May 6, 2025 • 17 mins
Let's discuss the Wahoo fitness ELEMNT Bolt 3. The smallest of the new generation of bike tech from Wahoo...but how good is that new screen?
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Source Written Article by the5krunner: “https://the5krunner.com/2025/05/06/wahoo-bolt-3-review/”
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to the deep dive. This is where we take sources
you're curious about and well, really unpack them to find the
key knowledge. Saves you time, gets you
informed, and today we're focusing on just one source, the
5K Runners review of the brand new Wahoo Bolt 3.
This dropped Tuesday, May 6th, 2025.
Right. And our listener, they really
(00:22):
want the low down on this cycling computer.
You know what's new? Is it any good?
The pros, the cons, the whole picture.
Makes sense, the cycling tech moves fast.
It does, and the 5K runner. They have a good perspective.
Focus on performance riders, sure, but they keep the sort of
average cyclist in mind too. OK, so mission accepted.
Let's dissect this review. Figure out the Wahoo bolt three.
(00:45):
First up, who is this thing actually for?
Well, straight away the reviewerframes it as a tool for
precision. Think racers, performance
junkies, people who really care about the data.
Less about just ambling along and looking at the view, more
about hitting numbers. Pretty much it's built for that
data-driven improvement, though obviously still does navigation
and does it well. Got it.
(01:05):
And the quick version, the TLDR if you like.
What's the reviewers snapshot verdict?
Simple enough. Great choice if it's your first
series by computer, but if you already have a Wahoo element T,
probably not a necessary upgradeunless unless your current
battery is, you know, on its last legs.
(01:25):
That's the main caveat. OK, helpful baseline.
Now the review gets into percentage scores.
How did the bolt three stack up?Impressively actually.
Got a 95% for apparent accuracy.Same for build quality and
design, 90% for features that includes the app and
compatibilities, 95% for openness and compatibility too.
Price was a bit lower, 85%, but overall a solid 92%. 92.
(01:49):
Wow, yeah the reviewer sums it up, is highly usable and feature
packed. That score suggests it's more
than just a fresh coat of paint,right?
The review mentioned big changesunder the hood.
Absolutely, that's a key point. It looks and feels familiar,
which is good for existing Wahoousers, but internally it's been
quote reimagined and transformed.
So a ground up rebuild essentially.
Seems like it. New hard, new ecosystem behind
(02:10):
it, even if the day-to-day use feels consistent that.
Familiarity is definitely A+. OK, let's talk interface, the
screen, the maps. What's changed that you'd
actually notice? The reviewer highlights faster
map zooming and smoother scrolling.
Sounds small, but makes a difference when you're adjusting
things on the move. The display itself is apparently
(02:31):
more capable. Makes Wahoo's maps look better,
though. Interestingly, the reviewer
actually likes the more muted transflective display.
Why is that? Great and bright sun.
It might not pop like some otherscreens, but for pure
readability outdoors it's top notch.
That's the trade off. Practicality over Pzazz makes
sense for a performance tool. Any new map features for
(02:52):
navigation geeks? Oh yeah, big one is selectable
map layers. You can now toggle straight
names, summit info like hills, Strava segments, points of
interest, custom waypoints, All right on the map.
All right on the map. Super useful for serious
navigation. The reviewer does note the
bigger Rome 3 screen maybe showsit off better, but it's all
there on the Bolt 3. OK.
And what who's known for being user friendly?
(03:15):
Have they improved the on devicecontrols?
Less reliance on the phone app. That's definitely the direction
the options accessible directly in the Bolt Three are expanded.
You can tweak more things mid ride without pulling out your
phone. Like what for example?
The reviewer specifically calledout being able to turn off the
summit hill climber feature. If you find it distracting, just
toggle it off right there on theunit.
(03:36):
Nice little touch. Convenience counts.
What about bike profiles? The reviewer sounded
underwhelmed. Called it Meh.
Yeah, the take there was it's very use case dependent.
If you're constantly swapping 1 computer between like 3
different bikes with totally different sensors, then yeah,
maybe useful. But for most people.
For most people using it on one,maybe 2 bikes with similar
(03:57):
sensors it just adds a step you don't really need, so meh, seems
fair for the average user. OK.
Aesthetics. How does it look?
Any visual tweaks? Big change, no more LE DS on the
front face. Oh, those little flashing
lights. Yeah, the reviewer thought they
looked a bit dated, even a functional.
And the Wahoo logo is gone from the front too.
