Wahoo Elemnt ACE in Review

Fast setup and synchronization via Wahoo App (iOS & Android): Wireless configuration through the smartphone app with cloud-based synchronization. Additionally, all user data is automatically backed up in the Wahoo Cloud.

Extra large display: The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE features the largest screen in its category, equipped with a matte, anti-glare TFT display. The new touch function complements the proven buttons and, combined with the modern operating system, ensures even easier operation during the ride.

Enhanced navigation: A fast processor, intuitive map functions, and audible turn-by-turn directions make navigation easier.

Integrated wind sensor: For the first time, a bike computer has the ability to measure and quantify the effects of air resistance in real-time (WWD, Wahoo Wind Dynamics). But even after the ride, the effects of personal air resistance (drag) and external wind factors can be analyzed.

Maximum connection time: The “Dual-Band” GPS uses multiple frequency bands, enabling more consistent route recording and more accurate positioning. The large battery ensures a runtime of over 30 hours, allowing you to ride very long or very often without sunlight, without needing to recharge.

Disclaimer: In mid-November, Bikeboard received a pre-production model that ran on a completely newly developed software platform. During operation, occasional software bugs occurred, which we promptly reported to Wahoo. As the official launch on December 3, 2024, approached, software updates were conducted more frequently to fix these issues. Despite three crashes, there was never a loss of training data.

The ELEMNT ACE can be set up and synchronized for the first time via the Wahoo smartphone app. Since the app is cloud-based, any changes made are automatically uploaded to the bike computer as soon as it is operational and connected to the smartphone or via Wi-Fi. Furthermore, the settings also apply to all other Wahoo bike computers owned by the rider. In the future, the Wahoo app is intended to be the central hub for managing and configuring all Wahoo devices as well as training data.

For the first time, individual bike profiles are also supported. This allows the athlete to configure their own training pages for different categories or bikes (gravel, road, triathlon/time trial, and mountain bike). The ACE can also be directly synchronized with other Wahoo products, including the newly released TRACKR HEART RATE heart rate strap.

Our test begins with turning on the ELEMNT ACE. It is noticeable that the device takes a relatively long time to boot up: It takes a total of 45 seconds for the ELEMNT ACE to complete its warm-up and display the QR code.

After scanning the QR code with the smartphone camera, things speed up, and Wahoo guides us step by step through the setup. The ELEMNT ACE is paired with the smartphone, the Wi-Fi connection is established, and the user profile as well as the workout pages are set up. Third-party apps like Komoot, Strava, and TrainingPeaks can also be authorized. As expected, Garmin Connect is not included.

The clarity of the Wahoo app is impressive. Not only can almost all bike computer settings be configured via the app in addition to the basic configuration, but the long-standing frustration associated with loading, searching, and transferring routes also comes to an end.

This allows routes to be imported either from files, previous records, or a variety of third-party apps - including filter, sorting options, and search function. Great.

After pairing, firmware update, and setup, it's off on the first big tour. Here, we encounter the 45-second warm-up again - the time the high-performance cycling computer needs to boot up its processor. However, the satellite search works very quickly, and all other tasks such as switching pages, loading routes, and zooming and moving the detailed maps are done in no time. But first, let's take it step by step.

The ELEMNT ACE features a 3.8-inch display with a 2:3 aspect ratio, not only offering the largest screen of all previous bike computers but also providing a crystal-clear display and excellent readability under changing light conditions, thanks to the anti-reflective TFT technology and a high resolution with 16 million colors - all with touchscreen functionality.

The brand new "Ready-To-Ride" dashboard appears first. From here, you can select the training profile, a route, or a workout, as well as control the sensor connections and their battery status.

To ensure effortless operation under various conditions - even with gloves that aren't suitable for touchscreens or in wet conditions - the ELEMNT ACE combines for the first time the advantages of touchscreen technology with six physical buttons.

The user interface of the ELEMNT ACE is sleek and intuitive. The so-called "Quick Swipe Dashboards" and well-thought-out menu structures minimize input steps and simplify navigation.
The touchscreen works flawlessly without gloves and sufficiently well even with thick winter gloves, although their cut and touch sensitivity play a crucial role in this. However, the buttons always function precisely and provide good tactile feedback.

The new TFT screen is excellently readable under all lighting conditions and impresses with its high resolution and color variety. Additionally, the ELEMNT ACE combines both operating worlds in one device: In cold or rainy conditions, when gloves are worn or the focus is more on the road, physical buttons are indispensable. At the same time, a touchscreen facilitates navigation and precise adjustment of settings.

Most bicycle computers can't match modern smartphones and their navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps in terms of display or operating quality. With the ELEMNT ACE, Wahoo sets new standards and additionally takes inspiration from car navigation systems. The routing function has been expanded with voice-guided turn-by-turn directions to enhance safety, allowing the focus to remain on the road or trail at all times. However, this only works to a limited extent, as cyclists are exposed to stronger winds and louder environmental noises than car drivers.

