FTP test

davetri

My FTP on the trainer is 243w. Today I did my first test outside and finished with 222w. Anyone have similar results? I always heard that outside wattage is usually higher than inside.

Coach Rich

Posted By Dave Couture on 01 May 2013 11:36 AM


My FTP on the trainer is 243w. Today I did my first test outside and finished with 222w. Anyone have similar results? I always heard that outside wattage is usually higher than inside.

Is 222w normalized or average power? You want to use Normalized. What was your VI for the ride (NP divided by AvgPower)?

Joe Matchette

Dave - My FTP indoors and outdoors are the same. Some people's are higher, and some are lower. Before beathing yourself up, things you ought to consider are:

- were both tests done on the same bike
- what were the road conditions outside: no lights/stopsigns, low traffic, flat, etc
- what was the weather like

Having to concentrate on the road can definitely take away your ability to generate Watts.

Bottomline: if you think you underperformed, then re-test in a few days (touch base on the Micro Thread for guidance on modifying your plan if required). If you are satisfied with your effort, then embrace YOUR NUMBER, and train with it. The absolute number is not the end-all and be-all....what you do with your fitness is.

Also, if after a few outdoor rides with the new numbers you think they are low, you can bump up your FTP, cross-check it against your PErceived Exertion, and keep on training.

davetri

Good news my FTP is 227 not 222.  My vi for the test was 1.05 and yes I was using NP.  This was a very good test I felt strong throughout the entire ride.  I just don't want to chase a power#  that is out of reach.  thanks