While looking for GPS bike computers, you’ll encounter many of them coming from Garmin. This brand is quite popular and effective at creating high-quality devices, but the competitor is capable of doing that too.
One of the alternatives to Garmin devices is the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, often referred to as Wahoo Bolt.
Still, we use the Garmin Edge Series for reference, that’s why today we’re reviewing the Garmin Edge 130 vs Wahoo Bolt to answer which one is better.
Let’s start by talking a little bit about the Edge 130.
Garmin Edge 130 vs Wahoo Bolt – Comparison 2020
| Edge 130 | Wahoo Bolt | |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Dimensions: | 1.6” x 2.5” x 0.6” | 2.9″ x 1.8″ x 0.87″ |
| DISPLAY SIZE | 1.8″ (45.0 mm) diagonal | 2.2″” (56mm) |
| Weight | 1.2 oz | 2.2 oz |
| BATTERY TYPE | rechargeable lithium-ion | USB rechargeable |
| BATTERY LIFE | up to 15 hours | 15 hours |
| WATER RATING | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| QZSS | No | Yes |
| BAROMETRIC ALTIMETER | Yes | No |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Garmin Edge 130
This device may not be the most innovative, but it manages to get the job done. In the end, that’s all that matters. And in this section, we’ll discuss the many features that make the Garmin Edge 130 one of the most versatile GPS for cyclists.
Design
Although the Garmin Edge 130 isn’t the smallest device produced by the brand, its size remains compact and comfortable to carry. The aesthetic design is pretty good too, featuring a black color with traces of white.
This device weighs 33g, and the buttons included are seven. Cyclists can take the Edge 130 anywhere they go, and they’ll be able to operate the many functions offered easily due to how easy it’s to use the buttons.
Battery Life
If used wisely, the Edge 130 will run for about 10 to 12 hours. In some cases, the running time goes on for a total of 15 hours, but it depends on whether or not you use the device efficiently. Disable some sensors or functions, and you can expect the battery to last longer.
Display
The display offered by this device measures 1.8”. Even though it isn’t a color screen, the black and white make it look good too. Not only that, but the information and data displayed are easy to read due to the great image quality.
If needed, you can adjust settings like the brightness to make the display adapt to your sight, even when you’re outside and under the sun.
Performance
The device offers several systems like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and even an altimeter. Every one of these features works perfectly, providing cyclists with accurate information on their position, speed, distance, course, and more. Overall, the Edge 130 keeps you updated at all times.
Navigation
Ideally, you’d want this device due to a lot of reasons, but its navigation ability isn’t one of them. Without a base map installed, the device has limited options when it comes to that purpose.
However, you do have some alternatives. For example, use the Garmin Connect feature to download maps, courses, and other information that’ll help you navigate the grounds.
Settings and Compatibility
The Garmin Edge 130 offers compatibility with sensors like heart rate, cadence, and others. Additionally, you can set up a connection to receive weather reports and more notifications during your adventures. Another helpful feature is the Live Track, which allows sharing information.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Garmin Edge 130 vs 520
Wahoo Bolt
As an alternative, we have the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, a device that may not be as popular as those produced by Garmin, but that it delivers an incredible performance nonetheless.
Here’s what to expect from this device.
Design
The Elemnt Bolt is an aerodynamic GPS computer with many benefits for cyclists. First, the device features tactile smart buttons, which are accessible and easy to use. You can use them to toggle between functions such as Workout, Climb, and Live Track, to name a few.
Moreover, the size of this device is larger than the Edge 130, and the weight is slightly more as well. Nonetheless, the Wahoo Bolt is still compact, and it mounts easily on the bike.
This device offers a tactile system, with three buttons at the front that will allow you to do some tasks like start, stop, select, and dismiss. Also, the button on the left controls power and settings.
Screen
The screen offered by the Elemnt Bolt is sharp and bright, guaranteeing even cyclists with sight issues can read the information displayed. You could also make adjustments to change the font size, which increases or reduces the number of fields shown in the device.
Battery Life
Depending on use, the battery of this device is capable of lasting up to 15 hours. This amount of running time is pretty good, and although it won’t run as long with features like the Strava Live Segments active, the Elemnt BOLT still provides a pleasant performance in terms of battery life.
Performance
This device is quite flexible when it comes to routing and location. Even though it includes detailed maps, you could remove them and add them later on, which will help saving memory space.
In any case, the Elemnt Bolt offers metrics and variations for speed, time, distance, heart rate, and more.
Navigation
This device offers cyclists the option to use turn-by-turn navigation, using features like the Strava Live Segments and Live Track. Additionally, the accessory includes a function named Take Me Anywhere, which lets you select a destination, and then the device gets you there.
Settings and Compatibility
Cyclists will be able to connect this device with smartphone apps, be it iPhone or Android. Through this connection, sharing data is easier, as there’s no need to connect the Element Bolt to a computer. Instead, you just use your phone to drag the information out of the device.
PROS
CONS
Wahoo Bolt or Garmin Edge 130? – Differences
Realistically, comparing these two devices isn’t a fair thing to do. For many reasons, the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is the better pick.
Why Choose the Garmin Edge 130?
Let’s start off by saying that the Garmin Edge 130 is good if you’re looking for a simple and basic device. Its compact design, weight, and few but helpful features will get you where you need to go. Still, it isn’t as efficient as the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt.
Why Choose the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt?
The Elemnt Bolt is far more convenient because it makes everything easier. Tired of having to go back home and connect a USB cable to the PC to get your data? No worries. This device connects to your smartphone to access detailed data right there and then.
Sure, the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is heavier and larger than the Edge 130, but that doesn’t matter ultimately. The options to access detailed maps, the aero design, the nine fields per page, and the easy-to-use buttons compensate for that extra weight.
The only noticeable downside of having the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is that it depends on your smartphone. Not having the phone nearby makes it difficult to change the settings, which is a bit annoying.
Other than that, the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is the right pick.
Conclusion
It’s fun to compare devices to see which one’s best, but discussing Garmin Edge 130 vs Wahoo Bolt is unfair because they’re on separate leagues.
In fact, the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is far superior to many devices coming from the Edge Series produced by Garmin.