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This compact bike computer brings pro features to casual cyclists – and it replaced my smartwatch
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 3 is available now for $329.
- The Bolt 3 is fairly small and lightweight, comes with out-front and center post mounts, and it’s affordable for all the features you get.
- The display may be too small for some people and the battery life takes a hit with the backlight enabled.
Wahoo makes feature-packed bike computers that do things like generate turn by turn navigation, generate routes, and integrate with radar. But for the past few weeks, I’ve been using its entry level bike computer, and it’s been more than enough for me with a reasonable price to boot. The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 3 brings most of the same functions as its more expensive bike computers, but in a much smaller package.
Also: Wahoo’s largest bike computer is the fitness accessory I didn’t know I needed
I began using bike computers a few years ago with a Garmin Edge, and while I loved the data accuracy, I hated the side button design that left me constantly pushing the wrong buttons to stop a ride or mark a lap. Wahoo’s large three front buttons solve this problem with on-screen labels, making it a lot easier to use in the middle of a long ride.
I have Wahoo’s other bike computer, the Elemnt Ace, and it’s is a beast in comparison to the Elemnt Bolt, weighing 7.4 ounces to the Elemnt Ace’s 2.96 ounces and 2.3-inch display.
One of the most significant improvements over the Bolt 2 is the change in the display technology from MIP with 64 colors to TFT with 16 million colors. Battery life is improved with various options providing up to 20 hours of battery life, compared to 15 hours on the Bolt 2.
Before assuming that you can ride for 20 hours without charging up the Bolt, keep in mind you’ll need to turn off the backlight to get those kinds of numbers. Keeping the backlight on does drain the battery. Luckily, I was able to see the screen even in direct sunlight. If there were clouds or tree covering, then the backlight was very important to have enabled for the display’s visibility.
When I use a bike computer, I want all features on, so I enable Strava Segments, Summit Climb pages, and sensor support for a radar, heart rate monitor, cadence sensor, and speed sensor. With this setup, and auto backlight enabled, battery life was closer to 10-12 hours.
Again, I usually only ride for a couple of hours so there is never any concern with battery for one ride. The battery life is primarily a factor when deciding how often you want to charge up the bike computer.
Also: Infinite battery life means you can leave this bike computer mounted at all times
This is the first model from Wahoo’s entry-level Bolt line I’ve tested, so I can’t speak to experiences with past models or what the impact of removing LEDs along the top have on functionality. However, I can say I rode my bike in well-lit conditions, including direct sunlight, and found the display easy to read with clear fonts that were large enough for my aging eyes. I love the ability to easily press the up and down button on the right side while riding to dynamically change the number of data fields visible on the display.
The three new Wahoo Elemnt bike computers have the same user interface with the same base feature set so deciding if you want to pay more money comes down to display size, battery life, the digital bike bell, spoken alerts, and whether or not you want a touchscreen computer. The Elemnt Bolt 3 provides accurate location tracking, connects to all of the same sensors, provides controls to cameras, radars, and music, and supports color mapping and navigation.
ZDNET’s buying advice
The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 3 is a fairly compact bike computer that provides accurate location tracking, detailed cycling data, connections to external sensors, and a simple user interface that doesn’t require any advanced training or scrolling through manuals. The battery life varies with the functions you enable, but it’s sure to power you through most any training or exercise routine while resting comfortably in the included out-front mount.
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The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we know
Fitness devices, which are predominantly manufactured in these regions, are now subject to tariffs as high as 54% on Chinese imports and 46% on Vietnamese goods. As a result, consumers may see price increases of approximately 20% on these items.
Manufacturers are exploring options like relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such shifts are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for headphones and wearables due to these trade policies.
