Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2: *NOW* Which One Is Best?
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- Опубликовано: 26 июн 2024
- In this video I compare the Garmin Edge 530 and the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2. Basically: which is the best non-touchscreen bike GPS available to buy right now?
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🦙 Garmin Edge 530: amzn.to/3rt5o01 (Amazon US) ¦ amzn.to/3c8QSUS (Amazon UK)
🐑 Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT: amzn.to/3vvidLY (Amazon) ¦ wahoofitness.com/devices/bike... (Wahoo)
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Here are the links to both devices: 🦉 Garmin Edge 530 (currently ON SALE) amzn.to/3nUvMQ7 🐐 Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 amzn.to/3vvidLY
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A few years back I bought a Wahoo Elemnt Roam and Garmin 830 at the same time to compare. I was able to setup and understand how to use the Wahoo while moving on a bike within a matter of hours. The Garmin took ages for me to setup and was a lot more complex to operate while riding the bike. I was spending a lot of time pulling over to the side of a road to perform functions on the Garmin that seemed dead simple on the Wahoo while rolling at speed. In the end, it was Wahoo for me.
Well, that concurs with my experiences. People with working brains buy the Garmin.
you have once to learn and understand the ecosystem of garmin after that its done and simple
I wonder if anyone took advantage of the sale at the Texas Bicycle World last Sunday on the Bolt V2 BUNDLE for the same $299 price with speed, cadence and heart rate sensors. I think that would have swayed many people to get one over the Garmin.
@@Garfie1d73 Ooooh gatekeeping and a put down in one easy statement. Don't worry I'm sure Garmin are deeply impressed that you're standing up for them as the device of the connoisseur.
Wahoo superior Garmin inferior (except their watches)
Loved the humour in this one mate. Cracking review!
I had never tested the Garmin so my point of view is biased, but I really appreciate the clear visibility of the Bolt V2, and the buttons ideally placed… I don’t use training, I set tracks on Komoot and ride (gravel and roads), and for my usage, it is perfect !
Great video, really liked the side by side comparison while riding. The Garmin screen isn't as contrastry or sharp as the wahoo. Still I think I would like to have the built in training features of the 530, or at least if I ever really trained I might like them.
Thanks. I'm convinced. A BOLT V2 for Christmas. Long time Garmin user, ... but no more.
WOW .... one of the best I have ever seen. No beating around the bush ..... fast fact after fact. THANKS!!!
Excellent as usual ! An odd creaking noise though in the background, the chair you were sitting on maybe ? I went from the Bolt v1 to the 530 and agree about the interface but still prefer the 530, especially since I'm also a runner and the training data gets nicely rolled up (or "Trued Up" in the Garmin lanquage). Also it's nice to have access to all the ConnectIQ apps, like the Varia Radar one that tells you at what speed a road hog is approaching from behind !
keep up the great reviews! great listening.
Thanks, will do!
I want to thank you very much for this review, for your time and effort, and very importantly I want to thank you very very much for having a clear opinion, and choosing a favorite and explaining why, while also explaining the the other device fairly, unlike most “reviewers” who tells you “both are great” without even giving a clear distinction of features so one can choose properly, thank you for your clear and honest review 🙏👏
Awesome (humorous) review! Thank you :)
Thoroughly entertaining video. I will check out your other videos, but I'm pretty sure you've just gained another subscriber. Well done, Sir! 😉👍🏼
I try my best Santi. Try not to blame me if the other ones are a bit pony.
Useful video, I now own a Bolt ⚡. Your review really made me laugh out loud, keep up the good work.
great video, just subscribed!
Love your delivery!!!!!!!😂
Thanks! I have the Edge 520+ now and I HATE THE BUTTONS. But I'm already invested in other Garmin stuff so I'm kinda stuck... Be safe!
I'm glad to see you're using Campagnolo 😍
Very very helpful!!
Very informative thank you
Suits my needs perfectly
Very helpful review. I decided to buy the Bolt V2..
Thx! I am 90% a mountain biker and so prefer Garmin because of the map details but I like the Wahoo philosophy more. Last weekend I was able to compare Bolt2 with my 1030 and was surprised how good the more little display works for me. Impressive by the way the rerouting and performance of the Wahoo...my 1030 is getting slower and slower with newer firmware and makes me mad, when there are many directions in the woods, as its too slow and sometimes leads me in wrong direction. This aspect let me think of buying Roam2 or 1040.
