GEN 2 STAGES POWER | ULTEGRA 6800

It looks good, is easy to install, and does what it's supposed to. I am deducting a star for something I would have known if I'd researched this more thoroughly: This particular power meter has one of the weakest ANT+ signals out there. I had hoped to use it with my Garmin Fenix watch. As has been amply documented elsewhere, the watch could see the power meter but would only sync with it if you held it right next to the pedals, which is obviously problematic once you start riding. For the Garmin, it was completely unusable, not just spotty but didn't work at all. I subsequently purchased the Wahoo Bolt cycling computer. It does fine with the Bolt, although it will still drop out very occasionally, like once every 10 miles and only for a few seconds.

Looks like Stages developed this product to have longer battery life than necessary and sacrificed signal strength. My bike computer (Cateye stealth evo+) is not able to pick up the signal unless it is within about 1 1/2 ft of the power meter. Which means it has to be next to my bottle cages to get a consistent reading without dropping the connection.I have wanted to upgrade my computer but was really hoping I could get away with my current set up. Unfortunately I have to use my phone in the mean time which sucks but is manageable at this point.Also learned that returns are only eligible for an 80% refund from Stages if it has been mounted at all.

I’ve ridden about 120 miles in the last 3 days with this Stages synced to my Gamin 520. What have I been missing all my life! There’s so much new data to help me get faster. Now I can not only see my wattage but also my ftp%, zones, time in each power zone as well as my vo2 with my heart rate monitor attached. My biggest issue now is deciding which stats are most important to view while I ride. So far, well worth the $400.

This power meter has been a great investment, helping me optimally train without over training. It isn't perfect though, as it has poor signal strength, which stops me from buying one for my other bike. I've managed to work around this by placing my Garmin Edge 520 as close to the power meter as possible. On my first bike I placed the Garmin on the left side of the handlebar, mounted directly to the handlebar (not out in front of the handlebar where it would be easier to see), and had no signal dropouts. On my newest bike, I've placed the Garmin on the handlebar stem, and have no signal dropouts.It is nice that this supports both BLE and ANT+ wireless protocols. My Garmin connects via ANT+. And if I use a computer simulation, such as Zwift, the computer connects via BLE, while my Garmin can simultaneously connect via ANT+. I can also use my phone to check its battery status over BLE, via the Nordic nRF Connect BLE-debug app.

As far as power meters go, stages is the best value. Not only are they accurate, but self adjusting for temperature. Easy to install, no maintenance, long battery life and is very slim.

I have read mixed opinions on this meter and decided I would give my take on it. First things first, it is a very easy installation and mine paired up with my Garmin 520 immediately. It calibrates in seconds and is almost undetectable on visual inspection, it’s small and concealed by crankarm. It replaces the cadence sensor so no more goofy rubber bands. It works very well and I have not experienced any signal loss. Looking forward to years of use. So far very happy with it.

Great solution, i have one on my road bike and one on my tri bike. Very simple to install just replacing you current left arm. Make sure to match the power meter arm that you are buying with your current crank set.Took of one stor for high battery consumption.

Great design all around, compact, awesome battery life, and most importantly is extremely accurate. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to get a better handle on the amount of work being injected into every training interval. Combined with heart rate, this is an unbeatable tool of clarity.