Stages G2 Power Meter Review

A Deep Dive Into ​Stages G2 Power Meter

The Stages power metering crank arms have been reviewed by Tristan Haskins for Power-Pedals.com.

If you are new to power metering and want something cost-effective, easy to fit, and good value for money then these could be for you.

These crank arm-based power meters are the easiest to install required just an Allen key and a dedicated crank arm removal tool (about £2/$3). The objective of this product presentation is to provide an overview of – what the product does, who’s it for, how easy it is to fit, and how much it costs ….

Read Related Article: 4iiii Precision Power Meter Review

  • Pros & Cons

     

The Stages Crank arm power meters are for the cyclist who is happy to have single-sided power metering with no option to monitor pedal balance.

They are simple to move from one bike to another (assuming the same crank/length). With a quoted accuracy of +/- 2%, they are more than good enough for the majority of keen cyclists.

Key features of this product are – ease of installation, affordability, accuracy, and long battery life (200 hours from a CR2032)

PROS

  • 10 minute installation
  • No specialist fitting skills required
  • 200 hours from 1 x CR2032 battery
  • Accurate to +/- 2%
  • Adds less than 20g to crank
  • Available for Shimano, Campagnolo & FSA cranks

CONS

  • A little expensive compared to 4iiii Precision

Method of Installation

Installing the Stages Power Cranks is SIMPLE. You may need to buy a crank removal tool like this Shimano one (external link) if you don’t already have one.

The only other tools required are an Allen key. Simply remove the crank arm cover with the special removal tool, it should be hand tight only. Then unscrew the two opposing Allen keys from either side of the crank arm.

Once these are removed the crank arm should be easy to remove from the axle. Grease and carefully fit the NEW power meter arms. Ensure they are at 180 degrees to the other side.

Hand tighten the crank cover screw then start tightening the Allen keys. Once they start getting a bit tight do one side, then the other, then the other and repeat, alternating side. If the crank arm cover is easy to remove and you have no issues, it should take less than 10 minutes !!

Tools Required to fit this Power Meter

  • Crank arm removal tool for your crank e.g. Shimano Hollowtech
  • Allen key set

Alternative Power Meters

There are now several other competent brands producing power metering cranks. At the time of writing this review none covered as many brands and models of crank as Stages.

However, the most popular cranks from Shimano (105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace) are all catered for by 4iiii Precision and Pioneer.

The 4iiii Precision is proclaimed as the “World’s Lightest left side Power Meter” adding less than 9g to a Shimano crank arm !

Technical Specification

  • Compatible with many styles of the crank from Shimano, FSA, and Campagnolo
  • Compatible with ANT+ or Bluetooth smart ready devices
  • +/- 2% accuracy of measured power
  • IPX7 water resistance
  • Cadence measurements requiring NO magnets
  • 20-220 (RPM) cadence range
  • 0-2500 (watts) power range
  • Just 20g added to the base crank arm weight
  • Uses readily available CR2032 Coin Cell Battery
  • Provides more than 200 hours of battery life
  • Has a simple zero-reset feature as well as Wireless firmware upgrades
  • No clutter, just the crank arm

External Resources

The purpose of Power-Pedals.com product presentations is to give the visitor a summary overview of each power meter. They are NOT intended as an in-depth technical review, more a summary providing essential top-level features, functions, pros, and cons. Further information can be found at these links to other external reference sites.

Product Summary

Stages were innovators in the power metering crank arm technology.

This is their second generation of Stages Power Meters for Shimano / Campagnolo and FSA crank arms. It’s available in dozens of models the most popular being (at time of writing review) those for Shimano 105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace cranks.

The crank arm power metering solution is popular with everyone from enthusiastic cyclists new to training with power to the seasoned professional looking for a simple, lightweight, and cost-effective solution.  It’s just 20g heavier than the non-power version that has been updated with better weather seals and a slimmer lower profile design.

As well as power the Stages crank arm provides pedal cadence data from its accelerometer-based technology – no more magnets.

Stages Power meters support both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart.

With Bluetooth technology, the power meter has the ability to update its firmware wirelessly using smartphone devices.

This keeps the housing sealed from the harsh external elements. These crank arm power meters are available in 170, 172.5 or 175mm lengths

Read Our Other Product Review: Powertap G3 Hub Review

Andrew Wyatt

Andrew Wyatt

Andrew Wyatt has been a tech geek for as long as he can remember. Whether it's laptops, cameras, or projects, he's obsessed with it all. When he's not researching the latest tech products, he likes to go on long hikes with his dogs.

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