The tight coupling of training peaks to wahoo for training plans is still a huge blocker compared to garmins open api
12:20 As of May 30 2019, Specialized ANGi subscription is made free (probably hearing from the community on how they probably hate the fact that such a safety feature needs to be paid for). I started wearing my Propero III past that date with the sensor pre-installed and used it without having to pay anything extra.
Now I'm on my second Propero III (first one broke from a fall), still using ANGi.
very useful intel to someone thinking about binning Garmin, I like your style. Please put some of that GT85 on your squeaky chair though!
Yes, my stool is an issue. Good shout on the GT85. Will try that...
Great video. Side note, there is no shame in drinking decaf.
I have the 530 the screen size does it for me.. although I wish I could organise the screen lay out using an app like you can on the wahoo..
Great review! So what to do:
Garmin edge 830 or the Bryton s500
Or the bolt v2? (I want a touchscreen so not realy a option)
or wait for newer devices? (This year)
Hear me out!!
I just bought the edge 530 in 2024.. I love it. Battery life is bonkers man!! It will go 20 hours no doubt.
Also the display is color..and it's visible in sunlight without the backlight. It's like a Transflective display (not exactly I know). But I have no issues whatsoever.
It looks way better than the wahoo bolt in the videos on RUclips. IRL it's the kind Bro..Just buy it.
Color screen..Perfect maps..and navigation.and crazy battery life. And Garmin metrics and Customisation with app.
What more do you need??
Great video bro, what about the screen is it really small ? I have this dude
Excellent video and good presentation. This is my first time visiting your channel and I’ll look up more videos for sure. Thank you!
I’d love either one of these and am saving up my pennies! I guess you wouldn’t really know being a Yorkshire man (I won’t hold it against you as a trans-Pennine friend) but what are the world maps like on both of these? We’re currently in India and wondered how the mapping and route finding would work. Cheers!
Thanks Roger. Glad you enjoyed it. I can't comment on the detail of the maps in India, but both devices offer full world maps, so it would be a case of making sure the correct map file was on there.
Trail riding neanderthal vs road riding renaissance man. lol. This is an excellent comparison. Well done!
I was a long time Garmin addict, Until I found the Wahoo Bolt V2. Wow, My life changed so much by using the Wahoo Element app and setting up an indoor training screen along with my outdoor ride screen. Seriously, The Wahoo Element Bolt V2 is easier to set up and use over my Garmin edge 530. Thank you for helping me to stop my Garmin addiction.
I am pleased to have played a part in your recovery...
I am returning my Garmin Edge 830 and getting the new Bolt. I don't care anything about sensors and fitness. I just want GPS mapping. Because the Edge 830 tries to be all things to all people, its menus are a maze. All that I want is navigation. For me, the rest is clutter.
Love the video - I have a V1 Bolt and now I know which to get when time for a new one. ALSO - I just replaced my BB90 Trek bottom bracket with the Token Ninja following your video on the same topic, and it's very, very good. Thanks!
Although the v2 Bolt is slightly larger than the v1, I believe the screen is actually the same size.
I have both and prefer... well, on road/gravel i prefer Bolt, better navigation, much better rerouting, better screen, ease of daily use. But when it comes to mountain biking or forests, Garmin wins in map area. Maps in Garmin are more detailed with on-screen POIs like shops or places to hide during rain. And safety features, I really miss accident detection on my Wahoo. Ah, I forgot about climb pro, latest Bolt update somehow solves it, but just somehow...
So, to sum up, I wish I could have Garmin maps in Bolt (or be able to upload own maps like I can in any Garmin device), climb pro and incident detection.
I have both as well, and agree with your perspective completely
I have both. Bolt is better overall, especially if you're a roadie. BUT... for MTBers the 530 wins, primarily because of the Trailforks app integration.
My bolt V1 still works like a charm.. wouldn't mind an update to a colored screen but as long as the bolt V1 keeps working so flawlessly I just can't justify the upgrade...
Love my Bolt V1 as well. My father-in-law has the V2. Both are good, but there's something about the simplicity of the V1 display.
If I were to veer away from my Bolt v1 it would be to the new Garmin 1040, not the 530
That’s an expensive veer Jim!
Moved from the 830 to the Bolt, couldn’t be happier 😊
I am looking to buy one of the two. Can you please elaborate?
@@apoelnike13 horrible UI on Garmin compared to Wahoo. The screen on the Wahoo is fantastic, the Garmin is too reflective and not easy to read in bright light. So many positives for the Wahoo. I’ve had a number of Garmin over the years.
