Wahoo Multisport GPS Watch ELEMNT RIVAL Review

I used the ELEMNT RIVAL multisport watch from Wahoo, a well-known manufacturer of indoor cycle trainers.

A must-have smartwatch for anyone who exercises.

Smartwatch is an essential item for exercise

When I see people running or walking, I’ve noticed that more and more people are wearing sports-type smartwatches for exercise and fitness.

In the past, many people used to exercise with a band or other device to hold their smartphone on their arm.

Nowadays, I think that far more people use smartwatches than smart phones.

Smartphones are big, heavy, and get in the way of exercise.

There are many apps on smartphones that specialize in sports such as walking, running, and cycling.

Many people use those apps during exercise to record their exercise status and ride logs for daily exercise and training.

Before the advent of smartphones, we simply worked hard at training, but now we can keep track of our pace and the amount of exercise we do with the help of fitness apps.

Daily exercise and training, which previously required stoicism, can now be exciting and fun.

As a result, I am sure that many people have been able to maintain their motivation and make exercises and fitness routines that tended to become three-day habits.

However, in reality, smartphones are too large and heavy to carry around during exercise, and they get in the way of exercise, which I think is undeniable.

Even when used on a bicycle that is not worn directly, mounting a smartphone on the handlebars can make it feel very large.

It is also visually unattractive, so even if you know it is convenient, you may not want to attach it to your road or hybrid bike.

To solve this problem, watches called smartwatches and sports watches, such as the Apple Watch, have appeared on the market.

Smartwatch for fitness and exercise

Smartwatches are small and lightweight, so they do not get in the way during exercise.

Because it is a wristwatch, it can be worn at all times, making it ideal for fitness and exercise.

Since most smartwatches are capable of optical heart rate measurement, you can also measure and record your heart rate on a daily basis.

This can be used for fitness exercises, such as heart rate training to adjust exercise load based on heart rate.

Of course, smartphones can be used to measure in the same way by using a fitness application and a heart rate sensor.

However, as mentioned above, smartphones are too large and heavy to be carried during fitness exercises.

The advent of a smartwatch that is lightweight is something that many sports enthusiasts have been waiting for.

Widespread use of smartwatches such as Apple Watch and Fitbit

I think it was the introduction of the Apple Watch that triggered the widespread adoption of smartwatches by the general public.

The situation at the time was that, along with the spread of smartphones, more and more people thought they did not need wristwatches.

It was also a time when the number of people wearing wristwatches was decreasing and the wristwatch market was completely dying.

Ironically, Apple, the leading manufacturer of smartphones, which was the main culprit in the decline of the market, has now released a wristwatch.

At the time, many people’s reaction was cold, “Why a wristwatch after all this time?”

However, once it was understood that smartwatches were very compatible with sports applications, such as fitness and exercise, they quickly became a kind of public entity.

Now, not only Apple Watch, but also Fitbit, SUUNTO, and many other manufacturers have entered the smartwatch market.

Cellular and GPS types are also available.

Smartwatches do more than just act as a child of your smartphone with various apps.

As a wearable device, it works well with fitness/exercise and can also be used as a heart rate monitor.

For this reason, they have become popular mainly among people who enjoy exercise as a hobby.

Large, heavy smartphones can get in the way during fitness/exercise workouts.

Smartwatches are therefore evolving to be more and more convenient, such as GPS-compatible smartwatches and cellular-type smartwatches that can make calls and receive e-mails so that users do not have to carry around their smartphones.

In addition, each of them is now equipped with features that are unique to their areas of expertise.

For Apple Watch, various functions can be added with a variety of applications, for SUUNTO it is diving and trekking, and for fitbit it is mainly daily exercise.

It is as if each manufacturer is diversifying its products by adding features in its area of expertise.

GARMIN, POLAR, Wahoo, and other bicycle-related brands are also entering the market.

As smartwatches and sport-specific watches continue to enter the market, cycle computer manufacturers GARMIN and POLAR are also entering the smartwatch market.

Of course, each has its own specialties and features.

GARMIN has a full range of GPS-related functions, and POLAR has a full range of heart rate monitor-related functions.

I believe that both brands used to focus mainly on cycle computers in the past.

Now they seem to be vigorously developing smartwatches, and each brand’s website is already promoting smartwatches more than cycle computers.

