Stages Bike SB20 In-Depth Review // Tech Specs, Riding, Apps, Accuracy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ค. 2024
- Full Stages Bike Review: dcra.in/StagesBikeReview
Here's your complete in-depth review on the Stages Bike, including full ride testing for nearly two months, from TrainerRoad to Zwift, accuracy testing, noise testing, ride feel, and tons more. The good, the bad, and the quirky. Below is a complete index, but I dive into even more details in the written review up above, as well as more comparative aspects.
0:00 Intro
0:15 Pricing & Availability
1:24 Unboxing & Setup
2:45 Back to front walk-through
5:30 Tablet Holder Mania
6:51 Shifting & Brakes
7:56 Gearing Config
8:50 Stages Dream Drive
10:20 App Compatibility
11:28 Road Feel: Zwift
12:02 ERG Mode: TrainerRoad
13:00 Noise Levels
14:15 Power Accuracy
15:50 Final Thoughts
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#StagesBike #Zwift #IndoorCycling - กีฬา
Hey folks - thanks for watching! If you're looking for way more depth on accuracy or other bike comparisons, then check out my full written review here: www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/07/stages-bike-sb20-smart-bike-in-depth-review.html
Amazing how this guy sets the bar for all his product reviews...well done!
Great review; helpful to me. I bought the bike.
There are a few important things that should be on-record. It is indeed an electro-mechanical work of art. However, the lack of ANY integrated display/controls (other than, of course, the pedals/shifters/brakes) means you’re at the mercy of bluetooth and whatever device and you’re pairing with. Be clear: there can be problems here! The SB20 REQUIRES pairing with either an Andriod or IOS device, and their accursed app. This often works poorly, on multiple fronts, in ways it’s not appropriate to elaborate here. The requirement for batteries - batteries! - for each crank arm on a plug-in device is an embarrassment (even a $100 smartphone can be induction-charged). The upshot is that if you’re a fairly technical end-user (and serious indoor cyclist), this is a great device. Despite my problems, Stages has been professional about them, and I’d buy it again. Yes, it’s a tank, and as an open-system smartbike (unlike the Peloton bike), offers flexibility and options (Peloton and Equinox classes, dedicated programs like Zwift, hardcore apps like TrainerRoad and Sufferfest, etc.). The SB20 takes my sweat and sixteen-hundred watts of fury without complaint. …But for non-technical end-users,… Sigh… possibly not the best choice.
Briefly, as a Product Manager, most of the serious issues can be traced to the inexcusable omission of a built-in touch-screen. This would add negligibly to the cost and eliminate all sorts of potential frustrations and support calls resulting from reliance on a flaky connection with an infinite variety of customer-owned devices (our smartphones and computers).
Feels like this is a commercial exercise equipment company without real direct-to-consumer and/or end-user experience. Again, speaking as a P.M., Stages really needs to get some appropriate Product Managers in there.
Thanks for the food for thought. I guess I will be waiting for an updates version and hope they adress those issues. I guess I will stick with my Wahoo Kickr for now. :)
what would you buy now after a year? (open-system smartbike)
I ordered the sb 20 and am looking forward to get going on it. Watched your review and a bunch of other samrt bike reviews prior to making the call. They are now selling for just under 2,000 in the US. Got mine for close to 1,850 dollars.
This channel is the gold standard. Amazing review!
Thanks!
I ordered this bike in June, waiting for delivery. Thank you very much for your review!!
Nice work on this review! I know a ton of work goes into one of these big reviews and turned out really well. 👌
Thanks for the review Ray! I like the new (to me) intro.
Thanks!!!
Time for a one R camera review. Look forward to your take on it.
Nice review! Definitely on my list for purchase!
Hey Ray, thank’s for the review ! Great work as always. Quick question: when can we expect the full review of the SRM X POWER SPD power meter ?? Thank you !
Great, great review as always. A lovely bit of kit. I don't know what it says about me but I don't just lust after real bikes now (mtb in my case) but smart bikes too!
The only youtuber whos advice to like the video I follow
Thanks for the video Ray. Looking forward to your thoughts on the virtual TdF.
Also always impressed with how neat your hair is, especially during lockdown.
