Stages Cycling

Shimano Ultegra R8000 R Power Meter Crank Arm

By now, we're fairly certain you're aware of the benefits of riding with power and its potential to take your training and racing to the next level. Well if you have a Shimano 11-speed drivetrain, especially if it's the latest version that begins with a U, and you've been dabbling with the idea of buying a power meter, we'd suggest you have a look at the Shimano Ultegra R8000 R Gen 3 Power Meter Crank Arm with Chainrings from Stages and start training like a pro. We like this powermeter for many reasons for things like its relatively affordable price point, legendary Stages quality, direct replacement for the R8000 cranks, and its fitment on practically any frame so you can ensure that every metric is accurately measured from clipping in at the start of the ride right up to dismounting the bike at the end. And while dual-sided data junkies may scoff at the fact that power is only measured from the drive side, we find the metrics quantified are more than accurate enough to train properly and become a stronger cyclist.

Providing the powerful power metrics is a pod affixed just in front of the spider on the drive side arm near the spindle, on an otherwise standard Ultegra 8000 crank. What's amazing is how much this little addition helps to take your training to the next level by adding the ability to pinpoint power data and better measure your rides. It utilizes a blend of strain gauges and an accelerometer to gather position and force data 64 times per second and deliver power readings with a claimed +/- 1.5% accuracy that's right in line with what we'd expect from any quality power meter.

For the gram counters out there, the Stages meter adds a minuscule 20 grams to the stock crank arm, which is a tiny concession to gain the massive data tracking and training specificity having a power meter affords. To put it in perspective, that’s most likely less than one swig out of your water bottle. We really appreciate the user-friendliness of its coin cell battery, offering up to 200-hours of battery life. The meter its self is well protected, earning an IPX7 waterproof rating to give you peace of mind during an unexpected rain shower or during bike washes. Other thoughtful details include the active temperature compensation that helps provide more accurate readings when the climate fluctuates and there's no need to continually calibrate the meter with the dropping and rising mercury throughout the ride.