And Wahoo, a well-known manufacturer of indoor cycle trainers, is another manufacturer that is entering the smartwatch market with a GPS watch called the Multisport GPS Watch.

In this article, we summarize our impressions of the Wahoo multi-sport GPS watch, a smartwatch called ELEMNT RIVAL.

Wahoo Multisport GPS Watch ELEMNT RIVAL

Wahoo’s first multisport GPS watch is a sports-specific smartwatch.

As its name suggests, it is a watch optimized for combined sports (multisport).

Wahoom ELEMNT RIVAL Specifications

●Color Stealth Gray / Kona White
●Launch January 20, 2021
●Dimensions 46.5 x 46.5 x 15.3 mm
●Screen size 1.2 inches (30.4 mm) in diameter
●Strap Silicon
●Weight 53 g
●Battery Rechargeable Li-ion
●Battery life Smartwatch mode: 14 days Life GPS or HR mode: up to 24 hours ●Communication satellites GPS and GLONASS
●Water resistance up to 50 meters
●ANT+®, Bluetooth®
●Altimeter
●Accelerometer
●Compass
●Steps
●Calories burned
●Distance traveled
●HR zone
●Auto lap

Wahoom ELEMNT RIVAL Appearance and Specifications

Gorilla Glass and ceramic bezel

The monitor glass is Gorilla® Glass, which is known for its strength.

This glass is also used in iPhones and is known for its resistance to impact, cracks, and scratches.

Ceramic is used for the bezel.

This is also a scratch-resistant material that is increasingly used in recent high-end outdoor watches.

Rolex’s Submariner and Daytona, Hamilton’s Scuba Auto, and Grand Seiko’s Sport Collection all use ceramic bezels, so this material is not only scratch-resistant but also has a luxurious feel.

Considering that it will also be used for outdoor sports trail runs, mountain biking, cyclocross, etc., gravel, etc.

A strong glass and bezel are essential.

In addition, watches are often bumped unexpectedly in daily use, so high strength is an absolute requirement for sports watches for sports activities.

Optical heart rate measurement

The back of the Wahoom ELEMNT RIVAL is equipped with an optical heart rate sensor that can also serve as a heart rate monitor.

Rechargeable Smartwatch

The four yellow dots on the back are electronic terminals for charging and are placed on a special charger.

The product was designed in Atlanta, USA, and manufactured in China.

Waterproof performance

The water resistance is 5 ATM.
It is said to be water resistant up to 50 meters, but do not be mistaken, it is not possible to submerge the watch in 50 meters of water.

In light of the standards of the Japan Watch Association

It is suitable for people who work in the water (fishing, farming, car washing, dining, etc.) or engage in water sports (swimming, yachting, fishing, etc.) that involve frequent contact with water.

Do not use the watch for skin diving, saturation diving, or air diving.

Even if your watch is water-resistant to 5 bar or more, please be careful not to expose it directly to shower or tap water with intense water pressure.

and therefore cannot be used for diving applications, but it seems to be fine for use in off-road competitions involving muddy water and in the rain, as well as in swimming competitions.

I think it can be considered a watch that can be used in triathlons (swimming, cycling, marathons), which are synonymous with multisport.

Control Buttons

The Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL multisport GPS watch is not a touch screen watch, so it is operated with physical buttons on the body.

Right side of body

There are three buttons on the right side of the unit: upper, middle, and lower.

The up and down buttons are select buttons, used for switching modes and sending screens.
The middle button is the main button and is used to make decisions and other operations.

Left side of body

There are two buttons on the left side of the unit, one on the top and one on the bottom.

The top button will be used to select the backlight and the bottom button will be used to select the menu.

Operativity

Personally, I am not a fan of watches with many buttons like this one, as they become complicated to operate once the setting mode is entered.

However, Wahoom ELEMNT RIVAL is basically set up via a companion app on a smartphone.

The role of each button is very simple, so it was easy to understand the operation even for someone like me who is not very good at it.

There are not that many items to choose from, so you can quickly find what you want to perform and get started by simply pressing the appropriate button.

Wahoom ELEMNT RIVAL belt

Since the watch is designed for sports use, a silicon belt is used.

