Stages Power Meter Long Term Review

Introduction

I like cycling and I like technology. I was very apprehensive about spending €650 for a few extra lines on my Strava rides. After using the Stages Shimano 105 crank arm for almost ten months, I am really happy with my purchase.

Marrying yourself to a Power Meter

Power meters are expensive, so most people will only buy one. There are lots of considerations to take into account.

• Would you be upgrading your bike in the future?
• Do you ride lots of different bikes?
• Do you plan to rent a bike, if you go on a cycling holiday?
• Do you use your bike on a Turbo Trainer?
• Does your bike support this power meter?

Power meters come in many formats and as such they have their own pros and cons.

Wheel Hub Based

Pros: Can fit on almost every bike. Whole output of power. Speed and Cadence reading too.

Cons: Which wheelset do you put your power meter on?

Pedal Based

Pros: Can fit on almost every bike. Whole output of power (if dual sided). Left/right readings (if dual sided).

Cons: Axel servicing and Platform life. One of the first contact points in a crash.

Crank Arm Based

Pros: Cheapest. Low maintenance.

Cons: Single sided power readings. Fixed to one type of crankset and crank arm length.

Crankset Based

Pros: Whole output of power. Left/right readings. Low maintenance.

Cons: Fixed to one type of crankset.

Other options, that were available in mid-2014

I was considering getting a Power2Max or a PowerTap. Both offering the whole output of my power, compared to Stages' well documented doubling the left only reading. Power2Max offered estimated left/right readings.

Power2Max

Deciding on a Power2Max model was pretty confusing, and there was some hidden costs that it could entail. Could I just replace my spider with their spider? Did I need to buy Rotor cranks and new chainrings? Would these cranks fit my bottom bracket? If I bought a new bike in the future would my Power2Max fit onto it.

PowerTap Hub

The PowerTap has its downsides too. It goes on a wheel. Would I buy a deep section wheel that I couldn't ride in windy conditions. Would I buy a heavy aluminium rim that I would be hold me back when I need aero advantages? Could I use it on the Turbo Trainer and on the Road with a quick change?

Stages

The Stages solution is not bound by most of these limitations. Only the bike upgrade might be a problem. For Instance, if the bike comes with a Campagnolo, SRAM, FSA or Rotor crankset.

Model

I went with the Stages Shimano 105 5700 crank arm version, it was the cheapest option available to me. All I needed to know was the length of the crank arm, which is on the inside of the existing crank arms on Shimano cranks.

Ordering Experience

I ordered from powermeter24.de, there was some delays on Stages end. They probably use a lean approach to manufacturing. Waiting for a certain volume to be ordered and the making them. PowerMeter24 were €50 cheaper than the Stages site. The package came in great condition.

Installation - Fitting it to HollowTech II crankset.

My bike has the Shimano Sora group set. The crank arms are HollowTech II. So the power meter fitted on without problems. I used a Shimano crank tool and torque wrench to attach it to my bike. Gave the crank a few rotations to wake it up. I turned on the "Power Sensor" on my Garmin Edge 810 and typed in the ANT+ id of the power meter. Then took it out for a spin. I was getting power and cadence reading from the device, as expected.

I really recommend putting some LockTight on the bolts before you attach them, so they don't become stuck. I recently removed and reattached my Stages, during cleaning after a particularly mucky and salty ride. I attached it too tightly, without adding LockTight and the plastic bit where the Shimano crank tool goes into is stuck to the crank now.

Training experience

You may pick up some Chris Froome-esque habits when training with a power meter.

I didn't do an FTP test for a long time after installing the power meter. The Strava challenge of Rapha Rising was taking place. I displayed my Watts Per Kilo field on my Garmin and paced at 2.8 watts/kilo during the climbing part of the challenge. After a few weeks my Strava Power Curve became accurate. This curve has a "Show Estimated FTP" option and I first noticed that my FTP was 196 watts. I set my training zones based off this reading. Later I found a climb that was just over 20 mins long. I would ride up the hill using the power meter to pace my effort, using the "Average Power - Lap" field on my Garmin Edge 810. This Uphill Time Trialing combined with my other intervals showed that my FTP was increasing. Seeing the increases in my FTP was the most exciting bit about the tests. The secondary objective of the tests was to move up the Strava Leader boards.

General Experience

The battery lasted almost six months. My Garmin was displaying "Power Mater battery low" messages, which was cool. I ride it in the Irish weather, so it gets adequate rain and puddle testing. I haven't experienced the Battery dying during, or after, wet rides. I keep my bike very clean, so the power meter is still in great condition. Only the outside of the crank arm is a bit worn from wearing Winter Overshoes. Updating the firmware is really easy. Spin crank to wake it up. Turn on the Bluetooth on your phone and open the Stages app. Connect to the power meter and update the firmware.

If I was buying a Power Meter again, in 2015...

Would I go for Stages again? No, I would go for a pedal based Power Meter, such as the Garmin Vector S, or the PowerTap P1 Pedals. The Crank arm based Stages would be second.

If I was in the market for a pedal based power meter, I would first examine the servicing of these pedals. To keep them running smooth. The benefit of a Crank Arm based solution is that it is basically maintenance free.

Conclusion

I recommend the Stages Power Meter as a solution to getting power in your life, if you want a crank arm based power meter. But another type of power meter may suit your needs better, so get the one that meets your requirements better. You are spending you money, so don't hamper yourself because you deserve the best.