(04:19):
It looks cleaner, sleeker, more modern.
Subtle, but may be appreciated and the elephant in the room for
any bike computer battery life. What's the story?
Wahoo claims up to 20 hours do review testing suggests that's
actually pretty realistic. Really, it's often those numbers
are optimistic. Well, the reviewer often got
(04:39):
more than 20 hours, especially with the backlight turned off or
on a low auto setting. OK, that's impressive of.
Course, if you're running navigation, lots of sensors,
backlight cranked up, it'll be less, but as a baseline, 20
hours seems achievable, A definite improvement.
Good to know, right? The review lists a top ten pros.
Let's run through those. Where does this thing really
shine? OK #1 that realistic 20 hour
(05:03):
battery life we just discussed? Huge +2 complete indoor trainer
environment control if you're inthe Wahoo ecosystem.
Kicker trainer van climate controls everything seamlessly.
That tight integration is a big Wahoo selling point.
What's next? 3 great outbound integrations.
Strava ride with GPS training peaks loads more.
(05:24):
Sinking is super easy. Essential these days. 4 full
rerouting turn by turn with street names, POI routing and on
board map proper navigation, notjust following the line.
It can figure out new routes if you go off course.
On board maps are key #5. On board digital elevation map
DM means accurate elevation dataknowing how steep the hills
(05:46):
really are. 6 great inbound integrations pulling in
structured workouts, training plans, Strava Live segments
right onto the device. Makes training easier.
Seven highly intuitive interfacethat classic Wahoo simplicity.
They push complex setup stuff tothe app, keeping the on device
experience clean. Heard that a lot about Wahoo.
What are the last three? 8 supports all external BLE and
(06:08):
A&T plus sensors. Basically any sensor you own,
it'll probably connect 9 Sensibly tough Gorilla Glass and
easy to read, colour, display, durable and usable.
And #10. Excellent visual feedback for
navigation and barrier radar, plus live tracking,
notifications, route sharing viathe app.
It's a really solid list. Definitely covers a lot of
ground, but nothing's perfect. What were the downsides?
(06:30):
The cons? OK, first big one.
No third party App Store. Unlike Garmin's Connect IQ, you
can't add lots of extra little apps or data fields from other
developers. Less customization potential
then. Exactly.
Second lacks Physiology metrics like readiness, no built in
recovery scores or training loadanalysis like some competitors.
(06:51):
Third lacks wind drain forecast metrics.
Some writers like having that weather info on screen. 4th no
touch screen. Wahoo's sticking with buttons
here, which won't suit everyone.Yeah, the lack of a touch screen
is a deliberate choice. Seems like any other cons.
You still need your smartphone for bigger changes, major setup
stuff happens in the app and finally number six, the buttons
(07:13):
could be better. Really.
I thought Wahoo buttons were usually good.
The main top buttons are apparently great, very tactile.
But the side buttons, the ones for zooming and scrolling maps,
the reviewer felt they could be a bit more defined, maybe less
mushy. Interesting detail.
Let's talk more about that physical aspect, the size, the
feel, the usability. It's compact, similar footprint
to a Garmin Edge 540 but a bit longer apparently. 6 buttons
(07:36):
total. Top 3 is great, side two could
be better. The bottom left one for power
options requires A firmer press.OK.
And usability day-to-day, someone coming from Garmin say.
The reviewer mentioned needing to unlearn the Garmin way.
There's an adjustment period, but once you get the Wahoo
logic, it's presented as much more intuitive.
(07:57):
Easier. Fewer clicks.
Yeah, often fewer steps to get things done.
And importantly, even without a touch screen, the reviewer found
it way easier to navigate than Garmin's button.
Only Edge 540. Smoother.
More logical. High praise for the interface
design. Then back to looks.
Any other aesthetic points, mounts, colours?
It comes with an arrow style outfront mount.
(08:17):
Nice touch. Wahoo's branding is very subtle,
which the reviewer liked. That slightly longer shape helps
give a wider map view. Functional design, right?
And you can have coloured data fields which are easy to read
but you know, maybe not super stylish.
The reviewer wasn't as keen on the look of the new system menus
though found them a bit basic. And the map look itself
(08:37):
subjective the. Whole is objective, reviewer
prefers wahoo style, finds garments, colours maybe less
clear, but you might feel differently.
OK. Let's shift to the app and the
whole Wahoo ecosystem. Big changes there you mentioned.
