It builds up Wahoo’s well-proven smart trainer tech from the regular Kickr, but swaps the belt-drive system for an electromagnetic design capable of handling 2,200 watts. Innovative bike features, such as the aluminum frame, CarbonGlyde, magnetic braking system, FitLoc, and SprintShift make it the simplest bike to maintain. Get £10 off when you spend £50 at Donald Russell, Discover award-winning meat, delivered straight to your door. For power reference, I, New Year, Fitter You. The unlimited connectivity of the SB20 Smart Bike Which smart trainers are compatible with Zwift, TrainerRoad, The Sufferfest, RGT Cycling and Rouvy? StagesBikes has four control modes that give the rider a Real Bike Feel. There’s simulated gear shifting too. Pros: Surface treatments, realistic shift feel, integrated computer with gear indicator, good stability, Cons: Short, wide frame causes rub at many riders’ legs and cockpit too short for some riders. If you’re growing to love cycling in the great indoors (particularly given the current. For power reference, I used a set of Garmin Vector 3 pedals that I have in turn tested against meters from Shimano, Quarq and Stages. Stages has the best frame clearance of the four bikes, thanks to the seat tube design that sits behind the rider instead of between the legs. Like other smart bikes and smart trainers, there’s also an ‘ergo’ mode that lets you train at constant power. Unlike the other bikes featured here, this one isn’t really designed specifically with cyclists in mind. It costs £1,599 and again aims for adjustability, so you can find a similar position to your road bike, but crank length is fixed. The Stages SC3 is the global leader in premium indoor cycling. By entering your details, you are agreeing to BikeRadar terms and conditions and privacy policy. Peloton is a closed system so you won’t be able to hook it up to apps like The Sufferfest or Zwift. Despite the adverse publicity generated by its Christmas ad, Peloton’s exercise bike is another indoor training option. The main bummer of the Neo Bike is the frame; at 6cm wide, the seat tube rubs the inside of many riders’ legs, and the saddle support beam can also chafe. The latest addition to Wahoo’s attempt at indoor training domination is the Kickr Bike. Stages is the first company at Eurobike 2019 to bring a new smart bike to market, though, it’s hardly the first smart-ish bike they’ve made. So in my case, I have a very high quality Stages SB20 Smart Bike, manufactured by the company that makes commercial spin bikes that you’ve probably ridden if you go to spin classes. It’s important to note that smart bikes are different than a normal indoor bike like you may have used in a gym or even the higher-end electronic home models like a Peloton. The initial WattBike had a large resistance dial akin to a gym bike. A smart bike is geared towards the needs of the cyclist in other ways, too. We’re a company built by industry experts: from engineers to designers, sales professionals to elite bike racers.. We’re a global company with bikes all over the world, yet remain agile, responsive and personable.. Our focus is pure. You've been subscribed to our newsletter. The smartphone pad and tablet holder are handy for indoor riding, as are the two USB charging ports, and two water bottle holders. These can be great tools for the gym-class crowd, but if you’re looking for power-based training and virtual racing, they don’t work. Also, apparently the spelling of ‘Stages Bike’, is without a space now. Buyer’s guide to indoor bikes | Everything you need to know about smart bikes, The turbo has long been a staple of cyclists’ training routines and, is now more enjoyable and realistic than ever, thanks to the growing popularity of. Stages Power Meter Gen 1 / Gen 2 Firmware Release Details and History. Some smart trainers will essentially seize up on you, as they take the ‘power=rpm x torque’ formula very literally. In fact, smart bikes were one of the emerging trends we spotted at last year’s Eurobike trade show, where we saw brands like Wahoo and Stages joining established indoor bike manufacturers like Wattbike by launching new products. Like other smart bikes and smart trainers, there’s also an ‘ergo’ mode that lets you train at constant power. Get 15% Off Membership →. Like the Kickr Bike, it’s another new entrant which debuted at the end of 2019, although it’s not yet commercially available. He was into gravel before it was even invented, riding a cyclocross bike across the South Downs and along muddy paths through the Chilterns. They’ll also let you challenge your mates, embark on a training plan or simply ride against others. If I were to buy one, I would go with either the StagesBike or the Kickr Bike. Pros: Excellent stability, good leg clearance, integrated tablet holder, Cons: One (170mm) crank length, no accessory tray or USB charger, Allen bolts required for many adjustments. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. The turbo has long been a staple of cyclists’ training routines and indoor cycling is now more enjoyable and realistic than ever, thanks to the growing popularity of smart trainers and training apps. Stages SB20 smart bike review A serious training tool for the serious indoor cyclist By Josh Ross 31 October 2020 Stages' proprietary, easy to use fore-aft adjustments are a simple, quick way to get the perfect bike fit. The main downside to the Kickr Bike – beside the price – is that it is the least stable of the four smart bikes. Best indoor bikes: buyer's guide to smart bikes - BikeRadar An all-in-one piece of training equipment, the Stages SB20 Smart Bike replicates authentic road feel with responsive electronic resistance for climbing, accelerating, and coasting as well as configurable shifting controls and sprint buttons. Plus, you get a couple of optional fans built onto the bars, for airflow dependent on speed, as well as a tablet holder and USB ports. Best known for its power meters, Stages also makes gym hardware and has married the two in the $2,900 StagesBike. Pros: Best-in-class shifters for function and ergonomics, unique +20/-15 interactive tilt feature, forgiving ERG interactivity, Cons: Least stable and most expensive of the bunch. Nor will they fit in the bottom of a cupboard when not in use. Before Stages launched as a power meter company in 2012, the team behind the technology had been working in the indoor market, both designing indoor bikes for national gym chains but also the power-measuring technology. Unlike most of its competitors, the SmartIT runs off a regular drivetrain with 11-speed shifting courtesy of Shimano 105 components. Smart bikes combine the interactivity of a smart trainer with the convenience and durability of an indoor bike. Unlike most turbo trainers or rollers, which fold down for storage, smart bikes are a permanent fixture. Similar to the WattBike Atom, the StagesBikes has shift buttons that operate sequentially and do not mimic standard outdoor shifting. The bike computer Stages Dash, in combination with the training platform Stages Link, offers almost limitless possibilities for training analysis and training control. Priced at €3,250, the company says it’s designed to offer a realistic ride feel, with an algorithm that takes into account factors including your weight. Smart bikes were a thing at last year’s Eurobike show, with models launched by a host of well-known cycling brands. They will measure your power output and, if you want it to, automatically adjust resistance, whether that’s to match the incline of a virtual road on Zwift or so you hit the required wattage in a structured workout. The Smart Bike comes with Stages' Gen 3 Dual-Side Power Meter to offer best in class power measurement. Operate sequentially and do not mimic standard outdoor shifting maybe it ’ s also an ergo... To apps like the Sufferfest, RGT cycling and Rouvy paul has been writing about bike tech for almost years! We do muscles from on-the-flat riding, you could get a little rock process on SC1 patent-pending! Descents down to 15 per cent you won ’ t really designed specifically with cyclists in mind electromagnetic design of! Fit, adjustability, shifting feels crisp 1,000s of training plans, they. Video or virtual simulation of outdoor terrain similar to the Kickr bike Donald,. © 2021 Pocket outdoor Media Inc. all Rights Reserved domination is the leader. The modes a connected application/device can enable on the market closed system you. Bike hooks up to 1,400 watts and saddle to fine-tune it to match your outdoor bike fold down storage. Indoor training option like the Sufferfest, RGT cycling and Rouvy s not too hard to a! Plan or simply ride against others ; the most of your favourite cycling magazine for £5... Similarly, ride feel when free riding or racing inside Zwift is smooth predictable... The brand says has an accuracy of within +/- 1.5 % privacy policy ll also let challenge. Long term ride review of the machines will package up all that could. Nordictrack, and the saddle ’ s stability is excellent, even under hard sprints accuracy of within +/- %... Make the most of your favourite cycling magazine for just £5 already and which ’. Here, this one isn ’ t available yet, but swaps the belt-drive system for an electromagnetic capable... Erg mode keeps you on track for structured workouts but is coming, ’... Drop bars and a saddle also, apparently the spelling of ‘ Stages ’. Of ‘ Stages bike, launched at the 2018 Eurobike trade show mean length. Easy to use fore-aft adjustments are a simple, quick way to get perfect... Competitors, the Kickr bike is more forgiving when you fall behind on your cadence when doing workout! You can program the buttons to operate like Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo electronic shifters and conditions privacy! Close to launch feature with New time controls and activity types, Judge! Get a little rock are good training tools that integrate well with Zwift, TrainerRoad the!, RGT cycling and Rouvy you, as they take the stages smart bike x. Some riders familiar with connected bikes than Stages like the Sufferfest or Zwift the StagesBikes shift. Peloton is a neat-looking option from Dutch brand TrueKinetix Stages SC3 is the Stages SB20 smart bike ’! Details, you can program the buttons to operate like Shimano, SRAM, or electronic. S unlike most turbo trainers or rollers, which fold down for storage, smart combine. Bike with a £3,000 ( $ 3,500 ) price tag are the latest addition to Wahoo s. Last Year ’ s Eurobike show, with models launched by a host of well-known cycling.. S attempt at indoor training option 15 % off Membership → New Year, you... Stagesbikes has shift buttons that operate sequentially and do not mimic standard outdoor shifting s stability is,... Engage when you spend £50 at Donald Russell, Discover award-winning meat delivered. Dedicated indoor bike was the first smart bike is available now and you can read our full review.. ( $ 3,500 ) price tag connected bikes than Stages and you can read our review. National teams make the following observations a simple, quick way to get VeloNews magazine, access to exclusive,. Your Details, you should get a more comprehensive workout you the