This is without question a very solid and will engineered piece of equipment. Personally I prefer the Kickr for the fact that you can change the attitude for climbing and descending and the shifters are much closer to those of an actual road bike. This feels more like a beefed up spinner bike to me whereas the Kickr seems closer to road bike. Thanks for the video and your opinions.
Thanks for the review. I’m looking forward to my Stages SB20 arriving and replacing my Tacx Neo 2 smart trainer. I love how quiet this bike is. I do agree regarding the unit not making a noise when you change gears. Same goes for the gimmicky Wahoo that angles up and down as you climb / descend 😂. I personally, think that’s so naff.
Hey there, I was so happy to see your review. I've had the Stages SB20 for about a month and a half. I agree on all your comments. I love this thing. I have had to call tech support twice. There was a learning curve to figuring how this thing works and using it to its true potential. I was on this morning 2 hours with them. Tech support is awesome. They walked me through LOTSA STUFF. I had also bought the Dash M50 and between that and my iPad I was getting frustrated figuring it all out. I am now off and running (or cycling in this case LOL). Still much learning going on. With this all said, I am totally happy with this bike and would purchase it again. Ride on my friend.....
i hope you see my comment: the brake is useful when you use zwift ERG MODE exemple you make a trainning program with ERG MODE with interval 100watt and 700w so when it will switch to 100watt u will do like 140spin in empty space so to prevent injury you use the brake (thank you to have see my comment)
I was "thisclose" to buying the Atom last week, but then saw one video which actually displayed how loud it was. Not horrible for a short ride, but I want to be able to have an extended ZWIFT ride and converse with co-riders over an app. I'm now just about ready to commit to StagesBike; some of the reasons were highlighted in the video: - Price...more than Atom, but less than Tacx and Wahoo - Crossbar / thigh-rub concern. Atom's bar is narrow, and probably OK. StagesBike eliminated the problem completely as the reviewer noted - Yes, Gen 1 product, but Stages has a solid history of building studio bikes - Ease of adjustment so that all the family can use it. Atom is good, but saddle fore/aft needs an Allen wrench It'll be one of the biggest purchases I've made in a long time, but being in New York, not having ridden outdoors since March since I don't want to risk an outdoor accident necessitating a visit to a hospital, I might be using it exclusively for some time. #StaySafe
That’s the same as myself. I had an Atom in my shopping cart and then did some research and could not believe the noise of it. So glad I did more research as the Stages seems so much better.
Thnx for the review. I have one in pre order end delivery end of June normally. The reason for going stages is easy adjustment and not to have fear for rubbing the frame with inner thighs. Bike will be used by complete household. So not risk to take an rubbing the frame.
Thanks. I wish someone who actually owns the Tacx or the Wahoo Bike would comment here and give everyone a better idea of whether the rubbing thing is a real issue or not for most people. I suspect that it's probably not a big deal, but it still spooked me because I wasn't able to try the product in advance and it seemed like an expensive risk.
It sounds like the mild vibration you mentioned is caused by the flywheel being slightly misaligned. Maybe something happened during shipping, it is a heavy flywheel after all. Have you addressed this with Stages? I have not felt any vibration at all.
I’m looking to get a bike. SB20 is on my list too. I also have on the list M3i - because it’s the best spin bike, C2 Ergbike - not sure why, but I like it. I think it’s great for doing intervals. Any thoughts?
I'm still riding this bike, years later. I have done exactly zero maintenance. I ride it approximately twice a week and have done more than 150 races on Zwift with it. Zwift says I've ridden it about 8,200 miles so far, 16 days, 20 hours of riding and 229,000 calories.
Would you recommend or not recommend this bike for someone that has never ridden outside but just want to use as a stationary bike??Older aged people??Can you use with sneakers??Dont want a Peloton bike or use their services .Thanks
Could you possibly help me out. If the saddle is fully forward and the handlebars are fully back , what is the shortest distance between them? I’m not the tallest of cyclists and don’t want to order a Stages bike if I have to over stretch, thanks 🙏
How does your wife like it for Peloton classes? What mode do you have the bike in and how do you have the gearing set up so you can make small enough adjustments to resistance?
My wife so far has not wanted to pay for the Peloton app, so she's using it with her own music and an interval app on her phone. But she uses it several times per week and likes the bike. The gearing options on the bike are just like a real bike, so there are plenty of gear options to choose from in small enough increments, compared to a knob.
Thanks What is the cable for?....should you connect it all the time? If you have a heart rate monitor, can you use it with the stages link app?....since there is no console, can you visualize power, speed, cadence, HR, time, etc in the app? Especially if you ride off line?
It plugs into the wall to get power, and I keep it plugged in. There are also some USB outlets and I have USB cables plugged into those. One keeps my iPad charged, and the other charges my phone as I ride.
How are you living with this post-Stages supposedly going bust? I heard Giant are buying them out? Do you think that's the end of these bikes or will they get re-labelled and shipped out again sometime soon as a V2 or sorts?
@@JimSmith-lf7bb I bought a Wahoo Kickr Bike V2 a few weeks ago. My Stages held up fine and is still in perfect condition and I’m selling it off. If they had made a V2 I would have considered it, but I felt like everyone else was improving and Stages wasn’t so I jumped ship.
this is a good review. I actually already bought the bike when i saw the video. Still picked up some helpful hints. I’m also finding the saddle uncomfortable and wondering if you have bought a new one that you can recommend. Much appreciated!