Huge changes behind the scenes. They're moving everyone to a
single new Wahoo app. It looks familiar, but it's
(09:00):
built on a completely new cloud platform.
Why the change? Seems to be about improving
reliability, especially for 3rd party integrations like Strava
syncs and laying foundations forthe future.
Maybe even potentially allowing third party apps or widgets
eventually like Garmin. Interesting, so a big back end
investment. How does this new bolt three
stack up against the old bolt 2?Is it worth upgrading if you
(09:22):
have the bolt 2? Probably not is the short
answer, unless that battery is failing.
Even with all the new stuff. Well the hardware is all new.
Dual frequency GPS, better screen, more colours, longer
battery, USBC flat bass instead of curve.
Sounds like a lot. It is, and the whole ecosystem
is new. New app on the device, menus are
redesigned, you get bike profiles now.
(09:43):
New map layers with street names.
But the core writing experience,The reviewer says it feels very
similar. So incremental improvements to
the experience, but a foundational shift underneath.
Exactly. Great for new buyers, good for
Wahoo's future, but maybe not a must buy for happy Bolt 2 owners
just yet. Got it.
The review touched on Wahoo's history briefly.
(10:03):
What's the overarching story there?
Just the Wahoo's always been about usability combined with
advanced features from the earlyRFLKT display right up to this
bulb three, they focused on making tech easy to use while
keeping the ecosystem fairly open, especially for sensors and
data sharing. Makes sense.
OK, specific features, hills. How does the bolt three handle
(10:24):
climbs with the summit stuff? It's got a few ways.
There's a colour coded grey datafield showing how steep it is
right now. There are Summit Live segments
that pop up with detailed climb profiles.
Like Climb Pro on Garmin. Similar idea, but the reviewer
actually preferred a different feature.
Climbs on map. It overlays little coloured
chevrons on the map itself, showing the grade of the road
(10:45):
ahead. Less intrusive, more integrated.
That does sound useful. What about general mapping and
routing? Syncing routes following them.
Really strong here, syncs easilywith Strava commute, ride with
GPS, trail forks, you name it. Saves locations.
You can sort routes on the device so that has some limits.
Rerouting is good, turn by turn queues are clear.
(11:06):
Any downsides to the mapping? Main thing is just the screen
size. It's compact.
For really complex off road stuff or if you have trouble
seeing small details, a bigger screen like the Rome 3 might be
better, but for most Rd riding totally sufficient.
Can you simulate routes indoors?Yep, especially cool if you have
a kicker climb. It'll mimic the gradient and you
can share routes easily via the app.
(11:27):
Reviewer wishes you could ZAP routes directly between Element
devices via Bluesooth though. Indoor training generally, how
does it integrate? Very smoothly sync structured
workouts from Training Peaks trainer, Rd, etcetera.
Gives you a dedicated workout page.
Lets you skip intervals, adjust difficulty, controls your kicked
R trainer. But you have to choose who
controls the trainer, right? Bolt or Swift?
(11:47):
Yeah, you can't have both controlling resistance at the
same time. Standard stuff.
OK, Strava live segments still athing?
Any improvements? Still a thing works well for
subscribers. Shows your progress against PRS
or coma MSQMMS. The big improvement is you can
now finally disable specific segments on the Bolt itself if
you don't want to be bothered bythem on a particular ride.
(12:08):
That's handy safety features, radar and lights.
Yep, compatible with A&T plus smart lights and it works with a
new Wahoo trachear radar. How does that compare to the
Garmin varia? Similar function detects cars
coming up behind you, shows themon the bolt screen, changes
flash patterns. Wahoo's version has a cool
safety feature with alternately flashing LE DS on the radar unit
itself for extra visibility. OK, let's talk accuracy.
(12:31):
GPS and battery of course stuff.What did the test show?
Testing was extensive, over 30 hours, GPS accuracy excellent.
That new dual frequency chipset makes a real difference,
especially under trees or near buildings.
Even slightly better than a non dual frequency watch.
In the tests, Hill elevation data was accurate too.
(12:51):
That's crucial. And battery life accuracy.
We know the claim, but did the testing back it up consistently?
Mostly, yes. The reviewer found the up to 20
hours claim reasonable for normal use.
They got between 15 and 25 hoursdepending on settings, often
beating 20 with the backlight off or low.
So it delivers. It seems so.
There were some weird quirks andhow battery percentage was
(13:12):
reported in the saved ride files, but the real world
duration seems solid. Obviously things like
navigation, lots of sensors, bright backlight will drain it
faster. The review even gives tips to
exceed 20 hours. Good.
Any nasty bugs or crashes duringthe review?
It was beta software, right? It was beta, there were some
minor visual glitches, and a couple of times it didn't boot
(13:32):
up completely first try requiring a restart sequence.
But crucially, no crashes duringa ride, which the reviewer noted
was better than some recent experiences with Garmin gear.
Stability during a ride is paramount.
Absolutely. Oh, an initial map loading when
you first turned it on could take a few seconds for the tiles
to draw. The review had an FAQ section
too. Anything important in there we
(13:53):
missed? It mostly reinforces things
we've covered. Need the app for initial setup?
Broad sensor support, lots of customization, auto firmware
updates? That 20 hour battery life is
real without constant backlight.Strava segments work.
Waterproof, good for indoor training but no direct swift
control. Easy smartphone pairing via QR
(14:14):
code. And it really drums home that
it's all new hardware and ecosystem, even if the ride
feels familiar. Excellent GPS competitive
battery. OK, let's get critical again.
What's missing? Where does Wahoo lag behind?
Main point here is the ecosystemcompared to Garmin's Connect IQ.
Because Wahoo isn't as open to third party apps, you miss out
(14:34):
on integration with some niche sensors like maybe body position
sensors or newer aerodynamic sensors.
Things Garmin might support via CIQ.
Exactly. Also no native wind or rain
forecast. You need Garmin or Kuru for that
built in and the big one for some Physiology metrics.
Like readiness scores? Right, No pre ride readiness, no
real time stamina tracking basedon your training load, no
(14:55):
perceived effort logging integrated things Garmin and
others are pushing. Wahoo excels at the core stuff
in usability, but these are gaps.
Areas for future growth perhaps?How does the Bolt three sit
within Wahoos own range now? Bolt 3 versus Rome 3 versus the
new ACE. It pulls down the screen size,
battery life, price and touchscreen.
(15:17):
Bull 3 is smallest, lightest, cheapest button only room 3 is
mid size, more battery adds A touchscreen and better speaker.
ACE is biggest screen. Most battery adds an airflow
sensor, but. Core features are similar.
Core software navigation sensor support largely the same across
the new generation. The reviewer still prefers
Wahoo's buttons to Garmin's button.
Only 540, making the Bolt 3 the go to for that smaller size if
(15:40):
you don't want to touch screen. So it carves out its niche,
clearly, yeah. Garmin has the massive feature
list and ecosystem. Kiru has the slick smartphone
like interface. Wahoo nails usability and core
cycling functions. OK, let's wrap this section up.
What's the final takeaway from the 5K Runners review?
The Bolt 3 and its sibling Rome 3 mark a complete refresh for
Wahoo. Everything's new under the hood,
(16:02):
hardware, software, platform, cloud, leading to better
battery, better screens. But crucially, the experience
feels reassuringly Wahoo, simple, intuitive, and.
Competitive. Very competitive against Garmin
and Kuru. The reviewer actually says the
Bolt 3 will be their main computer for 20/25/26 for most
writing only opting for a biggerscreen for really complex
navigation. That's a strong endorsement.
(16:23):
Definitely. And if people are convinced,
availability and price. They will know.
UK is 299.99 US and Euro price is $329.99 Ordos Australia AU
$549.99. Yeah don't expect big discounts
soon but maybe bundles later. Links are in the review to buy
director or from retailers like Power Metre City.
(16:44):
All right, so summing up our deep dive based on this review,
the Wahoo Bull 3 looks like a really solid user friendly
computer, nails the core cyclingstuff.
Big improvements in battery, display tech, GPS accuracy, all
while keeping that Wahoo ease ofuse.
But it lacks some of the bells and whistles, the wider
ecosystem stuff, the advanced Physiology metrics you might
find elsewhere. That's the trade off.
(17:05):
It focuses on doing the essentials extremely well for
many writers, especially those who value simplicity and
reliability. The reviewer thinks it's a top
contender. So for you, the listener, it
really comes down to your priorities, doesn't it?
Usability versus maximum features.
Core cycling data versus deep physiological insights.
Precisely. Which leads to a final thought
(17:27):
to leave you with. Wahoo has rebuilt its entire
platform here. It's a fresh start.
So thinking ahead, what integrations?
What features would you most want to see them add to this new
foundation? What would make the biggest
difference to your cycling? Something to chew on definitely.
