FTP Test: Trainer or Road

XCcoach

 I was going to do my FTP test today (as described in "Training & Racing w/Power")...should I go trainer or road?  Does temp, weather factor in?  It's cold and windy today...

I'm good with either one...I just want the best results.  Thanks....

 

[Deleted User]

If you are going to be using your trainer for the outseason workouts then best to test inside, since most people get different numbers inside vs outside. My outdoor FTP is about 7% (20 watts) higher than inside, and I think that is typical. If you are going to retest during the first week of the OS (there is a test scheduled for that week) and you are just starting out with power, it does not matter too much. More important to get a feel for what the numbers mean in relation to RPE and get a ballpark for what neighborhood you will be in for the "real" test.

rmiller

I agree with Jim - do whatever you see yourself doing more of (inside or out) in the near future. For me, that meant an FTP test indoors. And redefine 'best results' not on which will provide the higher number, but which will provide the more consistent training opportunity in the near future. I'd assume indoors, if you are from Illinois, even if that means the FTP number is a tad lower

XCcoach

Thanks. Yep...I meant best for what will give me the best results in terms of using it for training. Just read the indoor will be lower, but that's where I'll be for a while. Looks like I"m heading to the trainer.

gamb

I don't have the mental fortitude to do it on the trainer. I'd rather go out and freeze to death

morpheus

Mike, it's all about trends. After you do a few tests, both indoor and outdoor, you'll have a good feel for what 95% feels like, both indoor and outdoor. Once you dial in that connection, you can test wherever you like. Cold & windy outside? Hit the basement. Nice outside? Go hammer on the roads.

Now, the crossover may skew your cumulative numbers on WKO+ or TP or Golden Cheetah or whatever software you use unless you separate an Indoor Bike and Outdoor Bike. Or an Indoor Road Position vs Outdoor Road Position vs Indoor Tri Position vs Outdoor Tri Position vs......

Personally, I don't do that. I just grab the numbers during a workout and log them into WKO+. The Curve works itself out over time.

Remember, trends.

cgres123

Mike you can do either. Sooner or later you will come inside anyway. Know that coming inside your FTP will drop about 10 watts without wind and rolling resistance that is a ball park estimate. All your results will be good no matter which way you go stick around and you will see. The key is consistancy.