Stages SC2 vs SC3: The Definitive Studio Owner’s Guide (2025)
By Andrew Sandoval — Indoor Cycle Pros
Since 2015, I’ve personally assembled and tuned thousands of Stages indoor bikes for boutique studios across the U.S. If you’re deciding between the Stages SC2 and Stages SC3, this guide breaks down the real-world differences that matter most for your instructors, riders, and long-term studio investment.
Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison
- Stages SC2 vs SC3 Comparison Chart
- Which Bike Is Right for Your Studio?
- Ride Feel & Resistance
- Power, Console & Connectivity
- Fit & Geometry
- Recommended Upgrades & Accessories
- Have More Questions?
- Need Help Choosing?
Quick Comparison
- Both SC2 and SC3 share a studio-grade aluminum frame, CarbonGlyde™ belt drive, magnetic resistance, and rock-solid durability.
- SC3 ships ready for metrics: factory-installed Stages Power Meter and the SIC2 EcoSCRN™ console powered by the bike’s flywheel generator (no console batteries).
- SC2 is a non-console design built for rhythm classes. It can be upgraded with a Stages Power Meter to broadcast data to rider devices/apps, but it does not support any display console.
Stages SC2 vs SC3 Comparison Chart
| Feature | Stages SC2 | Stages SC3 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | 6061 T-6 aluminum, Steel Blue | 6061 T-6 aluminum, Slate Grey |
| Stability | Hydro-formed tubing with TIG welding for unmatched lateral support | Hydro-formed tubing with TIG welding for unmatched lateral support |
| Handlebar | Stages RhythmBar™ – rhythm-based riding | Stages RoadBar™ – metric/power-based riding |
| Height Adjustments | Pop-pin with knob (black) | FitLoc™ lever system (blue) |
| Saddle & Handlebar Fore/Aft Adjustments | Micro-adjustment knob (black) | Micro-adjustment knob (blue) |
| Resistance Adjustment System | SprintShift™ lever (black) + magnetic resistance | SprintShift™ lever (blue) + magnetic resistance |
| Drive System | Carbon-Glyde™ belt drive | Carbon-Glyde™ belt drive |
| Power Meter | Not included — Stages Power Meter upgrade available | Included — Stages Power Meter |
| Console | Not included (SIC2 not compatible) | Included — SIC2 EcoSCRN Display |
| Saddle | Stages Saddle — all black | Stages Saddle — grey accent |
| Crank Cover Branding | "Stages" branding | "Stages" branding |
| Flywheel Branding | No branding | "Stages" branded flywheel |
| Dimensions (W × L) | 24.5″ × 43.5″ (62.23 cm × 110.49 cm) | 24.5″ × 43.5″ (62.23 cm × 110.49 cm) |
| Bike Weight | 96 lbs (≈ 43 kg) | 96 lbs (≈ 43 kg) |
| Best For | Rhythm-based classes, boutique studios, simplicity | Power training, performance metrics, advanced rider engagement |
Which Bike Is Right for Your Studio?
Choose the Stages SC2 if…
- Your programming is rhythm-based and choreography-forward.
- You want a non-console experience with fewer distractions.
- You’d like the option to capture power data via a Stages Power Meter broadcasting to rider devices or studio software.
Choose the Stages SC3 if…
- You need metrics, power zones, and leaderboards on day one.
- You want the SIC2 EcoSCRN™ console and Stages Power Meter included and powered by the integrated generator (no console batteries).
- You prefer RoadBar™ ergonomics and FitLoc™ levers for faster turnover and repeatable fit.
Important: Studios typically choose one model based on programming. Rhythm-focused studios generally select SC2 bikes exclusively, while performance-driven studios choose SC3 bikes exclusively. SC3 studios can still integrate rhythm-style rides, but all bikes remain SC3 for consistency.
Ride Feel & Resistance
CarbonGlyde™ Belt
Quiet, smooth, and low-maintenance. The Gates® carbon belt eliminates chain oil, stretch, and mess—perfect for high-volume studios.
Magnetic Resistance + SprintShift™
Both bikes feature precise micro-dial control with SprintShift™, a three-position macro lever that lets riders jump resistance instantly—ideal for intervals and keeping the whole room together.
Power, Console & Connectivity
- SC3: Includes a calibrated Stages Power Meter and the SIC2 EcoSCRN™ console. The console is self-powered by the bike’s flywheel generator, so there are no console batteries to replace.
- SC2: Non-console design. You can add a Stages Power Meter to broadcast data via Bluetooth/ANT+ to rider phones, tablets, or group display systems.
Pro tip: Adding a Stages Power Meter to SC2 gives riders accurate power/HR/cadence data in their favorite training apps while keeping the bike’s setup clean without adding a console.
Fit & Geometry
Both bikes fit 4’10″–6’10″ riders up to 350 lb.
Recommended Upgrades & Accessories
Have More Questions?
For everything else—from maintenance tips to outfitting advice—head over to our full Indoor Cycle Pros FAQ page. It’s the go-to resource for studio owners like you.
Need Help Choosing?
Outfitting a new studio or upgrading your fleet? Take a minute to fill out our Contact Form and an Indoor Cycle Pros expert will contact you within 24 hours. Thank you for reading this blog, we look forward to supporting you with Stages bikes, parts, and service!
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