Thanks! Luckily my wife knows how to cut hair. Our barbershop is in the shower. #NotKidding
She does a great job!
@@Bobmrob And she even makes a very brief cameo in the video. :)
Hi Ray, Another great video - convinced me to order this bike...
I have a question about using this bike with Zwift(ive not used Zwift before) and my Garmin Fenix 6X. Do I pair my Fenix 6X with the bikes ANT+/Bluetooth sensors and log my ride into garmin connect in the normal way OR do i left Zwift do all the logging and then it exports the ride to garmin connect.
“Sorry it’s kind of long’ it’s a 2k dollar bike I want the most thorough review ever lol
Brilliant review .... as always!
Great review Ray, as always. What's your opinion on this vs the Wattbike Atom?
Nice presentation, thanks a lot! I had already decided on the Johnny G by Spirit. But now I need to think again :-) At 12:28 (a little rough), which bikes should I look at?
Would you say this is the best bike for a family that want Zwift connection and be able to do Spin classes? Trying to find a bike that does both
Hello congratulations for the review .. I wanted to ask you which one would you choose between this and the Technogym Skillbike and wahooKicKr? Salti from Italy
I like the multiple crank lengths!
Yup - it's a super slick solution. Wahoo does the same - love it!
@@Dcrainmaker One of those that's obvious now someone else had the idea!
When going downhill on Zwift what happens ? Does it stops sending watts ? Or is it like being on a 0% gradient ?
Hi in the article you mention an issue around dual Bluetooth. Is this resolved now?
Hello
nice review
I have a question is this normal for the front wheel (flywheel) to heat up after a bike ride
grtz
I am thinking seriuosly about buying this bike, do you know if it can connect to a Wahoo Elemnt head unit? and would it show the gearing on that? I also turn my real rides into routes, will the elemnt control the resistance correctly?
Did you ever get a difference in real power and power from the stages, as i just got one and on a regular basis i am getting far more power from stages bike than i really pedalling through the bike, power numbers like 524 watts for a 16km TT on zwift, I asked zwifft but they ignored the ticket, i tried the stages directly onto a garmin 1030 and V3 pedals on a fenix 6 sapphire and there was very little difference, it only seems to be zwift, u being the expert and the man with the most experience, i was hoping you could shed some light on the issue?
I could send u the fit files ?
whats the best bike , kickr or the stages ? im stuck on which to buy .. ?? help .. what would you buy ?
Hey Ray, I am a very tall person and for me, it isn't possible to get the Kickr bike. So now, I should choose between the Tacx neo bike and the stages sb20 bike. However, there is no comparison like that yet on youtube or anywhere else. Which one would you suggest for me?
Hey very nice vid thanks for sharing , a bit off topic but what the 3 faces in corner of the room red, orange, green tnx, ive see a few YT guys with this device , thanks
Does anyone know another Spinning bike that has this feature of being able to stop pedaling and the wheel keeps spinning?
Do I need a heart rate monitor or does the bike have it?? Suggestions on monitor to use with it
What is your traffic light set for in the btm right corner??
Hi there, thanks for the awesome video. Just wondered I’m seeing some people a while ago saying something about a power latency of 3-5 secs when using zwift. Also a latency in gradient, has this since been fixed in firmware updates and have you experienced this? Cheers mate.
Hi Team, I don’t comment/review/post much but I have own a SB20 and it’s been nothing but a pain.
Flywheel makes a terrible knocking noise that can lead to significant vibrations through the frame. Although reporting the issue to Stages and getting a reply saying they would replace it, that was 4 weeks ago and still nothing.
Since then the power meters no longer connect (I will try replacing the batteries shortly).
The seat angle won’t tighten enough for the seat to not tilt unless sitting perfectly level.
Save your money and wait till this bike gets better.
Nightmare
I agree with you, I hate this bike so much, have a long list of problems with it.
It's the worst product I've ever bought
Love this bike!
Did they ever fix their ERG mode here?
How to know it' s durable for years ? Are they some parts that need to change ? Like in the drivetrain?
Hi, this one vs the tacx one? Wich one do you prefer?
where can i get that dope tshirt DC?
