What are Spindles: BB30, Race Face Next SL & 30mm
- By Kate Hector
- Jan 1, 2021
Simple answer: The carbon Stages Power meter, released last year, is unique. It works with a wide range of cranksets, across multiple bikes and cycling disciplines. How does it do this? By attaching to different spindles, depending on your bottom bracket.
The Stages Carbon model is one power meter that can work for many 30mm bottom brackets, across a wide range of cross, road, and mountain cranksets.
The carbon Stages Power Meter for 30mm works for BB30, PF30, 386Evo, BBright, and Race Face Cinch 30mm, to name a few. All you need is to pair the carbon Stages Power Meter to the correct Stages spindle. EXPLORE THE METER
Why do you need different spindles?
The Stages 30mm spindles match the diameter of your existing crank spindle. They vary in length to ensure your new Stages crank arm will be in the same effective position as the one you replaced.
Each brand makes its crank arm differently. They can have slightly different bends and offsets. Our spindles adjust your left crank position to match your previous crank and ensure your crankset is still absolutely symmetrical.
For example, if you ride SRAM RED 22 BB30, and you want to add power, pair the carbon Stages Power Meter with Spindle A. However if you want to add power to your mountain bike and ride Race Face Next SL, you will need a longer spindle to get symmetry across your crankset. You need Spindle E for your carbon Stages Power Meter.
We call this Q-Factor.
Q-Factor: The distance between both pedals when they’re installed on your crankset.
Think about it. Orient your cranks in the same direction and measure the distance from the outer edge of your left crank to your right crank. Different cranksets are designed around different widths depending on their intended use. Mountain bike cranks are usually wider, and road narrower. Our spindles accommodate this change by using the exact length specific to each crankset model.
Which cranksets can I use with Stages Carbon for 30mm?
We currently have 5 spindle options for sale that match up with the following cranksets.
30mm Spindle Option | Compatible Cranks |
Spindle A | SRAM Red 22 BB30 Red Exogram BB30 (10-speed)* |
Spindle B | SRAM Force 22 BB30 SRAM Force 1 BB30 SRAM Force CX1 BB30 SRAM Rival 22 BB30 SRAM Rival 1 BB30 |
Spindle C | SRAM BB30 mountain cranksets with a 9mm drive side spacer |
Spindle D | SRAM BB30 mountain cranksets with a 9mm drive side spacer |
Spindle E | RaceFace Next SL Cinch |
No spindle needed | FSA Sl-K Light 386EVO FSA K-Force 386EVO FSA Energy 386EVO FSA Gossamer 386EVO |
If you’re not sure which version you have on your bike, feel free to submit a ticket with Stages Support for help on compatibility.
Find your local Stages Power meter dealer in our Dealer Locator.
Stages Spindles
Why do you need different spindles?
The Stages 30mm spindles match the diameter of your existing crank spindle. They vary in length to ensure your new Stages crank arm will be in the same effective position as the one you replaced.
Each brand makes their crank arm differently. They can have slightly different bends and offsets. Our spindles adjust your left crank position to match your previous crank and ensure your crankset is still absolutely symmetrical.
For example, if you ride SRAM RED 22 BB30, and you want to add power, pair the carbon Stages Power Meter with Spindle A. However if you want to add power to your mountain bike and ride Race Face Next SL, you will need a longer spindle to get symmetry across your crankset. You need Spindle E for your carbon Stages Power Meter.
We call this Q-Factor.
Q-Factor: The distance between both pedals when they’re installed on your crankset.
Think about it. Orient your cranks in the same direction and measure the distance from the outer edge of your left crank to your right crank. Different cranksets are designed around different widths depending on their intended use. Mountain bike cranks are usually wider, and road narrower. Our spindles accommodate this change by using the exact length specific to each crankset model.
Which cranksets can I use with Stages Carbon for 30mm?
We currently have 5 spindle options for sale that match up with the following cranksets.
30mm Spindle Option | Compatible Cranks |
Spindle A | SRAM Red 22 BB30 Red Exogram BB30 (10-speed)* |
Spindle B | SRAM Force 22 BB30 SRAM Force 1 BB30 SRAM Force CX1 BB30 SRAM Rival 22 BB30 SRAM Rival 1 BB30 |
Spindle C | SRAM BB30 mountain cranksets with a 9mm drive side spacer |
Spindle D | SRAM BB30 mountain cranksets with a 9mm drive side spacer |
Spindle E | RaceFace Next SL Cinch |
No spindle needed | FSA Sl-K Light 386EVO FSA K-Force 386EVO FSA Energy 386EVO FSA Gossamer 386EVO |
If you’re not sure which version you have on your bike, feel free to submit a ticket with Stages Support for help on compatibility.
Find your local Stages Power meter dealer in our Dealer Locator.