Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3: The Next-Gen GPS Bike Computer for Speed & Performance

Get ready to elevate your ride! Wahoo has officially launched the new ELEMNT BOLT 3, its latest iteration of the popular, performance-focused GPS bike computer. Building upon the success of the acclaimed ELEMNT BOLT v2 (which already featured a 64-color screen and USB-C), the new BOLT 3 arrives packed with significant upgrades aimed at cyclists seeking enhanced navigation, a stunningly vibrant display, improved accuracy, extended battery life, and powerful training features, all within its signature sleek, aerodynamic design. In this article, we dive deep into everything you need to know about the revolutionary Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3, from its brilliant 16 million colour screen and expanded memory to its new intelligent Summit Climb Features.

What's New? Key Upgrades in the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3

The new ELEMNT BOLT 3 represents a significant step forward, improving on the already capable BOLT v2. Here are the standout upgrades:

• Upgraded High-Resolution Screen (16 Million Colours): Features a vibrant, high-contrast 2.3-inch TFT display capable of displaying 16 million colours (a massive leap from 64 colours on V2) for superior detail, clarity, and richer data visualization.
• Expanded 32GB Memory & 2GB RAM: Doubled internal storage (up from 16GB) allows for more maps and routes, while increased RAM ensures smoother operation.
• Enhanced Summit Climb Features: Wahoo's advanced climbing feature provides detailed insights into upcoming climbs with gradient profiles and elevation previews, now functioning even without a preloaded route.
• Dual-Band GPS Support: Enhanced positioning accuracy, especially in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons.
• Extended Battery Life: Increased battery life, now offering up to 20 hours of runtime (up from 15 hours on V2).
• Updated UI & Ready-to-Ride Dashboard: A cleaner, more intuitive interface and a new dashboard for quicker pre-ride setup.
• Enhanced Route Sharing: Easily share routes from various platforms including Apple/Google Maps, Komoot, and Strava.
• Added Internal Sensors: Includes Accelerometer and Gyroscope alongside GPS and Altimeter for potentially richer data capture.
• USB-C Port: Continues the use of the modern, robust USB-C standard.

Introducing the Wahoo ELEMNT Family: BOLT 3 and ROAM 3

Alongside the exciting launch of the new ELEMNT BOLT 3, Wahoo has also simultaneously unveiled the updated ELEMNT ROAM 3. While this guide focuses specifically on the upgrades and features of the compact BOLT 3 compared to its predecessor (BOLT v2), we cover the larger ROAM 3 in detail in its own dedicated article: Read Our Full Guide to the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3.

Both new models share powerful internal upgrades like Dual-Band GPS, USB-C charging, enhanced Summit Climb Features, stunning 16 million colour screens, and the Ready-to-Ride Dashboard. Key differences include:

• The ELEMNT BOLT 3 offers a compact, aerodynamic profile with a 2.3-inch screen, 32GB memory, and up to 20 hours battery life.
• The ELEMNT ROAM 3 provides a larger 2.8-inch anti-glare touchscreen, more memory (64GB), longer battery life (up to 25 hours), and adds audible turn-by-turn directions via speaker, catering to exploration and riders preferring a bigger display with touch interaction.

Both the new Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 and ELEMNT ROAM 3 will be available starting May 6th, 2025 and can be ordered from Multitronic. We will add both GPS computers to our webshop as soon as they become available.

Detailed Features & Specifications of the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3

Let's break down what makes the new Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 a top contender in the GPS bike computer market.

Enhanced Display & Visualization: 16 Million Colours

The most striking visual upgrade is the 2.3-inch, high-resolution TFT display now capable of showing 16 million colours. This leap from the previous 64-colour screen delivers significantly richer detail, sharper contrast, and more vibrant visuals, making maps, colour-coded data fields (like power zones or heart rate), and features like Summit Climb incredibly easy to interpret at a glance. Adaptive brightness ensures visibility under bright sun or in low light.

Smart Navigation, Simplified: Explore with Confidence

Navigation gets a serious boost in the new BOLT 3:

• 32GB Internal Memory: Ample space for pre-loaded maps and plenty of room for saved routes and workouts.
• Enhanced Summit Climb Features: Automatically detects climbs (even without a loaded route), showing a detailed colour-coded gradient profile, elevation previews, and distance remaining. Essential for pacing efforts on any ride.
• On-Device Smart Routing: Features include "Get Me Started", "Route to Start", "Back on Track" rerouting, "Retrace Route", "Take Me To" (point-of-interest navigation), and "Saved Locations".
• Dual-Band GPS: Provides faster satellite acquisition and more reliable positioning.
• Detailed Maps: Layers show points of interest, road types, and elevation profiles.
• Route Sharing: Via Wahoo ELEMNT App from various sources (Strava, Komoot, Google/Apple Maps etc).
• Strava Live Segments + POIs: Integration for real-time segment performance.

Seamless Integration & Connectivity

The new BOLT 3 connects effortlessly within the Wahoo ecosystem and beyond:

• WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, ANT+: Seamless connectivity for sensor pairing (Wahoo TRACKR HR, speed, cadence, power meters, radar, etc.), smartphone notifications, live tracking, and uploads.
• Workout Sync: Integrates with TrainingPeaks, Intervals.icu, TrainerRoad, Wahoo SYSTM, etc., for structured workouts indoors or out.
• Device Control: Manage compatible lights (ANT+), radar (ANT+), GoPro, and even music (Spotify, Apple Music etc. via phone) directly from the unit.
• Live Tracking & Custom Alerts: Share your location and set ride alerts.
• API Access: Allows for seamless import of structured workouts from various platforms.

