The Stages SB20 now has a dedicated QZ device-notes section backed by public repository documentation. The important part for riders is simple: the SB20 is handled in QZ through the standard FTMS bike path, with power, cadence and ERG / target-power control documented from real SB20 use.
The source is the merged QZ documentation change in PR #4852, which added a Stages SB20 section to the device detail docs. That public documentation says the bike advertises as Stages Bike <NNNN>, has no built-in display, and is normally set up first in the Stages Cycling app before QZ uses the FTMS connection.
Indice dei contenuti
Compatibility summary
| Equipment | Stages SB20 smart indoor bike |
| QZ device path | Handled by QZ as an FTMS bike; no dedicated SB20-only device class is required |
| Bluetooth name | The documented advertising pattern is Stages Bike <NNNN> |
| Metrics | Power and cadence come from the standard FTMS Indoor Bike Data characteristic (0x2AD2) |
| Resistance / ERG | Standard FTMS control is documented as fully supported for target-power / ERG operation |
| Peloton Power Zone | QZ-managed Peloton Power Zone target-watt workouts are described as reliable in regular use |
| Heart-rate note | The merged docs do not prove SB20 heart-rate behavior, so this post does not claim HRM support from the bike |
| Confidence | High for the documented FTMS power, cadence and ERG behavior; always verify your own firmware and app setup |
How the SB20 works with QZ
QZ does not need a special SB20 driver. Instead, the bike exposes standard FTMS data and control points. The QZ docs identify the power and cadence data on the FTMS Indoor Bike Data characteristic, and they also show the standard control sequence for request control, start/resume and set target power.
That makes the SB20 a good example of a clean FTMS smart-bike workflow: QZ reads the live cycling data, can drive target watts over FTMS where configured, and can bridge the workout into supported training-app workflows.
Setup notes
- Set up or pair the SB20 in the Stages Cycling app first, because the bike has no display of its own.
- Open QZ near the bike and use the normal FTMS bike workflow.
- Confirm that QZ is receiving cadence and power before starting a structured workout.
- For ERG or Peloton Power Zone sessions, test a short target-power change before a longer ride.
Rare zero-power / zero-cadence symptom
The SB20 docs include one useful troubleshooting detail. In rare cases, the bike can publish a stripped FTMS data frame with distance only, while the cycling speed and cadence characteristic stops updating. In that condition QZ correctly shows 0 W and 0 rpm because the bike is no longer sending power or cadence.
The documented recovery is to power-cycle the bike. The docs also suggest checking whether another consumer, such as a head unit or watch, is holding an FTMS control connection to the bike as a trainer rather than just reading sensor data.
What QZ adds
With the SB20 connected, QZ can act as the bridge layer between the bike and training apps. Depending on your phone platform, target app and QZ settings, that can include virtual-device output, structured workout control, workout recording, Apple Health / HealthKit, Garmin Connect, Strava, Google Health / Health Connect and other integrations available in QZ.
If something does not work as expected, send an email to Roberto.viola83@gmail.com and Roberto will help you check the setup.
Want to use your smart bike with more apps? Download QZ and learn more at qzfitness.com.