The Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM v2 Cycle Computer [Review]

The Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM v2 is the latest addition to Wahoo's range of cycle computers. Each previous version of the ROAM bike computer has turned out to be a popular choice among cyclists. In 2022, Wahoo presented a renewed version of the ELEMNT BOLT, which we think included excellent improvements. And now, what about the new ELEMNT ROAM v2? We have put it to the test and will discuss the improvements in this blog review. 

The new elements of the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM v2

Wahoo has improved the ELEMNT ROAM v2 cycle computer mostly in terms of the design, and has added new functional features, which we will discuss individually below.

Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM v2

From £283.60

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Dual-band GPS

The new dual-band GPS technology is, in our opinion, the most important update in the ELEMNT ROAM v2. Thanks to the addition of dual-band GPS, the v2’s navigation is even more accurate, which you’ll discover particularly in wooded areas and heavily built-up urban areas.

This update enables the bike computer to receive several GPS signals simultaneously. Through clever use of algorithms, erroneous values can be filtered out of the signals to enhance accuracy. According to Wahoo, this accuracy is +/- 3 metres with single-band GPS, and +/- 2 metres with dual-band GPS.

From 8- to 64-colour display

The original ELEMNT ROAM was Wahoo's first model with a colour screen and could display 8 colours, which was quite a feat. In the v2 model, the ROAM has the same type of screen as the new BOLT v2 and can, therefore, display up to 64 different colours.

These extra colours are used to display your data even more insightfully. When climbing, for example, you will now see more colour distinction between different gradients. The built-in light sensor lets the screen adjust the brightness automatically.

Physical innovations: USB-C port and improved buttons

Several subtle changes have also been made to the exterior of the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM v2, the most important one being the update to a USB-C charging port. Where the previous ROAM still used micro-USB, the v2 has a modern USB-C port, which you’ll appreciate because chances are you already have some USB-C cables around the house.

The buttons have also been renewed and are now ‘convex', making them easier to use. So you’ll have no trouble operating the new ELEMNT ROAM with and without cycling gloves on!

The ELEMNT ROAM v2 with expanded memory!

The internal memory has had a major upgrade: It has expanded from 4GB in the old ROAM to an impressive 32GB in the v2. How do you benefit from this? The map data is stored in the memory, so with more memory you can download a larger part of the world onto your Wahoo. In practice, the 32GB means you don't have to think about which part of the map you actually want to download onto your cycle computer.

If, like us, you live in the Netherlands, you’ll find that the memory can easily include maps of, say, Germany and France in addition to that of the Netherlands. With the previous ROAM and BOLT computers, you may have had to think carefully about what to download and what not because the 4GB of memory could be tight. Besides storing more map data, you can also use the extra storage space for saved routes and structured workouts.

Pair your bike computer with sensors

To make the best use of your Wahoo bike computer and to bring your cycling performance to the next level, you can pair your bike computer with several sensors. For more insight into your training details, the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM v2 is best paired with sensors such as a cadence sensor, heart rate monitor or speed sensor.