I am using the Bisaddle, which I really like. I can ride with a single pair of cycling shorts now, and no discomfort. My wife also uses the bike and also finds the saddle to be comfortable for her too. www.roadbikerider.com/bisaddle-adjustable-bike-saddle-review/
Thank you I have been riding stages bike for years and I love it, however the electronics are only covered for one year by the warranty and the fact that this model doesn’t come with pedals is disappointing to say the least as it is pretty pricey. I don’t mind the ambiguity surrounding the flywheel weight and the slim seat because I usually get used to it within two weeks of use. Overall, it is a good bike but I want to wait at least a year before buying it for personal use.
Great review thanks for sharing your thoughts. Pretty much every other review iv seen focused on the smarts side of things and it was refreshing to see what the actual ride and feel was like. Sounded very quiet too compared to the atom?
It is quiet. I use it with the Wahoo smart fan and listen to music when I ride anyway, so I don't think the loudness of a smart trainer or smart bike is very important when there's a loud fan running on you. I haven't ridden any other smart bike, so I don't know about their noise levels. But it is quieter than the Wahoo KICKR, which I used before I bought this.
I got nervous too when the android app couldn't find the bike at all. I opened a ticket and within a day they posted an update on the play store. Have you experienced any wattage dropouts? It's happened to me twice now where the power reading either in Stages Power app or Zwift gets glitchy and goes to 0 for a second before coming back on.
I have not experienced this problem. Stages has a FB group that I follow though, and I vaguely remember this coming up. I believe the solution was something about forcing the bike to send a Bluetooth signal instead of ANT or something along those lines. It's an option in the Stages app that says something like force Bluetooth. The FB group will have better info, because I only sort of remember reading about it once.
Thank you very much for this really informative video! I am also considering buying it. I would just like to know if you miss the up/downhill function of the Kickr bike. I wonder if this feature is worth it. I think I would prefer the stability of the SB20.
1. I mostly used mine for doing specific workouts, and the Kickr doesn't go up and down when you're in workout mode. 2. I wasn't that into it in general and it didn't add a lot for me in situations like when you're just riding Zwift. I think it's a compelling feature for some people, but not really for me. I didn't own a Kickr bike. I used a regular Kickr and I temporarily had access to the Kickr Climb to test it. At the end of the test I bought the Kickr to keep it (it was my introduction to smart trainers and the first one I used at that point, and it's a great trainer) but did not purchase a Climb and returned it after testing. It works great -- just not something I cared for much.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom Thanks for the quick answer! That confirms me I don't think the up and down function is important for me either. It's the same with shifting, it doesn't have to be simulated in all aspects I think. So I will decide for the SB20 when it is available again in Europe. Good rides!
I haven't tried the Kickr Climb, but just looking at it tells me that is something that is begging to break. From a guy who rides a steel singlespeed, no thanks.
Nice job. How's the distance between the pedals, same as road bike? The middle part doesn't interfere with knees which is great but I would be worried that my legs were too far apart.
I started to buy the Tacx, but then I saw a review that said something about thigh rubbing and I got spooked because there was no way to test one in advance. I didn't buy the Wahoo because it was too expensive. I chose the Stages because they have been making commercial spin bikes for years, so I felt they would have the best chance of a solid first generation smart bike because they have already worked out all the hardware issues.
Thanks for the video! I plan on purchasing a Smart Bike trainer in the next couple of weeks after having been considering a purchase since last fall. It is very hard to find videos like this where one feels they are getting the unvarnished opinion. I have a couple of questions. Do you know what the warranty is on the Stages bike? Does the Stages app show what gear you are currently in? Are you currently able to choose various gearing configurations with the app? Is there an audible or tactile click from the button when you shift? My other choice would be the Wahoo Kickr bike but like you buying from someone that knows how to build bikes makes sense. Thanks and RideON!
You can feel with your finger that you have clicked the shifter, but it doesn't make any kind of clicking sound. You can feel the pedaling get harder, but it is more subtle than a road bike gear change and the "ca-chunk" that happens. Gear display works on the Link app now, and will work in the future on other third party apps as they update. manuals.stagescycling.com/en/stages-bike/user-guide/pairing-devices/third-party-apps/ It says future firmware updates will allow you to change your gearing, but not currently. On their site: "The following terms apply to the U.S.A. market only and may be different in other regions, please contact your retailer or regional distributor for applicable warranty terms outside of the U.S.A. Frame: 15-years Drive belt: 10-years Mechanical Systems: 3-years Wear Items: 6-months"
Thank you for this video review. Some have mentioned that they can’t tell what gear they are actually in (like comparing to other smart bikes). Have you found this to be a problem for you? Also, what has been your longest ride? Any issues with increased saddle soreness with the bike so stationary? Thanks again for this video and time.
I personally feel that it doesn't matter which specific gear you are in. If it's too hard, you go into an easier gear. If it's too easy, you shift into a harder gear. Zwift is an imaginary course, so I don't understand why mimicking an exact gear is necessary or knowing that the gear you are in is a replica of a 39 x 15 or a 53 x 18. I don't look down to my exact gearing when I'm riding on the road either. It's big chainring or small chainring and up or down. So this criticism doesn't seem to be something that applies to me and I don't really see it as an issue for me. I'd say all trainers are about the same as far as sitting on a saddle. It's important to get a saddle that works well for you if the saddle that comes with it isn't right for you. The bike is no different than my previous Wahoo KICKR when it comes to saddle soreness. It's all about making sure to stand up now and then with any trainer, having good shorts, and having a saddle that works well for you. I've ridden as long as an hour and a half, but I typically do workouts in ERG mode that last from 45 minutes to an hour. I feel that's the most effective use of my time on a trainer.