I hope somewhere in the future there will be an interception of the graph of the price of one of these bikes and the graph of my disposable income
I think we're looking at roughly 2022 or so until we start to see more affordable bikes, unfortunately. Essentially we need more competitors to then cause the price to drop. We also need better inventory. Right now demand outpaces supply, so it's keeping prices high. Once we get a saturation of supply combined with a saturation of competitors, then finally we'll start seeing downward pricing. Earliest that'll happen is late 2022 is my guess.
They have financing with affirm and I plan on getting one… after thorough reviews lol
Couldn’t you have taken the bike up the stairs piece by piece since there were so many different parts individually packed in that big box, rather than trying to lug the whole box up the stairs?
im not professional at all, but it seams saddle is not comfortable (pressure to perineum area) - low part of your back very vertical, so complete position go wrong... Pelvis is very vertical.
And when you sprinting its huge asymmetry in legs work..
PS Thanks for your site review of sport watches - very helpful !! :) (my 910xt was bought after your review - it was long time ago) hi from Russia
Hi very in depth and nice review , but what catch my attention also is the urban shorts youre wearing😊 What brand is it?
Haha, they’re from Rapha. I like them, and have bought a few pairs. They last a super long time.
So looking at all the other bikes and apps it seems stages requires you to use outside app they don’t have any app that comes with the bike with workouts (erg or other). Is this true? Is there a good app not requiring a subscription that works well with this bike?
Also have a ton of old videos but need to know what gear I am in... how would I determine that using stages apps only if I didn’t want to shell out the moolah for a subscription?
I want a smartbike for winter. I'll user mywhoosh app coz its free and I hate payments. Whats the difference between the Stages SC3 and SB20? Many used SC3's for sale, few SB20's. Will both work with mywhoosh? Help!
Nice review .... I just prefer the Wahoo Kickr bike from all that I have seen ... thanks
Sooooo you have to paddle downhill? I thought thats what make them smart, when they simulate real biking? Seems a Bit like a spinning bike with some extras?
I'm a sweat machine, which I've learned from experience will corrode anything it can corrode. Do yoou think one of those sweat catcher thingies designed for road bikes will work on this one as well?
A Keiser would be best as the wheel is in the rear.
Have you tried the steering on Repack Ridge?
Zwift hasn't enabled it yet.
Hi there.
Hope you do a Concept 2 Bikeerg review.
Thank you for your dedication;)
Yes, just left a comment talking about it. Best bang for the buck and seems to be a hidden gem !
This bikes ERG mode for workouts on Zwift and Sufferfest is junk. It takes over 30 seconds to adjust. Don’t try to throw any cadence changes at it otherwise you will miss your target power by 60+ watts.
Another awesome review thank you! I'm looking at this over the Tacx because of the thigh rubbing issues. I'm a TR user so your comments on power swings are a concern. Was this mainly when you were changing cadence during intervals or regardless? Would there be a fix for this with the Stages bike or is it a fundamental flaw with the bike? Thanks again
Unfortunately it’s pretty consistent even when I’m crazy consistent.
Did you end up pulling the trigger on either? I am thinking about the Tacx over this but I am really worried about the thigh rubbing issue.
@@marshpartnersrealestate Yes I pulled the trigger on the Stages and have been pretty happy. It's super solid. There are things you have to adapt to if you're Zwift racing such as the delay in reading your power, but it's a solid choice. I preferred this than the potential discomfort of the thigh rub thing.
Ray, I would like to ask you, what is the brand and type of those 2 stands you have in the video at the beginning? Thanks.
One is the Wahoo KICKR Desk, and the second is a variant. A bit more details here: www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/09/rad-lifeline-conquer-cycling-trainer-desk-cheaper-wahoo-desk.html
@@Dcrainmaker thank you very much.
Looking forward to getting mine on Monday! Quick questions:
1) Are there any needed tools for putting it together that aren't supplied?
2) Do you recommend greasing the pedals to install, or is that unnecessary given it's an indoor machine?
3) What did you think about the saddle? I'm guessing it's basic, and that replacing it will be preferable, especially since both my wife and I will probably use it.
Thanks!
Mine arrives on Monday as well. What state do you live in? If you watch the Stages build video they show what tools you need and what torque tolerances are required. I may have also seen some of the info in the .PDF manual at Stages.
