Today there are an increasing number of power meters on the market. And each seemingly claims to be the most reliable, with the most features, the easiest to use and/or the most practical for riders with multiple bikes and/or wheelsets.
Not too long ago, Stages Cycling leapt into the fray with its left crankarm based system. Then, the company's seemingly obvious solution, strain gauges embedded in the back of the left crankarm, seemed alarmingly simple. Combined with aggressive pricing compared to other power meters then on the market, the stage was set for them to take over the market, or at least a good share of it.
We first took a look at Stages' offerings back in 2013 at the Sea Otter Classic. Then, we thought the tool might be ideally suited for cyclocross use given the power meter's lightweight and noninterference with wheel choice. And last year at Interbike, Stages revamped its products to make them thinner and SRAM compatible.
Stages power meter cranks go carbon, and the company has $629 FSA 386 EVO models and GXP models to mate with SRAM OEM and SRAMaftermarket cranksets. Press Camp 2016. © Cyclocross Magazine
Now, for 2016, Stages has launched what many have been waiting for, the company's simple, light power measuring system mated to carbon cranks made by FSA. The carbon cranks come in configurations for both FSA and SRAM crankset owners, with axle options for a number of bottom brackets "standards," including 30mm, GXP, and BB386 EVo.
Stages power meter cranks go carbon, and the $699 BB30 option for SRAM includes a replaceable axle ($70 alone), allowing you to switch the meter between bikes. Press Camp 2016. © Cyclocross Magazine
The BB30 option combines an axle and left carbon crank for SRAM 30mm crankset users, and the removable bottom bracket axle allows different axle lengths to be purchased, allow owners to swap a Stages power meter between mountain bikes and road or cyclocross bikes.
Moreover, they have re-worked its components around the battery for greater protection from the elements, which is good news for gravel riders and cyclocross racers.
In Rio, Stages has several dozen sponsored athletes vying for medals, and at the Tour de France, Team Sky will be utilizing its meters to collect data during Chris Froome's title defense.
More info: stagescycling.com
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Stages Cycling has made some updates to its design that have eliminated some past battery life problems that were caused by moisture – great news for cyclocrossers. Press Camp 2016. © Cyclocross Magazine
