Wahoo ELEMNT Ace Review: A Bike Computer Nobody Asked For

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Over the previous few years, I’ve examined most flagship bike computer systems: Garmin Edge 1040, Edge 1050, Hammerhead Karoo 3, Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 2, and lots of extra. Surprisingly, aside from software program updates, we haven’t seen a brand new head unit from Wahoo for a number of years. Nevertheless it’s lastly right here. It’s known as Wahoo ELEMNT Ace, and I used to be the primary individual to make use of it in Czechia. I purchased it for my very own cash, and on this early assessment, I share my ideas on it.

My ELEMNT Ace score at a look:Battery Life 3/5 | Ease of Setup 5/5 | Show 4/5 | Ease of Use 4/5 | GPS Accuracy 4/5 | Maps & Navigation 4/5 | Value 1/5 | OVERALL 3.6/5More about this bike pc scoring.

Wahoo ELEMNT Ace: Execs & Cons

These are the primary professionals and cons of the Wahoo ELEMNT Ace that I found throughout use.

Unboxing and Preliminary Setup

The ELEMNT Ace’s preliminary setup is easy. You merely scan the QR code utilizing the Wahoo app, join it to WiFi, and it updates itself. What disillusioned me was that I needed to arrange my knowledge pages once more. They weren’t synchronized with my earlier bike computer systems from Wahoo. Garmin is fairly good at this; they synchronize all the pieces from the cloud.

My Expertise with Wahoo ELEMNT Ace

Beneath, I share my early expertise with ELEMNT Ace in crucial areas. I’ll replace this assessment as soon as I collect extra data.

Show

The three.8-inch show is without doubt one of the largest of all bike computer systems. Solely the Jespr bike pc is bigger (4 inches). This has a number of advantages, like higher readability and a bigger battery, but additionally negatives, like increased weight. See the next chart, which exhibits the show sizes of one of the best bike computer systems.

The display screen is a bit flashier than earlier ELEMNT bike computer systems, however it’s nonetheless good to learn in numerous eventualities (a few of them are under).

The display screen decision is 480×720px, which suggests it’s additionally one of many sharpest shows, just like Hammerhead Karoo 3 or Garmin Edge 1050. See the next closeup image.

The next image exhibits a number of fashionable bike computer systems. Hammerhead Karoo 3 is the brightest, adopted by Edge 1040 and the remainder. Ace has roughly the identical brightness as BOLT 2 and ROAM.

Because of the massive display screen, Ace can present as much as 11 knowledge fields, that are tremendous straightforward to learn. Sadly, the way in which the information fields are proven is fairly conventional and never too graphical. There are additionally no knowledge discipline previews like on the Edge 1050 and Karoo 3.

Alternatively, some particulars, just like the background coloration of the gradient relying on the precise gradient or watt and HR zones, are fairly cool.

By the way in which, under, I add a couple of comparability photos with Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2.

Battery Life

Wahoo, the ELEMNT Ace has a claimed battery lifetime of 30 hours. As a result of it’s winter and I don’t have as a lot time to journey exterior, I’m nonetheless testing the actual battery life. Anyway, the claimed one principally doubles the battery lifetime of the ELEMNT BOLT 2 and ROAM 2. Nevertheless, my early expertise and early opinions of others recommend that the actual battery life is nowhere as near the claimed one.

When using, I’ve Garmin Varia RTL515, Favero Assioma DUO, Shimano Ultegra Di2, Wahoo TICKR, and my telephone linked to Ace. I apply it to auto brightness (sure, Ace has an ambient sensor to regulate the brightness) and navigation for about 30% of the rides.

After all, Ace has a USB-C charging port. I believe I’ll cease mentioning this function in 2025, because it has change into a regular. Within the EU, it’s obligatory for digital units, efficient from the twenty eighth of December 2024.

Management & Person Friendliness

If there was one thing I had excessive expectations of, it was the benefit of use ELEMNT computer systems are identified for. Ace’s system is extra complete however nonetheless not too difficult. You intuitively know the place you discover the issues you’re searching for. Nevertheless, when you count on the identical simplicity as with BOLT and ROAM, I’ll disappoint you. The touchscreen and the menus fitted to it add an additional layer of complexity.