Saddles are like shoes. Highly of personal preference. Good part of a stationary setup is you can look for cheap comfortable selections that are heavy but is of no consequence in these applications.
So Ray, if I'm on a descent, like say dropping off the top of Alpe du Zwift; Will I not descend unless I pedal? Because on my Kickr Snap there are times I totally don't have to pedal. I can literally coast down a steeper hill.
Thanks for all the effort you put into these videos.
yes, you'll coast down the hill with this bike. All of those dynamics are handled through Zwift. I believe he's referring to how the bike feels if you pedal while going down hill.
Can’t get a 160 lb box up some stairs? Sounds like you should have gotten a weight set 😜
Pleoton is 38 pound flaywheels nott 48 pounds how you say ...
I bet ray had a pre production digital watch calculator he snuck into exams in school!
I kept getting distracted by your t-shirt again and again. Are you selling it ?
Such a cool T-shirt!!
I don’t know about this shirt but Dark Cycle Co based out of Tampa FL makes a bunch of “animals on bicycles” shirts with a similar design!
Semoga sukses
Thanks Ray. It looks like there’s no way to attach aero bars, which is important for us triathletes and ultra distance (I’m looking at you VRAAM) riders.
Actually, you can. Simply remove tablet holder if bars are longer. And they sell aero bar shifters too! UPS man arrived 10 mins after I hit publish in review. Will add a section in next week with aero bars written review.
Whilst all these smart bike companies market their bikes to families with multiple users I have yet to see one that offers a simple saddle swap out. My wife & I use the same bike on a Tacx neo but I swap out the seat post & saddle combo each time.
You can do that on this bike, Stages sell an additional seat post on their website.
Mine is coming in late May. I am dumping my Peloton bike. Peloton is terrible.
I have an old dumb spinning bike with a belt drive which is really quiet: my downstairs neighbors don’t hear a peep & TV sound does not need adjusting. That & comfortability & stability make it that I prefer spinning bikes like these over other trainers.
Yeah, the old spin bikes can be crazy quiet (same with Peloton bike). Challenge is that they don't generally integrate with any apps, and certainly don't have resistance controllable stuffs.
DC Rainmaker - nope, but putting pedal based power meters on might help with that...
Interesting. It’s basically a “Smart” version of the Concept BikeErg (which I ride). Now I know everyone is enamered with smart trainer but the C2 BikeErg is $990 compared to $3K for this...so is the “smarts” worth $2K? In the end we do this for fitness and fun and I get the same from my dumb BikeErg and actually now prefer controlling my wattage instead of the game doing it for me. Anyways great video and as the prices eventually come down I will have to put a price on “smart” in order to upgrade.
Are you still riding the Ergbike, or you upgraded to something else? I’m looking to get a bike and Ergbike is on my list too. I also have M3i on the list and this SB20. Peloton is a possibility too. Not sure which to get.
@@Marian1st. actually bought the SB20. I still have the bike erg which I like for training as I can lock in a wattage more easily but racing is more fun on the sb20.
I still hope not all of them go with the front thing. I use a laptop in front of me (above my front wheel). with that thing for and ipad or whatever I'd be screwed.
The tablet front end is fully removable.
@@Dcrainmaker That's good. I guess tacx bike is not which is a problem.
You can now pick one of these up from Decathlon for £1900 😀
Zwift needs to create one for $500 that works with common groupsets, bars, saddles. Nothing beats the feel of real components that are easily replaceable.
FYI the bike is sold out due to lack of parts. Mine was ordered mid October and still not available saying February. If you are on the fence and need a trainer this is going to be a deal breaker
Did you mean Stages in the video title?
Perhaps... Thanks!
@@Dcrainmaker no problem, missed the chance for an "oh deer" comment.
@@hugoyoung4890 DOH!!!!!
can it connect to Peleton app?
No, but not the fault of Stages. Peloton doesn't allow any bikes to connect to their apps. Just heart rate sensors and some cadence sensors.
@@Dcrainmaker except for the IC4 Schwinn!!!
It's worth a look and a review!
