Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2: My Go-To Cycling Computer for Navigation, Training, and Motivation

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Real Cyclist. Real Gear. Real Stories.
What I actually use on my rides — and why it matters.

This is my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2
on pause about halfway through an easy
training ride.

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2: My Go-To Cycling Computer for Navigation, Training, and Motivation

I had the original Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT and loved it — until the day I made the mistake of setting it on the back of my truck and forgetting it was there. One turn onto the road, and it was gone. I never found it.

When I went to replace it, I didn’t hesitate: I bought the Wahoo BOLT V2. Why? It fits the same mount I already had on my bike, and the first one had proven to be a workhorse — rugged, simple, and smart.

I’ve used the Wahoo BOLT 2 on long-distance rides, day rides, and even during a solo bicycle tour across San Diego — where it guided me from the Pacific coast through the heart of the city with surprisingly little interaction with traffic. I thought that would be impossible. But thanks to Ride with GPS integration, I had turn-by-turn voice directions the whole way.

Why I Stick With Wahoo

  • It syncs with Strava, which in turn logs my calories into MyFitnessPal — making food journaling a breeze (something I’ve talked about here).
  • The Wahoo Companion App lets me customize screens and set up rides right from my phone.
  • It’s less expensive than many competitors, but never feels cheap. It just works.

Feature Highlights That Matter on the Road

  • 64-Color Gorilla Glass Display – Vivid, high-contrast display with ambient light sensor
  • Turn-by-Turn Navigation – Guided routes, rerouting, summit climbing views, and Strava segment alerts
  • 100% Wireless – No cables needed to sync or update
  • Live Tracking – Share location with family for safety
  • Call, Text, and App Notifications – Stay in the loop (or shut it off with Do Not Disturb)
  • Custom Alerts – Get reminders based on calories burned, time, or distance
  • ANT+ Radar Compatible – Pairs with rearview radar for vehicle proximity warnings
  • Quicklook LED Indicators – Stay on track without staring at the screen
  • In-Use Charging – Keep riding while charging with a USB battery pack

It even has programmable side buttons that let me zoom between 1 to 9 data fields — which is perfect when I want to simplify the screen during a climb or monitor heart rate zones closely.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. I’ve logged thousands of miles with the Wahoo system, and it’s never let me down. It’s not about flashy gimmicks — it’s about a well-designed tool that quietly does everything you ask of it. From fitness tracking to long-range navigation, it’s the one piece of gear I won’t ride without.

💡 Real Gear I Use:
I use the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS computer on all my rides. It keeps me on course, tracks my stats, and syncs my calories to MyFitnessPal.

👉 Check it out on Amazon

More Cycling Gear I Personally Recommend:

FAQs About the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2

Q: Does it require a subscription?
A: No, all features work out of the box. No subscription is needed. 
 
Q: Does it work with Garmin sensors?
A: Yes, it supports ANT+ and Bluetooth sensors from all major brands. 

Q: Can I use it for indoor training?
A: Yes — it pairs with smart trainers and records indoor workouts too. 

Q: How long is the battery life?
A: Around 15–20 hours, depending on use and display settings. 

Q: How is it different from Garmin?
A: The Wahoo is simpler, more intuitive, and often faster to set up — without compromising on advanced features.

Have a question about how I use the BOLT on my rides? Leave a comment or check out the gear section of the blog — I’m always happy to share what’s worked (and what hasn’t) after 50 years in the saddle.

🚴 Gear I Personally Use and Recommend

I personally use all of these and swear by them. They’ve helped me stay healthy, ride longer, and recover smarter.

  • Renpho Smart Scale — I use this one and it gives me a tremendous amount of information that has been integral to my weight loss and healthy lifestyle.
    👉 Check it out on Amazon
  • Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet — I wear mine every ride. It is comfortable and it protects me.
    👉 Check it out on Amazon
  • Outdoor Essentials Cooling Arm Sleeves — I wear these to protect my arms from the damaging sun as I have skin cancer issues.
    👉 Check it out on Amazon
  • Przewalski Bib Shorts — I have multiple pairs of these. They cost a lot less than the others and last me longer.
    👉 Check it out on Amazon
  • Premier Protein Shakes — I drink one after every ride. They are low sugar and packed with protein to give me what I need.
    👉 Check it out on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps keep this blog rolling.

Comments

Subscribe

Popular posts from this blog

Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse? What Cyclists Need to Know

Boost Your Focus and Mental Clarity with Cycling

Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight?