The Wahoo ELEMNT Mini* is small, incredibly light and offers the usually simple Wahoo operation. With its functions, the Mini is particularly suitable for road cyclists, beginners and commuters. Mounted on the cockpit, the bike computer does its job inconspicuously and is hardly noticeable thanks to its discreet design. Nevertheless, the Wahoo bike computer has some clever features on board and we start right away with the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini test.
These are the highlights of the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini:
✅ The smallest Wahoo bike computer is especially easy to use and very affordable.
✅ The most important bike values such as speed, distance and time are displayed (heart rate and cadence are also possible with additional sensors)
✅ GPS recording is possible with a paired smartphone
✅ komoot and Strava compatible
✅ Battery life of approximately one year.
What the Wahoo bike computer can and cannot do, you will find out in this Wahoo ELEMNT Mini review.
You’re in a hurry? Click here to go directly to the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini
- Herunterladen, verbinden, konfigurieren und losfahren! Die Wahoo Companion App automatisiert das Verbinden und verwaltet die Einstellungen für eine frustfreie Konfiguration. Synchronisieren Sie den ELEMNT MINI nach der Fahrt mit der ELEMNT Companion App, um die Fahrt im Verlauf zu speichern und automatisch mit anderen verbundenen Apps zu teilen (Strava, RideWithGPS, TrainingPeaks und andere).
- Ohne Handy - Verfolgen Sie Geschwindigkeit, Distanz, Fahrzeit, Trittfrequenz und Herzfrequenz. Erhalten Sie eine Zusammenfassung am Ende der Fahrt.
- Erweiterter Modus mit Handy - Alle Funktionen der Nutzung ohne Handy + GPS Live Tracking, Benachrichtigungen für Anrufe und Textnachrichten und eine vollständige Zusammenfassung am Ende der Fahrt.
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-03-27, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Wahoo ELEMNT Mini Technology
What is the technology of the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini? How is the processing? How fast and easy is the assembly? What does the ELEMNT Mini perform in interaction with the ELEMNT App? How good is the display even under difficult conditions? I will show you this and many other aspects in the technology check of the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini test.
Wahoo ELEMNT Mini Scope of delivery
What comes with the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini?
- Wahoo Bike Computer: Wahoo ELEMNT Mini
- Wahoo speed sensor
- stem mount
- Cable ties for fastening
- Instruction
Wahoo ELEMNT Mini bei Amazon kaufen*
Hardware and memory of the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini
Immediately after unpacking the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini it becomes clear: The Wahoo bike computer is simple and noble. When touching it for the first time, you immediately notice how small and light the Wahoo bike computer is.
Minimalism was also consistently implemented in the design: There are two buttons on the front. This is the complete control of the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini. Otherwise, there are no other buttons or connections on the bike computer.
A USB charging port is also not available. The built-in coin cell battery powers the bike computer for about a year – that’s a strong performance. The long battery life is mainly achieved by foregoing GPS and a display backlight. As a result, you don’t have to worry about tedious recharging.
As mentioned at the beginning, the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini truly is a bike navigator for purists.
Rain can’t harm the ELEMENT MINI! The Wahoo bike computer is waterproof resp. waterproof according to IPX 7. It is thus protected against water penetration for a short period of time. He may remain under water for a maximum of 30 minutes at a depth of less than 1.5 meters. So nothing at all should happen when driving in the rain.
Mounting and fastening
Once the Wahoo bike computer is unpacked, you naturally want to start cycling right away.
But first it’s time for the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini mounting: Fortunately, the bike computer is very easy to attach to the bike within minutes.
Mounting the bracket: The bracket can be attached to the handlebar or stem. This is easily done with the supplied cable ties.
Mounting the Wahoo speed sensor: The sensor is attached to the front or rear axle of the wheel with a sturdy rubber band.
Pairing the Wahoo speed sensor: The speed sensor can either be paired with the ELEMNT app or directly on the bike computer.
Both ways work quickly and easily. After successful pairing, you enter your wheel circumference and the ride can begin.
Anyway, I recommend using the Wahoo ELEMNT app from the start.
The app makes the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini really fun and you can really use all the functions of the smart bike computer.
Without smartphone app – just start cycling
Want to use the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini without an app? This is very simple: Press “Start” and start cycling. The bike computer shows you the default data pages. These include meaningful values such as speed & distance traveled.
With Wahoo Smartphone App – GPS Tracking, Custom Data Pages & Settings
With the ELEMNT app for iOS and Android, you can greatly expand the functionality of the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini. In addition, the setup is very easy and goes quickly. I’ll explain the whole process to you in a moment 😉 Let’s take a look at the advanced features in the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini review.
The following functions are available to you with the smartphone app:
- Precise route recording with GPS: Connected to the smartphone, the Mini can record the route driven, using the smartphone’s GPS sensor.
- Configure data pages individually: Data pages can be conveniently added and changed in sequence using the smartphone touchscreen. Of course, you can also change the order of the data pages and the order and number of data fields displayed on the pages. So all possibilities are open to you here. You can display 1 to 3 values per data page.