Since the degree of adherence also affects the accuracy of optical heart rate sensors, it is important to be able to adjust the size finely to get just the right fit.

Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL Features

Triathlon Modes

One of the most important features of the Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL is that it is equipped with features specifically designed for complex sports such as triathlons.

Triathlon includes three events: swimming, cycling, and marathon.

The total time can be managed on a smartwatch if considered throughout the entire race.

However, for cycling competitions, other information such as cadence and power output is also needed.

Since it is not practical to check information on a smartwatch screen while cycling at full speed, a cycle computer must be used for cycling competitions.

However, the cycle computer has the problem that it does not display the total time.

To overcome such problems, Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL is equipped with a “Triathlon Mode”.

This system links ELEMNT RIVAL with Wahoo’s cycle computer, ELEMNT ROAM, so that when you proceed to a cycling competition, the information being measured by the smartwatch ELEMNT RIVAL is automatically reflected in the cycle computer’s The system also reflects the information measured by the smartwatch ELEMNT RIVAL on the ELEMNT ROAM without the need to touch the cycle computer.

Even though I am not involved in racing, I can understand the inconvenience of not having this feature, so it must be a very big problem for people who race.

Few combinations of cycle computers and smartwatches have the ability to work together comprehensively, so I think this feature is a perfect answer to triathletes’ needs.

As for this triathlon mode feature, it is the biggest point of the Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL, and I am sure serious people have explained it in videos and articles.

Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL display

You can switch between screen displays.

You can display only the main information you need or multiple pieces of information.

It has the ability to zoom in on important information or to display the entire information.

It is difficult to read the fine print while walking, running, or cycling, so this kind of functionality is only possible with sports-specific smartwatches.

Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL is GPS-enabled

Many of the latest smartwatches are GPS-enabled and Wahoom ELEMNT RIVAL is also GPS-enabled.

Even if you are not carrying a smartphone, you can record GPS information.

Smartphones are large and heavy, so being able to do fitness exercises without a smartphone, such as walking, running, or cycling, is important.

Accuracy of Location Information

The satellites used are GPS and GLONASS.

Basically, the accuracy is good enough, but when you enter a road that is not so wide and lined with tall buildings in the city center, or when the weather is bad, the route drawn as a log may deviate significantly.

Even if the same course is ridden, there will be some error.

However, I don’t think that such accuracy is necessary, so I think it is acceptable.

I think that the error in urban areas, bad weather, etc. is the same for all models from all manufacturers, so we have to wait for the overall technological progress.

Dedicated application ELEMNT

Display settings, heart rate training threshold settings, etc. can be done with the dedicated ELEMNT application.

Cooperation with other devices

Works with Wahoo TICKR X heart rate sensor

Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL can be linked to the TICKR X heart rate sensor.

TICKR X is a GPS-compatible heart rate sensor that is fixed to the chest using a belt.

Information Retrievable with TICKR X

●Heart rate
●Calories
●Workout time
●Distance
●Pace information

Advantages of working with TICKR X

Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL also has a heart rate monitor, but it uses a different heart rate measurement method than TICKR X.

Smartwatches such as the Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL use a method called optical heart rate measurement that uses a green light on the back of the watch.

The measurement method differs from a chest-mounted heart rate monitor such as the TICKR X.

Optical heart rate measurement attached to the arm has problems such as changing values depending on the position and tightness of the attachment, so heart rate measurement attached to the chest has the advantage of being more accurate.

However, unless the heart rate monitor is used for medical purposes, there does not seem to be much difference in accuracy.

Which type of heart rate monitor you use depends on your purpose and situation.

For example, a chest-mounted heart rate monitor would be better for weight training with dumbbells, where you don’t want to constrict your wrists too much.

A smartwatch is better suited for triathlons where you change clothes during the race.

Linkage with Wahoo ELEMNT GPS cycle computer

When Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL is linked to Wahoo ELEMNT, Wahoo’s cycle computer, the heart rate can be displayed on the cycle computer monitor.

As mentioned above, in triathlon mode, you do not have to operate the cycle computer, and the Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL information will automatically be displayed on the ELEMNT ROME of the cycle computer once you get out of the swim and back on the bike.

Linkage with KICKR cycle trainer

This is the advantage of a manufacturer that offers a cycle trainer, cycle computer, and multi-sport watch in this area.

