Gear Break: Wahoo BOLT 3 and ROAM 3, Wireless Gravel from Shimano, 2 New Mixed-Terrain Bikes from Pinarello, Campy at the Tour, Special Wilier Styling for Groupama – FDJ, Scope Cycling TT Wheels, Pashley’s Steel Roadfinder SL

Gear Break: Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3 & Roam 3 review, Shimano gravel goes wireless, Pinarello launches Dogma GR & Grevil F, Campagnolo outfits Team Cofidis at TDF, special Groupama – FDJ Edition from Wilier, Scope aero wheels featured at the Tour, UK’s Pashley releases steel Roadfinder SL

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 ($349.99) and ROAM 3 ($464.99)

Wahoo sez:  The all-new ELEMNT BOLT combines a race-ready design with a larger, high-contrast 2.3” display for crisp readability at any speed and in any conditions. Powered by the ELEMNT experience, its intuitive ride intelligence, smart navigation, and seamless connectivity make every interaction effortless—whether you’re racing, training, or chasing your next PR.

Powerful, robust and adventure ready, the all-new ELEMNT ROAM combines a large, anti-glare display with touchscreen convenience and dynamic ride intelligence to make every ride effortless. With crisp, easy-to-read mapping,  intuitive navigation, and smart features that handle the details before, during, and after your ride, the ELEMNT ROAM keeps you focused on the road ahead. Whether you’re exploring new routes or pushing through an endurance challenge, the ELEMNT ROAM is always ready for your next big ride.

Whether you get the BOLT 3 (left) or the ROAM 3 (right), you’ll get the same accessories: (1) out front handlebar mount, (2) zip tie mount (really only works with round handlebars or a round stem), (3) USB-C to USB-A charging cord, (4) lanyard

Chuck Peña PEZ sez:  PEZ has reviewed both prior models of the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT and ELEMNT ROAM, i.e., version 2. These are the latest and greatest versions (3rd generation) of both bike GPS computers. At heart (meaning how they actually work), they’re both largely the same as the models they supercede so I’m not going to go into a lot of those details. If you read my previous reviews, you’ll know pretty much everything you need to know about how to pair with your phone, set up the BOLT/ROAM, pair sensors, etc. NOTE: Previously, you used the ELEMNT app, but now everything is done through the Wahoo app for iOS or Android. Here are some screen shots to give you an idea of what’s involved.

Pairing an ELEMNT bike computer with the Wahoo app

Configuring the ride data you want displayed on your screen

I’m guessing what most PEZ readers will want to know is what’s different with the newest BOLT and ROAM.

To begin, both get bigger screens. The BOLT 3 goes from 2.2″ to 2.3″ and is a high resolution TFT (thin-film-transistor) display with 16 million colors versus the BOLT 2’s 64 color screen. The ROAM 3 has a 2.8″ high resolution touchscreen display with 16 million colors versus the ROAM 2’s 2.7″ 64 color screen. One-tenth of an inch is #marginalgains for the 3’s to be a little easier to see than the 2’s.

Both also get more memory (definitely handy if you want to load a lot of maps and routes); with 32GB of memory, the BOLT 3 doubles its predecessor. The ROAM 3 does the same with 64GB memory versus the ROAM 2’s 32GB.

Wahoo doesn’t spec weight for the BOLT 3

The BOLT 3 gets dual-band GPS (which was an upgrade to the ROAM 2 when it was introduced). Without going into all the technical details, that means more accurate GPS. The majority (vast majority?) of users are probably more than OK with single-band GPS (5-10 meters accuracy). But there are two use cases where dual-band GPS can make a difference:

• If you’re riding in major metropolitan areas with a lot of tall buildings, the GPS signal can reflect from the taller buildings to cause multiple signal paths that will lead to positioning errors. Dual-band GPS can identify and filter out unwanted reflected signals for more accurate position location.
• If you’re riding out in the wilderness (think gravel and adventure riding), dual-band GPS accuracy (1 meter or better) probably matters when you really need to know where you are and which way to go navigating unfamiliar/uncharted territory (it’s also more accurate at measuring elevation).

And no spec weight for the ROAM 3

The ROAM 3 gets built-in speakers for audible turn alerts. This means you can keep your eyes on the road (or trail) rather than having to constantly glance down to look at the screen. A fun and cool feature is that the ROAM 3 has a built-in bike bell (just double-tap the screen) to alert other cyclists, runners, and other homo sapiens of your impending presence.

Because the weight weenies will want to know

And the ROAM 3 gets a touchscreen so you can navigate the unit like a smart phone rather than having to use the buttons (although most, but not all, interface controls can also be accessed via the buttons). Having used/using bike GPS units with touchscreen control, I can say that from my experience it’s a bit of game changer. Just know that if you drip enough sweat on the screen (or if you’re riding in pouring rain), you’ll pretty much render control via touchscreen useless (why buttons are still needed).

