Power Meters / Powermeters (SRM, Powertap, Quarq, Ergomo, Vector, Stages, power2max, P2M, 4iii, InPower, Cinch)

Or put a bigger gear inch on.

Don't think powertap track sprockets come in less than 14t, and don't have 55t chainring lying around!

Lower your tyre pressure and stick a towel under the roller.

Don't think powertap track sprockets come in less than 14t

White Industries do a 13T, but you need one of my lock rings to go with it because the chain will foul the Powertap/Wheelbuilder.com lock ring.

Luckily they do a 13t. I can lend if you need.

Hate that feeling of under inflated tyres and high cadence on the rollers.. Feels sluggish and bouncy.

@laner a grinder like you will need a pretty huge gear for a 20min test ;)...

What you use depends on your desired cadence obviously, but I'd aim for 98+

I'd aim for 98+

I'm currently rocking 141" on the rollers with the 48 spoke wheels, on the old 36 spoke set up I used 165"

Yeah bit like pedalling through treacle.

Cool story!

Thanks everyone. I think, if can arrange it in the next month, plonking my bike on dammit's turbo and seeing what happens after twenty to fourth minutes of heavy sweating is the easiest option.

Is there a turbo thread? I need one; Elite Turbo Muin; any opinions? I like the idea of direct drive. Can be had for just under £300.

Is there a turbo thread?

Yes

Just wondering... What is the biggest increase in FTP people have seen over a relatively short period (i.e. 4-8 weeks) ?

All through August i was training really hard for 7 consecutive days in the Alps and i reckon i only improved FTP by 2-3%. After the week in the mountains, I had around 10 days off, then rode a bike without a PM for a week or so, so wasn't able to gauge any improvements.

Now, about 3 weeks after the Alps, I've started riding with a a PM again, and reckon I've improved by at least 6-7% on my FTP when i was out in France.

I'm slightly incredulous that I've got that much stronger all of a sudden and almost don't believe the PM is calibrated etc right (but I have checked).

Does that sound reasonable? i.e., an increase of at least 6-7% on FTP after a super hard block of training, then quite a big rest period?

So many variables anything is possible. But yeah it's possible
But powermeters don't lie, if calibrated properly.

Anecdotal, but I've had my best form after riding in the mountains for a week. There's nothing quite like 3 or 4 cols a day to up your fitness.

Also, you do need rest for the results of the training stress to manifest in your body.

Watch out world. I've been resting like a pro.

Yeah. It sounds like you've cracked the rest puzzle perfectly.

I smashed myself on my climbing hols, came home injured, and fatigued, and jumped straight into racing. My FTP was way down, and didn't recover untill I did. With zero improvement.

Bet if I'd come home and taken an easy 10 days, I'd have seen an improvement.

Fecking resting.

@andyp @skinny

Well, good to hear that this is all reasonable... i was just a little taken aback that it had improved so suddenly.

Looking back at the data from the week, it was repeated blocks of clibing for at least an hour, and typically at around 90-95% of my old FTP and that's gonna do a fair bit of good. Also, i am bad for taking enough rest, and having a week or so of laziness straight after such an intense block was perfectly timed. Plus lots of croissants and nutella when in the Cols, which I've heard is excellent muscle food

Have checked and double checked my PM so guess it's all good!

Are you talking about an estimated FTP from riding? Or one taken from a test?

Well, from riding to be fair. But i've estimated that by looking at NP at 20, 60 and 90 mins on two rides so should be accurate-ish. They're definitely better numbers than before!

You need to do a test and do it the same way every time in order to be able to compare

Awwww but i don't wannnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Me no like 20 minute test

Well ftp will only be higher on a test. So your improvement stands.

Unless it was a guesstimate before. In which case maybe you're just more inclined to push for a full 20 now, than you were before.

Test or gtfo :)

Don't make @hippy post that Coggan 'seven deadly sins' post again.