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I find a turbo much easier for FTP tests. It just takes away the distractions and means every test is consistent.
This is true, but I can never match the numbers I can do outside on the road on a turbo. It's definitely not calibration issues - the numbers are within +/- 1% comparing the trainer to the power meter. But outside my FTP is at least 10% higher than it is outdoors. Maybe I need a bigger fan...
Brommers-
I can never match the numbers I can do outside on the road on a turbo
This seems to be a common issue (with some people being the opposite too), but really it doesn’t matter. So long as your testing is consistent, that’s the only important thing. You just add that missing 5, 10, 15% when riding to power outside.
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I was in the same boat for years until lockdown during which I best my outdoor numbers. Maybe it's a specificity thing. Previously, as I'm sure you're all aware, I've done loads of outdoor miles and turbo was only a 1-2 sessions a week thing. Lockdown had me on the turbo every day, often multiple sessions a day.
miro_o
TTM
hippy
I’ve not done a 12 min test, but have done 8 and 20’s before. They all do the same thing - give a rough approximation of FTP, so long as you fit the bell curve average and aren’t an outlier.
Don’t worry too much about the number for now. Just ride with the power meter for a while, gathering a variety of data (max efforts at various durations) and keep testing every few weeks and you’ll start to learn where your FTP is.
I find a turbo much easier for FTP tests. It just takes away the distractions and means every test is consistent.