- Evaluate activities in detail: You can view completed activities in the ELEMNT app. Thereby you see the driven route on a map (if GPS was activated). Important cycling values such as duration, distance, altitude, etc. are also displayed.
- Share activities to Strava, komoot and co: Activities can be automatically uploaded to Strava, komoot and many more. If you have not activated the automatic upload, you can also start the upload manually.
Overall, the following platforms are currently supported: BestBikeSplit, Cycling Analytics, Dropbox, iOS HealthKit, komoot, MapMyFitness, PowerTraxx, RideWithGPS, SportTracks, Strava, Today’s Plan, TrainingPeaks
Reading tip: You want to know how to set up the sync between the Wahoo and komoot & Strava? In the comprehensive komoot test you will find the simple step by step instructions.
- Additional settings: Sensors can be conveniently added and directly renamed in the app. You can also enable live tracking and configure small settings like autopause.
Here you can download the free Wahoo ELEMNT app:
You can set up the Wahoo bike computer easily and intuitively: When you start the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini for the first time, a QR code is automatically shown on the display. You can scan this with the ELEMNT app. Both devices are then paired together within a few seconds. The process is really simple.
ELEMNT Mini Display
The display of the ELEMNT Mini shows up to three data fields on each data page.
It is also possible to set up data pages with two or only one data field. using the ELEMNT App.
The values are also perfectly readable on the 1.8 inch small display: The contrast and readability of the display are excellent. The values are also displayed in a good readable size. Even in strong, direct sunlight, the display can be read very well and even in changeable weather the display is perfectly readable.
Only in the dark the ELEMNT Mini has to pass: The screen has unfortunately no backlight.
Overall, Wahoo has done a lot right with the display and gets, thanks to optimal display, that maximum out of the small screen.
Sensors and Connections on the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini
The Wahoo bike computer can also connect to some sensors: Except for power meters with a powermeter can be connected to all common sensors.
Also, the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini only connects to Wahoo’s own dual-band sensors. Specifically, it connects to the following Wahoo sensors:
- Speed
- Cadence
- Heart rate
Unfortunately, pairing with any ANT+ or Bluetooth sensors does not work with the ELEMNT Mini. You already own sensors from other manufacturers? If so, they unfortunately won’t work with the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini, which can be a bit frustrating.
You are a cycling beginner and don’t own any sensors yet? Great, then buy the Wahoo sensors and connect them easily with the ELEMNT Mini.
Operation
The Wahoo bike computer is operated with two easily accessible buttons. These are located directly below the display. The buttons have a pleasant pressure point and are exactly in the right place attached. Thus, the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini can also be operated well while driving or wearing gloves.
The operation is also learned in a flash, because it is simple and logical. In addition, a small text overlay always explains the key functions on the respective screen. During an activity, the buttons have the following function:
- Left button: Starts and pauses the activity
- Right button: Switches to the next data page
Functions in the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini Test
Which functions is the Wahoo bike computer excellent and what it can not? You will now learn the most important functions in detail.
I also draw a direct comparison with the larger Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt and Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM models.
Bike computer functions
Just press the start button and the activity is started. This is very simple and self-explanatory. By default, values such as speed, distance, and duration of activity are recorded.
You can set the display of additional data fields in the Wahoo ELEMNT app:
Speed
The Wahoo speed sensor is included in the delivery. The assembly I have described above and it is also done within a few minutes. Then the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini displays important values such as current, average and maximum speed.
Kilometres travelled
The kilometres driven can be determined in two ways:
- Without smartphone with Wahoo speed sensor: The ELEMNT Mini uses the wheel circumference set during setup to determine the kilometers ridden. If the wheel circumference has been set correctly, then the kilometres travelled will be determined precisely.
- With smartphone via GPS: The Wahoo bike computer uses the GPS sensor from the smartphone. Modern smartphones usually determined the position very accurately. You have your smartphone with you on the bike? Then connect to the ELEMNT Mini via Bluetooth and let the GPS determine the position.
Other data fields
Smartphone Screenshot – Follows 😉
Navigation
If you have your smartphone paired, then GPS data of the entire distance will also be recorded with the smartphone GPS.
If you want proper bike navigation, it’s best to take a closer look at the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM and the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT. Especially the ELEMNT ROAM masters the bicycle navigation very well.
In the ELEMNT Mini test I immediately noticed: Unfortunately, the ELEMNT Mini tested here neither gives turn-by-turn directions nor is it capable of bicycle navigation.
Training
With the data from the cadence and heart rate sensor can be trained to a certain extent quite reasonable. If the smartphone is still with you, the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini also records the route accurately. Especially ambitious cyclists will miss powermeter data. If the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini is the first bike computer, then the offered may be sufficient.
Battery life of the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini
The Wahoo ELEMNT Mini is a true long runner! The Wahoo bike computer is powered by a button cell (CR2450). Wahoo claims a battery life of one year or 250 hours of runtime. That’s considerable! The missing GPS as well as the non-existent backlight of course massively benefit the battery life.
If the battery is empty, unscrew the back of the bike computer and you can easily change the CR 2450 button cell.
