Wahoo updates their popular mid-size Elemnt Roam and compact Elemnt Bolt GPS computers with 3rd generation upgrades, but it’s really the all-new Trackr Radar taillight that steals the show. First things first, this really is only a tease because none of these new Wahoo electronics are ready to ship until next month, and we haven’t yet had them in our own hands to see how they work. But Sea Otter starts in a couple days, and Wahoo was just too excited to wait to share what they’ve been working on.
Wahoo debuts all-new Trackr Radar safety rear light
Look, I’ll admit that I love the simplicity of the Roam & Bolt, so I’ll get to those updates in a second. But what I really want to talk about – and maybe speculate about – is the all-new Trackr Radar taillight for additional on-road rider safety.
Wahoo hopes to boost safety for all riders – whether you use their ELEMNT GPS cycling computer or not – with the introduction of the all-new Trackr Radar. They describe it as a “cutting-edge rear light that provides ultimate visibility and vehicle detection, seamlessly integrating with all bike computers“. Add it to a couple of generations of Garmin Varia, Bryton Gardia, Magene Radar, and Trek CarBack radar taillights, and a new Wahoo Trackr Radar just means more options for on-road riders looking to feel safer mixing it up with cars.
So what details do we know about Trackr Radar?
Wahoo radar functions
- Direct Vehicle Warning. Of course, the Trackr Radar will detect cars approaching from behind, and it’s first response is to increase the frequency/intensity of its flashing pattern to increase the cyclist’s visibility.
- Brake Light. It also works as a conventional brake light, thanks to a built-in accelerometer, increasing taillight brightness when you quickly slow down.
- On-GPS Vehicle Warning? This core cycling radar function isn’t entirely clear about how it will be displayed. But Wahoo says the Trackr Radar seamlessly connects to their Element family of GPS cycling computers “for the ultimate user experience” warning you of approaching cars up to 150m behind you. But it also connects to any other “compatible Bluetooth or ANT+ bike computers… and fitness watches”, so you should get vehicle approaching warnings on other GPS devices, too.
- Battery Extender Mode. We don’t have clear stats on runtimes. But a special mode will allow the radar to reduce taillight brightness when no cars are approaching to extend battery life for up to 20 hours of riding with continuous Direct and On-GPS vehicle approaching warnings
- Easy Attach. The new Trackr Radar fits to your seatpost with a standard rubber band strap mount. Wahoo describes the connection as a “dual-mounting system” which looks like you can detach the device while keeping the rubber band mount on your seatpost, via a 1/4-turn mount interface that we anticipate will be the same as Wahoo computer mounts? And maybe there will be additional mounting bracket options like a fixed mount to your saddle rails?
Some final bits of key information we do know, the new IPX7-rated Wahoo Trackr Radar rear light will sell for $200 / 200€ and weigh a claimed 99g.
“At Wahoo Fitness, we’re driven by innovation that empowers athletes to push their limits. Our new ELEMNT cycling computers and TRACKR RADAR rear light are designed to keep riders connected, safe, and performing at their best—whether that be at the Tour de France or on a daily work commute.”
– Gareth Joyce, Wahoo CEO
Wahoo updates Elemnt Roam & Bolt, too
Wahoo just shook up their simple Elemnt GPS computer family four months ago with their giant smartphone-like Ace computer. Meant to go head-to-head with the biggest cycling computers on the market, it was a big departure from their classic pared-down GPS devices, even adding a built-in wind speed sensor that just got UCI approval ahead of this road racing season.
But for those who prefer smaller devices and simplicity, the new Elemnt Roam & Bolt will probably still reign supreme.
So, what’s new?
It looks like their form factors are almost unchanged, although the new aero mounts appear to be much deeper/thicker than the current v2 generation?
Wahoo Elemnt Roam v3
The new Roam continues to be the device targeting riders looking for adventure – combining a big screen with easy-to-use navigation and long battery life. The new Elemnt Roam v3 now adds a touchscreen to make it easier to manage your route on-the-fly. And it adds almost 50% more battery life to track your longest rides!
The biggest change is the move to a new anti-glare touchscreen for its slightly larger 2.8″ high-contrast display (up from 2.7″ in v2), bringing “glove-friendly multi-touch” functionality that will let you pinch to zoom and swipe through maps and data displays. Then, add to that eight more hours of battery life, now up to 25 hours of ride tracking and navigating run time so you can ride more between recharges.
The new Roam also promises better than ever navigation & route management, with more detailed mapping, elevation data, clearer differentiation of road surface type, and even voice turn-by-turn directions. Plus, it also now features a newly updated Wahoo ‘Ready to Ride’ dashboard for faster starts, and is said to connect to more 3rd-party apps & services for more training and riding functionality than ever.
The new Roam 3 will sell for $450 / 450€ when it goes on sale next month, a 12.5% higher price than the current v2 Roam.
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt v3
The new Bolt also sticks in its lane as the smaller, lighter, and more aero computer for cyclists looking to display just the essentials when they ride, while still retaining the same mapping & navigation, just on a smaller screen. Plus, it’s the lowest price of the lot, so Wahoo sees it as an affordable entry into their electronics ecosystem.
The updated Elemnt Bolt 3 gets an incrementally larger 2.3″ high-res color display (vs. 2.2″ for v2) and five hours longer runtime – now up to 20 hours for longer rides, thanks to a bigger battery inside. It also gets the updated Wahoo ‘Ready to Ride’ dashboard and connection to more 3rd-party apps & services than ever.
The new Bolt 3 will sell for $330 / 330€ when it goes on sale next month, 18% more expensive than the current v2 Bolt.
New Wahoo Trackr Radar, Elemnt Roam & Bolt – Availability
We’re still waiting to hopefully see these new computers and radar taillight in person this weekend in Monterey. So far, the most real-world image we’ve seen of the new Trackr Radar is this blurry riding photo from Wahoo’s press release.
But we do know that the two updated, smaller Elemnt GPS computers will all officially go on sale in four weeks’ time on May 6th. The all-new Trackr Radar taillight, however does not yet have an official launch date – just a “coming soon” note.
In theory, we should also get our hands on samples to test ahead of that date, so we should be able to share our first impressions in use by the time you can actually buy the latest Wahoo electronics.
Fingers crossed we’ll have more details soon.
