x2. It's great because they have a really nice warmup that's built into it. I didn't used to warm up properly for these tests and this really helped me. I also go a bit higher in the 2 min "off" period in the middle, but that's just me. Go a little easier in the first 20 mins, then let it rip in the 2nd half of the 2nd 20'. Attila has had some pretty good looking FTP tests on TR, especially his last one. Here's my "Most Successful" TR FTP test from a pure execution standpoint: http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/67567
Just did my FTP test, 284, using trainer road's 2x20 and my power meter. Previously I was using trainer roads virtual power and my FTP was 221. This seems like a huge discrepancy, anybody switch from virtual power to a power meter and see this kind of increase? I'm skeptical that my FTP is this high, just doesn't seem right.
Just did my FTP test, 284, using trainer road's 2x20 and my power meter. Previously I was using trainer roads virtual power and my FTP was 221. This seems like a huge discrepancy, anybody switch from virtual power to a power meter and see this kind of increase? I'm skeptical that my FTP is this high, just doesn't seem right.
What type of trainer do you have? Before I had a powertap, I was using TR with my Fluid2. Once I got the PT, I found that there was a HUGE difference - at least, until the trainer warmed up. Once warmed up, I find TR and my PT to be within a few watts of one another - at least within the ranges of around 200-260W (my FPT Is 249). Beyond that it starts to diverge again, but it may require additional warm up, as it seems the viscosity of the fluid increases with temperature (actually, I suspect it gets whipped up into a foam-like state, but thats a different discussion). So I'm curious whether you have a trainer that might act similarly.
Just did my FTP test, 284, using trainer road's 2x20 and my power meter. Previously I was using trainer roads virtual power and my FTP was 221. This seems like a huge discrepancy, anybody switch from virtual power to a power meter and see this kind of increase? I'm skeptical that my FTP is this high, just doesn't seem right.
Chris, to be honest with you, I wouldn't sweat it. Your FTP is 284W using your PM. That's a great number. The absolute number that TR virtual power used to give you isn't as relevant as the consistency on which that would be the 'readout' for a given input level of the work you were doing. We all do our workouts as a percentage of our tested FTP anyways. So let's just say you had a specific PM with a factor of 2 accidentally programmed into it, then your readout would say 568W for your 100% sets. As long as it is consistent and repeatable that's all that matters. Your PM is likely much better calibrated than the TR virtual power, so that's probably the 'right' number or pretty darn close to it. If you had a crank based PM and compared it to a Powertap on the exact same test they might also give different 'absolute' numbers. The reality is, it doesn't matter what the number is for a given device. as long as you consistently use the same device to train on.
To be clear, the old Virtual Power of 221 wasn't 'wrong', that was just your number on that device.
But now that you have a 'better' device, use it and the 284 number and don't look back!
Just used the TR custom workout builder for tomorrow's workout; I can't believe how easy that was (this coming from someone easily frustrated by a lot of software). It's so intuitive. I know John is working with the TR guys to get our OS workouts in there, but in the meantime, it's pretty cool to explore it on my own. One question: for those of you using the Custom program, can we see each other's custom workouts? Seems like if I already made the workout, it would be nice if someone else could save themselves some time and just use mine.
@Shannon, I don't believe you can see other workouts or share yet. I've been following the discussion on FB and no one wants to be inundated with thousands of home made workouts on the web. Looks to me like the plan is to get the Custom Program out of Beta as they work through the issues and then figure out how deal with everyone's courses that are for now, I believe, in your personal "library". I haven't actually used the program, although I want to. I'm just giving it another week or two to let the dust settle on minor updates.
Quick question and be nice Trevor.... I'm looking at joining in on the fun but was wondering will TR grab everything from the power meter and stick or do I need to purchase a speed sensor? Thanks
@Carl - if you have an ANT+ compatible power meter, it'll grab from that. Otherwise the speed/cadence sensor is just necessary for those who don't have an ANT+ power meter - TR needs some way to determine your cadence and rear wheel speed (to calculate virtual power)
I just did my EN bike test using Trainer Road, and something seems off. I did their 20 minute test last week and ended up with an FTP of 206. On todays ride, which I created using the Custom Builder, the 5 minute VO2 came out with an average power of 461 and the 20 minute test of 343. Granted, my trainer is an old first generation Cycleops Fluid. Still, those numbers cannot be correct. When I viewed the workout the numbers were double what I entered when I created it so I just dropped the effort to 50%. I do not know if others can view the workout on Trainer Road. My username is adventurelarry http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/99552
I think the numbers on the left are percentages of your FTP. Would that make sense? Well I just looked again and percentage of FTP doesnt make sense either but its certainly some kind of multiplier. I built a custom ride last night like that with an IF of 1.65. Rebuilt it correctly using percent of FTP for each segment!
