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Train with HR, pay for FTP test?

[Deleted User][Deleted User]
in Community Forum 🏠

Even though I train with HR on the bike, I am looking for a cost-effective way of measuring my FTP when my training plan calls for a bike test.

Buying a power meter is out of the question for $$$ reasons, but I am considering visiting a local sport science center to get my FTP tested. I imagine they would be able to provide this service for a small fee.

 

This way I can "train with HR, test with power" (TM). I get the benefit of quantifying my bike fitness, but without the huge upfront cost of purchasing a power meter.

 

Any thoughts on this approach?

 

Comments

  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    I think it would be a great way for this center to make money but not very useful, at all, for you .

    Testing with/for power is only useful if you're able to leave the venue with a number that you can then use in your every day training. In your case, you're going to pay $$$ for test, get a number, and then not really do anything with it...except when you come back in a month or so to pay more dough to see if that number went up. Basically, you're paying money for the priviledge of satisfying your curiousity, but you won't extract anything useful from the test. 

    You'd be better off finding a friend with a Computrainer and bringing your bike over on a Saturday with a 6 pack of beer. That would be my method 

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

     Check out trainerroad.com, and the various threads in this forum related to it. This web-based technology has multiple benefits, including providing a way to "train with power" without a power meter, by using algorithms based on your specific trainer. It also helps relieve boredom on the trainer by providing instant feedback on many metrics, a number of pre-programmed workouts which can simulate EN workouts, and storage & analysis in the cloud or on your compiuter of your workouts. $10/month, no long-term committment.

  • tim cronktim cronk
    X2 on what coach R and Al said!!!

    I can't say enough about trainerroad.com It is an absolute must have for someone who does not have a Computrainer or a Powermeter and plans on training indoors on a trainer. It is simple and it just works. I'm somewhat technically challenged and usually have a pretty big learning curve working out the bugs getting everything working when trying something new. But, I was able to get trainerroad to work with my computrainer , my power meter, and 2 other trainers as well one being a cycleops and the other a lemond revolution! Bonus ... Rumor has it they are working with EN to have our OS workouts in the plans!
  • brianrobkelly@hotmail.combrianrobkelly@hotmail.com
    I use Trainer Road also. It is a great program, stupid cheap $10.00 per month, gives you your power readings, hr, cadence, and has what seem to be an endless choice of rides. I started using it before I bought a power meter which I now have on another bike. I am now indoors getting ready for Ironman Arizona, and using Trainer road. I became a stronger cyclist this year, and the months inside using the power readings and then having to work, work every time on the bike, really paid off.
    Brian
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    x3 on the above. Especially for using TrainerRoad. AND, for the price of 1 or 2 trips to a local sports science center, you could buy an old used wired Powertap on eBay and have it to train and race on. I have seen some of them trade for as low as $200-250 if you're patient and look carefully.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]

     Wow, great ideas everyone. Thanks. Looks like TrainerRoad is the solution.

  • Keith WickKeith Wick
    Either TR......or since you are in Ontario.......Go to Ottawa and knock on the Ross' door. They'd be glad to help you!!!! PAGING BRENDA & STEVE!!!
  • Brenda RossBrenda Ross
    Yup, come on over Brent. We would be happy to have you in our pain cave.
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    I think the idea of training with power is cool, but if you are not gonna race with power to pace yourself it is all feel. The training intervals come all three flavors - Power, HR and RPE. Stick to the one you will race with and master it. I would be concerned that you get good at using virtual power and then on race day it would be like someone just covered your head unit with black tape. All of a sudden, no data....

    Just my two cents....
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