Peter Maniaty
While this new Wahoo bike computer isn’t one for the weight weenies, it’s an impressive navigator and way to record all your ride stats.
The ELEMNT Ace is the new top dog of the Wahoo bike computer range. Significantly bigger and pricier than the ELEMNT Bolt and Roam models, it’s loaded with features delivered via an impressive 97mm x 55mm touchscreen. That said, it isn’t quite perfect. In fact when the ELEMNT Ace originally launched in late 2024, quite a bit of the promised functionality was still absent, suggesting Wahoo perhaps rushed to get it out in time for Christmas. Since then a series of firmware updates have addressed many of the initial issues and glitches, including several during the review period itself, and with Wahoo indicating more updates are in the pipeline it seems the ELEMNT Ace is only going to get better and better.
First impressions
With its generous size (126mm x 71mm x 24mm) and touchscreen, the ELEMNT Ace feels more like a small smartphone than mere bike computer. It’s also a similar weight at around 208 grams. With a whopping 16 million colours and anti-glare screen, the display resolution is excellent – ideal for middle-aged eyes. Wahoo’s existing Bolt and Roam mounts are too small on most bar systems, so the ELEMNT Ace instead ships with its own bespoke oversized alloy mount. Design wise, Wahoo’s distinctive ‘three button’ interface remains, however, given the touchscreen allows you to shuttle through many of the functions with a swipe of a finger, the user experience is quite different.
Noteworthy features
One of the more interesting tech inclusions is a wind sensor, delivering real-time wind speed readings via twin ports at the front of the unit. Whilst the theory sounds great, I found it only moderately useful in the real world given it’s generally obvious when you’re drafting on someone’s wheel or ploughing through a block headwind. Word is, Wahoo is exploring additional functionality which may elevate its usefulness in the future. In addition to wind speed, other key ride data such as power, heart rate and gradients are colour-coded to provide ‘at a glance’ feedback when you’re in different zones – green is good, red is bad, that kind of thing. Another handy feature is the digital bike bell; simply double-tap the bottom of the screen and ‘ding! ding!’ I was actually surprised how often I used it.
Getting started
With Wi-fi, Bluetooth 5.0 and ANT+ connectivity, setting up the ELEMNT Ace is a breeze, with most of the initial configuring done automatically through the main Wahoo app. Third party platforms such as Strava, Komoot and Training Peaks can be easily linked; same goes for external devices like your HRM, power meter and electronic shifters which sync directly with the head unit. Using the Wahoo app you can customise your ride data with up to 11 fields per display screen plus the ability to create new screens. You can also tailor different workout profiles for different types of riding. One thing I noticed is the unit is a little slow to start up, acquire satellites and sync to external sensors when you first turn it on. Another slight watch-out is using the touchscreen with long finger gloves. I found that a bit hit and miss.
Navigation
Powered by the same dual-band GPS technology used by the Roam V2, navigation is unquestionably one of the biggest strengths of the ELEMNT Ace. The large colour screen delivers excellent map visibility and coupled with your choice of distance countdowns, turn markers and audible prompts it’s always clear where you should be going. Uploading routes is extremely straightforward; once you’ve synced your Wahoo and Strava accounts, for example, it happens automatically. You can create routes retrospectively from old GPX/FIT/TCX ride files, as well as toggle on/off a variety of map layers such as places of interest and street names. With 64GB of internal storage, the ELEMNT Ace comes pre-loaded with maps for pretty much the entire planet. Whilst it’s certainly a novelty to have street navigation for Svalbard and the South Sandwich Islands, not sure I’ll ever use it. Out of the box, the default settings deliver a cacophony of beeps to let you know when turns are approaching, but mercifully you can easily turn these off; same goes for voice navigation. Another useful feature is ‘Back On Track’ which provides automatic reroutes should you ever miss a turn or intentionally choose to stray a little. There’s even the ability to generate new routes to hand-selected locations on the touchscreen map as you go. Live Strava Segments and Summit Segments are also available, the latter proving especially useful in helping to measure efforts on less familiar climbs.
Battery
Powered by a USB-C rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, Wahoo claims the ELEMNT Ace delivers 30 hours per charge. However, like others before me, I struggled to get even close to this. Admittedly the review was conducted in the middle of the Aussie summer and firmware updates may improve things, but the absolute best I could extract was ~22 hours between charges – and that was turning the backlight off completely, not overly practical. At normal battery burn, I averaged ~15 hours of runtime. Whilst personally, I have no issue charging my devices once a week or so, if the 30-hour claim is a big drawcard you may be a little disappointed. Recharging from 0% to 100% takes around three hours.
Summing up
Yes, the ELEMNT Ace is larger and more expensive than its Wahoo siblings, not to mention most of its rivals. Whilst there are probably more suitable head units for racing, when it comes to longer rides and touring, particularly where reliable GPS navigation is important, it’s simply first class. The display, touchscreen and general functionality are already very good – and Wahoo’s firmware updates are making it better all the time.
Specifications
Size: 125x70x20mm
Weight: 208g
Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth 5.0, ANT+
Charging: USB-C (cable included)
Waterproof Rating: IPX7
Mount: Alloy, 31.8mm (included)
Storage: 64GB
RRP: $999.95
More info https://au.wahoofitness.com/