Both the BOLT 3 and ROAM 3 (pictured) use the same control buttons: (1) power/settings menus, (2) history/current page sub-menu/lap, (3) start/select, (4) page change, (5) scroll down/zoom pit, (6) scroll up/zoom in, but the ROAM 3 also has touchscreen UI 

So should you buy the new Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 or ROAM 3? If you don’t already have a bike GPS computer, they should definitely be on your shopping radar. The BOLT and ROAM both do what most riders need a bike GPS computer to do: measure speed, distance, cadence, power, elevation, and grade, to name a few metrics. Plus both have excellent navigation. Show up on any group ride and you’re likely to see a large number of riders with either the Wahoo BOLT or ROAM on their bikes. IMHO you can’t go wrong with either. It really comes down to the size form factor you prefer and how much your wallet can afford.

The BOLT 3 (top) and ROAM 3 (bottom) both use the same out front mount

What if you have an older BOLT or ROAM? That’s a harder question to answer. If you’re still riding a first generation BOLT with black-and-white screen, upgrading to a 16-million color high-resolution screen makes sense IMHO. And if you have a first generation ROAM, it might be time to replace what is by today’s technology standards an old unit. But if you’re currently riding the BOLT 2 or ROAM 2 and have no complaints, the newer versions are more #marginalgains improvement than a quantum leap IMHO, so it probably comes down to whether you’re a #wahooligan who has to have the latest and greatest tech and is willing to spend the $$$. Alternatively, you could put one of them on your holiday wish list for that certain someone to gift to you (or maybe you have a birthday coming up?) Just a thought.

Wahoo’s twist-and-lock quarter-turn mount is different than Garmin’s

What if you’re riding a different bike computer? That’s an even harder question to answer. I’m fortunate to have been able to ride bike GPS computers from the “big three” and they’re all good/very good. They all do what I need a bike GPS computer to do and I have no complaints about how any of them work/function. From my experience, it’s not a question of “better” but “different.” This is probably most apparent in how maps are rendered and the use of color.

What both the BOLT 3 and ROAM 3 have going for them that’s different is the Wahoo companion app. There’s a lot to be said about being able to do everything to set up and configure them with an app on a phone with a larger touchscreen instead of fiddling on the bike computer itself. IMHO it’s both easier and more intuitive. And I can basically just use the BOLT 3 or ROAM 3 to ride. IMHO it’s an “elegant” arrangement. If all other things between different GPS bike computers are more or less equal, that could be what tips the scales in Wahoo’s favor.

Shimano GRX 1×12-Speed Wireless Shifting for GravelSHIMANO marks its debut in the fully wireless drop bar segment with the new 1×12-speed GRX Di2 gravel-specific components. GRX RX827 features a fully wireless drivetrain designed for performance, durability, and versatility. With RX827, the GRX lineup now includes a comprehensive range of mechanical and electronic shifting options in both 1×12 and 2×12-speed configurations. GRX RX827 is designed to be close to the rider, offering the freedom to choose without being tied down. With no special frame requirements, it can be easily installed on any gravel bike. Centered around the RD-RX827 wireless rear derailleur, GRX 1×12-speed brings unmatched chain management and precise shifting to gravel riders. The new system is engineered for seamless performance across varied terrains, whether racing, exploring backroads, or embarking on all-day adventures.

SHIMANO GRX 1 x 12-Speed Key Features

• Fully Wireless Di2 Platform – Designed for ultimate reliability, the wireless Di2 system offers fast, precise shifting and compatibility with all SHIMANO 12-speed wireless shifters.
• Robust Gravel Drivetrain – Borrowing its design from SHIMANO’s MTB Di2 line, the RX827 rear derailleur features the same low-profile design, skid plate, protected battery, and automatic impact recovery function.
• Refined Ergonomics – Enhanced grip, clean cockpit design, and unparalleled customization for superior handling and comfort.
• Expanded Versatility – Added GRX component options allow riders to optimize performance based on terrain, style, and personal preferences.

• For more information, go to www.shimano.com.

Pinarello Launches Two New Mixed-Terrain Bikes: Dogma GL & Grevil F

Pinarello is the Tour de France’s winningest bicycle, but this July, the iconic brand is looking to a new kind of parcours: gravel. 

The Dogma GR is optimized for UCI-style races under five hours that mix pavement and dirt surfaces. It translates Pinarello’s signature quick-yet-confident handling off the pavement with a lively feel that sacrifices nothing.

Meanwhile, the Grevil F takes aim at adventure races like the Traka and Unbound, where riders push themselves for 10+ hours over very rough terrain. With an optional integrated, aerodynamic bag system, it also is the perfect tool for speedy bikepacking.

The post Gear Break: Wahoo BOLT 3 and ROAM 3, Wireless Gravel from Shimano, 2 New Mixed-Terrain Bikes from Pinarello, Campy at the Tour, Special Wilier Styling for Groupama – FDJ, Scope Cycling TT Wheels, Pashley’s Steel Roadfinder SL appeared first on PezCycling News.