Wahoo has just jumped in line behind Garmin, seemingly to increase the annoyances brought by the heightening of supposed security necessities. Against those annoyances, several other updates are now live, including some meaningful ones for MAPS.
You can check out the details from the links below. Here is a summary and my thoughts.
What’s New
All Gen 3 devices, including ACE, get the same updates with slight differences in implementation – for example, Bolt 3 lacks a touchscreen and hence needs buttons to use the passcode.
- During Setup, you must confirm a Bluetooth pairing code on the app and the ELEMNT.
- An optional passcode has been added – this is required to restart or reset the device, including if you intentionally lock the ELEMNT for a mid-ride coffee.
- FIT files can no longer be directly accessed on ELEMNT- GPLAMA’s comment on this was ‘hmmm’, mine is ‘WTF!’. This change is not the end of the world for me, as it was when Garmin did a similar thing a while back, as Wahoo still supports Dropbox sync as an excellent way to get your FIT files back to your computer. However, on rare occasions, that does not work, and the only easy way for me is to get the FIT File from the ELEMNT – I use that feature about once a month. I guess I won’t be using it anymore.
- In fact, direct USB access is entirely disabled, but you can partly enable it (see previous point) here in the Wahoo app > Devices > element computer > Settings
- When paired with CORE, skin temperature can now be displayed as a data field in addition to CORE temperature. Why? I don’t know. CORE temp is the one you almost always need.
- Bike lanes are a new optional map layer – a nice addition for many, although of little use to me.
Updated: Map theme has been adjusted to increase contrast, improve colour variance, and remove visual clutter at certain zoom levels
- Maps are now more colourful. Personally, I was happy with how it was. The entire image does look better with the new colours. However, I am far from convinced that the improvements translate to helping me follow a route or take in the CLIMB chevrons.
Sources and Resources
- ELEMNT ACE (2024) Product Information
- ELEMNT BOLT 3 (2025) Product Information
- ELEMNT ROAM 3 (2025) Product Information
- ELEMNT ACE (2024) Firmware Release Notes
- ELEMNT BOLT 3 (2025) Firmware Release Notes
- ELEMNT ROAM 3 (2025) Firmware Release Notes
- Wahoo internet-connected devices’ factory default network interfaces and services
Last Updated on 3 October 2026 by the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red light therapy for niggles. It works.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
“Wahoo has just jumped in line behind Garmin, seemingly to increase the annoyances brought by the heightening of supposed security necessities. Against those annoyances, several other updates are now live, including some meaningful ones for MAPS.”
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