RoadBikeRider.com Thanks for you response. I agree with the gearing. I guess the only time I concern myself with the gearing on the road bike on the smart training is to not have it on the extremes high/low to save the drive-train. I guess that doesn’t apply for the smart bike. I’ve been researching the options and find myself in the very same scenario as you shared. Thanks! Just got to find the right moment to pull the trigger. Side note: I have really enjoyed the Tacx Neo 2 as you probably with the kickr. Anyway, cheers. Keep riding and best wishes.
I don't need to know what gear I'm in, so the lack of gear display doesn't really bother me. I also don't care about mimicking an outdoor gearing setup (because I'm a mountain biker anyways, so road gears mean nothing to me). What does bother me is the too subtle nature of the shifting. The buttons have very little tactile feel or movement, and the bike changes gears so subtly and quietly that I'm never sure if I have changed a gear. Then I change again, and then I've over-geared, and have to go back ... you know the drill. I think Stages should make a set of shift levers that are much more tactile and have a distinct click when shifted, and I think the bike should provide some kind of vibration-like feedback when the bike has shifted.
This is a weird question, but here it goes! I sweat a lot! Sweat corrodes. In your opinion, are the components here sturdy enough to take a bit of sweat (I will probably get a sweat catcher, but they do not get it all.
I saw in one of the FB groups that some guy who was a super sweater rusted out part of his seat post where it drained down under his seat and was replacing his seat post part. I believe this could be an issue with any trainer. If it were me, I'd definitely use a sweat catcher. But I'd probably ALSO do something weird like put Saran Wrap around all the areas like the seat post where I was afraid sweat would penetrate. Then you could just replace the Saran Wrap every once in a while if it looked like it was getting gross.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom Thanks for the reply. I did a bit of extra research, and it looks like sweat is a common problem for spin bikes everywhere! This article had some nice tips, including with use of mist wax and by actually lubing all the nooks and crannies once a week. On the plus side, sin bike manufacturers, such as Stages, actually put their bikes through a pressurized tank to simulated the effects of salt over time. So let's hope they did it with this bike as well! www.athleticbusiness.com/Fitness-Training/sweat-can-damage-stationary-bikes-tarnish-a-facility-s-image.html
I prefer the Stages SB20 because I don't have to take my bike on and off. The KICKR is also good, but you have to use your bike on it and that puts wear and tear on your real bike.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom thanks. I dont have Road bike. I have two options: stages sb20 or buy and old bike and a wahoo kickr. What do you think is better , because the second option is more cheaper
@@sergionavarromartin2616 If the object is to save money, then go with the KICKR and old bike. It's fine.The KICKR is also good. For me, the SB20 was better because my wife also uses it and we can easily change the seat setting back and forth between us.
Hello , I ordered this bike after convincing ,y wife she can use it with Peloton, actually I don’t have a clue how to use it with peloton ? I am researching before the bike arrives , how can she change gears or come close to peloton resistance?
Basically, you just run the Peloton app on your phone or tablet while you're riding the bike. If you ride the bike without anything hooked up to it (because the app won't be controlling your SB20 directly in this case), clicking the gears will make it easier or harder to pedal. So she can basically replicate how much they turn the crank by shifting more times by clicking into several gears harder or easier.
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.
I've had my SB20 for a couple of weeks now. I see the 3-5 second latency when using Zwift in erg mode, especially when powering down. If I go from 250w to 120w, the pedals spin freely and the power goes way down until the SB20 catches up with my effort, then it levels out. So Zwift gives me the "Power up" message, but there's nothing I can do about it unless I want to pedal at 200rpm (and then when the SB20 does catch up, it'll take longer to level out). It's a bit annoying, but it's also very predictable, so once you get used to it you just realize you don't actually have to do anything at all and in a few seconds it's all good.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom Thanks, I have one more question at 17:10 you talk about a type of vibration. Does the vibration change at different rpm's and or force change. Example sample rpm just lower gear or higher gear or at different steady rpm's 90, 100, 110, 120. Thank you once again.
@@evesports3973 I believe it might be coming from the flywheel, but I think it's just related to the flywheel turning. It doesn't get any worse as you pedal faster that I can sense.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom I have the Kickr V5. It’s great. Had some teething issues with at first although it was user error. Not having any experience with trainers. Makes me wonder how many people send them back because a trainer is not what they expected or they feel something is wrong with it. People think it’s going to feel exactly like riding outdoors.
Thank You for thé vidéo.Do you know if it is possible to installe thé monitor or console ego has thé Stages SC3? Or do you think it is no necesary? Thé app vives you all thé Numbers in your phone? Was it necesary to put a little white ruband in thé pedals?
It will work with the Stages Dash. But I believe it is designed to work with a tablet like an iPad. The app gives you everything you need, and you can use a wide range of apps with the bike. manuals.stagescycling.com/en/stages-bike/user-guide/pairing-devices/third-party-apps/
I've considered one of these type of bikes. I;ve read some reviews on various brands where the bike seat broke off with a style like this. It makes me wonder if the bike seat really isn't meant to be sat on during the work out on these? Can anyone advise?
Stages makes spin bikes for commercial spin bike gyms where people sit on them and use them all day long. It is 100 percent meant to be sat on and designed for it.
