What is Wahoo?
Wahoo is a fitness technology company founded in 2009 by Chip Hawkins in Atlanta, Georgia. What started with a simple ANT+ adapter for iPhone has grown into one of cycling's most comprehensive ecosystems, spanning GPS bike computers, smart trainers, heart rate monitors, and training software.
The Wahoo ecosystem connects seamlessly with Strava, automatically uploading activities and syncing routes. For athletes who use Wahoo hardware, the Strava integration is essentially invisible: finish a ride on your ELEMNT, and it appears in Strava within seconds.
Hardware Products
ELEMNT Bike Computers
The ELEMNT series includes the flagship ACE ($624.99), ROAM 3 ($464.99), and BOLT 3 ($349.99). All models support automatic activity uploads to Strava and can sync starred Strava routes directly to the device. During setup, you authorize Strava once, and everything syncs automatically over WiFi or Bluetooth.
KICKR Smart Trainers
The KICKR trainer lineup ranges from the entry-level KICKR SNAP to the premium KICKR BIKE PRO ($3,999.99). Indoor rides automatically upload to Strava through the Wahoo app.
Heart Rate Monitors
The TICKR series connects via Bluetooth and ANT+ to record heart rate data that gets included in your Strava activities.
Wahoo SYSTM
SYSTM is Wahoo's premium indoor training platform, built from their acquisition of The Sufferfest. It offers structured workouts with pro cycling race footage, plus yoga, strength, and mental training.
SYSTM uses the proprietary 4DP (Four-Dimensional Power) testing protocol to assess your fitness across different power durations, then tailors workouts to your specific strengths and weaknesses.
Workouts completed in SYSTM automatically sync to Strava, along with TrainingPeaks, Garmin Connect, and other platforms.
Strava Integration Features
Automatic Activity Sync
Activities recorded on ELEMNT computers or in the Wahoo app upload automatically to Strava. Enable this during device setup or later in the app's Connected Apps settings.
Route Sync
Create routes in Strava and they'll wirelessly download to your ELEMNT. The ELEMNT ACE, BOLT 3, and ROAM 3 automatically generate turn-by-turn navigation for synced routes.
Live Segments
With Strava Summit, your starred segments sync to ELEMNT computers. The device alerts you when approaching a segment and shows real-time progress against your PR or the KOM/QOM.
Who It's For
Wahoo is ideal for:
- Cyclists investing in an ecosystem who want hardware and software that work seamlessly together
- Indoor training enthusiasts looking for structured workouts with entertainment value
- Data-driven athletes who want automatic, reliable Strava sync without manual uploads
- Strava Segment hunters who want real-time competition data on their bike computer
How It Compares
Wahoo competes primarily with Garmin in the bike computer and trainer space. The main differences:
- Wahoo's setup and Strava sync tend to be simpler and more reliable
- Garmin offers a broader product ecosystem (watches, running dynamics, golf, etc.)
- SYSTM competes with Zwift and TrainerRoad for indoor training, emphasizing video content over virtual worlds