You’re running the Varia taillight, right? Any experience with the smart headlights? Figure I might as well go all in 
The smart features seem pretty cool I’m just worried 800 lumens might not quite be enough when riding after dark. I don’t do that too much, but with shorter days this time of year it’s hard to avoid sometimes.
I have the Varia headlight and have used it with my 820 a fair amount. On the road, 800 lumens is plenty. Even on the trail it is sufficient, but you should still run two lights, one on your HB and one on your helmet.
The smart features are OK I guess…but I don’t know if I am down with the varying intensity of light based on speed. There are many times when you are going slow but want the full intensity.
The auto dimming when you get to stop lights, etc is a nice touch as far as saving battery power.
When I use it with my Wahoo, I don’t notice the lack of control of the light from the computer. It is a “nice to have” feature, but nothing earth-shattering.
Thanks I appreciate in input! Can you adjust or turn off the speed-based intensity changes? When you’re often slow like me, you still need light!!!
I’ve been happy with a 1100 lumen Cyglolite unit for a while now so that’s why I was worried about the 800 lumens not quite cutting it.
My wahoo ROAM is great on the road but for MTB it’s beyond atrocious and Wahoo Service idea is to have me buy another one 
this is me riding the same trail connectors in a local park
Of course we do. lol.
Yes, that is an option…but then you might as well just run any head unit you want since that is a “key” feature of the smart light. Well, I guess there is the auto-turn on feature that will turn on your light when you turn on your computer, but… 
Well, you’ll likely notice a 300 lumen difference, but I have had zero issues with 800, or felt a need for more on the road.
For those who were deciding between a Garmin Edge 830 and Wahoo ROAM and went with the 830, are you still satisfied with your decision?
I currently have a Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT that has been absolutely trouble free for the past 2 years I’ve had it. Despite this, I’m looking at upgrading to a unit that has better navigation and mapping abilities. My main purpose will be navigating around some off road trails. With some of the trail networks I just don’t want to go down an “unofficial” trail.
With the 830, I like the idea of being able to do mostly everything on the unit and to not rely on my phone. It also has Trailforks integration and other neat MTB features. I also like that the trail and street markings are more detailed. I know there’s mixed feelings about the touchscreen interface, but like our phones, I like that I can move around the map on the unit itself.
Here’s some info for reference:
Probably a stupid reason but I am Garmin because all my mounts on different bikes are Garmin. Similarly I like to put my 1000 on my TT bike for training but the 130 on for races.
If navigation is your main purpose it sort of depends how you are likely to do it…
The Roam will be better if you are using routes (e.g. from Strava) and following them, I find the Roam’s map interface much easier to follow.
If you are going to be exploring on the MTB (no pre-defined routes) then the Edge might be better due to Trailforks, you’ll get much more detailed trail info. Also I find the 830’s touchscreen hard to use with the maps so the 530 might be a better option, especially with MTB gloves.
I usually always vote Wahoo for the following, simple, reasons:
UX (not to be confused with UI) is focused on delivering the data in a clear and focused way. Nothing unnecessary to look for or scan when travelling at 20mph.
Stability, I just want to ride, come home, and stop the ride and not worry about software issues…
App - fantastic app to change the stuff on the computer. This is great in 2 ways. First of all I can edit everything on the computer from the app which goes way faster. The bike computer can focus on what its meant to do, while the app does all the customisation.
What about a Karoo. Froomey seems to be happy with it. I am not sure he’s so enamored about the rest of his new set up 
That’s where the Connect IQ apps come into play. One of the most useful: MapDashboard. Up to 6 data fields on the map page.
Garmin!
Because of the radar and the light!
The Varia radar works on both, Wahoo and Garmin head units.
You are right.
Do you know why garmin offers this service?
They send the signal via an open standard (Ant+ & in the newest version Bluetooth as well), so anyone can use it.
For the why you would have to ask Garmin, my best guess is to make more money. It’s not like they are handing out the Varia for free. More potential customers, more sales, more money.
As soon as Wahoo offered Varia integration I bought one immediately.
Honestly I think the Varia might be the single best cycling product that Garmin offers.
I am not sure if I am late, but also comes down to how much of your health data integration you want, not sure if you have a power meter, but considering you have a Fenix, I’d imagine you might want to consolidate a lot of your health analysis onto Garmin Connect (unless you pull and do all that elsewhere).
Wahoo sensors is def a low end ecosystem investment; considering its built around accessible protocols anyone can tap to for using them.
I believe either unit will serve its purpose; Wahoo does seem to be better on dynamic use (with the mobile app even in loading routes); Garmin being a more ‘set and forget’ and you’ll love it all the same.
However do ask yourself how much does the integrated health metrics matter to you (I.e. Garmin Connect) and how much of the other Garmin related metrics matter to you (once you throw in a power meter etc).
Enjoy your purchase either way…
Thanks for the advice everyone. I ended up with the Garmin 830 and despite having used it for only a handful of rides, I’m satisfied with it so far. The touchscreen can be a bit finicky, but it’s not terrible. I do miss the simplicity of the Wahoo BOLT but I’ll just have to get used to the Garmin.
What I REALLY like are the trail names and heads up notifications especially for mountain biking. I typically scope out the trail names, routes, connections, etc. on trails I’m not familiar with. But for me it’s a different story when I’m actually out there trying to figure it out.
What I like on my Garmin Edge 200 (and really miss on my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt) is the ability to plug it in a USB port and download completed rides or upload new GPX files. Doing that over the network is cumbersome (although having that capability is nice as well and my garmin lacks that) Why can’t it be both?
ALso I diskliked the maps on my Wahoo so much that I removed them to get a clearer breadcrumb trail just as My Garmin has 