Updated Interface & Setup: Quick Start, Intuitive Use

Getting started and interacting is easier than ever:

• Ready-to-Ride Dashboard: Streamlined pre-ride setup screen shows routes, sensors status, battery levels, and workout selection in one place for quick checks.
• Updated User Interface: A clean, modern, and intuitive UI design optimized for the enhanced 16M color display.
• ELEMNT Companion App Setup: Still the easiest way to configure pages, pair sensors, and manage the device via your smartphone.
• Customizable Data Pages & PerfectView Zoom: Tailor screens and easily zoom data fields with side buttons.

Hardware Design & Durability: Sleek, Tough, and Longer Lasting

The BOLT 3 retains its signature shape with key hardware features:

• Aerodynamic, Compact Form Factor: Designed for minimal drag and weight (84g).
• Tactile Buttons: Easy-to-use physical buttons ensure reliable operation in all conditions.
• Up to 20 Hours Battery Life: Significant increase in runtime compared to V2.
• USB-C Port: Uses the modern, robust USB-C standard for charging and data transfer.
• IPX7 Water Resistant: Built for all-weather riding.
• Integrated Out-Front Mount: Includes aerodynamic mount (compatible with 31.8mm bars).
• Internal Sensors: GPS (Dual-Band), Altimeter, Accelerometer, Gyroscope.

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2: Key Differences

How does the new ELEMNT BOLT 3 stack up against its popular predecessor, the V2?

• Screen Colours/Detail: BOLT 3 features a stunning 16 Million colour 2.3" display vs. V2's capable but less vibrant 64-colour 2.2" screen.
• Memory & Performance: BOLT 3 doubles storage to 32GB + adds 2GB RAM vs. V2's 16GB, enhancing map storage and operational smoothness.
• Battery Life: BOLT 3 extends runtime significantly to up to 20 hours vs. V2's 15 hours.
• GPS Accuracy: BOLT 3 adds Dual-Band GNSS for potentially better accuracy in challenging environments.
• Climbing Feature: BOLT 3 introduces enhanced Summit Climb Features that work without loaded routes, offering more utility than V2's Summit Freeride.
• Setup/UI: BOLT 3 features the convenient Ready-to-Ride Dashboard and an updated UI optimized for the new screen.
• Internal Sensors: BOLT 3 adds Accelerometer and Gyroscope.
• Charging Port: Both models utilize USB-C.

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 vs. BOLT v2 vs. ROAM 3 Comparison

Who Should Upgrade to the New Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3?

If you currently own an older Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT (V1 or V2), the upgrade to the new BOLT 3 is compelling if:

• You desire a significantly more vibrant and detailed screen (16M colours vs 64 colours) for superior map and data visibility.
• You need more storage space for maps (32GB).
• You want the improved Summit Climb features, especially the crucial ability to see climbs without needing a pre-loaded route.
• You need longer battery life (up to 20 hours) for longer rides or multi-day events.
• Improved GPS accuracy in tricky areas via Dual-Band is important to you.
• You appreciate the quicker setup and checks via the Ready-to-Ride Dashboard and the refreshed UI.

For owners of the original BOLT v1, the upgrade offers massive improvements. For V2 owners, the vastly improved screen, doubled memory, longer battery, enhanced Summit features, and dual-band GPS are the key tangible benefits.

Practical Usage & Tips

• Setup via ELEMNT App: Remains the core way to configure pages, pair sensors (like Wahoo TRACKR), manage maps, and sync routes easily from your phone.
• Ready-to-Ride Dashboard: Utilize this screen before starting your ride for quick checks on sensor status, battery levels, and to select your route or workout efficiently.
• Summit Climb Usage: Take advantage of the ability to see upcoming gradients on your current ride, even if you haven't loaded a specific course, to help with pacing.
• Device Control: Explore controlling music playback on your phone, ANT+ lights, radar systems etc. directly from the BOLT during your ride for added convenience.

Pricing & Availability

The new Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 will be available starting May 6th, 2025 and can be ordered from Multitronic. Pricing is set at:

• Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 €329.00

The new Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3 will also launch on May 6th, 2025, priced at €449.00 and will be available for order from Multitronic.

We will add both new ELEMNT computers to our webshop as soon as they become available.

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 FAQ

Conclusion: The Compact Powerhouse Leveled Up Significantly

The new Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 takes a winning formula and elevates it considerably. With its stunningly vibrant 16 Million colour display, doubled map storage coupled with increased RAM, extended battery life, enhanced GPS accuracy, and more powerful and versatile Summit Climb Features, it addresses key user feedback and solidifies its position as a leading compact GPS computer for performance-oriented cyclists.

If you prioritize aerodynamics, a compact form factor, and a feature-rich experience without the bulk (or touchscreen) of larger units, the new Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 is an outstanding choice and a truly compelling upgrade, especially compared to the V1 or even the V2 if the screen and battery improvements are important to you.