Many settings, together with knowledge pages and knowledge fields, are set through the smartphone app. I like this answer, but when the top unit has a touchscreen, it must also have the choice of setting it on-device. That is one thing Ace doesn’t have. Perhaps Wahoo wished to maintain issues easy.

As at all times, I examined the show’s controllability with gloves and when moist. Ace’s show carried out under expectations. In contrast to Garmin bike computer systems, it struggled when moist, and it was not as correct, particularly once I had gloves and the display screen was moist. With out gloves, however when moist, its accuracy will increase. Watch the next video for additional reference.

You’ll be able to management Ace with the touchscreen or buttons. Each approaches work fairly properly. Buttons are useful in winter or rain. You need to use them as a substitute of attempting to hit the precise spot on the display screen with gloves. Nevertheless, I’ve to say that the aspect buttons are usually not as tactile. This is a matter when utilizing gloves. The three entrance ones are high-quality, however the aspect ones could possibly be higher.

I’ve solely been utilizing Ace for a couple of days, so I can’t fee its long-term reliability. Nevertheless, I haven’t encountered any bugs or points. Primarily based on my expertise with Wahoo bike computer systems, I consider will probably be higher than Garmin’s.

Maps & Navigation

ELEMNT Ace has nice maps. They don’t seem to be on the extent of Karoo 3 (these are virtually like on a smartphone), however they’re straightforward to observe. So, how good is the precise navigation? I don’t have the reply now since I haven’t had an opportunity to check it correctly but. I attempted a couple of simpler routes, and the calculated ones had been okay. I’ll replace this half as soon as I spend extra time with Ace.

Shopping maps on Ace isn’t as easy as on Hammerhead Karoo 3. It’s a bit laggier, however it’s nothing tremendous annoying. You’ll be able to pinch to zoom in or out and swipe with two fingers to modify between 2D and 3D views. It’s fairly cool. Watch the next video.

Route calculation of uploaded routes works virtually instantaneously, which is nice.

Free Summit Function

The Free Summit function is slowly changing into considered one of my favourite issues about Ace. It’s just like Garmin’s ClimbPro and doesn’t require a deliberate route. It estimates the trail you’ll take and exhibits the climb knowledge (gradients, distance to the highest, and many others.) so you possibly can tempo your self higher.

You’ll be able to obtain higher accuracy for deliberate routes, however even the free rides are adequate. The place Summit wins is its customizability, although. You need to use the smartphone app to alter the information fields for the Summit web page, which is totally superior. However it’s also possible to change how the Summit behaves.

For instance, it may possibly solely be turned on if you find yourself additionally utilizing navigation. This is smart; I don’t want the Summit to be turned on in my space, the place I do know all of the climbs. You can too set what climb issue it would seem for or whether or not your knowledge pages will robotically change to the Summit web page.

Try my comparability of Free Summit vs. ClimbPro for extra particulars.

GPS Accuracy

The ELEMNT Ace helps multi-band GNSS. I in contrast its accuracy with different bike computer systems on my favourite forest phase. I anticipated higher accuracy. You’ll be able to see from the screenshots under that Ace didn’t nail my place. You’ll be able to see once I began zig-zagging, however nonetheless, it’s not tremendous correct.

Nevertheless, I take into account a much bigger downside to be the very sluggish seek for satellites. It takes Ace as much as a number of tens of seconds. Positive, they load through the journey and we’re speaking about minor inaccuracies, however I might count on a a lot sooner load time for a flagship unit.

Connectivity

The ELEMNT Ace has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ANT+ connectivity, so it may be used with most sensors. It robotically syncs rides, as is normal on high-end head items.

Air Sensor

I anticipated probably the most from Air Sensor. Sadly, I’m disillusioned. I can see the wind pace whereas using, however truthfully, this metric is totally ineffective to me. The identical will be mentioned for the time breakdown within the varied “zones” supplied by the Wahoo app. The information is fascinating however truly ineffective, or I simply haven’t discovered a use case for it.

Speaker, Digital Bell, and Voice Instructions

Many individuals (together with me) laughed at Garmin after they launched the digital bell to their Edge 1050. A number of months later, right here we’re, and different producers began to repeat this concept. The bell is beneficial, and Wahoo’s implementation is way cleverer. You simply double-tap the display screen, and it honks. You don’t need to faucet the display screen after which press the bell icon like on Garmin. Some individuals (GP Lama) already discovered a approach modify the sound.