Check out the full detailed review on the 5K Runner site and
Wahoo's own info too. Thanks for joining us for this
(17:49):
deep dive.
Welcome to the deep dive. This is where we take sources
you're curious about and well, really unpack them to find the
key knowledge. Saves you time, gets you
informed, and today we're focusing on just one source, the
5K Runners review of the brand new Wahoo Bolt 3.
This dropped Tuesday, May 6th, 2025.
Right. And our listener, they really
(00:22):
want the low down on this cycling computer.
You know what's new? Is it any good?
The pros, the cons, the whole picture.
Makes sense, the cycling tech moves fast.
It does, and the 5K runner. They have a good perspective.
Focus on performance riders, sure, but they keep the sort of
average cyclist in mind too. OK, so mission accepted.
Let's dissect this review. Figure out the Wahoo bolt three.
(00:45):
First up, who is this thing actually for?
Well, straight away the reviewerframes it as a tool for
precision. Think racers, performance
junkies, people who really care about the data.
Less about just ambling along and looking at the view, more
about hitting numbers. Pretty much it's built for that
data-driven improvement, though obviously still does navigation
and does it well. Got it.
(01:05):
And the quick version, the TLDR if you like.
What's the reviewers snapshot verdict?
Simple enough. Great choice if it's your first
series by computer, but if you already have a Wahoo element T,
probably not a necessary upgradeunless unless your current
battery is, you know, on its last legs.
(01:25):
That's the main caveat. OK, helpful baseline.
Now the review gets into percentage scores.
How did the bolt three stack up?Impressively actually.
Got a 95% for apparent accuracy.Same for build quality and
design, 90% for features that includes the app and
compatibilities, 95% for openness and compatibility too.
Price was a bit lower, 85%, but overall a solid 92%. 92.
(01:49):
Wow, yeah the reviewer sums it up, is highly usable and feature
packed. That score suggests it's more
than just a fresh coat of paint,right?
The review mentioned big changesunder the hood.
Absolutely, that's a key point. It looks and feels familiar,
which is good for existing Wahoousers, but internally it's been
quote reimagined and transformed.
So a ground up rebuild essentially.
Seems like it. New hard, new ecosystem behind
(02:10):
it, even if the day-to-day use feels consistent that.
Familiarity is definitely A+. OK, let's talk interface, the
screen, the maps. What's changed that you'd
actually notice? The reviewer highlights faster
map zooming and smoother scrolling.
Sounds small, but makes a difference when you're adjusting
things on the move. The display itself is apparently
(02:31):
more capable. Makes Wahoo's maps look better,
though. Interestingly, the reviewer
actually likes the more muted transflective display.
Why is that? Great and bright sun.
It might not pop like some otherscreens, but for pure
readability outdoors it's top notch.
That's the trade off. Practicality over Pzazz makes
sense for a performance tool. Any new map features for
(02:52):
navigation geeks? Oh yeah, big one is selectable
map layers. You can now toggle straight
names, summit info like hills, Strava segments, points of
interest, custom waypoints, All right on the map.
All right on the map. Super useful for serious
navigation. The reviewer does note the
bigger Rome 3 screen maybe showsit off better, but it's all
there on the Bolt 3. OK.
And what who's known for being user friendly?
(03:15):
Have they improved the on devicecontrols?
Less reliance on the phone app. That's definitely the direction
the options accessible directly in the Bolt Three are expanded.
You can tweak more things mid ride without pulling out your
phone. Like what for example?
The reviewer specifically calledout being able to turn off the
summit hill climber feature. If you find it distracting, just
toggle it off right there on theunit.
(03:36):
Nice little touch. Convenience counts.
What about bike profiles? The reviewer sounded
underwhelmed. Called it Meh.
Yeah, the take there was it's very use case dependent.
If you're constantly swapping 1 computer between like 3
different bikes with totally different sensors, then yeah,
maybe useful. But for most people.
For most people using it on one,maybe 2 bikes with similar
(03:57):
sensors it just adds a step you don't really need, so meh, seems
fair for the average user. OK.
Aesthetics. How does it look?
Any visual tweaks? Big change, no more LE DS on the
front face. Oh, those little flashing
lights. Yeah, the reviewer thought they
looked a bit dated, even a functional.
And the Wahoo logo is gone from the front too.
(04:19):
It looks cleaner, sleeker, more modern.
Subtle, but may be appreciated and the elephant in the room for
any bike computer battery life. What's the story?
Wahoo claims up to 20 hours do review testing suggests that's
actually pretty realistic. Really, it's often those numbers
are optimistic. Well, the reviewer often got
(04:39):
more than 20 hours, especially with the backlight turned off or
on a low auto setting. OK, that's impressive of.
Course, if you're running navigation, lots of sensors,
backlight cranked up, it'll be less, but as a baseline, 20
hours seems achievable, A definite improvement.
Good to know, right? The review lists a top ten pros.
Let's run through those. Where does this thing really
shine? OK #1 that realistic 20 hour
(05:03):
battery life we just discussed? Huge +2 complete indoor trainer
environment control if you're inthe Wahoo ecosystem.
Kicker trainer van climate controls everything seamlessly.
That tight integration is a big Wahoo selling point.
What's next? 3 great outbound integrations.
Strava ride with GPS training peaks loads more.
(05:24):
Sinking is super easy. Essential these days. 4 full
rerouting turn by turn with street names, POI routing and on
board map proper navigation, notjust following the line.
It can figure out new routes if you go off course.
On board maps are key #5. On board digital elevation map
DM means accurate elevation dataknowing how steep the hills
(05:46):
really are. 6 great inbound integrations pulling in
structured workouts, training plans, Strava Live segments
right onto the device. Makes training easier.
Seven highly intuitive interfacethat classic Wahoo simplicity.
They push complex setup stuff tothe app, keeping the on device
experience clean. Heard that a lot about Wahoo.
What are the last three? 8 supports all external BLE and
(06:08):
A&T plus sensors. Basically any sensor you own,
it'll probably connect 9 Sensibly tough Gorilla Glass and
easy to read, colour, display, durable and usable.
And #10. Excellent visual feedback for
navigation and barrier radar, plus live tracking,
notifications, route sharing viathe app.
It's a really solid list. Definitely covers a lot of
ground, but nothing's perfect. What were the downsides?
(06:30):
The cons? OK, first big one.
No third party App Store. Unlike Garmin's Connect IQ, you
can't add lots of extra little apps or data fields from other
developers. Less customization potential
then. Exactly.
Second lacks Physiology metrics like readiness, no built in
recovery scores or training loadanalysis like some competitors.
(06:51):
Third lacks wind drain forecast metrics.
Some writers like having that weather info on screen. 4th no
touch screen. Wahoo's sticking with buttons
here, which won't suit everyone.Yeah, the lack of a touch screen
is a deliberate choice. Seems like any other cons.
You still need your smartphone for bigger changes, major setup
stuff happens in the app and finally number six, the buttons
(07:13):
could be better. Really.
I thought Wahoo buttons were usually good.
The main top buttons are apparently great, very tactile.
But the side buttons, the ones for zooming and scrolling maps,
the reviewer felt they could be a bit more defined, maybe less
mushy. Interesting detail.
Let's talk more about that physical aspect, the size, the
feel, the usability. It's compact, similar footprint
to a Garmin Edge 540 but a bit longer apparently. 6 buttons
(07:36):
total. Top 3 is great, side two could
be better. The bottom left one for power
options requires A firmer press.OK.
And usability day-to-day, someone coming from Garmin say.
The reviewer mentioned needing to unlearn the Garmin way.
There's an adjustment period, but once you get the Wahoo
logic, it's presented as much more intuitive.
(07:57):
Easier. Fewer clicks.
Yeah, often fewer steps to get things done.
And importantly, even without a touch screen, the reviewer found
it way easier to navigate than Garmin's button.
Only Edge 540. Smoother.
More logical. High praise for the interface
design. Then back to looks.
Any other aesthetic points, mounts, colours?
It comes with an arrow style outfront mount.
(08:17):
Nice touch. Wahoo's branding is very subtle,
which the reviewer liked. That slightly longer shape helps
give a wider map view. Functional design, right?
And you can have coloured data fields which are easy to read
but you know, maybe not super stylish.
The reviewer wasn't as keen on the look of the new system menus
though found them a bit basic. And the map look itself
(08:37):
subjective the. Whole is objective, reviewer
prefers wahoo style, finds garments, colours maybe less
clear, but you might feel differently.
OK. Let's shift to the app and the
whole Wahoo ecosystem. Big changes there you mentioned.
Huge changes behind the scenes. They're moving everyone to a
single new Wahoo app. It looks familiar, but it's
(09:00):
built on a completely new cloud platform.
