Stages power meters enter Europe, update firmware

Stages power meters enter Europe, update firmware

Updates range from 64x/sec data transmission to battery indicator

Stages power meters will be available in continental Europe in January 2014

Courtesy

Ben Delaney

Published: December 18, 2013 at 5:19 pm
Stages power meters will be available in continental Europe in January 2014 - Courtesy
Stages updated their app with more detailed readings and firmware updates for existing power meters - Courtesy
Stages' new app can capture torque and force readings at a rate of 64 times a second - Courtesy
The updated app gives more detailed information on each meter - Courtesy
While the 64x/sec readings are impressive, more riders will likely appreciate the simple addition of a battery level indicator icon, at bottom in green - Courtesy

The upstart power meter company Stages Cycling will have continental European distribution beginning in January with the new Stages Cycling Europe office in Kirchzarten, Germany. Also, Stages recently updated its firmware, offering new features from the esoteric, like detailed 64x/sec data transmission, to the more practical, such as a low-battery warning that will pop up on ANT+ head units like Garmin Edge computers.

Stages power meters, which are factory mounted to the left crank arm of alloy cranksets from Shimano, SRAM, FSA and Cannnondale will be available in Europe for between €699 and €899. Stages power meters are currently available in the UK and Ireland through Saddleback LTD.

Stages' new app can capture torque and force readings at a rate of 64 times a second : stages' new app can capture torque and force readings at a rate of 64 times a second - Courtesy

Stages' app can capture torque and force readings at a rate of 64 times a second

Stages launched in the US at the end of 2012.

“After a year in the North American market, the Stages Power meter has already proven to be a game-changer within the power category,“ said Sebastian Eckmann, Stages European director. “A simple and affordable power meter that works for riders of all disciplines is something that was missing on the power meter market. I am very excited to make this product available to European riders.”

FIRMWARE UPDATES

Riders who already have a Stages power meter can update their firmware by downloading the most recent iOS StagesPower app and connecting it via Bluetooth to their meter.

One new and unique feature is the meter's ability to measure data at 64 times a second and transmit that information to the app, which can in turn email a spreadsheet to a computer for analysis. Beyond the gee-whiz factor, many riders will not really know what to do with this, though could be a valuable tool for data-heads and coaches.

The new battery indicator function, however, should be something easy for all riders to appreciate. When the meter's firmware is updated, it will send a low-battery warning to a paired ANT+ head unit when battery life dips under 10 hours.

While the 64x/sec readings are impressive, more riders will likely appreciate the simpler new feature of a battery level indicator icon, at bottom in green: while the 64x/sec readings are impressive, more riders will likely appreciate the simpler new feature of a battery level indicator icon, at bottom in green - Courtesy

Sometimes the simplest things are the most useful. A green battery-level indicator icon on the new app will be appreciated

Other new features include measurements for torque efficiency and pedal smoothness, two metrics introduced with the Garmin Edge 510 and 810 computers.

The updated StagesPower app also has more detailed information readings from the power meter, including a Fahrenheit/Celsius toggle for the zero calibration, a battery indicator, ANT+ ID and more.

Ben Delaney

Contributor

Ben Delaney is a journalist with more than two decades of experience writing for and editing some of the biggest publications in cycling. Having studied journalism at the University of New Mexico, Ben has worked for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, VeloNews and BikeRadar. He has also previously worked as Global Brand Communications Manager for Specialized. Ben covers all things road and gravel, and can be found logging big miles in the Rocky Mountains that nestle alongside his home in Boulder, Colorado. He has covered the most important bike races in the sport, from the Tour de France and Tour of Flanders, to the Unbound gravel race, and specialises in tech content, showcasing what the pros are riding and putting everyday equipment through its paces.
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