I am considering buying this bike for me and my wife. I am a real cyclist (road bike and mountain bike). My wife is more of a spinning person. Is this bike also suitable for that?
Yes, but…. You know how some spin bikes don’t coast and you have to always pedal? This bike coasts like a real bicycle. But other than that you could do all the spin bike stuff on it and Stages actually makes spin bikes for commercial facilities so they know all about them.
Enjoyed your review, thanks! Based on your review and some others it sounds like Stages has to work through some software issues, but that shouldn't be a big deal. Did you have any issues with the power measurement (dropouts)?
I had a couple, but they were remedied with updating firmware, doing a zero reset, taking out batteries and replacing them. Any of these smartbikes rely on software and apps, which means wireless connections and firmware updates and all that stuff. You need to be fairly comfortable with that kind of thing to enjoy a bike like this. The batteries also only lasts a few months, and replacing them is an unnecessary pain in the ass - the thing is plugged in, for goodness sakes.
It is pretty quiet. I would estimate that it is quieter than my previous Wahoo Kickr, but not significantly. I run a big fan and also listen to music on my phone, so I have not noticed any noise at all. It is built like a tank, so it definitely isn't going to move around on the floor when you're sprinting and make any noise that way, for example.
It will communicate with the Zwift app to change resistance automatically as the situation demands. It gets harder to pedal as you climb, easier as you descend, etc.
Yes, it works with the Zwift app like Bob describes. Also, if you are doing any of the Zwift workouts in ERG mode, it will control the wattage for the bike that way just like with other smart trainers.
Just got one of these smart bikes, WARNING: the firmware wouldn't update, the flywheel gets untouchablele hot, the main broadcast for third party apps stops broadcasting after about an hour when pushing 300 - 350 watts ( in the middle of Zwift Races) as it has 3 broadcasts one for each crank arm and I believe one in the flywheel ( I would assume that picks up the two in the crank arms and rebroadcasts as one to the third party software ) so I can only assume the flywheel stops broadcasting when it gets too hot as the two in the crank arm still work while like I said the main broadcast dies, stages got in contact with me and told me that they are only a small team and not big enough to deal with the issues I had with the bike, so if you looking to buy this bike it's highly likely your not going to get support or if you do don't expect to much from it. Bottom line DON'T BUY ONE there trouble, but the good points are, I will say they are a great bike to ride, great when it does work in fact I would go as far as saying it's fantastic to use WHEN working, I really love it WHEN it's working but the problems just make it not worth the money maybe if you have it to throw away. Or if you really want it wait at least a year until they resolve the issues, they seem to be like garmin put the product out there and let it's use IRL be its R&D. I have used Neo, Neo2, Wahoo, WattBike if they resolved the issues it would be by far the best of that group, I have no doubt about that but but but!
@@SamLGND it's actually zwift that causes the problems for this bike, stages managed to resolve some or most of the issues they had but zwift, well for years there not great at resolving issus so i would imagine it will be sometime before zwift gets it right for this bike
@RoadBikeRider.com Can you comment on if your flywheel gets hot? This doesn't make any sense to me as it is a magnetic system and not a friction based system? Thank you
@@justandrew3599 It gets very hot and I'm in Ireland, I use a good fan and it seems to stay hot but not letting it get too hot, over time some of the issues have been resolved, I have realised that Zwift is a problem, other software so far seems to be ok and the Watts are fine, example of which is I did a TT on Zwift and avg 524 watts, errrrmmm I dont think so, but yet there is was, stages got me to test the power meters there fine and they are with other software and Zwift have yet to resolve the issue ? I seen a similar issue with the watt bike pro a few years back while being used with Zwift ?
Great review. I ordered my stage sb20 a week ago. Can’t wait to receive it. Your review confirms I made the right decision.
This is without question a very solid and will engineered piece of equipment. Personally I prefer the Kickr for the fact that you can change the attitude for climbing and descending and the shifters are much closer to those of an actual road bike. This feels more like a beefed up spinner bike to me whereas the Kickr seems closer to road bike. Thanks for the video and your opinions.
Thanks for the review. I’m looking forward to my Stages SB20 arriving and replacing my Tacx Neo 2 smart trainer. I love how quiet this bike is.
I do agree regarding the unit not making a noise when you change gears. Same goes for the gimmicky Wahoo that angles up and down as you climb / descend 😂. I personally, think that’s so naff.
My next purchase was going to be a new bike to upgrade my Allez sprint. Decided to get one of these and upgrade the engine. Great review.
Hey there, I was so happy to see your review. I've had the Stages SB20 for about a month and a half. I agree on all your comments. I love this thing. I have had to call tech support twice. There was a learning curve to figuring how this thing works and using it to its true potential. I was on this morning 2 hours with them. Tech support is awesome. They walked me through LOTSA STUFF. I had also bought the Dash M50 and between that and my iPad I was getting frustrated figuring it all out. I am now off and running (or cycling in this case LOL). Still much learning going on. With this all said, I am totally happy with this bike and would purchase it again. Ride on my friend.....
i hope you see my comment: the brake is useful when you use zwift ERG MODE exemple you make a trainning program with ERG MODE with interval 100watt and 700w so when it will switch to 100watt u will do like 140spin in empty space so to prevent injury you use the brake (thank you to have see my comment)
Thank you for a very indepth and helpful video. I have been umming and aahhing over which one was going to grace my shed.