For users who want to continue relying on the map, the ELEMNT ACE offers numerous advantages even without voice output: The large screen with its high resolution and high-contrast colors makes orientation easier. New, detailed map layers make it easier to visualize landmarks, different surface types, street names, elevation profiles, and more. Additionally, the simplified route management allows for easy addition, management, or sharing of routes.

The high resolution and detailed representations give the map a special depth, allowing both the route and the surroundings to be better recognized. Additionally, the direction arrows are color-coded, providing information about inclines and declines or indicating a rerouting.

I personally did not become a big fan of the voice output, as it became annoying over time with many turns and it was difficult to understand the instructions in strong wind. Its strength probably lies more on quiet routes with few turns or in dense city traffic when you want to fully concentrate on the road. Those who do not use the speaker for voice announcements still have a practical advantage: With a touchscreen press, the ELEMNT ACE simulates the sound of a classic bike bell.

On the other hand, the "Summit Freeride" function on the ELEMNT ACE is optimally implemented and is interesting for both ambitious cyclists and beginners. Everyone wants to know what's coming next and how long it will take. The display is very comprehensive and can be shown either on its own screen with additional data fields or as a single graphic below the navigation map.

Although aerodynamics play a crucial role in cycling, measuring wind influences has so far been limited to expensive, complex, and proprietary devices. The ELEMNT ACE is the first bike computer equipped with such a pressure sensor behind an opening at the front. This allows the cyclist to measure the effects of air resistance in real-time. With specific data fields, the rider gains insights into their Aero-Boost (when riding speed is favored by tailwind or drafting) and AeroDrag (when riding speed is hindered by headwind).

Based on these measurements, the optimal positioning for drafting can be determined, and the rider's wind sensation can be quantified. Different seating positions can also be measured. At the end of the ride, the ELEMNT ACE provides the so-called "Wahoo Wind Dynamics (WWD)" data to the Wahoo app for detailed analysis, to gain a better understanding of wind speed and its effects on performance.

The new Airspeed data field can be added to any training page and captures the airspeed perceived by the rider. The background color indicates whether it is a headwind or tailwind/drafting scenario:

• Dark Green: Strong tailwind or good draft; when the riding speed is significantly higher than the airspeed.
• Light Green: Light tailwind or moderate draft; when the riding speed is slightly higher than the airspeed.
• Blue: Neutral scenario without significant wind conditions.
• Orange: Light headwind; when the riding speed is slightly lower than the airspeed.
• Red: Strong headwind; when the riding speed is significantly lower than the airspeed.

I haven't been able to examine the "mobile wind tunnel" in detail yet. However, the displayed airspeed values were always plausible, and I can well imagine that some TT or racing cyclists could benefit from it during training.

For example, the effective headwind and tailwind can be evaluated, and at a later time, it should be possible in the Wahoo app to investigate how the riding position and other factors have influenced the effective speed based on the performance data.

We were able to test the pre-series model over 14 days under various weather conditions on the gravel bike. The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE was put through fog, a heavy downpour, sub-zero temperatures, and a lot of mud. So far, it has held up well and works flawlessly, the touchscreen is not yet scratched, the buttons function precisely, and the USB-C port is as dry as the Gobi Desert. Nevertheless, there were a few crashes, which I attribute solely to the map and navigation function, particularly the rerouting calculations. However, after two software upgrades, the problem did not occur again. It is definitely worth mentioning that the ride data saved up to the system crash was never lost but was automatically reconstructed after the restart.

My interim conclusion: You definitely get something for your money, but the enormous size and relatively high weight are certainly points for criticism. However, the modern design conceals the dimensions very well. Mounted on the handlebar, the bike computer actually appears smaller than it is and impresses primarily with its huge display and the razor-sharp data and map view. A small downside is that the package only includes a standard handlebar mount, which nowadays will not fit many configurations. Depending on the handlebar and personal preferences, it can currently even be challenging in individual cases to find a suitable mount that is compatible with the dimensions and weight of the ELEMNT ACE.

I found the high battery performance, the fast processor, and the extensive map material positive, despite the high purchase price, but negative were the agonizingly long 45 seconds to boot. I also found it unfortunate that you can't make phone calls with the ELEMNT ACE yet, because otherwise, you could leave the phone at home and offset the weight penalty.

Purchase recommendation - yes or no? For hardcore racers, the Wahoo ELEMNT ACE is probably too big, but for ambitious road cyclists, triathletes, or time trialists, it is a hot tip for training - not least because of the powerful Wahoo Wind Dynamics airspeed data analysis. But I could also very well imagine Wahoo's newcomer for commuters, tour riders, and mountain bikers due to the excellent map view, the extensive navigation functions, and the excellent operability.

The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE is available for order now. The next major updates are planned for January 2025, including: Strava Live Segments and Livetrack, custom notifications, improved GoPro control, YouTube music control, synchronization of planned workouts, sharing of Google & Apple Maps position, colored cases in blue, red, and black, and much more.