Stages Launches new GPS Units with EverBrite Screens
Major GPS unit updates from the kings of affordable power.
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Hot on the heels of Lezyne’s new Mega GPS units, Stages Cycling has released three new GPS units, one is simply an update to its existing black and white unit called the Stages Dash L10, but the new Stages Dash M50 and Stages Dash L50 debut a lot of new features that take them beyond the original goal of being simply a training and racing tool to pair with Stages Power meters.
PELOTON
The new units add full color screens that Stages calls EverBrite, designed for easy viewing in the brightest of conditions. But true to Stages DNA, they use color for a lot more than just looking good. During a workout color coded graphs and dials give you an intuitive way to know if you’re hitting your workout goals. Going too deep? You’ll be in the red, hitting your zone? You’ll know it even when deep in the pain cave thanks to the color graphics.
These new computers integrate with Stages Link – the online training platform based on Today’s Plan – better than ever. As you accomplish workouts and upload them to Link, your zones are adjusted automatically in the background to ensure you keep progressing – no expensive coach needed. Both units come preloaded with these automatically adapting workouts.
The other major news, at least for previous Stages Dash users, is all new navigation with maps customized for cycling. Each new Dash M50 and L50 comes with 16Gb of storage and base maps preloaded. Other maps can be loaded for free from the Stages Link portal as needed to ensure you can navigate anywhere without the need for a data connection. It runs routes in GPX, TCX and FIT format from any provider and can synchronize your saved routes from Strava as well. Much of this can be accessed with the redesigned Stages Link app, including set up, route loading and adjusting data fields mid-ride – a welcome update. The Link App can also operate as your training hub with past activities, your workout calendar, power meter management and very robust workout analysis.
The major difference between the M50 and L50 is size and runtime. The L50 is 85 x 78 x 19mm, with a 400×240 pixel 2.7inch EverBrite LCD display, while the M50 is smaller at 78 x 51 x 19mm with a 320×240 pixel 2.2inch EverBrite LCD screen for slightly higher resolution. Thanks to the low power demands, the M50 and L50 offer fairly good runtime, 15hours and 18hours respectively. Not enough battery for DKXL, but enough for normal humans. Weight is another difference with the smaller M50 hitting just 65grams and the L50 at 110grams.
RELATED: Stages Cycling launched dual sided power.
Like the original Dash 1, the updated Dash L10 and the all new L50 and M50 can be mounted both vertically and horizontally, depending on rider preference and data fields can easily be customized too. They use the same mount we have come to love from Stages, using alloy interfaces, not plastic, but Stages has added more mounting options, from Blendr compatibility and aero bars, to top cap mounts and accessory mounts. They also retain the buttons on a single side of the top of the unit to avoid the fumbling that can occur with small, recessed side buttons. They are both ANT+ and BLE compatible.
We have yet to get hands on the new units and this report just scratches the surface of what the M50 and L50 are supposed to be capable of. Look for a detailed review once we get a test unit into the PELOTON Service Course. For more info hit stagescycling.com
Dash L10 – 100grams: $150
Dash L50 – 110grams: $350
Dash M50 – 65grams: $250