Setting the "Zero Offset" or calibrating your power meter is an important part of the setup process, as well as an ongoing step to continue getting the most accurate readings from your power meter. The process within your head unit may vary, but the crank position will be the same no matter how you are calibrating. 

Related:

What is Zero Offset Calibration?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• How do I calibrate the zero offset?
• Zero resetting in the Stages Cycling app
• Zero offset value
• Zero reset timeout
• ANT+ error codes
• Still can't calibrate or zero reset?

How do I calibrate the zero offset?

Before attempting to calibrate or zero reset the power meter, ensure that a working battery is in use and rotate the power meter at least two revolutions to ensure the power meter is awake and ready to communicate. For Gen 3 power meters, check that the LED indicator is blinking to indicate the power meter is awake (blinks for the first 60 seconds after awakening the power meter). 

Crank Position

The crankset must be positioned vertically or straight up and down, with no weight on the pedals and the bike in a stable position. 

Although the process for calibrating the zero offset will vary depending on the display manufacturer, these first two steps will be required for all head units and apps:

1. Rotate the Stages Power meter two full revolutions to wake the meter. Verify that the power meter has been paired to and is communicating with the head unit.
2. Position the cranks vertically with the bike in a stable position.
3. Access the settings function of the head unit.
4. Select the power meter from the menu and select the “Calibrate” or “Zero Reset” function.
5. Compatible head units may show a success message featuring the zero offset value(s) for one or both (Stages Power LR) sensors. The zero offset value is expected to be around 890 +/- 50 points.

The instructions on how to calibrate for many major head units are included in the following article:

How do I pair my Stages Power meter to my ANT+ or Bluetooth 4.0 enabled device?

Zero resetting in the Stages Cycling app

You can perform a zero reset using the Stages Cycling app.

Stages Cycling app for Android

Stages Cycling app for iOS

1. Open the Stages Cycling app.

2. Rotate the Stages Power meter two full revolutions to wake the meter.  Add your power meter to the app: Go to Devices and tap Add Device > Select Power Meter > Select your power meter from the list (for Left/Right power meters, select the left power meter) > Select Done.

3. If you've already added your power meter, tap the link icon next to it on the devices list to connect.

4. Once done syncing, the app will take you to the power meter device manager page.

5. Tap the Zero reset button in the lower right corner. The app will instruct you to orient your power meter in the vertical position, then tap Start when you are ready to proceed. 

6. The app will return the zero offset value(s) for one or both (Stages Power LR) sensors. The zero offset value is expected to be around 890 +/- 50 points.
   

Zero offset value

Most head units and the Stages Cycling app will return a zero offset value when you've successfully zero reset your power meter. The expected range of values is within +/- 50 from 890, so expect to see numbers in the high 800s or low 900s when calibrating properly.

For a left/right power meter, you will receive back a zero offset for both sides, with the second value being displayed as a negative value on many head units (i.e. 890/-890). 

Zero reset timeout

The most common cause for a zero reset timeout is a missing power meter from a left/right set. This can happen when either of these situations apply: 

• One side of the power meter set has a dead battery. Use the Stages Cycling app to attempt to connect to both over Bluetooth to determine which side is not available. 
• A left/right set has been split up. Stages left and right power meters can be used on their own, but they should first be unpaired in the app. If you're using a power meter from a set on its own, open up the Stages Cycling app, connect to it on the Devices page, and tap Left/Right pairing, then Unpair. 

ANT+ error codes

An error code may be displayed if the zero reset fails. Please note the possible error codes below and the corrective action that should be taken. Note that these are typical codes used on Garmin devices, so they may vary slightly depending on head unit manufacturer. 

Still can't calibrate or zero reset?

If you are still having trouble setting the zero offset value on your power meter, please see the troubleshooting article I'm getting an error or failure when I calibrate or open up a support ticket with Stages Cycling for assistance.