I was "thisclose" to buying the Atom last week, but then saw one video which actually displayed how loud it was. Not horrible for a short ride, but I want to be able to have an extended ZWIFT ride and converse with co-riders over an app. I'm now just about ready to commit to StagesBike; some of the reasons were highlighted in the video:
- Price...more than Atom, but less than Tacx and Wahoo
- Crossbar / thigh-rub concern. Atom's bar is narrow, and probably OK. StagesBike eliminated the problem completely as the reviewer noted
- Yes, Gen 1 product, but Stages has a solid history of building studio bikes
- Ease of adjustment so that all the family can use it. Atom is good, but saddle fore/aft needs an Allen wrench
It'll be one of the biggest purchases I've made in a long time, but being in New York, not having ridden outdoors since March since I don't want to risk an outdoor accident necessitating a visit to a hospital, I might be using it exclusively for some time. #StaySafe
That is very similar to my own reasoning. I personally think you could be happy with any of the new models, but I'm still glad I chose what I did.
That’s the same as myself. I had an Atom in my shopping cart and then did some research and could not believe the noise of it. So glad I did more research as the Stages seems so much better.
Thnx for the review. I have one in pre order end delivery end of June normally. The reason for going stages is easy adjustment and not to have fear for rubbing the frame with inner thighs. Bike will be used by complete household. So not risk to take an rubbing the frame.
Thanks. I wish someone who actually owns the Tacx or the Wahoo Bike would comment here and give everyone a better idea of whether the rubbing thing is a real issue or not for most people. I suspect that it's probably not a big deal, but it still spooked me because I wasn't able to try the product in advance and it seemed like an expensive risk.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom I trust DCRainMaker, and he says it's an issue.
Thank you! Good review
Not fancy, but the info is exactly what I needed, and doesn't seem biased. Thanks!
Great review, thanks for sharing
Based on a chat with Shane from gplama the breaks are great for sprint training to hit super high numbers fast
My friend bought one of these bikes....great review.
It sounds like the mild vibration you mentioned is caused by the flywheel being slightly misaligned. Maybe something happened during shipping, it is a heavy flywheel after all. Have you addressed this with Stages? I have not felt any vibration at all.
I’m looking to get a bike. SB20 is on my list too. I also have on the list M3i - because it’s the best spin bike, C2 Ergbike - not sure why, but I like it. I think it’s great for doing intervals.
Any thoughts?
Thanks a lot for sharing this!
Can you comment on maintenance of the Stages bike? Thanks
I'm still riding this bike, years later. I have done exactly zero maintenance. I ride it approximately twice a week and have done more than 150 races on Zwift with it. Zwift says I've ridden it about 8,200 miles so far, 16 days, 20 hours of riding and 229,000 calories.
Would you recommend or not recommend this bike for someone that has never ridden outside but just want to use as a stationary bike??Older aged people??Can you use with sneakers??Dont want a Peloton bike or use their services .Thanks
Really helpful review
Could you possibly help me out. If the saddle is fully forward and the handlebars are fully back , what is the shortest distance between them? I’m not the tallest of cyclists and don’t want to order a Stages bike if I have to over stretch, thanks 🙏
Hi, My boyfriend and I are looking to buy a smart bike trainer. And I was wondering if the Stages SB20 is also good for spinning classes.
Thanks.
How does your wife like it for Peloton classes? What mode do you have the bike in and how do you have the gearing set up so you can make small enough adjustments to resistance?
My wife so far has not wanted to pay for the Peloton app, so she's using it with her own music and an interval app on her phone. But she uses it several times per week and likes the bike. The gearing options on the bike are just like a real bike, so there are plenty of gear options to choose from in small enough increments, compared to a knob.
Very thorough, thank you.
Thanks
What is the cable for?....should you connect it all the time?
If you have a heart rate monitor, can you use it with the stages link app?....since there is no console, can you visualize power, speed, cadence, HR, time, etc in the app? Especially if you ride off line?
It plugs into the wall to get power, and I keep it plugged in. There are also some USB outlets and I have USB cables plugged into those. One keeps my iPad charged, and the other charges my phone as I ride.
How are you living with this post-Stages supposedly going bust?
I heard Giant are buying them out? Do you think that's the end of these bikes or will they get re-labelled and shipped out again sometime soon as a V2 or sorts?
@@JimSmith-lf7bb I bought a Wahoo Kickr Bike V2 a few weeks ago. My Stages held up fine and is still in perfect condition and I’m selling it off. If they had made a V2 I would have considered it, but I felt like everyone else was improving and Stages wasn’t so I jumped ship.
this is a good review. I actually already bought the bike when i saw the video. Still picked up some helpful hints. I’m also finding the saddle uncomfortable and wondering if you have bought a new one that you can recommend. Much appreciated!
I am using the Bisaddle, which I really like. I can ride with a single pair of cycling shorts now, and no discomfort. My wife also uses the bike and also finds the saddle to be comfortable for her too. www.roadbikerider.com/bisaddle-adjustable-bike-saddle-review/
Thank you I have been riding stages bike for years and I love it, however the electronics are only covered for one year by the warranty and the fact that this model doesn’t come with pedals is disappointing to say the least as it is pretty pricey. I don’t mind the ambiguity surrounding the flywheel weight and the slim seat because I usually get used to it within two weeks of use. Overall, it is a good bike but I want to wait at least a year before buying it for personal use.
Great review thanks for sharing your thoughts. Pretty much every other review iv seen focused on the smarts side of things and it was refreshing to see what the actual ride and feel was like. Sounded very quiet too compared to the atom?
