I’m back from Japan, but that’s a story for another thread. I want to share my experience with the new Wahoo Elemnt Bolt.
Was it flawless? Definitely not. There was never a day where I didn’t need assistance from the phone and Google Maps 2 or 3 times. However, I found out last time that Google and Apple themselves are both far, far from perfect when it comes to routing in Japan.
First, to answer Matt’s question, once the Japan map was loaded onto the Bolt via the Wahoo app, importing the GPX file from Komoot was a simple process, and the map showed up fine. Sometimes, the GPS and Wahoo base map would differ slightly, and I would get a warning that I was off course, because the dot on the screen and the line on the map did not lineup
Japan’s mountains are also criss crossed with thousands upon thousands of tiny forest roads, called rindo. Sometimes these were on the Komoot map, but not the Wahoo base map There were a few times when I was obediently following the Komoot breadcrumb trail, and the Wahoo became completely confused because there was no longer a road to follow. Pulling out the phone didn't help, because the track I was on was not on GoogleMaps.
So, Matt, if you are still thinking of a GPS unit for your Thailand trip, I think that there will be no problem with importing the GPX from Komoot on to Wahoo’s base map . If Google maps gave you reliable directions on your phone, it should not be a problem on the GPS. Japan seems to be a challenge for every routing program I have used.
If I could turn back the clock and do it again, would I get the the same unit? I would have to say for touring I would recommend a unit with a larger screen, like the Roam, or a similar sized Garmin. The battery life, weather sealing (it rained a lot) and visibility in sunlight, however, made it well worth the investment compared to just a phone. I hope this helps anyone who might be on the fence as to whether or not to get a GPS unit versus a phone.
Perhaps creating routes via other apps might be worth exploring. I’ve created routes using Komoot and uploaded them to my Garmin quite easily. You’ll probably be able to do something similar with your Wahoo. My limited experience inclines me to think that some of the ‘suggested’ routes created are not always suitable for your riding style ie touring, road, training. For example a route I created for touring ( in Komoot) whilst in Portugal turned out to be quite nuts and wholly impractical; riding down 15thC cobbled and descending cart tracks besides an impressive castle. On a MTB fun, but on a loaded tourer, no.
Haha. Ian, I found Komoot to have similar routing algorithms in Japan. It seems as though it draws a lot of its inspiration from Google maps walking directions, which do their utmost to keep you off of “highways”. In Japan, a lot of the””highways” it was avoiding were beautifully, quiet, well surfaced, secondary roads, often following river valleys, almost devoid of traffic. Komoot however, wanted me to leave the valley to climb a 15% grade for 400 m only to turn around and go right back down to the highway. I was very careful to "proofread" my Komoot route, and check to see that it wasn't taking me on unnecessary detours.
