Deep thoughts on the Wahoo Roam V2 how does it stack up to Garmin or even why should I upgrade?

The Roam V2 is the latest in the lineup of Wahoo cycling computers, it’s the highest end Wahoo Bike computer you can get your mitts on. After years using Garmin 500, 520 and 820, then more recently a Wahoo Bolt V1, I decided to see how Wahoo has evolved.
There have been many technical reviews on this Wahoo Roam v2 as it has been selling for over a year, the best are over at GP Lama and DC Rainmaker. But, what’s the real deal beyond specs? why would you upgrade or even switch to a Roam. I set out to discover the Roam and what motivates me.

Background: 2024 bike computers are like…

• A duopoly? There are two main players. Garmin and Wahoo. Sure there is Hammerhead, Bryton and Magene, but lets face it, the big two are in the main battle of hard and software.
• Mega software features on everything!. 2024 for bike computers is like the bloated microsoft word of 2010. Both Garmin and Wahoo are rolling out updates frequently from climb sesnors to group ride chat.
• $300 to over $1000. The bulk of the market is around $400-$500
• These computers have a huge array of features… predictive climbs, auto maping, training programs, light controls, weather forecasts, adaptive body monitoring…. Jokes aside, the software has boomed, some of it useful, some, just because. Now both brands have tons of features.
• Every so often a really cool $800 one will come out which inspires people to buy the latest $400 ones :-)

Bike nerd history

Rewind the clock and you will find that 5 – 7 years ago Wahoo clearly had the leg up in terms of battery life, lack of crashing and improved usability. Their new approach to simplicity and navigation dethroned the competiotrs at the time when mapping rides and following routes was a arduous chore to get going correctly. Nowadays Garmin has caught up, their interfaces are not as bad as they used to be and a lot of features that only Wahoo once had exclusively, Garmin has learned and absorbed.

Features aside, one of the things we do the most is look at the screen. Technology has come a long way andthe below images show the Garmin540 and the Roam in different lighting conditions set to Auto Brightness. Most noticeably you see the non glare of the Wahoo screen with its lack of reflections. And only when the Garmin Backlight is manually cranked to 100% is brighter than the Roam.

Screen technology: The Garmin uses TFT technology where as Wahoo use MIP – Memory In Pixel. MIP needs less refreshing than a TFT display because it has memory in pixel to store data that has not changed instead of refreshing the full display, Plus it has a better contrast ratio, thus it uses less power, the disadvantage is lower resolution and only 64 colours. TFT displays need more frequent refreshing. As you can see in general, the MIP displays look more saturated in colour when compared to Garmin’s TFT.

Upgrading or new to the game?

If you are upgrading from older units, here’s the real reasons why you want to upgrade to the Wahoo Roam V2 features

• A great overall size and super legible screen. The text is clear, the colours are nice and the turn directions are easy to see. The screen also has a non reflective coating, which I personally like as it reduces glare (Garmin uses a high gloss)
• Better GPS performance. – I found the dual band gps tracks you better, especially if riding in the woods, for example mountain bikes or bike-packing exploring, it tracked satellites better , gave better location, ride data and enabled better routing response.
• Better directional mapping options – when following a route, the Auto Re-route is lightning fast, less than 1/4 of a block fast and willget you back on track. Impressive. The re-routing works with a pre programmed route you have uploaded or the Take Me To feature (on-demand route generation) for on the fly mapping
• TIP : With any unit Wahoo, Garmin or otherwise, routing will be best using companion software like Ride With GPS, that allows you to plan and control routes and upload them to your bike computer
• Improved interface, the new Wahoos are better than old, absorbing more features, still in an easy to use interface while adding colour and haped buttons
• Buttons! Easy to use, highly tactile buttons. I love these, very easy to use! Garmin don’t seem to have figured this out on their button only models.
• Intelligent auto backlighting – the screen is good, but there is a sensor on the face and backlighting supplement’s the screen when needed. This is a lot more subtle than Garmin’s solution.

Cons

• With Wahoo, there is no street names on general maps unlike Garmin. Is this a downside? Some say this is because people prefer a cleaner view when looking at the maps. That’s not to say that Wahoo won’t give you turns with named roads when navigating, it just doesn’t show the names on the map view like Garmin does. Depending on your outlook, this may bother you or not at all.
• The reflective screen coating can make the graphics a little more diffuse / not as sharp as they could be.
• Not really a “con” but something to consider, If you dive deep into the feature sets of any units. you might find a feature that really resonates with you and tips the decision.

TIPS!

Update. When using the ROAM with a preloaded route :-
– if riding on an exploratory route gravel or mountain bike and relying on the specifics of your created map then, turn OFF auto re reoute, otherwise you will get lost as the GPS wanders and the unit trys to reroute, as you won’t be able to reference your original route after rerouting has happened.
– if riding in Urban or Semi Urban area Auto Re Routing is fine and in fact good

Pricing

Wahoo Roam is $399, the Garmin 540 Touch Screen is $449 but often on sale for $399. A fierce real question is what about the Wahoo Bolt V2, its $279, a $120 cheaper with the same features.
The main difference here is hardware, the Roam has dual band GPS (more precise), an accelerometer and a larger screen. To anyone above the age of 45, that larger screen is easy worth $120 :-) ha!

Bottom line

Wahoo and Garmin are fierce competitors on price and features, offering highly evolved and similar products. Their history and strategy makes the products different but the bare functionality remains very similar.
Garmin wants you to be in their system, watches, intelligent heart rate devices, bike computers, exercise tracking software and even lights (Varia) all talk and share data with one another. Its a bit like a mini Apple…. . If you are moving between bike, run and swim, i’m sure this eco system will interest you more.

Wahoo wants you to have a simpler more pleasurable experience whilst still seeing key data. Generally the Roam has a better screen than the Garmin 540, and it’s based on screen technology used. The Roam is easier to look at, less fatiguing and more saturated. What still tops it for me is the software interface and the hardware buttons are better designed. Both have a learning curve but off the bat, It’s easier to use than Garmin, how much easier… not as much as 7 yrs ago but its still more intuitive today.
If you are using the Roam like a car GPS, it’s the tops. Their “take me to” feature is quick accurate and easy to use with fast rerouting should you make a navigating mistake.

Whats in the box?

The Roam V2 comes with:

• USB to C charging Cord
• Out front aero mount
• Puck / stem mount and cable ties
• Fancy packaging

Thanks for reading, additional thoughts or comments, please leave a reply down below :)

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