Bike Test

stuart.veen@hotmail.co.uk

I am scheduled to do my bike test on Monday 28th Nov, I have a Tacx Flow Turbo trainer with power function but no file upload facility.  Can I just take the average power over the bike test period to obtain my FTP or should I use Heart Rate?

Thanks

Stuart

 

jhbinsc

On a trainer, your average power should be very close to your norm power if you are reasonably steady and don't blow up. The 2 minutes in between the 2 x 20 will lower your average a bit more than a typical test using WKO+ and Norm Power but in my experience only 2-4 watts. So you should have a very close estimate of your FTP using average power. Goodluck!

John Withrow

Stuart- I think if you have a tool that gives you power readings, you should certainly use it! Most people have a low Variability Index (VI) on their tests on the trainer (1.01-1.02) so no reason to think you would be much different. You should do the 42 minute power test with 20' hard, 2' easy, 20' hard and see what your Average Power (AP) is over that 42'. Normalized Power (NP) is basically VI x AP so you will get very close to your actual FTP number by taking 1.01 x AP. This FTP will allow you to set your power training zones and having that realtime power number in your face will force you to work harder. Work works!

stuart.veen@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks for the prompt replies, I'm pleased that I can at least make good use of the power function on my turbo trainer. Just got to do the work now.

Thanks once again

Stuart

NavEEd

Do the bike tests show up in the training plans?

Paul Scholz

 @ Patrick -- yes in the training plans on testing week you will see two bike wko's and one run wko for testing. Bike has two one for those with poewer and one for those using HR.