Comparison and difference: Current Wahoo bike computers
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-03-27, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Wahoo ELEMNT Mini Experience and Summary
The Wahoo ELEMNT Mini scores with a particularly low price, as well as with simple operation. It is especially suitable for beginners as an entry into the world of Wahoo bike computers. Thanks to the enormous battery life of one year, you also almost never have to worry about a dead battery. No more annoying charging!
Buy Wahoo ELEMNT Mini – yes or no?
If you want to display the most important bike values, then the ELEMNT Mini is just right for you. You need more fitness and navigation functions? Then take a closer look at the ELEMNT wpml_enc_attr_2='Qk9MVCoiIA==' wp_closed= or the ELEMNT ROAM*.
The assembly of the Wahoo bike computer is simple and goes particularly quickly. In addition, the bike computer holds bombproof on the bike – even on rough trails and forest paths.
By pairing it with your smartphone, you can track your route even more accurately via GPS. In addition, information about messages and calls can also be displayed on the bike computer. The important koomot, Strava and many more are also tied in.
Ambitious cyclists will miss the power meter function. Other sensors such as cadence and heart rate sensors can be connected perfectly with the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini.
- Herunterladen, verbinden, konfigurieren und losfahren! Die Wahoo Companion App automatisiert das Verbinden und verwaltet die Einstellungen für eine frustfreie Konfiguration. Synchronisieren Sie den ELEMNT MINI nach der Fahrt mit der ELEMNT Companion App, um die Fahrt im Verlauf zu speichern und automatisch mit anderen verbundenen Apps zu teilen (Strava, RideWithGPS, TrainingPeaks und andere).
- Ohne Handy - Verfolgen Sie Geschwindigkeit, Distanz, Fahrzeit, Trittfrequenz und Herzfrequenz. Erhalten Sie eine Zusammenfassung am Ende der Fahrt.
- Erweiterter Modus mit Handy - Alle Funktionen der Nutzung ohne Handy + GPS Live Tracking, Benachrichtigungen für Anrufe und Textnachrichten und eine vollständige Zusammenfassung am Ende der Fahrt.
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-03-27, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Good
✅ Quick assembly
✅ simple operation
Data pages and data fields can be set very individually with smartphone
✅ excellent readable screen excellent readable screen
✅ Very long battery life
Bad
❌ GPS not installed
❌ no bike navigation possible
❌ No backlight for the display
Alternatives to the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini
Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT & Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM
The two larger Wahoo bike computers are also operated via the buttons and the displays have a backlight. Of course, they also have convenient smartphone connectivity. Both are sophisticated bike training computers: they can handle training programs and power meters can be connected. In addition, both are capable of full-fledged bicycle navigation with map display.
The battery of the ELEMNT BOLT lasts 12 hours and more in practice. The ELEMNT ROAM has a battery life of 14 hours and more. For full-fledged bike navigation systems with GPS and large display, these are very good values.
In comparison, the ELEMNT ROAM has a larger color display and the navigation has been greatly improved.
- Downloaden, paaren, konfigurieren und fahren! Wahoos kostenlose Begleit-App automatisiert die Paarung und verwaltet den Konfigurationsprozess für eine schnelle, frustrationsfreie Einrichtung
- Automatisches Herunterladen und Hochladen von Routen bei Synchronisierung mit kompatiblen Apps von Drittanbietern (Strava, RideWithGPS, Best Bike Split, Komoot, Singletracks, MTB Project
- Paket beinhaltet: Wahoo Element BOLT, Vorbau, Vorbau
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-03-27, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
- Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM
- Wahoo Fitness
- GPS OR NAVIGATION SYSTEM
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-03-27, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
To the detailed Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT field test (test & experiences)
To the detailed Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM field test (test & experiences)
Sigma BC 23.16 STS
The Sigma BC is a high-quality bike computer from Sigma Sports. It also records all the important bike fitness functions such as speed, heart rate, altitude, and cadence. It also calculates power data in watts. Compared to the ELEMNT Mini, more values are shown on the display at the same time.
Sigma Sports gives the battery life as 1 1/2 years run time. Thus, the battery lasts longer than the Wahoo ELEMNT MINI.
The assembly takes a little longer, because a spoke magnet and the magnet sensor have to be installed. With the ELEMNT Mini, only the Wahoo speed sensor will be attached to the wheel hub. The speed sensor also seems much more robust than the two sensors from the Sigma BC 23.16 STS.
- GHOST RACE - Aus den gespeicherten Datensätzen kann ein virtueller Gegner für ein Ghost Race gewählt werden
- AUSWERTUNG - Alle Informationen zur Tour werden für Rad 1 und Rad 2 gespeichert und können via NFC oder mit Hilfe der Docking Station im Data Center eingesehen werden
- SENSORIK - durch die mitgelieferten Sensoren können Höhen-, Trittfrequenz- und Pulsfunktionen überwacht und aufgezeichnet werden
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-03-27, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
What do you think of the Wahoo ELEMNT Mini bike computer? Do you have any questions? Feel free to write me your comment.
The bike computer tested here doesn’t suit you? In the comprehensive Bicycle Computer Test I have all the recommended bike computers and bike tachos clearly compared for you. I regularly update the test. Best check out the article now.
Here you can also find the official
