Power meters are the ultimate training tools. They measure the exact wattage that the rider puts on the pedals and thus help to refine even the best training even further. With their help, you can train on a normal mountain bike just like on an ergometer. With one crucial difference: you don't have to squeeze yourself into a stuffy cellar, but can train outside in nature as usual.
The power meter specialist Stages Cycling has now also expanded its MTB commitment. For the first time, carbon cranks with power meters are available for mountain bikes. The Stages Power Carbon BB30. A logical step, considering that power meters are mainly used by racers and very ambitious amateur athletes.
As only the left crank arm needs to be replaced on Stages, the system can be installed quickly and easily. The new carbon crank arms fit the FSA 386 Evo and all standard carbon cranks from Sram - with the exception of the Sram XX1 with a narrow 156 Q-factor. However, the Stages carbon crank fits the Sram XX1 with Q-factor 168. In addition, the left Stages carbon crank arm is said to be even lighter than the Sram counterparts without power measurement. However, a special axle must be purchased for compatibility with Sram.
More robust housing on all new Stages cranks
The measuring unit has also been redesigned, which now has a narrower profile and a more compact design on all models and should also be significantly more robust with the new housing. The functions of the power meter are the same as those of the first generation of Stages power meters. The carbon power meter from Stages costs the same as the Stages version of the current Shimano XTR: both are available for €799, although the additional axle required for Sram cranks costs a further €99. The XT version from Stages will cost €719 in future, while a Sram X9 with the power meter will only cost €499.
Click here to go to the Endurance test of the aluminium version of the Shimano XT crank with Stages power meter.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
