Wahoo Elemnt questions
05-16-18, 09:05 PM
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Wahoo Elemnt questions
So I'm pretty sure I'm done with Garmin, now I'm deciding between the Elemnt and the Elemnt Bolt.
Wahoo is offering $80 cash back for the Elemnt which makes it the same price as the Bolt, $249. Which would you choose for the same price? As far as I can tell the biggest differences between the two is screen size and battery life (15hrs vs. 17hrs), neither of which are a big deal to me, and the Bolt's screen is brighter, not a huge deal either I guess.
But, my one big requirement is that my computer uploads to Strava via bluetooth through my phone. I seem to be finding conflicting information about this regarding the Elemnts. Can someone put my mind at ease and reassure me that they will upload without wifi?
Wahoo is offering $80 cash back for the Elemnt which makes it the same price as the Bolt, $249. Which would you choose for the same price? As far as I can tell the biggest differences between the two is screen size and battery life (15hrs vs. 17hrs), neither of which are a big deal to me, and the Bolt's screen is brighter, not a huge deal either I guess.
But, my one big requirement is that my computer uploads to Strava via bluetooth through my phone. I seem to be finding conflicting information about this regarding the Elemnts. Can someone put my mind at ease and reassure me that they will upload without wifi?
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05-16-18, 10:30 PM
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I use the Element. It uses wifi to upload to the three online services I use when I finish the ride. But the Live Track connects to the phone which then uploads to the Wahoo server while I ride. So I think Bluetooth is the connection between the Elemnt and the phone.
05-17-18, 07:29 AM
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I have a bolt. If you use it with the phone app, the phone records your data as you go (your computer does too) and uploads it automatically when your done. If you don't use it with the phone, you can upload from the computer directly when in wifi (you have to set up the computer to connect to the network of course) and it will also sync with your phone the next time you connect it. I believe the phone connects via bluetooth.
The Wahoo computers are intended to be used with a phone. You don't have to do have your phone with you when you ride, but all the setup is done via an app on the phone (which makes it really easy and user friendly). I've had mine for about a month now and have had absolutely no issues or complaints. But... if someone is "one of those people" who refuses to have a smartphone, then Wahoo likely isn't for them.
The Wahoo computers are intended to be used with a phone. You don't have to do have your phone with you when you ride, but all the setup is done via an app on the phone (which makes it really easy and user friendly). I've had mine for about a month now and have had absolutely no issues or complaints. But... if someone is "one of those people" who refuses to have a smartphone, then Wahoo likely isn't for them.
05-17-18, 08:09 AM
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Thanks guys. I understand all that about WiFi and pairing with my smartphone.
I specifically need to know if I can upload my ride through my phone, NOT while on WiFi.
Say I’m out in the boonies, nowhere near WiFi, and I finish my ride. Will the ride upload to Strava through my phone?
Sounds like it but I really need to make sure.
I specifically need to know if I can upload my ride through my phone, NOT while on WiFi.
Say I’m out in the boonies, nowhere near WiFi, and I finish my ride. Will the ride upload to Strava through my phone?
Sounds like it but I really need to make sure.
05-17-18, 08:23 AM
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It will upload via your phone without WiFi. I did my first ride last night with the Elemnt Bolt. When the ride was completed, I got a notification on my iWatch saying my ride was ready to load to Strava. When I opened the app, I was able to make any editorial changes and save the ride before leaving the parking lot.
05-17-18, 08:31 AM
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It will upload via your phone without WiFi. I did my first ride last night with the Elemnt Bolt. When the ride was completed, I got a notification on my iWatch saying my ride was ready to load to Strava. When I opened the app, I was able to make any editorial changes and save the ride before leaving the parking lot.
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05-17-18, 08:50 AM
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With Garmin 520 your ride is instantly uploaded to strava no waiting for wifi and automatic. I was considering buying a Bolt earlier so this thread caught my eye but if it can't upload to strava via bluetooth that would be a deal breaker.
05-17-18, 09:33 AM
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It will load to Strava automatically from the Bolt via Bluetooth to your phone to Strava servers. However, wifi is required when downloading routes to the Bolt. I've had them pinned via Ridewithgps, but it will not sync through my phone or directly to the Bolt with out wifi. I ran into this issue recently when I decided I was going to take the shorter of the 2 group rides, but had only downloaded the longer prior to rolling out. After fighting with it for a few, I was lucky enough to catch up with a straggler who had printed a cue sheet. We rode at a conversation pace and have been friends every since.
05-17-18, 10:02 AM
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It'll upload without wifi. There are multiple people confirming this. We're good to go.
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05-17-18, 10:17 AM
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It will load to Strava automatically from the Bolt via Bluetooth to your phone to Strava servers. However, wifi is required when downloading routes to the Bolt. I've had them pinned via Ridewithgps, but it will not sync through my phone or directly to the Bolt with out wifi. I ran into this issue recently when I decided I was going to take the shorter of the 2 group rides, but had only downloaded the longer prior to rolling out. After fighting with it for a few, I was lucky enough to catch up with a straggler who had printed a cue sheet. We rode at a conversation pace and have been friends every since.