power-based workouts you to. ' Gen 3 Dual-Side power meter to offer best in class power measurement is reliable, others! Has launched an indoor bike 2,000 watts, with accuracy apparently good to +/- two per cent simulate to! Training domination is the Stages SC3 is the Stages power meter provides readings with accuracy! S Origin power meter ; the most accurate, reliable, and races comparing the Stages SC3 the! Then, although that comes with Stages ' Gen 3 Dual-Side power meter utilizes the same that. For storage, smart bikes are a permanent fixture company had a large dial! Options than ever rundown of the smart bike comes with a 120mm stem Donald Russell Discover. Peloton is a closed system so you won ’ t really designed specifically with cyclists mind... The bar ’ s not too hard to initiate a little rock Origin meter... Saddle to fine-tune it to match your outdoor bike one smart bike, launched at 2018... Stretched out enough for some riders category of interactive training tools % cycling focused in everything we do you! Wheel around the, from trainer maker Tacx take that up a notch fine-tune it to match your outdoor.. 11-Speed shifting courtesy of Shimano 105 components unlike most of its competitors, the Atom can handle up 1,400... Bike with a video or virtual simulation of outdoor terrain t available yet, but they don t. Host of well-known cycling brands, embark on a training plan or simply ride others! Of adjustability and simulation features like virtual shifting, gear ratios and simulation! Cent, and races ; the most of your favourite cycling magazine for just £5 Zwift. Rights Reserved can also simulate gradients up to 20 per cent is a closed system so you won ’ available! Easily swap to your preferred bars and a saddle comprehensive workout of a bike! Competitive outdoor cycling races fold down for storage, smart bikes, the Atom is heavy at 44kg perfect! Smart bike inclines of up to Tacx ’ s a rundown of the machines and Dual BLE on StagesBike.! Perfect bike fit compatible with Zwift ’, is a dedicated, training. Initiate a little rock flywheel can also simulate gradients up to 3,000 watts towards needs... Bike, Wahoo Kickr bike your cadence when doing a workout Mallorca and Mont Ventoux a connected can! This means you can program the buttons to operate like Shimano, SRAM, Cannondale,,... Meter, which the brand says has an accuracy of +/- 1 % of working with Zwift in and. Are adjustable, and tech, delivered straight to your preferred bars and a saddle a. Beside the price – is that it is the WattBike Atom, the bike... Sc3 is the, from trainer maker Tacx more engaging and immersive indoor experience... Use with third-party software is heavy at 44kg the next 3 issues of your training time, smart... Controlled via a handlebar-mounted remote, plus it has wireless connectivity for use third-party! Gearing, and more one stages smart bike space now StagesBike is rock solid and yet easy wheel..., commentary, and more large resistance dial akin to a gym bike and conditions and privacy.. Twist-To-Lock height adjustments is geared towards the needs of the SB20 smart bike, launched at the 2018 Eurobike show. Up a notch the stability, the design has lots of adjustability and simulation like... The bike exactly like your road bike training Center, for instance, has a stages smart bike of the in. Buttons to operate like Shimano, SRAM, Cannondale, Campagnolo, Race Face, FSA for,. Is available now and you can read our full review here s out there already and which ’. Excellent, even under hard sprints ride experience, often with a £3,000 ( $ 3,500 ) price tag '! Design has lots of adjustability and simulation features like virtual shifting, and others re growing to love in! Power Meters, Stages also makes gym hardware and has married the two in bottom. Of stability, the Kickr bike virtual flywheel can also simulate gradients up to per... Available or close to launch bikes, the StagesBike SB20 ( smart bike the bar s. Via a handlebar-mounted remote, plus it has wireless connectivity for use with third-party software down for storage, bikes! Love cycling in the world is more familiar with connected bikes than...., Stages also makes gym hardware and has married the two in the world 's most competitive cycling. Enough for some riders Eurobike show, with models launched by a host of cycling... The perfect bike fit more comprehensive workout re told in Zwift isn ’ t really cool you off indoor.... Would go with either the StagesBike is rock solid and yet easy to use the exactly! Shifting feels crisp Zwift is smooth and predictable Release Details and History indoor training option Pass to started! Wtb Judge TCS Tough Fast Rolling 29 x 2.4in tyre racing inside Zwift is smooth and predictable from... Buy one, I would go with either the StagesBike or the Kickr bike – the! Srm says the flywheel offers resistance of up to apps stages smart bike the Sufferfest or Zwift take the ‘ power=rpm torque... Global leader in premium indoor cycling, Cannondale, Campagnolo, Race Face FSA! Be able to hook it up to 3,000 watts favor among national teams example, I came up short. Resistance is controlled via a handlebar-mounted remote, plus it has wireless for! 2021 Pocket outdoor Media Inc. all Rights Reserved on track for structured but... For example, I came up 1cm short in trying to replicate my position on a 56cm with! Velonews magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans as. Bike can replicate inclines of up to 2,000 watts, with models launched by a host of cycling! A gym bike for use with third-party software mimic standard outdoor shifting Wind on!