@@17cream thanks for replying so promptly! So UI must be really bad and screen really reflective. Biggest selling point for me is the bigger (and also touch) screen. Looks like is worth sacrificing size for function!
@@apoelnike13 it is, the font and spacing of fields are bigger/ better. Before I bought it, I thought it would be a problem, but it wasn’t. You have ability to zoom in which is great. You could always look at the Roam over the Bolt v2.
@@apoelnike13 I have 530 and I am a little disappointed. First - contrast of the screen is not good in the sun, but it is not so worse.
Second - the buttons up/down feel is terrible. I could say - every single button has own work manner - it is bad for expensive small device. Menu - yes, it is old-fashioned. For example - if you want to synchronize with online, you have to go option online, then select method (phone/ wifi). It should be simply synchronize - not matter what way. Do it!. For buttons I will make complain. For menu - I can learn it.
I would like garmin 530 stay with me, because I don't want to loose money and have some accesories like bluetooth additional button, braket on handlebar. I have read about Bolt v2 and it is written, that it has software bugs.
Great video
Great video.
I have an Edge 130 plus. I think it is an excellent unit for it's price. And also, I want to get to know Garmin with a cheaper unit.
Now I want a radar (Garmin Varia or Magene L508). And for that I want a larger, preferably colored, screen unit. So I returned to my research on the Edge 530 and Element Bolt.
But the price now are USD299 for Edge 530 and USD269 fo the Element Bolt (prices ate Amazon US).
If they were the same price, I'd choose the Garmin because I already have a device of the brand. Therefor, have a Garmin Connect account and am (quite) familiarized with it features.
But with a lower price, I'm inclined to go with the Element.
The only problem is that in Brazil, where I live, technical assistance is hard for anything out of main stream. And here, Garmin is the main stream (I already lost a Bryton Ridre 530 due to a simple screen problem).
I have the Bolt V1 and am gonna use it for a while, replace it with the v4 when it comes out so it's gonna be a while
Had a bolt 1, then went to a roam 1, now changing to the 530, due to the inability of Wahoo to sort out a problem with the elemnt app crashing, if connected to Komoot
I am using the Bolt V2 for about two months now and I am pretty happy with it. Why? crisp clear display even in bright sunlight, more features that I am able to use and a simple set up process. The best: The latest added feature: Climbing. That was something I wished the first time I saw it with Garmin. Runtime is perfect, but I wonder how long it will last in routing mode. It seems the device drain a lot more power than. All in all it is perfect for me. I am using it with cadence and heart rate sensor. The speed sensor would have been another worthy sensor.
is volt2 works with garmin varia rtl 515?
Oh yes!
Is there a Fast Return to Home feature in the navigation? in 530?
Thanks for the detailed review! Super useful. For touring, which one would calculate better routes? Do they prioritise roads or car-free cycle paths, or does that depend on the mode you've selected?
How much of a difference does seeing the street names on the screen make? This is the only reason I'm looking at the Garmin 530 still, otherwise, I would have bought the Bolt v2 a long time ago, just can't decide how much of a pain not having map street names will be as I rely on them a lot to figure out where I need to go. Oh, and do they both come fully loaded with world maps, or do I have to load these up myself?
Hey, I'm also looking for a GPS for touring and can't decide... Which one did you go with in the end?
@@floriscorner6482 @thedailystoic8617
I am in the same quagmire. I know that the maps come fully loaded on the bolt and you can download more detailed maps of a region, and erase maps you don't need. In the end, which one did you go for?
Great video! When is the 540 getting released? Any ideas?
Thanks 😀👍🏻 Good question re the 540. It feels soonish - I wouldn't be surprised if this video has similar timing to my last comparison (published weeks before a new device is released)...
@@Sportivecyclist lol. It does feel like all the reviewers already have it to hand but have an embargo in place with the way yous are responding...Thanks for the response. :)
Don't lump me in with them! I swear on my left nut (indeed, both nuts) that I don't. Garmin don't send me anything (and neither do Wahoo). But I think you're right - hence why I lit a fire under my sworn nuts to get this video published before it was too late...
Which bike computer is better? The Hammerhead karoo 2 or one of these two????
