Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2: My Go-To Cycling Computer for Navigation, Training, and Motivation
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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.
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:
- Smart Cycling Clothing: What’s Worth Wearing (and What’s Just Hype)
- Must-Have Accessories for Older Riders
- The Only Bib Shorts I Wear Now: Better Than the Expensive Brands
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.
A: Yes, it supports ANT+ and Bluetooth sensors from all major brands.
A: Yes — it pairs with smart trainers and records indoor workouts too.
A: Around 15–20 hours, depending on use and display settings.
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.
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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
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