Wahoo today announced the latest update to its flagship cycling computer, the Elemnt Roam, offering dual-band GPS, a better color screen, compatibility with Wahoo Systm workouts, larger memory, and more. This is version 2 of Elemnt Roam and replaces Elemnt Roam V1, which replaced Elemnt in 2019.

Along with the smaller Elemnt Bolt, it will be positioned as the best cycle computer in the brand's two model ranges and will be a more adventure-oriented option with a larger screen and larger battery capacity.

Over the years, Wahoo's two computers have played a continuous game of leapfrog, spec'ing outperform each other in every iteration.In 2020, the Elemnt Bolt was launched with all that is good about the Roam, plus a host of new features. These include a new color screen, USB-C charging, improved buttons, etc.

With today's announcement, Elemnt Roam keeps up with these features, boasting the same 64-color screen (albeit 12mm larger), a USB-C charging port for faster charging and better water resistance, and improved (read: raised, more tactile) buttons. It also maintains the same two-strip LED light, aerodynamic out-front mounting, and simple app-based setup process.

However, Wahoo definitely hopes to entice Elemnt Bolt users to upgrade.

Perhaps the biggest of these is the introduction of dual-band GPS technology. This is said to improve accuracy and reduce dropouts, even in difficult terrain such as under dense trees or in urban areas. At launch, only the recently released Garmin Edge 1040 series achieves this, with a starting price of £170/$200 higher.

Element Roam's internal memory has also increased. The current Roam had 4GB and the Elemnt Bolt had 16GB, but the new Roam doubles that to 32GB, and Wahoo told Cyclingnews that the reason the memory continues to expand is because Wahoo's basemap is growing in size as more detailed layers are added. The reason memory continues to expand is that Wahoo's basemap is growing in size as more layers of detail are added.

Another new feature comes in the form of integration with the brand's "Wahoo X" training software, which will allow Wahoo X users to push Systm workouts to Elemnt and run them outside. Support for external workouts from other apps such as TrainerRoad will also remain.

Two other new features of the new Elemnt Roam are not immediately available, but will be available soon (expected later this year). This feature, similar to Garmin's ClimbPro and Hammerhead's Climber feature, will highlight key climbs on a preloaded route. When the starting point is reached, it will flash in a similar fashion to the current Strava Segments. This is a convenient way to share a route with multiple people nearby in a similar way to sharing something via Apple AirDrop. It can be used by ride leaders, sports organizers, and cycling clubs to share routes before they set out.

Despite the new features, Wahoo says it maintains the same 17-hour battery life as the previous Roam and lasts two hours longer than the Bolt. For those who venture beyond this time, the Elemnt computer can be recharged while riding, but there is no consideration for solar capabilities or a Bolt-on battery pack like Garmin.

The new Wahoo Elemnt Roam is available today at Wahoo Fitness and retailers. It is priced at £349.99, $399.99, $599.99 Canadian, €399.99, and $599.95 Australian.

Cycling News' technical team received review samples.