So I'm a Garmin fanboy I try other brands but end up usually back with Garmin, however my last Garmin was a 830 with a 1030 before that and a HH K1 and K2 on loan. But one thing I've always loved about Wahoo is its simplicity and zoom function! Now the new 830 and 1030 plus have Garmins most vivid screen to date, but it's still so washed out and lacks the awesome contrast of the Bolt V2 and of course my much loved and missed Zoom function! I ran the 830 and B V2 back to back for a couple of months after which I sold the 830 and the B V2 remains! Navigation for me the 830 and B V2 seemed on par tbh. Well done wahoo you have on this occasion won over a Garmin fan boy for now 🤔
Did you return the K2, I was thinking of taking on the sale or return. I am on the FB Hammerhead forum and the Wahoo Forum. I get 10 posts a day from the K2 from people getting all sorts of issues, I get none from the Wahoo FB forum
@@pluckerpick I had to return my K1 after its battery swelled then a year later had a K2 off a local guy who said if I liked it I could buy it off him if not it's going back. He rides long long epic rides and he couldn't ever get more than 6 hours run time with Navigation and sensors fitted.
@@pluckerpick I was forever having software bugs and battery issues with my K1 and mount issues! Then the K2 came along and suffers all the same issues lol 🤣 I'm hoping now SRAM own them a K3 will come along and address all the major issues
@@lovecycling193 I am thinking the same, wait for the next version and my Elemnt is rock soid at the moment.
@@pluckerpick or of course the Roam V2 must be soon and should basically have the newer vivid V2 screen but bigger and potentially a larger battery
@Sportive Cyclist do you have any comparison between Garmin Explore 2(£249.99) and the new Wahoo element Bolt V2(£264.99)
They are identical if you buy one after time you are going to get used to the interface. One is a little bit more simple and the other has more options for customizing but generally speaking they offer the safe things but with a different brand behind them so get the cheapest option you can find from a trusted dealer
Maybe. People have different preferences about user interface. Yes, you get used to a more complex UI, but some will take pleasure in always having a more user friendly UI.
Had both units stayed with v2.. 530 re-routing is shocking as it often turns you around even when you’re on top of shorter route back.. that was the game changer for me.. plus the contrast is second to none.. v2 is not without its glitches however and you can’t get an out front mount for integrated bars, you have to use a v1 mount..
Hi. Do you think garmin screen hardly readable in the sun?
Just use a garmin to Wahoo adapter for the out front mount
You can adapt a Garmin mount with nippers to fit a Wahoo
Both are good like you say , I had bolt v1 and the set up and ease of use is great, but I went back to Garmin 530 , I just prefer the screen and functions , don’t like the buttons setting up the menu settings I’d prefer the 830 for that as the touchscreen set up is a lot faster, thinking of getting the 830 now just for that alone
Should you get lost , does both 530 and bolt require your phone to load a route and rerouting?
What's the use of an anti-theft thing on a bike computer if the bike computer itself isn't secured onto the bike?
Which one is better for tourism? I guess garmin because of street names POI etc? I prefere Wahoo screen on sun, better design, USB C and UI but... Maps are better on Garmin I suppose :/
very goo!
I've been using an old Android phone for navigation and on a long day if power is low all, I do is put a little Anker usb charger in my top bar case thing and run the cable, could easily do that to the Bolt and with USB-C feel safer about it?
Re "incident detection" .. I Read a story the other day that Apple phones have added an "incident detection" to phones. .. leading to a spate of automated emergency reports from fairgrounds as using the rides triggers it. So folks, don't take your bike with you on Vomitmaker 2000 at Alton Towers.
In 2019, I went with Wahoo Bolt v1, and now after watching your other video and few others, went with Bolt 2 which I bought last Sunday. Garmin Edge 530 was available for much cheaper with discount but just looking at the screen and menu's (font selection), I seem to hate it. If a company that big can't hire a good designer to redesign their interface for this decade, then just feels pointless to buy it.
How do you like the bolt V2?
You need to try the Karoo 2
I do. I need to open the box containing the one I bought last year...
Can someone weigh in on using trailforks with each? I heard it’s not compatible with the bolt? Can anyone confirm?
Still... The Bolt came in 2017, Garmin nailed it in 2019 with the 530, and I'm 2021 wahoo updated trying to catch. Garmin in its x30 series definitely stepped up his game vs their previous units with all three communication issues
I must say, the pricing is weird. Here, in continental Europe, I have yet to see Bolt V2 for more than 260€ (245.99€ ATM), and Garmin 530 is around 210€ (206.99€ ATM)... I mean you can call me out and say that these are sale prices... But c'mon, they are allways "on sale".
🙏👌❣️
Hi, can the Bolt show the ramaining elevation to climb? For me this is an important information which my Oregon 700 does not privide. Thanks!