It is quiet. I use it with the Wahoo smart fan and listen to music when I ride anyway, so I don't think the loudness of a smart trainer or smart bike is very important when there's a loud fan running on you. I haven't ridden any other smart bike, so I don't know about their noise levels. But it is quieter than the Wahoo KICKR, which I used before I bought this.
I got nervous too when the android app couldn't find the bike at all. I opened a ticket and within a day they posted an update on the play store. Have you experienced any wattage dropouts? It's happened to me twice now where the power reading either in Stages Power app or Zwift gets glitchy and goes to 0 for a second before coming back on.
I have not experienced this problem. Stages has a FB group that I follow though, and I vaguely remember this coming up. I believe the solution was something about forcing the bike to send a Bluetooth signal instead of ANT or something along those lines. It's an option in the Stages app that says something like force Bluetooth. The FB group will have better info, because I only sort of remember reading about it once.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom Thanks I'll give that a shot
Maybe I missed it but where do I get one from? Zwift sells them but is there a different dealer?
Thank you very much for this really informative video! I am also considering buying it. I would just like to know if you miss the up/downhill function of the Kickr bike. I wonder if this feature is worth it. I think I would prefer the stability of the SB20.
1. I mostly used mine for doing specific workouts, and the Kickr doesn't go up and down when you're in workout mode. 2. I wasn't that into it in general and it didn't add a lot for me in situations like when you're just riding Zwift. I think it's a compelling feature for some people, but not really for me. I didn't own a Kickr bike. I used a regular Kickr and I temporarily had access to the Kickr Climb to test it. At the end of the test I bought the Kickr to keep it (it was my introduction to smart trainers and the first one I used at that point, and it's a great trainer) but did not purchase a Climb and returned it after testing. It works great -- just not something I cared for much.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom Thanks for the quick answer! That confirms me I don't think the up and down function is important for me either. It's the same with shifting, it doesn't have to be simulated in all aspects I think. So I will decide for the SB20 when it is available again in Europe. Good rides!
I haven't tried the Kickr Climb, but just looking at it tells me that is something that is begging to break. From a guy who rides a steel singlespeed, no thanks.
Nice job. How's the distance between the pedals, same as road bike? The middle part doesn't interfere with knees which is great but I would be worried that my legs were too far apart.
VeloNews measured and said, "The bike's Q-Factor is 157mm, which is slightly wider than a standard road bike, but inline with a mountain bike."
thx for the vdo is helpful
Before you buy it, did you compare with the tacx neo bike or tue kickr bike from Wahoo?
Why did you chose this one ?
I started to buy the Tacx, but then I saw a review that said something about thigh rubbing and I got spooked because there was no way to test one in advance. I didn't buy the Wahoo because it was too expensive. I chose the Stages because they have been making commercial spin bikes for years, so I felt they would have the best chance of a solid first generation smart bike because they have already worked out all the hardware issues.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom Thank you for your reply. I do the same reasoning. At the moment I cannot test any, I will wait a little longer
Thanks for the video! I plan on purchasing a Smart Bike trainer in the next couple of weeks after having been considering a purchase since last fall. It is very hard to find videos like this where one feels they are getting the unvarnished opinion. I have a couple of questions. Do you know what the warranty is on the Stages bike? Does the Stages app show what gear you are currently in? Are you currently able to choose various gearing configurations with the app? Is there an audible or tactile click from the button when you shift? My other choice would be the Wahoo Kickr bike but like you buying from someone that knows how to build bikes makes sense. Thanks and RideON!
You can feel with your finger that you have clicked the shifter, but it doesn't make any kind of clicking sound. You can feel the pedaling get harder, but it is more subtle than a road bike gear change and the "ca-chunk" that happens.
Gear display works on the Link app now, and will work in the future on other third party apps as they update.
manuals.stagescycling.com/en/stages-bike/user-guide/pairing-devices/third-party-apps/
It says future firmware updates will allow you to change your gearing, but not currently.
On their site: "The following terms apply to the U.S.A. market only and may be different in other regions, please contact your retailer or regional distributor for applicable warranty terms outside of the U.S.A.
Frame: 15-years
Drive belt: 10-years Mechanical Systems: 3-years Wear Items: 6-months"
@@roadbikeriderdotcom Thanks, that was very helpful. They must have finally posted the warranty info on their site.
Thank you for this video review. Some have mentioned that they can’t tell what gear they are actually in (like comparing to other smart bikes). Have you found this to be a problem for you? Also, what has been your longest ride? Any issues with increased saddle soreness with the bike so stationary? Thanks again for this video and time.
I personally feel that it doesn't matter which specific gear you are in. If it's too hard, you go into an easier gear. If it's too easy, you shift into a harder gear. Zwift is an imaginary course, so I don't understand why mimicking an exact gear is necessary or knowing that the gear you are in is a replica of a 39 x 15 or a 53 x 18. I don't look down to my exact gearing when I'm riding on the road either. It's big chainring or small chainring and up or down. So this criticism doesn't seem to be something that applies to me and I don't really see it as an issue for me.
I'd say all trainers are about the same as far as sitting on a saddle. It's important to get a saddle that works well for you if the saddle that comes with it isn't right for you. The bike is no different than my previous Wahoo KICKR when it comes to saddle soreness. It's all about making sure to stand up now and then with any trainer, having good shorts, and having a saddle that works well for you.