Each of these devices can be linked together to allow for more serious training.

By considering these products in a comprehensive manner rather than as stand-alone products, you can better understand their strengths and attractiveness.

Other

Basic functions include automatic lighting of the monitor in dark areas, pedometer, calorie consumption, and other basic functions, as well as notification functions for e-mails and calls when a smartphone is carried along.

These functions are similar to those found on most smartwatches, so I will only give a brief introduction.

As far as the communication function is concerned, I was able to receive messages from all basic communication apps such as iMassage, Facebook Messenger, LINE, Whatsapp, and Wechat on my iPhone.

Usage scenarios and benefits of smartwatches

I reviewed the features and feel of the ELEMNT RIVAL multisport GPS watch.

When I think about smartwatches from a cyclist’s perspective, I ask myself, “Is a smartwatch something I need?” and “Can a smartwatch replace a cycle computer?” and so on.

In fact, it was a question I had myself, and I realized many things for the first time after using both a cycle computer and a smartwatch, so I will explain the difference in use between a cycle computer and a smartwatch, the situations in which a smartwatch is useful, and the advantages of a cycle computer.

Smartwatches can be used for more than just bicycling.

Cycle computers cannot be used for anything other than bicycling because they are bicycle-specific devices designed specifically for use on a bicycle.

The biggest advantage of smartwatches is that they can be used for purposes other than cycling.

It can be used for running, walking, treadmill, yoga, strength training, hiking, surfing, golfing, and all kinds of exercise fitness.

The key point is that the wristwatch device fits in well with everyday use, so it can be used by people who are not serious about exercise or fitness to manage their daily heart rate and monitor their physical activity.

Compared to a cycle computer, it can be used in many different situations and for many more hours.

It is convenient to have an everyday item that can be used directly for exercise and fitness.

While functionally similar to a cycle computer, the number of users that can be expected from a smartwatch is much higher simply because of the change in form to a smartwatch.

There is no reason why cycle computer manufacturers should not enter the smartwatch market.

That is probably the primary reason why GARMIN, POLAR, and Wahoo are entering the smartwatch field.

I believe that sooner or later, Chinese cycle computer makers will also enter the smartwatch market.

Smartwatches allow you to carry less stuff and be lighter.

For exercise fitness, such as biking or running, it is actually better to be as light as possible.

Especially in the case of bicycles, the more serious you get about it, the more preparations you have to make, so just one less thing to prepare can be a big advantage.

With a GPS smartwatch, you don’t need a heart rate monitor and you don’t need to carry a smartphone.

If you just want to keep a simple record of your ride, you don’t even need a cycle computer.

In addition, since the wristwatch device is like wearing the device on a daily basis, it eliminates the hassle of finding and preparing to wear the sensor before beginning the exercise/fitness routine.

This ease of use is another great advantage of smartwatches.

Will smartwatches become cycle computers?

On a personal note, the frequency of my cycle computer use decreased dramatically when I purchased the smartwatch.

This is because my own use of the cycle computer was mainly to record the course and distance I rode and for heart rate training, and I felt that the information I wanted was sufficient for a smartwatch.

Wahoo ELEMET RIVAL can also be used like a cycle computer without a cycle computer, as it can acquire various information such as speed, calories burned, distance ridden, heart rate and altitude.

You can also customise and switch between display modes, so if you just want to keep track of information, Wahoo ELEMET RIVAL may be sufficient.

It also has an altimeter and can display gradients. For cyclists, this sports watch has everything you need.

In my personal opinion, I sometimes think that a GPS multi-sport watch is enough if you are not serious about racing or hill climbing.

Conversely, cycle computers still have more advantages in serious applications, and there are some areas where a cycle computer is a must.

Ultimately, what is it that you want? In the end, it comes down to what you are looking for.

Cycle computers are still in use

However, there are many situations where a cycle computer is still superior in serious applications such as racing and training.

To check information on a smartwatch, you have to ride with one hand and it is difficult to check the watch screen while riding.

A cycle computer that is fixed in position on the handlebars is easier to check.

Checking with a smartwatch during a race or hill climb is dangerous and impractical.

So a cycle computer is more convenient if you want to use it for serious cycling purposes, such as in races or hill climbs.

I can’t think of anything else except a cycle computer.

