Stages Cycling

Gen 2 Shimano XT M8000 Single Leg Power Meter Crank Arm

As power meters see a surge in popularity within the realm of road cycling and racing, it's not difficult to imagine the need for mountain bike racers seeking a similar wealth of power-derived data. Fulfilling this need for mountain bikers engaging in everything from cross-country to enduro, the Stages Cycling Shimano XT M8000 Single Leg Power Meter Crank Arm provides the rider with a ton of insightful data while standing up to the rigors of technical terrain. Better yet, it's offered at an attractive price that's substantially cheaper than the competition, meaning you'll have some extra loot to spend on component upgrades and race-day fees.

Neatly concealing its ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart-equipped sensor, the low-profile sensor housing prevents it from bashing its guts out on rocks and gnarled root sections. For weight-conscious riders, it's only 20 grams heavier than the original crank, so you'll barely feel it on the trail. And seeing that regular thrashings are expected on the trails, the crank arm's cold-forged aluminum construction withstands regular beatings without giving you grief the moment you hit rocks or snag over impediments.

Delving into the power meter itself, +/- 2% accuracy sits right in line with industry standards, meaning it'll please all but the most discerning of racers and riders. Active Temperature compensation prevents skewed readings when conditions rapidly change on the trail. For simplicity, the accelerometer-based cadence measurement doesn't require additional sensors. Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ capabilities wirelessly sync with your favorite cycling apps, so you won't have to deal with pesky cables while uploading data. For even greater analysis and control, Stages Cycling developed an app that identifies and updates firmware, zero resets the meter, provides quick read-outs of power output, and checks remaining battery life.