I additionally like the concept of getting voice directions on when to show so I don’t need to take my eyes off the roads and keep conscious of what’s taking place round me. Nevertheless, you first have to show them on in settings. I believe they need to be turned on by default, however okay. They’re additionally fairly loud, so it’s extremely attainable you’ll flip them off instantly to keep away from annoying your folks.

Wahoo ELEMNT Ace Alternate options

Listed below are some Wahoo ELEMNT Ace alternate options value contemplating:

Garmin Edge 1050 has a equally succesful show, longer battery life, and extra options, however it’s way more costly.

Garmin Edge 1040 (Photo voltaic) has a much longer battery life, a much less shiny show, and a slower system.

Hammerhead Karoo 3 has a brighter show, feels sooner and extra responsive, is extra inexpensive, and has a extra refined UI.

Wahoo ELEMNT Ace Technical Specs

Beneath, I summarized Wahoo ELEMNT Ace technical specs.

Technical specs

Claimed battery life: 30 hours

Show: 3.8in / 96.7mm (480×720px)

Touchscreen: Sure

Weight: 208g

Dimensions: 126×71×24 mm

Strava stay segments: Sure

Good trainers management: Sure

Good navigation (rerouting): Sure

Crash/incident detection: No

Waterproofing: IPX7

Storage: 64 GB

Connectivity: ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Conclusion

Primarily based on my first impressions, I recognize that Wahoo pushed their bike pc sport ahead. I’m positive the Ace took lots of their time and sources. It’s an honest bike pc that targets a particular group of individuals. It’s not for me. I don’t like how cumbersome and heavy it’s. I want smaller head items. Its dimension causes mount compatibility points, so it’s attainable it received’t suit your front-out mount.

I additionally hate the truth that it was launched with out some marketed options, such because the Strava Dwell segments, elevation profile, and extra. These had been added with the 19 December 2024 firmware replace. This shouldn’t occur, and options needs to be obtainable at launch. As Markus Brownlee says: “By no means. Ever. Purchase a tech product based mostly on the promise of future software program updates.”

Whereas I’m already getting ready a giant comparability with different flagships just like the Edge 1050 and Karoo 3, for now, evidently Ace matches them within the fundamentals. Sadly, it doesn’t exceed them in lots of. The one areas I can consider are the higher customizability of the Free Summit knowledge pages and the built-in wind sensor, which offers fascinating knowledge, however for me and lots of others, they’re simply that, and a bigger display screen dimension. And that’s about it. Is it value it, then? I don’t suppose so. There are higher alternate options.

Wahoo ELEMNT Ace FAQ

How a lot does Wahoo ELEMNT Ace value?

Wahoo ELEMNT Ace prices 599.99 USD (549.99 GBP, 599.99 EUR).

Is Wahoo ELEMNT Ace value it?

I don’t suppose the Wahoo ELEMNT Ace is value it. You should purchase Hammerhead Karoo 3 or Garmin Edge 1050 at this value vary, which I loved utilizing extra and I additionally discover them extra succesful. Ace is just too large and heavy and gives no “killer” function.

What’s the distinction between Wahoo ELEMNT Ace and Garmin Edge 1050?

The primary distinction between the Wahoo ELEMNT Ace and Garmin Edge 1050 is that the Ace has a bigger show (3.8-inch vs. 3.5-inch), longer battery life, and is extra inexpensive. It additionally has an built-in air sensor. Alternatively, it has fewer options; for instance, it doesn’t have an digital bell, crash detection, options like Actual-Time Stamina, Energy Information, and many others.

What’s the distinction between Wahoo ELEMNT Ace and Hammerhead Karoo 3?

The primary distinction between the Wahoo ELEMNT Ace and the Hammerhead Karoo 3 is that the Ace has a bigger show (3.8-inch vs. 3.2-inch), longer battery life (on paper), and an built-in air sensor. Nevertheless, I didn’t discover this sensor helpful, and the general person expertise was underwhelming. I might select Karoo 3 regardless of its incompatibility with Shimano Di2 groupsets.