You need to download the "beta version" of TR there is a workout creator built into that version , and then is fairly straight forward drag and drop increase decrease the intervals watts and times!
@ Stephane. It really is easy. When you open the workout creator you have a blank graph with some icons at the bottom for rest, short interval, medium interval, etc. and you just click and drag the icon onto the graph. When you click it some handles will appear to adjust % of threshold, duration, and slope. Then you "publish" it and it appears in your custom workout library. You can also modify existing workouts by selecting intervals and deleting. Copy and paste doesn't seem to be working. I created the 30/30 workout for thursday in about 5 minutes by modifying the "clouds" workout. Today's FTP workout took about 10 minutes from scratch.
"When I viewed the workout the numbers were double what I entered when I created it so I just dropped the effort to 50%."
You need to enter a percentage (0-100) in the FTP cells when you create a workout, not a power number. If you enter 200 (basically 200%) it will double your target training power.
Comments
Who is your favorite Race Director?
It's easy when I am the ONLY RD here.
@john, I still want a stark bobblehead! Maybe one with a pointing finger ("hey YOU!"), that I could perhaps put on my handlebars! Haha
Just did my FTP test, 284, using trainer road's 2x20 and my power meter. Previously I was using trainer roads virtual power and my FTP was 221. This seems like a huge discrepancy, anybody switch from virtual power to a power meter and see this kind of increase? I'm skeptical that my FTP is this high, just doesn't seem right.
What type of trainer do you have? Before I had a powertap, I was using TR with my Fluid2. Once I got the PT, I found that there was a HUGE difference - at least, until the trainer warmed up. Once warmed up, I find TR and my PT to be within a few watts of one another - at least within the ranges of around 200-260W (my FPT Is 249). Beyond that it starts to diverge again, but it may require additional warm up, as it seems the viscosity of the fluid increases with temperature (actually, I suspect it gets whipped up into a foam-like state, but thats a different discussion). So I'm curious whether you have a trainer that might act similarly.
Chris, to be honest with you, I wouldn't sweat it. Your FTP is 284W using your PM. That's a great number. The absolute number that TR virtual power used to give you isn't as relevant as the consistency on which that would be the 'readout' for a given input level of the work you were doing. We all do our workouts as a percentage of our tested FTP anyways. So let's just say you had a specific PM with a factor of 2 accidentally programmed into it, then your readout would say 568W for your 100% sets. As long as it is consistent and repeatable that's all that matters. Your PM is likely much better calibrated than the TR virtual power, so that's probably the 'right' number or pretty darn close to it. If you had a crank based PM and compared it to a Powertap on the exact same test they might also give different 'absolute' numbers. The reality is, it doesn't matter what the number is for a given device. as long as you consistently use the same device to train on.
To be clear, the old Virtual Power of 221 wasn't 'wrong', that was just your number on that device.
But now that you have a 'better' device, use it and the 284 number and don't look back!
Just used the TR custom workout builder for tomorrow's workout; I can't believe how easy that was (this coming from someone easily frustrated by a lot of software). It's so intuitive. I know John is working with the TR guys to get our OS workouts in there, but in the meantime, it's pretty cool to explore it on my own. One question: for those of you using the Custom program, can we see each other's custom workouts? Seems like if I already made the workout, it would be nice if someone else could save themselves some time and just use mine.
I have a Cyclops Fluid2 as well.............
(may have missed it in another thread)
Uh, "beloved?" How cute. :-) I feel special now. :-) heheheheheheheeee
I'm looking at joining in on the fun but was wondering will TR grab everything from the power meter and stick or do I need to purchase a speed sensor?
Thanks
Yes power meter and trainer is a Fluid 2. Sweet and Thanks!!
Thanks for any input
--Larry
@Tim, how do you build a custom ride with TR?
Thank you Tim and John.
Downloaded the beta version and that was pretty forward from there. Ready to jump on the bike now.
Just wished all the EN workouts were already predefined in TR to save time.
@Larry ;
"When I viewed the workout the numbers were double what I entered when I created it so I just dropped the effort to 50%."
You need to enter a percentage (0-100) in the FTP cells when you create a workout, not a power number. If you enter 200 (basically 200%) it will double your target training power.