Why the change? Seems to be about improving
reliability, especially for 3rd party integrations like Strava
syncs and laying foundations forthe future.
Maybe even potentially allowing third party apps or widgets
eventually like Garmin. Interesting, so a big back end
investment. How does this new bolt three
stack up against the old bolt 2?Is it worth upgrading if you
(09:22):
have the bolt 2? Probably not is the short
answer, unless that battery is failing.
Even with all the new stuff. Well the hardware is all new.
Dual frequency GPS, better screen, more colours, longer
battery, USBC flat bass instead of curve.
Sounds like a lot. It is, and the whole ecosystem
is new. New app on the device, menus are
redesigned, you get bike profiles now.
(09:43):
New map layers with street names.
But the core writing experience,The reviewer says it feels very
similar. So incremental improvements to
the experience, but a foundational shift underneath.
Exactly. Great for new buyers, good for
Wahoo's future, but maybe not a must buy for happy Bolt 2 owners
just yet. Got it.
The review touched on Wahoo's history briefly.
(10:03):
What's the overarching story there?
Just the Wahoo's always been about usability combined with
advanced features from the earlyRFLKT display right up to this
bulb three, they focused on making tech easy to use while
keeping the ecosystem fairly open, especially for sensors and
data sharing. Makes sense.
OK, specific features, hills. How does the bolt three handle
(10:24):
climbs with the summit stuff? It's got a few ways.
There's a colour coded grey datafield showing how steep it is
right now. There are Summit Live segments
that pop up with detailed climb profiles.
Like Climb Pro on Garmin. Similar idea, but the reviewer
actually preferred a different feature.
Climbs on map. It overlays little coloured
chevrons on the map itself, showing the grade of the road
(10:45):
ahead. Less intrusive, more integrated.
That does sound useful. What about general mapping and
routing? Syncing routes following them.
Really strong here, syncs easilywith Strava commute, ride with
GPS, trail forks, you name it. Saves locations.
You can sort routes on the device so that has some limits.
Rerouting is good, turn by turn queues are clear.
(11:06):
Any downsides to the mapping? Main thing is just the screen
size. It's compact.
For really complex off road stuff or if you have trouble
seeing small details, a bigger screen like the Rome 3 might be
better, but for most Rd riding totally sufficient.
Can you simulate routes indoors?Yep, especially cool if you have
a kicker climb. It'll mimic the gradient and you
can share routes easily via the app.
(11:27):
Reviewer wishes you could ZAP routes directly between Element
devices via Bluesooth though. Indoor training generally, how
does it integrate? Very smoothly sync structured
workouts from Training Peaks trainer, Rd, etcetera.
Gives you a dedicated workout page.
Lets you skip intervals, adjust difficulty, controls your kicked
R trainer. But you have to choose who
controls the trainer, right? Bolt or Swift?
(11:47):
Yeah, you can't have both controlling resistance at the
same time. Standard stuff.
OK, Strava live segments still athing?
Any improvements? Still a thing works well for
subscribers. Shows your progress against PRS
or coma MSQMMS. The big improvement is you can
now finally disable specific segments on the Bolt itself if
you don't want to be bothered bythem on a particular ride.
(12:08):
That's handy safety features, radar and lights.
Yep, compatible with A&T plus smart lights and it works with a
new Wahoo trachear radar. How does that compare to the
Garmin varia? Similar function detects cars
coming up behind you, shows themon the bolt screen, changes
flash patterns. Wahoo's version has a cool
safety feature with alternately flashing LE DS on the radar unit
itself for extra visibility. OK, let's talk accuracy.
(12:31):
GPS and battery of course stuff.What did the test show?
Testing was extensive, over 30 hours, GPS accuracy excellent.
That new dual frequency chipset makes a real difference,
especially under trees or near buildings.
Even slightly better than a non dual frequency watch.
In the tests, Hill elevation data was accurate too.
(12:51):
That's crucial. And battery life accuracy.
We know the claim, but did the testing back it up consistently?
Mostly, yes. The reviewer found the up to 20
hours claim reasonable for normal use.
They got between 15 and 25 hoursdepending on settings, often
beating 20 with the backlight off or low.
So it delivers. It seems so.
There were some weird quirks andhow battery percentage was
(13:12):
reported in the saved ride files, but the real world
duration seems solid. Obviously things like
navigation, lots of sensors, bright backlight will drain it
faster. The review even gives tips to
exceed 20 hours. Good.