I've ridden as long as an hour and a half, but I typically do workouts in ERG mode that last from 45 minutes to an hour. I feel that's the most effective use of my time on a trainer.
RoadBikeRider.com Thanks for you response. I agree with the gearing. I guess the only time I concern myself with the gearing on the road bike on the smart training is to not have it on the extremes high/low to save the drive-train. I guess that doesn’t apply for the smart bike. I’ve been researching the options and find myself in the very same scenario as you shared. Thanks! Just got to find the right moment to pull the trigger. Side note: I have really enjoyed the Tacx Neo 2 as you probably with the kickr. Anyway, cheers. Keep riding and best wishes.
I don't need to know what gear I'm in, so the lack of gear display doesn't really bother me. I also don't care about mimicking an outdoor gearing setup (because I'm a mountain biker anyways, so road gears mean nothing to me). What does bother me is the too subtle nature of the shifting. The buttons have very little tactile feel or movement, and the bike changes gears so subtly and quietly that I'm never sure if I have changed a gear. Then I change again, and then I've over-geared, and have to go back ... you know the drill. I think Stages should make a set of shift levers that are much more tactile and have a distinct click when shifted, and I think the bike should provide some kind of vibration-like feedback when the bike has shifted.
This is a weird question, but here it goes! I sweat a lot! Sweat corrodes. In your opinion, are the components here sturdy enough to take a bit of sweat (I will probably get a sweat catcher, but they do not get it all.
I saw in one of the FB groups that some guy who was a super sweater rusted out part of his seat post where it drained down under his seat and was replacing his seat post part. I believe this could be an issue with any trainer.
If it were me, I'd definitely use a sweat catcher. But I'd probably ALSO do something weird like put Saran Wrap around all the areas like the seat post where I was afraid sweat would penetrate. Then you could just replace the Saran Wrap every once in a while if it looked like it was getting gross.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom Thanks for the reply. I did a bit of extra research, and it looks like sweat is a common problem for spin bikes everywhere! This article had some nice tips, including with use of mist wax and by actually lubing all the nooks and crannies once a week. On the plus side, sin bike manufacturers, such as Stages, actually put their bikes through a pressurized tank to simulated the effects of salt over time. So let's hope they did it with this bike as well! www.athleticbusiness.com/Fitness-Training/sweat-can-damage-stationary-bikes-tarnish-a-facility-s-image.html
Thanks for the Video . Witch is better, this bike or wahoo kickr direct drive? Thanks
I prefer the Stages SB20 because I don't have to take my bike on and off. The KICKR is also good, but you have to use your bike on it and that puts wear and tear on your real bike.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom thanks. I dont have Road bike. I have two options: stages sb20 or buy and old bike and a wahoo kickr. What do you think is better , because the second option is more cheaper
@@sergionavarromartin2616 If the object is to save money, then go with the KICKR and old bike. It's fine.The KICKR is also good. For me, the SB20 was better because my wife also uses it and we can easily change the seat setting back and forth between us.
Hello , I ordered this bike after convincing ,y wife she can use it with Peloton, actually I don’t have a clue how to use it with peloton ? I am researching before the bike arrives , how can she change gears or come close to peloton resistance?
Basically, you just run the Peloton app on your phone or tablet while you're riding the bike. If you ride the bike without anything hooked up to it (because the app won't be controlling your SB20 directly in this case), clicking the gears will make it easier or harder to pedal. So she can basically replicate how much they turn the crank by shifting more times by clicking into several gears harder or easier.
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.
I have never noticed any real difference with it on Zwift compared to the Kickr trainer I was using before I bought it.
I've had my SB20 for a couple of weeks now. I see the 3-5 second latency when using Zwift in erg mode, especially when powering down. If I go from 250w to 120w, the pedals spin freely and the power goes way down until the SB20 catches up with my effort, then it levels out. So Zwift gives me the "Power up" message, but there's nothing I can do about it unless I want to pedal at 200rpm (and then when the SB20 does catch up, it'll take longer to level out). It's a bit annoying, but it's also very predictable, so once you get used to it you just realize you don't actually have to do anything at all and in a few seconds it's all good.
What is this "swift" you keep mentioning? All I've heard of is zwift lol
Nice review. How does the transition between freewheel and power engagement feel?
Sort of like a bike with a Gates belt drive. It doesn't feel like a chain and cassette. It engages right away.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom Thanks, I have one more question at 17:10 you talk about a type of vibration. Does the vibration change at different rpm's and or force change. Example sample rpm just lower gear or higher gear or at different steady rpm's 90, 100, 110, 120. Thank you once again.
@@evesports3973 I believe it might be coming from the flywheel, but I think it's just related to the flywheel turning. It doesn't get any worse as you pedal faster that I can sense.
This is the smart bike I want to get. I’m stuck between this and the wahoo.
You can’t go too wrong with either one in my opinion. I think wahoo makes good stuff too. I’m still happy with the stages.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom I have the Kickr V5. It’s great. Had some teething issues with at first although it was user error. Not having any experience with trainers. Makes me wonder how many people send them back because a trainer is not what they expected or they feel something is wrong with it. People think it’s going to feel exactly like riding outdoors.
Thank You for thé vidéo.Do you know if it is possible to installe thé monitor or console ego has thé Stages SC3?
Or do you think it is no necesary? Thé app vives you all thé Numbers in your phone?
Was it necesary to put a little white ruband in thé pedals?