Navigation functions increase the value of cycle computers.

In terms of my own personal use, I personally thought that as long as I had a smartwatch, I didn’t need a cycle computer, as I was not involved in serious riding, such as racing.

However, after using the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM, a cycle computer with map display navigation, the value of cycle computers was reaffirmed.

For those who ride a bicycle in a style where they want to set their destination and enjoy cycling at their leisure, a navigation function with a map display can be very beneficial.

It has the effect of making them want to enjoy cycling more and more.

In fact, since I started using the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM, I have found a new way to enjoy cycling, which has increased the distance I ride my bike.

Navigation functions are available on Apple Watch and other devices, but cycle computers are more convenient.

The navigation function can also be used on the Apple Watch using Apple’s Maps navigation on the iPhone, and ‘turn-by-turn’ is also enabled to show the direction of travel, and vibrate or otherwise inform you when you reach a point.

However, the act of looking at a watch while on the move is still dangerous and difficult to read, so cycle computers with a map on the monitor are much more convenient and easier to understand.

Then the question becomes, “Why not just fix the smartphone to the handlebars and use it as a navigator?” This would be a good idea.

However, smartphones cannot be used all day long due to battery problems, and their size makes them difficult to install on a road or hybrid bike.

Personally, I don’t have the option of using a smartphone on my bike as a navigation system.

So, overall, the conclusion is that cycle computers, which are dedicated bicycle devices, are by far the most convenient and superior.

Navigation functions are available on Apple Watch and other devices, but cycle computers are more convenient.

In conclusion, a GPS-enabled smartwatch is sufficient if you want to use it just for keeping a simple record of your ride.

But if you want to use it for serious purposes or navigation, a smartwatch is not going to replace a cycle computer.

Instead of choosing between a cycle computer or a smartwatch, using a cycle computer and a smartwatch together is also a way to make the most of the features of each.

The right approach is to use them together and link them together to make them more convenient.

ELEMNT RIVAL summary of Wahoo’s multisport GPS watch.

Smartwatches are now a must-have item

The second half of the article is less about the Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL and more about the benefits of smartwatches as a whole (laughs).

I’m not just a cyclist, but a smartwatch is essential for me to manage my daily exercise.

I think smartwatches have become a must-have for anyone who exercises or works out for fitness on a regular basis.

Since I started having a mobile phone, I thought, “I don’t need a wristwatch anymore”.

I had been living without a wristwatch for more than 10 years and I never thought that my life without a wristwatch would come back again.

But once I started using a smartwatch, it became too convenient to let go of it.

I think it is such an effective device to improve the quality of life.

Understanding the features of each smartwatch manufacturer is key to making a choice.

As you know, various types of smartwatches are available from different manufacturers.

The fact of the matter is that when it comes to basic functions and what they can do, there is not much difference no matter which manufacturer’s product you choose.

They all have high performance and similar accuracy.

The key to choosing a smartwatch is that each manufacturer has its own product that strengthens its own area of expertise, or differentiates itself with features in conjunction with related products.

Why choose a Wahoo multisport GPS watch?

The advantage of choosing a Wahoo multisport GPS watch in this context would be its excellent linkage with cycle computers and indoor cycle trainers.

As a bicycle exercise and fitness manufacturer, the smartwatch also has an edgy smartwatch that seems to be designed with cycling applications in mind.

The benefits of developing a comprehensive range of related products are likely to be greater than those of other manufacturers.

The most powerful cycling device when used in conjunction with Wahoo-related products.

The Wahoo Multisport GPS Watch is a device that focuses on exercise and fitness, rather than a multi-deployment concept depending on the app, such as the Apple Watch.

So, if you consider the smartwatch as a stand-alone device, you may feel that it is lacking in some areas, as it has quite simple functions.

Conversely, it is a product whose strengths and appeal can be better understood by linking it with related products such as Wahoo cycle trainers.

If it is used in a way that even considers horizontal development, it is likely to be used in a way that is overwhelmingly specialised in bicycle-related applications compared to other manufacturers’ products.

If you are thinking of introducing a cycle computer or even an indoor cycle trainer in the future, Wahoo’s products are sure to be a no-brainer choice.

For those who are already using Wahoo products, they will be able to train more in-depth and feature their bikes to get the most out of their features.