Originally Posted by
gsteinb
the data seems to suggest that stages have certain inconsistencies (spikes) which could be a big deal depending on what you monitor. There's also, as I understand, no way to test and change the slope which is the kind of thing one would do with an SRM (and presumably other PMs) to maintain the consistency of the data.
I am the poster boy for Stages. I have 4 of them, on 4 different bikes (long story). I haven't seen data spikes. The only data problem I have had is that the Cannondale version seems less accurate than the others, possibly because of the way their crankarms are constructed.
All else being equal, the Stages is probably less accurate than a Quarq or SRM, and as a user you can't recalibrate the slope. If you already have the Stages, I would say don't worry, be happy. I'm certainly happy with mine, and I love that I can afford to have one on every bike, including my cross bike and my winter single speed. If you are still shopping around, and accuracy is of high importance to you relative to other factors like cost and ease of installation, then you might prefer other options.
I agree with ygduf's comment about how at some point you have to accept the measuring tool for what it is.