Turbo Trainer Advice

I don't know why they did that. Maybe they got feedback from people starting tests at 50W that it was too low and the test was taking too long or conversely there's riders for which a 200W start point is too high. Probably it was just easier to leave it FTP-based since all their workouts are the like that and devs are lazy.

How did both of those tests "feel"?

British cycling ramp test is set. There are 2 depending on if you’re pro or not but it’s set.

Whole point of ramp test is that it’s standardised datum. Silly trainer road.

The second higher one was better with the no shifting but it felt like I’d spent too long in the upper third. Hence why I think Friday will see another improvement. All a learning curve at the moment.

Sure - PM me the email address you want to use and I’ll refer you.

In the name of science I just set my FTP 200W higher than previously estimated and did a Ramp Test with the resulting higher start wattage.

Result: 5W lower estimated FTP than previous test result.

That's pretty damn close, well within my margin of error, considering I'm somewhat congested and I'd already done a short lunch session.

Hope you’re on your way to John o’groats now, whiskey in the bottle cage?

Fair enough, I’d think having it too high wouldn’t be as problematic as having it too low.
Maybe I’m overly optimistic. I’ll report back on Friday.

TR created a ramp test for you to estimate your ftp for use in TR. It's maybe not a 'true' ramp test, but they and most TR users seem pretty happy with it (including me).

From what I can work out, it starts at a low level that is based on your current ftp and goes up in set increments that are a percentage of your ftp. This means that everyone generally does the same length of time before reaching their current ftp and then carries on as long as possible.

Makes sense to me considering the wide range of users they cater to.

Yeah exactly. Also the more tailored it is to you the more accurate I’d imagine it’ll be.

Actually, slight change of plan, heading to a pub quiz. Because the brain needs exercise too...

#drinkseightpints

I'll do another one with my FTP set to whatever the lowest value is and see what happens.

Do another one after the pub!

It did cross my mind. But I want it to be a fair(ish) test of the Ramp Test. #metatest

That’s like doing heavy weights, damage the muscle with the hope of it growing back stronger, but with beer?

You could just wait till Friday and laugh at my FTP still being 200...

I was already laughing if it makes you feel better? ;)

Nah, how much do you weigh? Even if it is 'only' 200W, FTP ain't everything, you might be the fastest Flying 200 rider the world has ever seen, or be able to ride at 200W with a Cda of 0.15 forever.

In theory the test would just take 8-10 minutes more, you just spend the warmup at super low watts, then 15w increases every minute in a comfortable place until your true FTP, and then it gets hard for about 7-8 minutes

Haha

Yeah I’m only interested in it to form my training. I have no idea what I might be aiming for etc. I don’t ride with anyone who has a power meter and I’ve only run competitively and never raced on a bike.
I weigh about 76kg at 6’3”.

Nice one. I’ll have a look.

Thanks very much for the offer, I was referred by someone else yesterday.

I've also got some referrals to give away.

So, this ramp test. If I were to do 30mins of warmup before the 5mins it gives you, then will this not be an accurate test?

I do the BC warmup before a ramp test. As long as you do the same every time it's fine.

I'm interested in this as the TR is 10 mins of Z1 which barely gets my heart rate rising. May change up my Training Peaks file so I at least get it to threshold before doing the ramp.