The query is whether or not the large Wahoo ELEMNT ACE head unit and its distinctive further options can be truthful for in-competition use. The UCI – the world biking governing physique, has rubber-stamped the ACE as truthful recreation within the peloton.
The UCI appears to be further beneficiant (and petty) this yr. They’ve additionally accepted the NIX Biosensor for in-competition use, and ended their world champ stripes settlement with Ritchey after three many years.
Will this give Wahoo ELEMNT ACE customers an unfair benefit? Within the ACE’s present state, most likely not. Nevertheless, that is the primary time Wahoo and World Tour groups can get their palms on these numbers from each group member in intense, high-stakes racing.
For these unfamiliar, the all-new ELEMNT ACE is the most important biking pc we’ve examined (until you take into account a cellphone a pc) and Wahoo’s most superior bike pc thus far. The brand new ELEMNT ACE pc boasts many updates and Wahoo ecosystem integrations. Nevertheless it’s massive, heavy, and I don’t suppose the professionals want the mapping assist — however it does have a reasonably cool further function. (You’ll be able to learn our ideas concerning the tech of Wahoo ELEMNT ACE right here.)
Does the ELEMNT ACE Provide an Unfair Benefit?
The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE has a novel sensor that others (as of proper now) lack: an built-in wind sensor with Wahoo Wind Dynamics. This knowledge doesn’t simply give cyclists a quantity; it may assist them modify their drafting place and optimize aero effectivity. Put up-ride, the group can sit down and quantify the consequences of wind and wattage in real-time. Examine the very restricted instance bellow from a private journey with the Wahoo ELEMNT ACE.
Wahoo believes that over time, its Wind Dynamics system will generate the most important real-world biking wind dataset, enhancing efficiency evaluation.
What Do Riders See Utilizing Wahoo Wind Dynamics?
Proper now, riders see two key insights:
- AirDrag: How a lot their groundspeed is hindered by headwinds
- AirBoost: How a lot their groundspeed is aided by tailwinds or drafting
Who’s Using the ELEMNT ACE?
The ELEMNT ACE has already been deployed to Wahoo-supported groups for testing and coaching, and with the UCI’s current approval, it’s now set to make an impression in race-day situations.
- UAE Crew Emirates
- LIDL-TREK
- EF Professional Biking
- Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Crew
Plus greater than 25 different UCI-registered groups in 2025.
Professional Groups Weigh In
Professional groups are already seeing the potential of the ELEMNT ACE, with key efficiency heads praising its greater display, prolonged battery life, and next-level knowledge monitoring. Bear in mind, although, these are groups sponsored by Wahoo…
Jeroen Swart, Head of Efficiency at UAE Crew Emirates, says:
“The brand new ELEMNT ACE is a superb addition to the prevailing Wahoo ecosystem. The bigger format, the colourful contact display, and the for much longer battery life are all nice options that make this machine a pleasure to make use of day by day. Nevertheless, the ACE will not be solely an enormous step up when it comes to software program and {hardware}, however the extra metric of wind pace units it aside from different units within the recreation. Our riders can use real-time knowledge to optimize their place on the bike or within the bunch to avoid wasting power—offering them with precious insights that translate into efficiency good points.”
Peter Schep, Head of Efficiency at EF Professional Biking, provides:
“The brand new ELEMNT ACE brings wind pace knowledge in real-time, which we expect may very well be a game-changer in drafting dynamics. It’s such an enormous consider how a race performs out, so we’re very excited to be working intently with Wahoo to get essentially the most out of the ACE’s wind sensor for coaching and applicable races.”
With UCI approval locked in, anticipate to see the ELEMNT ACE entrance and middle within the largest races of 2025.