How to Upload Custom Routes to Wahoo Elemnt Bolt/Roam

This article shows you the steps to upload a route to your Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam bike computer.

Before uploading, you must have the route file (*.gpx) ready. Then you can upload it to your Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam bike computer via the three methods I outlined below.

Method 1. Upload using Ride with GPS

Ride with GPS is an online tool where you can plan your riding routes with cue sheets. It’s free for basic functionalities and is sufficient if you’re using it to upload routes to Wahoo bike computers.

The Ride with GPS premium subscription costs $80 yearly and comes with features such as adding customized cue sheets, advanced route planning, and heatmaps.

The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam needs to be connected to the internet (instructions covered below).

Here’s how to upload the routes to Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and Roam using Ride with GPS.

Step 1. Set up a Ride with GPS account

Set up a free account with Ride with GPS.
Using the Route Planner, create and save the route. If you already have the .gpx file, use the Import Existing feature inside Route Planner to upload the file.
Go to Routes, and the list of uploaded routes will be visible.

Step 2. Connect Wahoo ELEMNT app with Ride with GPS

Install the Wahoo Elemnt app on your Android or iOS smartphone.
Pair the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam with your smartphone.
Tap on the Wi-Fi Network tab, and connect to your local Wi-Fi network.
Tap on the Profile tab, then tap on Connected apps.
Select Ride with GPS and then enter your RideWithGPS email address and password.

Step 3. Sync routes with Ride with GPS

On the Wahoo Elemnt app, tap on Settings.
Tap on Pages.
Tap on Map to activate the map page.
On the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam, press the Page button until the map page appears.
Press the Route button.
Press the up/down button until you see the Sync option.
Press the Sync button to sync the routes. It will take 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the number of routes and file size.

Method 2. Upload using Strava

Strava is widely used among many cyclists to record and share their rides. The Basic account is free to use. Strava Premium costs $81.99 yearly and comes with advanced analytics for those who are serious about their training.

The route builder is part of the Strava Premium subscription. If you’re a Strava Premium subscriber, then this is another option for you.

Step 1. Open a Strava Premium account

Set up a Strava Premium account ($81.99/year)
Using the Route Builder, create and save the route. The routes should be visible under My Routes.

Step 2. Connect Wahoo ELEMNT app to Strava

Install the Wahoo Elemnt app on your Android or iOS smartphone.
Pair the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam head unit with your smartphone. (More : How to Pair Wahoo Elemnt)
Tap on the Wi-Fi Network tab, and connect to your local Wi-Fi network.
Tap on the Profile tab, then tap on Connected apps.
Select Strava and then enter your Strava email address and password.

Step 3. Sync routes with Strava

On the Wahoo Elemnt app, tap on Settings.
Tap on Pages.
Tap on Map to activate the map page.
On the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam head unit, press the Page button until the map page appears.
Press the Route button.
Press the up/down button until you see the Sync option.
Press the Sync button to sync the routes. It will take 1 to 2 minutes depending on the number of routes and file size.

Method 3. Manually upload a route file (.gpx)

If you don’t have a Ride with GPS or Strava account, you can upload the file directly from your smartphone. The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam must be connected to your smartphone, not the internet.

Step 1. Upload route file (.gpx)

Install the Wahoo Elemnt app on your Android or iOS smartphone.
Upload the file to your smartphone. This can be done via sending an email attachment or uploading it to a shared drive such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
Open the .gpx file on your smartphone. You’ll be asked to select an app to load the file.
Select the Wahoo Elemnt app. You’ll be prompted with the Import route into Wahoo ELEMNT app pop up, tap on OK.
Tap Select Route on Android, or Select on iOS to start the upload.

Step 2. Viewing the uploaded route file

On the Wahoo Elemnt app, tap on Settings.
Tap on Pages.
Tap on Map to activate the map page.
On the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam, press the Page button until the map page appears.
Press the Route button.
Select the route.

FAQ

How do I create a custom route to upload to my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam?

You can create custom routes using online route planning tools such as Strava, Ride with GPS, or Komoot. Once you’ve designed your desired route, save it and upload it to your Wahoo device using one of the three methods mentioned above.

Will future and new routes sync automatically once I’ve done the first-time set up?

Future and new routes will automatically be synced after you’ve completed methods 1 or 2 mentioned above. You need to set it up once.

Can I follow a route on my Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt or Roam while also recording my ride data?

Yes, your Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam can simultaneously display and follow a pre-loaded route while recording your ride data, including metrics like speed, distance, elevation, and heart rate.

What is the maximum number of routes I can store on my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam?

The storage capacity for routes on your Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam depends on the device’s available memory and the file sizes of your routes. Typically, you can store hundreds of routes, but managing your routes periodically is recommended to ensure optimal device performance.

Can I plan a route directly on my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam?

While the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and Roam do not have built-in route planning capabilities, you can use the Take Me To feature to create a simple point-to-point route. For more advanced route planning, I’d recommend to use online route planning tools like Strava, Ride with GPS, or Komoot.

How do I reverse a route on my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam?

To reverse a route, open the route on your Wahoo device, and select the Reverse Route option. This will create a new route with the start and end points swapped, allowing you to follow the route in the opposite direction.

Will my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or Roam reroute me if I go off course during a ride?

If you deviate from your planned route, the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and Roam will provide an on-screen notification and an audible alert. The device will not automatically reroute you but will guide you back to the original route once you rejoin it.