Posts

SB20 - Advanced Flywheel Servicing

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This post focuses on disassembling the SB20 flywheel to extract the internal electromagnet stator assembly from the flywheel shell.    You can then add grease to the large Flywheel Bearings . You can also replace the Optical Sensor should you need to. Video Here's the video. Who Should Do this Service? Anyone who wants to extend their flywheel life . Sealed bearings can last a lifetime without servicing - but they can also fail after a few years. One way to maximize lifespan is to add grease once or twice a decade . If you have grinding, clicking and thudding sounds that indicate bearing failure. All SB20 flywheel bearings are inexpensive. None costs more than $5. The service procedure shown can also be used to replace bearings. You read the Stages service bulletin on quieting clicking flywheel noises , and want to do a better job. In short, servicing sealed bearings is optional. Most bearings never fail. Extreme temperatures, and exposure to humidity can be a negative f...

SB20 - Flywheel Bearing Service

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Can You Service Sealed Bearings? Sealed bearings, like those in the SB20 flywheel, can be serviced to extend their lifespan.   ✅ Bearings with plastic dust seals are serviceable . You can remove the seal, add grease and then replace the seal in a few minutes. The Axle and Cog Bearings have plastic dust seals. This post shows you how to service them. ⚠️ The Flywheel Bearings have metal dust seals that are not easily removed. I will offer a partial servicing option in a future blog post.     What about Clicking Sounds? "Clicking sounds" are a common issue with the SB20 flywheel. This happens when the outer ring of a bearing moves side-to-side . 🔬 Stages issued a service bulletin to address the issue:  Flywheel Bearing PTFE Application .  It tells you to spray lubricant into one bearing on each side of the flywheel.  I must admit, I am not a fan of this method. Spraying light lubricant is a half-measure. PTFE spray can dilute the grease ins...

SB20 - Can't Connect to Zwift

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Stages SB20 Connection Issues December 17, 2025:   Zwift Release 1.104.0  has broken SB20 connections for PC, Mac, iOS and Apple TV users . 🚀 Bugs in Zwift Version 1.104.0 - NOW FIXED! UPDATE December 20, 2025: All platforms fixed with update to version  1.104.3 ✅ Apple TV - Tested and working ✅ PC/Mac - Tested and working ✅ iOS - Tested and working Here's how to check your Zwift App version number : iOS and Apple TV: Bottom right corner of login screen. Also shown in App Store. PC/Mac: Splash screen shown at start up. ------ Bug History ------ December 17, 2025:     Zwift Release 1.104.0  seriously impacts PC, Mac, iOS and Apple TV users who use Bluetooth to connect with the  Stages SB20 . Bug Summary :  The  Stages Bike  is not listed as a  Power Source  or  Resistance  controller. Here's how to recreate the problem. Turn on the SB20 Bike Start pedalling to wake up the power meter cranks Open the Zwift app ...

Stages SB20 - Drive Belt Adjustments (2025)

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 STAGES SB20 DRIVE BELT ADJUSTMENT (2025 Update) I adjust my SB20 drive belt once a year to keep things running smoothly.  I wish this process was easier. With practice, you can complete all adjustments in less than 30 minutes. UPDATED: December 2025 - New video and pictures. Simpler procedures. 📐 These instructions augment the Stages support documents:  Belt Tension Adjustment (SB20) Flywheel Making Noises . TWO GOALS Adjusting the drive belt accomplishes a couple of things: Gets belt tension right. Optimal tension means quieter running and no slipping during hard efforts. Aligns the belt to ride as much as possible in the centre of the flywheel cogs. This reduces friction and positions the front axle perpendicular to the drive belt.  🎬 VIDEO Here's a new four minute video showing how to adjust tension and align the drive belt. The Details Part Names Here are part names related to drive belt adjustment. BELT ADJUSTMENT SUMMARY “ It’s all about the tensioners ”....