Stages Cycling Ceases Operations [Plus Bonus Song]

Yes, sorry, we made a song about it?

In the ever-evolving saga of the cycling world, where triumphs and tribulations often pedal side by side, Stages Cycling emerged as a shining beacon of innovation, only to find itself engulfed in the stormy seas of industry upheaval. As the latest casualty of the ongoing crisis, Stages Cycling’s journey from pioneering power meters to shuttered doors serves as a cautionary tale of the perils faced by even the most stalwart of brands.

Founded under the Foundation Fitness umbrella before blossoming into a cycling juggernaut in its own right, Stages Cycling revolutionized the power meter market with its introduction of the single-sided power meter in 2012. With a focus on affordability, customer service, and a partnership with Shimano cranks, Stages quickly became a household name, clinching victories in Grand Tours and World Time Trial Championships alongside Team Sky.

Yet, beneath the glitz and glory lay a business model heavily reliant on the health club sector and Shimano components – a vulnerability laid bare when the pandemic slammed shut the doors of fitness establishments worldwide. As the supply of Shimano cranks dwindled and a global shortage of microprocessor chips wreaked havoc on production, Stages found itself caught in a perfect storm of supply chain woes and cash flow crises.

Despite a glimmer of hope in the form of a reported investment from Giant, negotiations faltered, leaving Stages adrift in a sea of financial uncertainty. As orders ceased and shelves emptied, the once-thriving company faced its darkest hour, culminating in the closure of offices and the laying off of all staff members.

But amidst the rubble of Stages’ demise, a flicker of hope remains as four prominent team members find refuge in Giant’s fold. With a lawsuit looming over allegedly unpaid invoices, the cycling community watches with bated breath as the fallout from Stages’ downfall unfolds.

The Stages Cycling website stands as a somber reminder of what once was, with products listed as out of stock, a poignant epitaph to a brand that dared to dream but found itself dashed upon the rocks of economic reality.

As the cycling world mourns the loss of a titan, we’re reminded that in the tumultuous landscape of industry, success is never guaranteed, and even the mightiest among us can find themselves pedaling against the wind.