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A First Look: The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE<\/a> is Wahoo\u2019s latest offering in the GPS bike computer market. It boasts several category-firsts, including the largest screen ever seen on a head unit at 3.8 inches. It also features a wind sensor\u2014yes, a wind sensor! Like many others, I was surprised to see this on the spec sheet. As a self-proclaimed aero-nerd, I was thrilled to test this feature and explore how I could use the data to improve my speed and efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wahoo has also overhauled the map functionality, which is a welcome change for someone like me who regularly gets lost and ends up spending a few extra hours on the bike every weekend. Or at least, that\u2019s the excuse I give my partner when I say I\u2019ll be two hours and return five hours later. Oops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unboxing and First Impressions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE feels solid in hand\u2014well-built and durable. The large screen is a striking feature, and surprisingly, I didn\u2019t mind the size at all. Compared to the smaller screens on my ELEMNT ROAM<\/a> and Garmin Edge 530<\/a>, the extra size feels refreshing. It\u2019s sturdy and slightly weighty, but that\u2019s understandable given the higher-resolution screen and Wahoo\u2019s claim of a 30-hour battery life. The screen itself is sharp and vibrant\u2014a significant improvement over the 64-colour display on the Bolt and Roam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setting up the ACE is a familiar process for anyone who\u2019s used a Wahoo device. Boot it up, scan the QR code in the Wahoo app, connect to Wi-Fi, and let the auto-updates work their magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mounting the ACE to my OutFront mount on my FSA Vision Metron 5D ACR bars and Madone Gen 8<\/a>‘s RSL bars<\/a> was seamless. Initially, the larger size felt imposing, but after switching back to the Roam V1 for comparison, I quickly appreciated the benefits of the larger display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First Ride Impressions and Thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoiding reviews beforehand, I wanted an unbiased experience. Overall, I was very impressed. The larger screen made the ride data easy to read, even during fast descents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a commuter, I often ride in pitch-black conditions, lit only by my Exposure lights<\/a> and Bontrager helmet light<\/a>. I usually forego glasses to improve visibility (not recommended), which leaves my eyes watery, particularly on high-speed descents. Typically, this makes it difficult to check my head unit mid-ride, but with the ACE, the bright and large display made data clearly visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I thought I\u2019d miss the LEDs from my Roam, which indicate power zones\u2014a feature I frequently use to maintain steady effort. However, the ACE\u2019s new UI design, which highlights zone data on the screen, proved to be just as effective. The vibrant display ensured I could easily track my zones without relying on the LED lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Post-Ride Analysis \u2013 Excellent Visual Detail<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As someone who values detailed training data, I\u2019ve always found the post-ride analysis on my Roam V1 lacking. Switching from the Garmin Edge 530 to the Roam six months ago meant sacrificing some on-device analysis. However, with the ACE, Wahoo has significantly stepped up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After pausing my first activity, I was pleasantly surprised by the detailed post-ride analysis. The ACE provides 1-minute, 5-minute, and 20-minute power averages, time in zones, and more\u2014all displayed in clean bar charts. For clarification I am comparing this to my ROAM V1, from looking online i can see that the ROAM V2 did add an upgraded workout analysis, but in my opinion the ACE does take this to another level, largely due to the increase in screen real estate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The standout feature, though, is the new Wahoo Wind Dynamics, which breaks down how much time you spent in a headwind, tailwind, or neutral air. It\u2019s a clever way to remind myself that I\u2019m not battling a headwind\u2014I\u2019m just unfit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wind Sensor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The wind sensor is the most exciting innovation in the ACE, offering a completely new dimension to cycling data. From a racing perspective, this data is invaluable for optimising energy use and making smarter tactical decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, during a group ride, the ACE showed the difference in draft benefits between riders. In one scenario, I discovered that a friend with a more aerodynamic position and tighter clothing gave off less draft compared to another friend with a looser position and baggier clothing, despite being smaller in size. These subtle but important insights wouldn\u2019t have been possible without the wind sensor\u2019s data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who Is the ACE For?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE is an excellent device with innovative features and future potential. Its wind sensor provides actionable insights for racers looking to optimise pacing and positioning. Time triallists, in particular, will benefit from its ability to refine pacing strategies based on real-time wind data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For adventurers, the improved mapping and turn-by-turn voice navigation are game-changers, helping avoid missed turns (something I\u2019m guilty of) and ensuring smoother rides. The impressive 30-hour battery life makes it ideal for ultra-distance riders or anyone tackling 100-mile+ epics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE has thoroughly impressed me. Its combination of new features and refined functionality makes it Wahoo\u2019s best device yet. While the size might take some getting used to, the benefits of the larger display quickly outweigh any initial hesitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wind sensor is a standout addition, offering valuable performance insights and adding a new layer of data-driven optimisation to cycling. I highly recommend this device, both as an upgrade from the Bolt or Roam and as a top-tier choice for anyone looking to elevate their cycling experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I personally can\u2019t wait for racing to resume so I can further explore the ACE\u2019s potential in competitive scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/balf\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/12\/Wahoo-ELEMNT-ACE-Accessories-1024x1024.jpg\")
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