Wahoo challenges Garmin with its first multisport GPS watch

Wahoo is better known for its bike computers and heart monitors than anything else, but it’s now ready to take on sport watch giants like Garmin and Polar. Wahoo has unveiled its first multisport (or really any sport) GPS watch, the Elemnt Rival, and it’s aimed at enthusiasts and athletes who regularly participate in triathlons, bike-to-run “brick” workouts or other mixed activities.

The rival’s centerpiece is a “Touchless Transition” that automatically switches between running, cycling, and swimming without requiring your input. You’ll initially sync devices in the Elemnt mobile app if you’re using one of Wahoo’s bike computers, but you can otherwise focus on the race instead of your wrist. A manual option lets you use the lap button to switch profiles without disrupting your activity tracking.

The multisport GPS watch tracks essentials like heart rate, speed and swim stroke by itself, but throwing in a Tickr X heart monitor adds extra data like your run cadence. As you’d hope, the Elemnt Rival hooks into both OS-level fitness data in Apple Health and Google Fit as well as third-party platforms like Strava, Training Peaks, Today’s Plan, Train Xhale, and Relive.

Related: The best fitness trackers

Battery life is healthy at 14 days in standard smartwatch mode, and 24 hours of constant GPS use. You might not have to recharge for days, even with an aggressive training schedule.

The Elemnt Rival is available now for $380. It’s not the most affordable multisport GPS watch you’ll find, but it’s clearly priced to compete with the lower-priced offerings from Garmin and others. Your decision may primarily hinge on your fitness routine. Wahoo’s watch may be ideal if you’re a triathlete or brick workout enthusiast, but there are numerous alternatives if you prefer more conventional exercise.