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Showing posts from December, 2023

SB20 - Zwift Connection Error

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December 20, 2025 Update: This bug is still present in Zwift Release 1.104.3 Bug Summary: Stages Bike is not listed as Resistance controller when Stages Power Meter is selected for both Power Source and Cadence . History For almost two four years, the  Stages SB20 bike has had an issue connecting to Zwift.   On seemingly random occasions, the  Stages Bike  is not shown as a  Resistance  option on the Paired Devices page. This bug is easy to reproduce on iOS devices (iPads and iPhones) using Bluetooth.  Stages Bike Resistance Bug Before starting, do some pedalling to wake up the Stages Power Meter cranks .   Open the Paired Devices screen. Click Power Source to continue. Select the  Left Crank  for  Power Source . Select the  Left Crank  for  Cadence . Since Left Crank selected for both Power Source and Cadence ,  Stages Bike is not listed. Note: If Stages Bike is listed ,  exit  and...

Stages Power Meter Battery Tips

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When doing my 3 month test on Batteries and SB20 Power Meter Accuracy  I did many power meter battery changes. Here are some interesting things I found. Button Cells Stages power meters use CR2032 button cell batteries. Their naming is logical enough.  The first letter for  chemistry : C=Lithium, L=Alkaline and S=Silver, is a bit confusing.      "Mark" Batteries Before Using Them I paint unique markings on all new batteries  before installing them.   I changed batteries from new to old - and back - dozens of times in the past few months. I dropped batteries on the floor more than once. A unique mark lets me distinguish new from old . Easy Battery Removal I stumbled on this Stages battery removal trick:  Push the battery inward , opposite the side contact.  Rejuvenating Battery Contacts My power meters are 3 years old. Its battery contacts have become slightly flattened . Pushing them back to their original position is a delicate but ea...

Batteries and SB20 Power Meters

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Today's question: How does battery level affect SB20 power meter measurement? Let's do a deep dive and find out! My Overall Takeaways I recommend battery change interval to be 100-150 hours. Be careful with battery level estimates. Battery levels  do tell  when the battery is healthy (when 90-100%).  Estimates then to drop off after this . Nowadays, I use  BattView   to watch for when my PMs drop below 90%. This corresponds to around 150 hours and is a good time for me to replace my batteries.  Note: You may have different thresholds. If I had a really important indoor event, I would consider replacing batteries if I was near the 150 hour or 90% remaining threshold.  In-Depth Measurements Replaceable Batteries The Stages SB20 power meters have replaceable batteries. An advantage: No degradation of built-in batteries as the power meters age. A disadvantage: No ability to top up batteries to 100% whenever you wish. Battery Life CR2032 button cell b...

Comparing Power Meters with ZwiftPower

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In a previous post, I showed how to record data from two power meters and analyze results in a spreadsheet: Comparing Power Meters with a Spreadsheet . Today's post shows how to do power meter comparisons using ZwiftPower - and no spreadsheets 🤓. ZwiftPower Dual Power Meter Analysis Tool The ZwiftPower.com web site has a tool for comparing power meters. It works best with a Zwift activity (race, workout, group ride or whatever) although the method described here lets you compare any FIT activity files from other sites like Rouvy.com or TrainerDay.com .  Note: Comparing power meters is only useful if one or more of the power meters has been calibrated with a torque test . Skip this test and you won't know which power meter is incorrect when differences are found . Comparing SB20 Smart Bike with Garmin Rally Pedals In this example, I use my Stages SB20 smart bike to compare power readings with a set of Garmin Rally pedals.  I do a structured workout where Zwift records pow...

3D Printed Indoor and Outdoor Saddles

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Like many riders, I use the same saddle on both my indoor and outdoor bikes. I had the option to buy a cheaper and heavier version of this 3D printed saddle for indoors. That was nice. Zeus 3D Printed Saddle I bought the $50 nylon frame version for indoors and the lighter $65 full carbon version for outdoors. The outdoor saddle is 2 years old with 12,000 kms and still looks like new. The indoor saddle will likely outlast me.  For the small price difference, I recommend the carbon version. I just wanted to say I paid less for the heavier indoor saddle 🙂. This is the most comfortable saddle I have ever used. That's personal of course. The saddle is average width with wider than normal nose. I had no idea this design was good for me until I tried it. At 165 grams for the outdoor carbon version, it's also the lightest saddle I've owned. For those who care... The Ensolite-like  honeycomb padding is 3D printed.  It is bonded to a carbon fibre or nylon outer frame, depending o...