@@ibhaw9548 I don't believe the IC4 Schwinn can send data to the Peloton app, as no bikes can except the Peloton bike. Now, if you're saying the IC4 can connect to apps like Zwift/etc... - then that's true.
@@Dcrainmaker www.schwinnfitness.com/ic4-bike-peloton-connect.html and www.schwinnfitness.com/ic4-bike-zwift-connect.html I wonder how good their power meter though
Thanks for taking the time to respond, the answers are probably out there. There is a sizable socialmedia following for the IC4 and the truth lies somewhere in there. But I have not done a thorough research on it yet :)
@@Dcrainmaker But can a Peloton bike connect/integrate intoto Zwift or Trainer Road?
If you're an individual buyer stay away from Stages. They are bad at every aspect of taking care of the consumer.
I bought one. It’s been a nightmare.
Flywheel knocking.
Frame vibrations.
Power meters dropping out.
Seat angle won’t tighten.
Stages giving me the warranty run around.
Save your money!
You have a 10 year warranty which is unprecedented with any other company
Even Ray's demo unit is plagued with the flywheel/ bearing /shaft-housing issue. :(
Where did you get that from? I didn’t see any mention of
It?
Do you know if they shaft housing is discreet from the flywheel, or if the entire flywheel would have to be replaced if you were to run into an issue like it sounds like Ray encountered?
I think once smart bikes hit the £1500 price point they'll become very popular, and a good alternative to a £1k smart trainer and a budget bike to stay on it. Until then nearly £3k is a bit too pricey.
Yup - though, the Wattbike Atom actually started at 1499GBP...until last week when the price rose to 1899GBP with the new version. :-/
@@Dcrainmaker oh I must have missed that one! I'll keep an eye out for deals.
@@Dcrainmaker i thought i was imagining that i had read that low intro price for the Atom but obv it was real. Why did they do that? Just cos it wasnt 100% ready or something? How do you think the Atom stacks up against the rest?
@@gilleek2 It was that price until last week (so about 2 years). The new one has different internals, which in theory make shifting/responsiveness better. Also, demand is honestly high enough that the rest of their competitors are like $1,000+ more.
Interestingly. This Stages bike has just been reduced to £1699. The Atom has just increased this week to £2399.
Typo in title, should be "stages"
I don't understand - Stags ride bikes all the time? www.notonthehighstreet.com/benrotheryillustrator/product/stanley-the-cycling-stag-illustration-print
;)
Price ouch 🤕
Requiring CR 2032 batteries is a deal breaker for me. Also not giving you a push downhill and Zwift is another issue. Since it requires a wall outlet power they should’ve been able to power the Kranks through that and not require coin based batteries
I just want to scream shut up on the noise test sound that crazy how annoying he is broo
Awesome, glad you enjoyed it!
@@Dcrainmaker hahahaha yesss i enjoyed the video except the part to listen to the sound
I really don't get why anybody would buy this for personal use?
Its quiet , always clean, buttersmooth , and has a 10 year warranty, given tacx is only 2 years then ur on ur own and wahoo is 1 year .
@@SamLGND But it's huge and two and a half grand! I'd rather pay 800 for a smart trainer and put my road bike on it. Which I did.
@@StuntpilootStef the breakdown level of the typical smart trainers are extremely high. It wont last you 10 years i can assure u that... wahoo warranty is 1 year , tacx is 2 years then your fucked !
I don't mean any disrespect but how is this guy not in shape?
How am I not in shape?
The fuck are you talking about.
Do NOT buy this bike if you are a US customer as of this date! THere is zero customer service, even for brand-new nonfunctional bikes. I waited 8 weeks for service, heard from nobody, and ultimately had to contact my credit card company that refunded me the entire amount. The problem I had with my new bike is apparently not rare - they have an entire webpage devoted to it, and it's been mentioned online quite a few times (the 100% resistance problem) - it needs new circuit boards to fix, and as of today, rumor is that Stages is completely out - to the point someone on FB a few months ago had a whole new bike shipped to them rather than a board. In my case, ZERO customer service - for a $2700 bike. Totally unacceptable.
2 garmins and a phone and the tablet? Lmfao what a Joke.
It's to record the data, so I can give you accuracy data. Why is that a joke?