Indoor vs Outdoor Power

stevedorris

I know that are a lot of variables that come into play, but (assuming all things equal) is there a formula that will convert indoor power test numbers to outdoor race execution?

Al Truscott

Posted By Steve Dorris on 01 Aug 2013 05:56 PM
<p>I know that are a lot of variables that come into play, but (assuming all things equal) is there a formula that will convert indoor power test numbers to outdoor race execution?</p>

Sadly, no. While some people report higher outdoor FTPs in the range of 5-15%, others see a drop, and still,others (like me) find no difference. You'll just have to test outdoors, or use one of the analytic methods described in the wiki:

http://members.endurancenation.us/Resources/Wiki/tabid/91/Default.aspx?topic=Alternate+Means+of+Determining+FTP

The bottom four of the first set of bullets.

Peter Greagg

Like Al, my indoors FTP is the same as my outdoors one.
To quote Coach Rich, when you have been doing FTP intervals using a power meter for a few years, you end up having a pretty good idea what your current FTP is.
Also with experience (after a few years of IM/HIM training), you learn what a "good" Race Rehearsal feels like — ie, do I need to back off the power a bit, or can I bump up the power a bit etc?

cgres123

No on line calculators for that you will have to test for your numbers. Further more if you switch up bikes, road to Tri or back again, the numbers change as well. With some time under your belt watching your numbers you will be able to ball park yourself switching back and fourth. Some folks are across the board others may have a 10 watt spread.

stevedorris

Thanks for the input, I figured the best bet was to test outdoors and then use those numbers when training outside. I am one of those that see a significant difference between ondoor and outdoor numbers.