I am sure they’ll be some firmware updates that might help resolve some of the minor problems?
The new compact and aerodynamic BOLT offers a vivid and crisp 64-color screen and features advanced navigation functions, a USB-C connector, tactile convex buttons, a rich UI, increased memory, and an ambient light sensor.
About Wahoo Fitness
Located in Atlanta, GA, Wahoo Fitness has created an entire ecosystem of sensors and devices for runners, cyclists, and general fitness enthusiasts. Wahoo’s award-winning line of products include the KICKR family of smart indoor riding equipment and accessories, the ELEMNT family of GPS devices and sport watches, the TICKR family of heart rate monitors, as well as Speedplay dual-sided pedals, and the SUF structured training app to help you become the complete cyclist. Learn more about Wahoo’s full line of products and apps at WahooFitness.com
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