Yes it does. The new Summit Segments feature makes climbing even better with the BOLT than when I made this video.
There is another important difference, at least for me. I don't own a Windows-PC or a Mac and I never ever will, because since many years, I prefer to use Linux. But with a Garmin, you are lost without Windows or Mac as far as I know. Using Wahoo on the other hand, everything you need to do could be done with the app for your smartphone.
You have not to have Win or Mac when you have Garmin. There is Garmin Connect for smartphones. For training analyzing they use web browser.
@@infeltk Thanks! But in the meantime i have bought a Bolt V2 and am extremely satisfied with it.
i have the 530, and i prefer it to the bolt, for me i like the features, if your running a varia radar the fact that you can change the bar to the side of the road that the cars are passing i quite like, also on the companion app you can set it so the directions are read out and also you can get it so it reads out your avg HR and speed, when is great when you also have hearphones on (open ear bone conducting) so you dont have to look down at the unit. just ride and when approaching a junction your get audio instructions. something the wahoo does not have. also that your rides are also uploaded to Garmin connect, with wahoo, they just stay on the device.
Rides up load to the app, Strava, Komoot and so on.
Any chance of a Wahoo vs Hammerhead review in the near future?
Yes. It's definitely not 0% (because I do own a Karoo 2) and it's definitely not 100% (I haven't opened the box yet)...
@@Sportivecyclist Confused (;-)
Sorry. Yes, there's a chance :-)
Do you need an android phone to use the bolt. I currently use my ipad air4 for everthing and dont use smartphones….coz ive broken too many
It doesn't have to be an android phone but the BOLT works best when you can connect it to a smartphone. At first glance, it doesn't look like the Wahoo ELEMNT/Fitness apps work as ipad apps, but I wouldn't know this for certain. You can possibly get away with borrowing a phone for the initial setup/connection to your wifi, and then rely on the unit connecting to the wifi directly for future firmware updates, uploading to Strava etc.
okay i buy the bolt v2
Good plan
Hi! Si better wahoo elmnt bolt or garmin 530?Thanks
Isn’t that literally the subject of this video?
@@Sportivecyclist I don t speak english very good. I don t understand some sentences
This is basically a Wahoo elemnt bolt advertising 😂
Otherwise known as having an actual opinion. Given I bought both devices with my own money.
I used to love the little Wahoo RFLKT that connects with your smartphone and basically only displays what the phone is sending to it. But, to my surprise when I wanted to use it again after a break that lasted a few years, the unit itself works just fine, even with the same battery that was installed years ago, but it looks like the Wahoo Fitness app does not support the RFLKT unit anymore. This makes me hesitate to ever buy a Wahoo product again.
As the 530 is on sale £179 is the wahoo worth the £70 more??
Probably not. The new 540 will be out in the next few weeks though.
@Sportive Cyclist guess I could live with the buttons on the garmin for £70 less👍
I just bought the edge 530 as an upgrade to my trusty Bryton 420. What a POS it’s going back it’s got the worst interface just totally confusing, Navigating the maps with the buttons is a waste of time and the device doesn’t even have an odometer. My Bryson is so much more intuitive although it lacks all the useless garmin features.
I have the bryton 420 good device with clear contrast but a bad training interface when doing interval especially the shorts one the 30/15
Battered sausage 🤣🤣🤣 I'm a Wahoolighan
Ummm 🙈
The bolt is trash, mine failed with a blank screen after only 10 rides . In the bin it went. Better to buy a garmin
Disappointed for an otherwise good review to not actually test the battery life back to back. OK you don't do long rides, but you could just keep riding daily without charging and see how they compare. Garmins claimed battery life is often dubious and the Wahoos more accurate.
Sorry to disappoint you Jack. I fit this in around my day job, so there will always be compromises and elements not fully explored.
The thing is, for Garmin's optimal battery life, you have to turn on power save mode, which turns off the screen after 15ish seconds, and it remains off until there is an alert, such as a navigation prompt, or if you press a button. I rarely ride over 10 hours, so I don't rely on this feature, though it is very nice to have on the rare occasion I forget to charge it. If I were riding more than 20 hours, I wouldn't want to have to stare at a black screen for most of that time. I have not tried a Bolt V2, though one of the things I appreciated about the V1 was the ability to disable the back light and still see the screen (which I enabled for all of the rides I did except for those at night).
Garmin recruited all the failed engineers from Nokia in the 90’s! Never ridden a bike in their lives…
Take a breath between edits.
Icannotdothis