Any nasty bugs or crashes duringthe review?
It was beta software, right? It was beta, there were some
minor visual glitches, and a couple of times it didn't boot
(13:32):
up completely first try requiring a restart sequence.
But crucially, no crashes duringa ride, which the reviewer noted
was better than some recent experiences with Garmin gear.
Stability during a ride is paramount.
Absolutely. Oh, an initial map loading when
you first turned it on could take a few seconds for the tiles
to draw. The review had an FAQ section
too. Anything important in there we
(13:53):
missed? It mostly reinforces things
we've covered. Need the app for initial setup?
Broad sensor support, lots of customization, auto firmware
updates? That 20 hour battery life is
real without constant backlight.Strava segments work.
Waterproof, good for indoor training but no direct swift
control. Easy smartphone pairing via QR
(14:14):
code. And it really drums home that
it's all new hardware and ecosystem, even if the ride
feels familiar. Excellent GPS competitive
battery. OK, let's get critical again.
What's missing? Where does Wahoo lag behind?
Main point here is the ecosystemcompared to Garmin's Connect IQ.
Because Wahoo isn't as open to third party apps, you miss out
(14:34):
on integration with some niche sensors like maybe body position
sensors or newer aerodynamic sensors.
Things Garmin might support via CIQ.
Exactly. Also no native wind or rain
forecast. You need Garmin or Kuru for that
built in and the big one for some Physiology metrics.
Like readiness scores? Right, No pre ride readiness, no
real time stamina tracking basedon your training load, no
(14:55):
perceived effort logging integrated things Garmin and
others are pushing. Wahoo excels at the core stuff
in usability, but these are gaps.
Areas for future growth perhaps?How does the Bolt three sit
within Wahoos own range now? Bolt 3 versus Rome 3 versus the
new ACE. It pulls down the screen size,
battery life, price and touchscreen.
(15:17):
Bull 3 is smallest, lightest, cheapest button only room 3 is
mid size, more battery adds A touchscreen and better speaker.
ACE is biggest screen. Most battery adds an airflow
sensor, but. Core features are similar.
Core software navigation sensor support largely the same across
the new generation. The reviewer still prefers
Wahoo's buttons to Garmin's button.
Only 540, making the Bolt 3 the go to for that smaller size if
(15:40):
you don't want to touch screen. So it carves out its niche,
clearly, yeah. Garmin has the massive feature
list and ecosystem. Kiru has the slick smartphone
like interface. Wahoo nails usability and core
cycling functions. OK, let's wrap this section up.
What's the final takeaway from the 5K Runners review?
The Bolt 3 and its sibling Rome 3 mark a complete refresh for
Wahoo. Everything's new under the hood,
(16:02):
hardware, software, platform, cloud, leading to better
battery, better screens. But crucially, the experience
feels reassuringly Wahoo, simple, intuitive, and.
Competitive. Very competitive against Garmin
and Kuru. The reviewer actually says the
Bolt 3 will be their main computer for 20/25/26 for most
writing only opting for a biggerscreen for really complex
navigation. That's a strong endorsement.
(16:23):
Definitely. And if people are convinced,
availability and price. They will know.
UK is 299.99 US and Euro price is $329.99 Ordos Australia AU
$549.99. Yeah don't expect big discounts
soon but maybe bundles later. Links are in the review to buy
director or from retailers like Power Metre City.
(16:44):
All right, so summing up our deep dive based on this review,
the Wahoo Bull 3 looks like a really solid user friendly
computer, nails the core cyclingstuff.
Big improvements in battery, display tech, GPS accuracy, all
while keeping that Wahoo ease ofuse.
But it lacks some of the bells and whistles, the wider
ecosystem stuff, the advanced Physiology metrics you might
find elsewhere. That's the trade off.
(17:05):
It focuses on doing the essentials extremely well for
many writers, especially those who value simplicity and
reliability. The reviewer thinks it's a top
contender. So for you, the listener, it
really comes down to your priorities, doesn't it?
Usability versus maximum features.
Core cycling data versus deep physiological insights.
Precisely. Which leads to a final thought
(17:27):
to leave you with. Wahoo has rebuilt its entire
platform here. It's a fresh start.
So thinking ahead, what integrations?
What features would you most want to see them add to this new
foundation? What would make the biggest
difference to your cycling? Something to chew on definitely.
Check out the full detailed review on the 5K Runner site and
Wahoo's own info too. Thanks for joining us for this
(17:49):
deep dive.
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