It will work with the Stages Dash. But I believe it is designed to work with a tablet like an iPad. The app gives you everything you need, and you can use a wide range of apps with the bike.
manuals.stagescycling.com/en/stages-bike/user-guide/pairing-devices/third-party-apps/
RoadBikeRider.com
Thank you
I will confirm if I get one....It is probably soon ....
I've considered one of these type of bikes. I;ve read some reviews on various brands where the bike seat broke off with a style like this. It makes me wonder if the bike seat really isn't meant to be sat on during the work out on these? Can anyone advise?
Stages makes spin bikes for commercial spin bike gyms where people sit on them and use them all day long. It is 100 percent meant to be sat on and designed for it.
@@roadbikeriderdotcom Awesome! Thanks for the update.
If the seat breaks off your SB20, it's you, not the bike. This thing is a tank.
I am considering buying this bike for me and my wife. I am a real cyclist (road bike and mountain bike). My wife is more of a spinning person. Is this bike also suitable for that?
Yes, but…. You know how some spin bikes don’t coast and you have to always pedal?
This bike coasts like a real bicycle. But other than that you could do all the spin bike stuff on it and Stages actually makes spin bikes for commercial facilities so they know all about them.
Enjoyed your review, thanks! Based on your review and some others it sounds like Stages has to work through some software issues, but that shouldn't be a big deal. Did you have any issues with the power measurement (dropouts)?
I have not had any power measurement dropout problems with the Stages, and never had any with my Wahoo KICKR either.
I had a couple, but they were remedied with updating firmware, doing a zero reset, taking out batteries and replacing them. Any of these smartbikes rely on software and apps, which means wireless connections and firmware updates and all that stuff. You need to be fairly comfortable with that kind of thing to enjoy a bike like this. The batteries also only lasts a few months, and replacing them is an unnecessary pain in the ass - the thing is plugged in, for goodness sakes.
How is sound level of bike when riding?
It is pretty quiet. I would estimate that it is quieter than my previous Wahoo Kickr, but not significantly. I run a big fan and also listen to music on my phone, so I have not noticed any noise at all. It is built like a tank, so it definitely isn't going to move around on the floor when you're sprinting and make any noise that way, for example.
Does this bike automatically control resistance in zwift?
It will communicate with the Zwift app to change resistance automatically as the situation demands. It gets harder to pedal as you climb, easier as you descend, etc.
Yes, it works with the Zwift app like Bob describes. Also, if you are doing any of the Zwift workouts in ERG mode, it will control the wattage for the bike that way just like with other smart trainers.
Very helpful 👏
Bike still going strong??
Yes, I am still using it at least twice a week and Zwift racing on it.
I want one of these
Stages said they were doing some updates to the sb20 at the end of May. Do you know what they are and how they are going?
I don't know, but Stages has a FB group for the bike and they'd probably know there. facebook.com/groups/StagesBikeOwnersGroup
Just got one of these smart bikes, WARNING: the firmware wouldn't update, the flywheel gets untouchablele hot, the main broadcast for third party apps stops broadcasting after about an hour when pushing 300 - 350 watts ( in the middle of Zwift Races) as it has 3 broadcasts one for each crank arm and I believe one in the flywheel ( I would assume that picks up the two in the crank arms and rebroadcasts as one to the third party software ) so I can only assume the flywheel stops broadcasting when it gets too hot as the two in the crank arm still work while like I said the main broadcast dies, stages got in contact with me and told me that they are only a small team and not big enough to deal with the issues I had with the bike, so if you looking to buy this bike it's highly likely your not going to get support or if you do don't expect to much from it.
Bottom line DON'T BUY ONE there trouble, but the good points are, I will say they are a great bike to ride, great when it does work in fact I would go as far as saying it's fantastic to use WHEN working, I really love it WHEN it's working but the problems just make it not worth the money maybe if you have it to throw away.
Or if you really want it wait at least a year until they resolve the issues, they seem to be like garmin put the product out there and let it's use IRL be its R&D.
I have used Neo, Neo2, Wahoo, WattBike if they resolved the issues it would be by far the best of that group, I have no doubt about that but but but!
Damn your comment is changing my mind
@@SamLGND it's actually zwift that causes the problems for this bike, stages managed to resolve some or most of the issues they had but zwift, well for years there not great at resolving issus so i would imagine it will be sometime before zwift gets it right for this bike
@RoadBikeRider.com Can you comment on if your flywheel gets hot? This doesn't make any sense to me as it is a magnetic system and not a friction based system? Thank you
@@justandrew3599 It gets very hot and I'm in Ireland, I use a good fan and it seems to stay hot but not letting it get too hot, over time some of the issues have been resolved, I have realised that Zwift is a problem, other software so far seems to be ok and the Watts are fine, example of which is I did a TT on Zwift and avg 524 watts, errrrmmm I dont think so, but yet there is was, stages got me to test the power meters there fine and they are with other software and Zwift have yet to resolve the issue ? I seen a similar issue with the watt bike pro a few years back while being used with Zwift ?
I have had no flywheel problems or any other problems other than the setting up issue that I describe in the video.
Have you tried the steering on Repack Ridge in Zwift? Can you do a video on that?
I have not tried steering yet. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to check it out.
Does anyone know another Spinning bike that has this feature of being able to stop pedaling and the wheel keeps spinning?
That’s what makes it a SPIN bike!
There's a thriving StagesBike Owners Group on Facebook with a great discussion on this bike: facebook.com/groups/StagesBikeOwnersGroup/
Thanks. I was not aware of that group.