I currently own a Wahoo Roam (after owning a 520 and 830), and I have the same upload issues you mention, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. That’s just the way it is with Wahoo I guess.
The better workout interface and battery life of the Roam is worth it IMHO.
Wonder if this is an Apple and Android divide? To me Android was an afterthought for Wahoo and a bad one at that. My impression is that QA at Google wasn’t that tight and Wahoo being Wahoo (who doesn’t have a QC/QA program to speak of) capitalized on it. I might be over generous to Apple in the days past but it’s definitely not the only show anymore.
At least for my android device no issue in the last 2 years with 2 different bolts. Also zero issues with the speed sensor and HR strap. But I have to admit that most of the time I sync my routes, outside workouts and rides via WiFi.
Apple has been re-securing their Bluetooth after Facebook and a number of other players have been using bluetooth to uniquely ID users wandering about the world. This is an issue internal to the devices and external to the phone OS (Bluetooth beacon marketing). Android is doing something similar… but only so Google has the upper hand.
I also bought my Power2Max from there last year. I did that because at the time they had a 10% off code for new customers. No issues with them, fast shippping, etc. I never had to talk to their customer service though so I can’t speak to that.
Can someone explain to me what bike computers do that a smartphone can’t? I recently dropped $300+ for a Element Bolt and I just don’t really see the point. It’s an inferior package to an iPhone/Samsung in any respect other than “aerodynamics” and battery life. I’m really surprised how Garmin, Wahoo etc get away with charging so much for their stuff. Apple/Samsung need to put them out of misery.