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Vo2 and FTP test - 1st time

Brad MarcusBrad Marcus
in General Training Discussions

Not only am I new to EN, but this is also my first time testing for Vo2 and FTP. I only train with power on my trainer, as I do not yet have a power meter for road cycling. I did my first test today, using EN's instructions, and maybe I underestimated my "perceived" power, but that can be fixed going forward. My question is, how do you best choose a gear when doing a test, especially in a controlled setting like a trainer? I felt as though I should stick to one gear when running the test but I'm not sure. Obviously cadence is a variable. Thanks for any input.

Comments

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

     20 minutes @high effort can seem to take forever. Mixing up gears/cadence is a good way to keep things moving when you feel like baggibg it. Whatever it takes to get a good test ... Standing, different hand positions, as well as faster/slower cadence are all fair.

  • Carolyn YeoCarolyn Yeo
    I was in the dark about this too. I did switch gears part way through fist test. Know better next tme. Only up frm here.
  • ezellrhezellrh
    Everyone and their technique for testing is different. I find 'that' gear and stay there. I've got a cadence sweet spot and look for the gear that gets me there. Once there, I stick there. I tend to have a higher cadence on the VO2 work than the FTP.
  • CarlCarl
    I play around switching gears. One minute I try for 90-100 Rpms next minute maybe 80 then 70. I also will stay aero for a minute and sit up the next minutes. I do anything I can to take away thinking about the pain. Music in my ears, two fans blowing on me, and something on the big screen!!

    It's all fair in war and this test is just that!!

    So drop the BOOM!!!
  • Brad MarcusBrad Marcus
    All great advice. I'm thinking that staying in 1 gear and mostly in aero, maybe I wasn't pushing hard enough. Looks like I'll be re-testing myself this week - I'd like to get an accurate number. Thanks again!
  • Steve RossSteve Ross

    I have cadence perameters that I use as acceptable. I gear up and down just to slightly mix things up without sacrificing the testing!

  • glennusmcglennusmc
    I'm a newbie too, thanks for the above post for clarifying tomorrows bike test. One more question. Im on the beginner out season plan that begins tomorrow and ends on April 14. My question, there are no swim workouts, did I screw up and load the wrong plan?
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    @Glenn-- you didn't screw it up... Read this: http://members.endurancenation.us/Training/TrainingForums/tabid/101/aft/10573/Default.aspx
  • Jay LakampJay Lakamp

    I have to stick with one gear because after getting my trainer bike back from the shop it only has lower gears. So changing gears only makes it tougher and leg cramping soon to follow. What ever it takes to get it done! Good luck JOS group.

  • EmwentzEmwentz
    I'm a newbie too. Do we do the FTP and the VO2 max test tomorrow or do we pick one. Thanks in advances for any help.
  • EmwentzEmwentz
    I'm a newbie too. Do we do the FTP and the VO2 max test tomorrow or do we pick one. Thanks in advances for any help.
  • Joe MatchetteJoe Matchette
    @Eugene - The choice is between the HeartRate test, and the Power Test. If doing the HeartRate version (40min constant effort), that is the only bike test you perform. If doing the Power Test --- either with a PowerMeter, or using TrainerRoad for virtual power -- then you do it as described: WarmUp, 5min All out (VO2), 10min rest, 20min time trial effort.

    I know it says "Test 1" and "Test 2" in the descriptions, but that is b/c you are testing for two parameters within the single Test.
  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    Joe is absolutely right
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