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/03/...th-review.html
Second section bullet points.
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05-17-18, 10:23 AM
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I thought they released an update that allowed route uploading through bluetooth? According to DC Rainmaker it does. I trust him.
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/03/...th-review.html
Second section bullet points.
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/03/...th-review.html
Second section bullet points.
05-19-18, 10:21 PM
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Thanks for pointing out the $80 thing. I just bought an elemnt today without even knowing about that. Awesome deal.
05-20-18, 10:10 AM
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I have confirmed this morning that my Bolt does not upload routes without WiFi. I went into settings of the Element app and turned off WiFi, then attempted to sync route with no luck. Thinking this one setting may disconnect Bluetooth as well, I went back into settings and turned WiFi back on, but put in the incorrect password on purpose, went back to the Bolt and attempted another sync. The new route never appeared within the list. Element app says software is up to date. While syncing without WiFi the Bolt would look for USB and show "Synced" shortly afterwards. It's not important to me, as I usually plan my routes from home the day before with the Bolt nearby, but for those having the same issue in syncing through your phone via Bluetooth without WiFi, you are not alone.
05-22-18, 09:41 AM
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Thanks guys. I understand all that about WiFi and pairing with my smartphone.
I specifically need to know if I can upload my ride through my phone, NOT while on WiFi.
Say I’m out in the boonies, nowhere near WiFi, and I finish my ride. Will the ride upload to Strava through my phone?
Sounds like it but I really need to make sure.
I specifically need to know if I can upload my ride through my phone, NOT while on WiFi.
Say I’m out in the boonies, nowhere near WiFi, and I finish my ride. Will the ride upload to Strava through my phone?
Sounds like it but I really need to make sure.
It can load either from the device directly via wifi or from your connected phone anywhere (subject to your phone's settings of course).
05-22-18, 09:43 AM
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It will load to Strava automatically from the Bolt via Bluetooth to your phone to Strava servers. However, wifi is required when downloading routes to the Bolt. I've had them pinned via Ridewithgps, but it will not sync through my phone or directly to the Bolt with out wifi. I ran into this issue recently when I decided I was going to take the shorter of the 2 group rides, but had only downloaded the longer prior to rolling out. After fighting with it for a few, I was lucky enough to catch up with a straggler who had printed a cue sheet. We rode at a conversation pace and have been friends every since.
05-22-18, 12:21 PM
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And to those who can upload routes without wifi, are you running Android or iOS?
Last edited by MindTrip; 05-22-18 at 02:24 PM.
05-22-18, 12:32 PM
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I just turned off my router, powered up the Bolt, paired up to the Wahoo app (Android) and logged a 30-second 'ride' - it uploaded just fine and dandy without WiFi.
Edit: ah, the terminology being used had me confused - I see that y'all are now talking about downloading routes to the Bolt, not uploading rides via BT connection to the phone. Carry on!
Edit: ah, the terminology being used had me confused - I see that y'all are now talking about downloading routes to the Bolt, not uploading rides via BT connection to the phone. Carry on!
Last edited by WhyFi; 05-22-18 at 12:42 PM.
05-22-18, 02:19 PM
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Just so we're on the same page:
I created the app on Strava (maybe that's the difference) using my computer on my friend's wifi. https://www.strava.com/routes/13327439
I synced up my phone (Wahoo ELEMNT app on Android) which was also on my friend's wifi (but don't see how this would be different on data and I'm pretty sure my initial sync was using my phone's data plan).
My phone synced with my Bolt which was not connected to any wifi (it only has my home wifi login credentials).
Worked fine, got a beep when my bolt complained as I did a 2nd lap of the route rather than turning for "home".
05-23-18, 04:50 AM
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I don't see any screen shots.
Just so we're on the same page:
I created the app on Strava (maybe that's the difference) using my computer on my friend's wifi. https://www.strava.com/routes/13327439
I synced up my phone (Wahoo ELEMNT app on Android) which was also on my friend's wifi (but don't see how this would be different on data and I'm pretty sure my initial sync was using my phone's data plan).
My phone synced with my Bolt which was not connected to any wifi (it only has my home wifi login credentials).
Worked fine, got a beep when my bolt complained as I did a 2nd lap of the route rather than turning for "home".
Just so we're on the same page:
I created the app on Strava (maybe that's the difference) using my computer on my friend's wifi. https://www.strava.com/routes/13327439
I synced up my phone (Wahoo ELEMNT app on Android) which was also on my friend's wifi (but don't see how this would be different on data and I'm pretty sure my initial sync was using my phone's data plan).
My phone synced with my Bolt which was not connected to any wifi (it only has my home wifi login credentials).
Worked fine, got a beep when my bolt complained as I did a 2nd lap of the route rather than turning for "home".
05-23-18, 07:02 AM
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Okay, I see the picture now. It looks like your phone just won't connect. I can definitely connect/sync and all that without wifi being present.
05-23-18, 07:21 AM
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Are you all using Wahoo Premium by chance?
05-23-18, 11:24 AM
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