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This is my comparison of the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v1 vs. BOLT v2. I tested them both to find their advantages and disadvantages. I also have rich experience with competing bike computers from brands like Garmin, Sigma, Hammerhead, and others, so I can give you a better context of how competitive the BOLTs are.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The main difference between BOLT v1 and BOLT v2 is that BOLT v2 has full on-device navigation to recalculate routes when off-course. It also has a better-colored display and easier-to-click buttons. In addition, BOLT v2 features a USB-C charging port (BOLT v1 uses MicroUSB). Other features remained similar.
BOLTs still belong among the most popular bike computers on the market. However, they are behind in some features. They don’t have a multi-band GNSS, touchscreen, or advanced training suggestions. Still, I like BOLT 2 more than its first generation. Feel free to buy it here or continue reading to learn more.
ELEMNT BOLT v1 vs. BOLT v2 Differences
Here is the summary of the main differences between ELEMNT BOLT v1 vs. BOLT v2.
| Feature | ELEMNT BOLT v1 | ELEMNT BOLT v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 74.6×47.2×21.3 mm 2.94×1.86×0.84 in | 77.5×47.2×21.3 mm 3.05×1.86×0.84 in |
| Weight | 62g | 68g |
| Screen size | 2.2″ | 2.2″ |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
| Display colors | Monochromatic | 64-colors |
| Claimed battery life Real battery life¹ | 15 hours 9 hours² | 15 hours 11 hours³ |
| Buttons | Easy to press | Even easier to press |
| Smart navigation (rerouting) | No | Yes |
| Multi-band GNSS | No | No |
| Connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Charging | Micro-USB | USB-C |
| Start-up time | ∼35s | ∼35s |
| Crash/incident detection | No | No |
| Mounts in the box | Out front aero mount Stem mount | Out front aero mount Stem mount |
| More info | Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v1 Review | Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 Review |
| Buy | Discontinued | Check Price Check Price (Amazon) |
¹Based on my unscientific testing – multiple rides with multiple connected sensors (HR, power meter, radar), and navigation turned on during about 30% of rides. Auto brightness on.
²On a 3-year-old device.
³Brand new device
Let me now explain them in depth.
In the Box
Boxes and their contents remained similar. Both bike computers come with a stem mount and an aero mount.
The stem mount comes with plastic zip ties, not elastic bands like Garmin Edge computers. I find the zip ties more secure but less practical when switching the mount between bikes.
Due to different dimensions, the BOLT v2 aero mount is incompatible with the BOLT v1. However, you can fit the BOLT v2 into the BOLT v1 aero mount.
Physical Dimensions & Weight
The physical dimensions and weight also remained similar. BOLT v2 is slightly larger than v1. But don’t worry. It still feels as compact as the previous generation. And that’s exactly what many cyclists, including me, like about it.
The BOLT v2 is 6g heavier than the v1. Maybe this is a reason for weight weenies to stick with v1? Haha!
Ease of Setup
The setup process remained the same as we know it from Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers.
It’s easy and quick. You only have to scan a QR code using the ELEMNT Companion app and pair sensors.
It’s a shame the app doesn’t import data fields, sensors, and other settings from the previous generation as some Garmin bike computers do. But luckily, the Wahoo app is easy to use, and everything can be done within a few minutes.
Display
The BOLT v2 display got the biggest upgrade. It’s now colored (it can display up to 64 colors) and not monochromatic like BOLT v1.
Thanks to a less glossy display, the readability in direct sunlight is better on BOLT v2 than on v1.
Display colors are helpful when browsing the map (so it’s easier to orient in it) and when climbing because BOLT v2 colorizes gradients depending on their difficulty.
The screen size (2.2″) remained the same, but thanks to the redesign, the BOLT v2 display seems larger because the glass goes from edge to edge. Speaking of “edge,” the competing Garmin Edge 530, 830, 540, and 840 have a screen size of 2.6 inches. It allows displaying larger fonts and more data fields at once. But they have glossier displays and have worse readability in sunlight.
See the following table for a screen size comparison between BOLTs and other popular bike computers.
Also available at rei.com and amazon.com
Battery Life
The claimed battery life of both BOLTs is 15 hours. I tested the real battery life by riding with a connected Varia RTL515 radar, Magene P505 power meter, HR monitor, and some rides with a pre-planned route (turn-by-turn navigation turned on).
BOLT v1 lasted about 11 hours, but it’s 3 years old already. Its battery life when it was new was a few hours longer.
BOLT v2 lasted about 16.25 hours in similar conditions. However, it was just a few months old unit.
The battery life of these bike computers is average. They are behind newer bike computers like the Garmin Edge x40 line. See the following chart for an illustration.
Control
The way you control both head units remained the same. You can rely on their button-based interface.
BOLT v2 comes with improved, easier-to-press buttons. This is because they are not as recessed as before. The v1 buttons were sometimes difficult to press, especially with full-finger gloves. That’s not the case anymore.
A lot of people (especially when mountain biking) often prefer buttons to a touchscreen. Personally, I got used to touchscreens very quickly. That’s why when I test button-based bike computers, it’s a pain at times. Not so with the ELEMNT computers. Those are very intuitive. The only problem occurs when I want to paddle the map. This is worse with buttons than with a touchscreen.
Maps & Navigation
BOLT v1 has no idea where you are when you start a pre-planned route. It just overlays a set of waypoints on a map, and when you go off-course, it won’t find a new way.
The BOLT v2 finally brings the full on-device navigation capability. This means that if you go off-course, it will recalculate the route. It can also take you to a selected point on the map.
Thanks to this upgrade, the larger display is the only reason to buy ELEMNT ROAM (if you want a Wahoo bike computer). You can learn more about the differences between BOLT and ROAM here.
Other Differences
Below are the less obvious differences between BOLT 1 and 2.
- BOLT v2 has a Summit feature, which displays information about upcoming climbs.
- BOLT v2 uses different fonts than v1. In addition, some alerts on v2 are now written in lowercase (all alerts on v1 are written in capitals).
- BOLT v1 LED strip is brighter than v2.
- BOLT v1 uses a micro-USB charging port. BOLT v2 uses USB-C (thumbs up!).
- BOLT v2 has a larger, 16GB internal storage (vs. 2.78 GB).
- BOLT v2 has louder beeps than v1.
Did you notice any other difference that I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments.
My Verdict
Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 addresses the main flaws of its first generation. The screen and navigation got the biggest upgrades, making the BOLT v2 one of the most popular bike computers.
You probably don’t need to upgrade if you already have the BOLT v1 unless you want full-on-device navigation features and a colored display.
Thanks to the BOLT’s simplicity, I don’t think you’ll miss the touchscreen. Its battery life is also pretty good.
However, if you want higher GPS accuracy, workout suggestions, and other advanced features, I recommend considering one of the Garmin Edge bike computers.
Also available at rei.com and amazon.com
Is it possible to use same aero mount from Bolt v1 with Bolt v2?
Hi Marek,
The BOLT v1 mount is compatible with both bike computers but the v2 only with the BOLT v2. The v2 mount is little bit larger.
– Petr
Does the device v2 show a recovery time after the ride?
Hi Roman, no, Wahoo ELEMNTs don’t have this functionality. From my experience, Garmin’s recovery suggestions are weird anyway.
– Petr