Does this sound right?
Ok, I'm new to power this year and still getting used the using the PM, doing the TT with power and using the power zones for my training. Can someone tell me if this sounds right and help me figure out the math? (I'm a speech pathologist...I need fingers, toes and someone else's fingers to do math!)
When I started the OS I had an FTP of 143 (on the trainer...1st one with power and don't think I pushed hard enough). I just tested tonight outside and my NP for the 42' was 233 (I pushed very hard!). Here are my other tests:
12/22/09 FTP 162
2/2/10 FTP 157 } all done on the trainer.
3/17//10 FTP 177
So, I guess I'm looking to see/get some reassurance that the 233 is possible? I got off the bike and did not have much left! If so, what % change is that? Did losing 10 lbs help? (still trying to lose more!)
Thanks....
Comments
A few things to think about. Did you zero out the torque, as that could lead to a bad reading? Did you test uphill as that could lead to an elevated result as well? How were your previous rides under your old FTP? If they were too easy than this test could be correct, and vice versa. Just a few thoughts. Hope the best for you.
Dana,
That's a 32% increase from teh 3/17/10 test. I'm new to power also this year but I would have a hard time with that number if it was me. For reference I tested at the start of the OS at 180 and finished at 234, but killed myself on the 180 and the 234. I did three test inside and the final 234 was also outside.
It seems most have a higher FTP outside than indoors, but what's the limit 20-30 watts? Also how hard did you push on the other indoor tests. If you could not muster a big effort on the trainer then you could have left quite a few watts on the table during the indoor tests.
If you are using a powertap ensure that it is zeroed and the battery light is not flashing. The only other suggestion is to hit you next bike ride that you have some intervals. I am in the general prep block and you will know pretty soon if you can't hold the 1X10 and 1X12.
Hopefully those with more experience will chime in.
Gordon
Congratulations on seeing the fruits of all your hard work in the OS! After en extended period of "detraining", or entering serious training for the first time, it's normal to see dramatic increases in FTP within half a year. Getting a better body composition will help, as well.
If you were totally exhausted after the outdoor test, your FTP is probably real. Comparing it to an indoor FTP is interesting, but not useful, as you won't be racing IMLP on your trainer! As Gordon says, everybody has a different situation - equipment, terrain, position on the bike - and will have a different indoor/outdoor FTP ratio. Mine this year was 219/250, for example.
I saw similar increases last year. I think I went from a 175 in November to a 225 in the OS. That was indoors. As others have said there will be an increase in outdoor watts. I think you just kicked butt! If for whatever reason it seems like a mistake, you will be able to determine by using the new zones.
I also zeroed the torque. I have never done this before, I just I didn't realize how important it was. So anyway, zeroed the torque and noticed right away that it was a much different bike ride. I didn't try to push the new FTP, just sort of settled in to see what the ride would bring.
Does zeroing the torque make that big of a difference?
Again, learning as I go here...
What model PT do you have?
My indoor tests this year went from 168 to 211. So your indoor tests show good results increases.
Your outdoor FTP is another animal, but you're obviously much stronger. Ride around a while and see how your bins look in WKO+ to verify these Numbers.
It may well be right (and if so, congrats on throwing down one very strong FTP for the age group chicka set!). Definitely take the next couple of rides, and try to ride at those watts for the prescribed FTP durations, and see how it feels. You might surprise yourself.
As for the torque thing, outside, it's usually overthinking. If you're concerned about it, make it a point to coast for about 10 seconds somewhere in the first 3-5 minutes of the ride, and the Powertap computer will take care of it automatically. I don't remember what year they got the auto-zero algorithm down, but it's been good for several years, so if you just bought yours, it's good at it. Outdoors, I almost never zero the torque manually. On the trainer, different story, since I almost never coast on the trainer.
With numbers like that, you're going to throw down at IMLP!
Mike
I've owned probably 5 or so different PTs over a 6 or 7-year period now. As many of you know, I'm a bit of a power nut. I study this stuff constantly. This whole zeroing the torque thing is a red herring, imho. I almost never zero my torque. Maybe once a year just to remind myself how to do it. It was a problem with older versions of firmware but that goes back about 3 or 4 years now. Having said that, I have always had the auto-zero torque feature set to 'yes' so I can't say how much of a problem it could be if you set it to 'no.' It's on by default though.
Also, when your torque goes off it has almost always been blatantly obvious in my experience.
Thanks, Chris