Wahoo has long been a trusted name in the world of cycling computers, renowned for creating products that cater to the needs of serious cyclists. However, the new Wahoo Elemnt Ace elevates this reputation to another level, offering cyclists a truly next-generation experience. If you’re familiar with cycling computers and the brands that dominate this market—Garmin, for example—then you’ll know how feature-packed, yet often overwhelming, these devices can be. But with the Elemnt Ace, Wahoo has crafted something that strikes a balance: it’s comprehensive without the overload. It’s simple, smart, and designed to give you exactly what you need to elevate your cycling performance. Let’s dive into why I believe I can never go back to riding without this device.
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First Impressions and Build Quality: A Device That Feels Just Right
At first glance, the Wahoo Elemnt Ace might not appear dramatically different from the previous generation of Wahoo cycle computers. The form factor is slightly larger than models like the Roam V2, but the Ace maintains the sleek, minimalist look that Wahoo is known for. The branding is now placed more prominently on the top edge of the device, a design tweak that complements the sleek aesthetics. What stands out most is the smooth integration of the new aerodynamic sensor—a small but significant design feature that indicates Wahoo’s attention to performance-driven innovation.
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The Ace features a 3.8-inch touchscreen, which, while larger than its predecessors, retains the same rugged feel. The device is rubberized for durability, meaning it’s resistant to drops and rough handling. During my testing, I had a minor mishap when I accidentally dropped the device onto gravel during a ride, but it came through unscathed. This is a device built to handle the rigors of cycling, even in unpredictable conditions.
The device has three tactile buttons on the front and additional buttons on the right side, making it easy to navigate through menus and data screens, even with gloves on. The chunky power button on the left side also serves as a nice physical touchpoint that adds to the device’s usability.
Screen: Bigger, Brighter, and Designed for Clarity
The 3.8-inch screen is undoubtedly one of the biggest improvements over Wahoo’s older models. The display offers a wider 3:2 aspect ratio, which is great for showing more of your route map and keeping navigation clear and concise. The extra screen real estate makes it much easier to track your journey, especially when using the turn-by-turn navigation.
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The Ace uses a full-color TFT panel, which is much more vibrant compared to previous models. The increased resolution ensures that small details, such as street names and topographic information on your maps, are visible without the need for constant zooming in and out. The anti-glare coating also performs excellently, making the screen easy to read under bright sunlight, and the viewing angles are fantastic, so you’ll never have to squint or adjust your positioning.
Whether you’re cruising on a bright day or riding through shaded paths, the visibility of the display is never an issue. The screen’s responsiveness to touch is also impressive. Wahoo has clearly optimized the interface to make swiping and tapping an intuitive experience, and I could easily use the touchscreen even with gloves on.
User Experience: Simple, Streamlined, and Smart
When it comes to setup, the Wahoo Elemnt Ace is refreshingly straightforward. In the past, some of Wahoo’s devices could be a bit challenging to configure, especially for those not well-versed in tech. However, the Ace makes this process as simple as possible. The device syncs instantly with Wahoo’s smartphone app, and within a few minutes, I had my Wi-Fi set up, maps downloaded, and my ride data synced. The built-in 64GB of storage ensures that you can store a massive amount of map data, so if you’re planning an international cycling tour, the Ace will have you covered.
Pairing the device with other cycling gear is also seamless, thanks to Bluetooth and ANT+ support. Whether you’re using Wahoo’s own heart rate monitor, a power meter, or electronic shifting systems like Shimano Di2 or SRAM AXS, the Ace integrates everything effortlessly. The system is highly customizable, allowing you to select the data fields and metrics that matter most to you. It even lets you control compatible accessories, such as a GoPro, directly from the device. This focus on customization ensures that the Ace is as individual as the rider using it.
Wind Resistance: A Game-Changer for Serious Cyclists
The standout feature of the Wahoo Elemnt Ace is the integrated wind sensor, which measures air resistance in real-time. This feature might sound like something out of a professional cyclist’s toolkit, and that’s because it essentially is. For anyone who regularly rides in varying weather conditions, the ability to measure wind resistance is a game-changer. Not only does the Ace tell you how much effort you’re exerting on windy days, but it also shows the effect of drafting behind another cyclist, giving you detailed data on how much energy you’re saving while riding in a peloton or behind a car.
For those who may not be as hardcore about their training but still enjoy measuring progress, this added layer of data opens up new ways to monitor performance. I personally don’t consider myself a wind expert, but having the information on hand made me more aware of how factors like wind and drafting impacted my rides. This feature alone places the Wahoo Elemnt Ace in a league of its own.
Performance and Battery Life: Built for Long Rides
The Ace uses a dual-band GPS system that is quick to lock onto satellites and remains accurate throughout the ride, even in congested urban areas or more rural settings. The tracking was consistently on point, and I never experienced a drop in signal. The turn-by-turn navigation is smooth, with audible alerts that are loud enough to hear even when riding at full speed.
Battery life is another area where the Wahoo Elemnt Ace shines. With Wahoo claiming up to 30 hours of battery life, the Ace easily outlasts most other cycling computers, including Garmin’s 1040 Solar. Of course, battery life varies depending on screen brightness and usage, but I found that the device lasted comfortably for a multi-day trip without needing to recharge.
Final Verdict: Wahoo Elemnt Ace – A New Standard for Cycling Computers
The Wahoo Elemnt Ace isn’t just a minor upgrade—it’s a leap forward. From the intuitive user interface to the integrated wind resistance sensor, the Ace offers a comprehensive package that will appeal to both competitive cyclists and casual riders alike. The larger display, improved GPS accuracy, and superior battery life all combine to create a cycle computer that feels like a true companion on any ride.
If you’re already using a Wahoo device, the Ace will undoubtedly enhance your cycling experience, and if you’re coming from a competitor, the value proposition is hard to beat. At a price point that undercuts comparable devices like the Garmin Edge 1050, it delivers features that many professional cyclists can only dream of, without overwhelming the user with unnecessary data.
Whether you’re training for a race, enjoying a weekend ride, or simply commuting, the Wahoo Elemnt Ace is the kind of cycling computer that elevates your experience, making it one that you won’t want to ride without.
