I would have speed and cadence sensors on both bikes. I realize GPS doesn't care where it is positioned, but I would still like to track the actual kms ridden on each. This is helpful information to know when you may want to service the bike among other things. I take it that most of these units you can probably have two profiles setup and just select the profile you want when you are going to ride.
Comparing Garmin to Wahoo, the Garmin looks harder to setup and program, relying on the buttons instead of the phone app like Wahoo. Seems like the Wahoo Bolt does GPS as well (albeit not in colour like the Garmin 520) and has turn by turn navigation. I am just wondering if this is redundant and using a phone with GPS would be nearly as effective. I have only ever had basic cycling computers, so I am still learning what features might be useful to have.
Garmins can have what is known as Activity Profiles. You can set a bunch of these as different bikes, mine are Flyxii (carbon road), C-Dale, Mountain. You can configure different data screens for each profile, BUT the profile data and any ride results for particular profiles stays on the unit and doesn’t get uploaded to any activity tracking website. As far as I remember, Wahoos don’t do any tracking of particular bikes. It’s one activity, one screens setup, etc,,,
I have Garmin connect send my competed ride data to RWGPS, which I use for my activity tracker and I edit the ride info to have gear indicated, thus can track mileage per bike and can add comments on stuff like “Chain replaced”, etc.... in general it’s easier to do this online than on the unit.
I’ve used 3 different Garmins as well as a Wahoo Bolt. The setup on the Wahoo app was maybe a bit easier but really it’s just different and I never had issues setting up a Garmin. I think maybe features are a bit scattered, but as there are typically more features than found on a Bolt that’s expected.
If you want navigation, I would hate to be dragging out my phone in the middle of a ride. It’s easier to use a dedicated unit with Turn-by-turn and a map and I’d recommend a larger Garmin than the 530 as well as don’t get a Bolt, which have very basic maps. A touchscreen makes it easier to move around a map, zoom in/out, pan, etc..... The Wahoo Roam has improved maps with a color screen and I’ve read can pan and zoom.