FTP W/kg - which weight are we talking about?

[Patchelicious]

Then what will be?

20 minute flat box test on a Wattbike, take that number x 95% and just use that.

 

That's what 90% of people do. This is not a complicated discussion. It's only complicated if you want it to be.

[mecheng89]

I'm ignorant, but wasn't the 'old' idea of threshold, however quantified by HR or power or volume of kotch, related to a 1 hour solo time trial?

Precisely. It's not an old idea (1 hour). It'st still very much the benchmark. But boffins with pens in their top pockets have discovered that taking 95% of your 20 min all out effort is similar to your 1 hour TT effort. 

[mecheng89]

20 minute flat box test on a Wattbike, take that number x 95% and just use that.

 

That's what 90% of people do. This is not a complicated discussion. It's only complicated if you want it to be.

I agree, a 20min solo effort is your best indication. What I meant in my question is what mass participation event he believes is a better to check your 1 hour max average power. 

[Patchelicious]

Not so much stir as make dialogue. I would just like to understand the thinking behind this mythical FTP value, which it seems like people still cannot agree 100% on!

 

Snip

 

If you need everybody to agree 100% on something you will not have a good time.

 

There is nothing mythical about anything, it's basic numbers.

 

Getting your FTP is not even the biggest issue here. Its what you do with it that matters.

[L46]

Not so much stir as make dialogue. I would just like to understand the thinking behind this mythical FTP value, which it seems like people still cannot agree 100% on! From what I've read in formal literature (Coggan et al) is that your undisputed FTP value can be determined from a minimum of a one hour mass start race. So to those who are doing Emperor's on Sunday and are fortunate to own a PM, please share your figures on this thread. 

 

What we want is your maximum 1 hour power. On GC you can view your power graph and ask it to filter it to your maximum average over any interval (time) you wish. Below is my best 1 hour power from our club ride yesterday. You can even overlap the graphs to include elevation, speed, HR and/or cadence.

 

Capture.PNG

 

So, if this maximum 1 hour average power is higher than your current FTP, then you have a new FTP! 

 

I don't agree with using the max 60min during a 2-3 hour race as you would either be burning matches before the said max 60min or having something in reserve after the said max 60min.  Even when racing hard in a bunch you'll have a lot of free-wheeling/slip streaming with power values fluctuating.  If you do a 60min time trial where you have nothing to spare after the TT that would be a much better representation, less free wheeling and much more constant values.  Do the TT on the same road and similar conditions to measure improvement.

[Patchelicious]

I agree, a 20min solo effort is your best indication. What I meant in my question is what mass participation event he believes is a better to check your 1 hour max average power.

None is the short answer. unless you are in a 1 hour solo break away on the flats with very little down hills.

['Dale]

Why the complicated-ness on this thread

It's a simple task. ????

 

Don't sweat too much (pun intended) on your initial result

FTP testing can be as often 4-6 weekly. Just use the same method and hopefully the same setting (IDT or same segment out on the road)

[jcza]

I prefer the 2 x 8 min test.

 

You can use data from races but make sure gradient is < 2%. 

[L46]

Then what will be? 

 

Jock tour day 1 hill climb from Nelspruit to Kaapschehoop.  You should come in just over an hour.

[jcza]

Jock tour day 1 hill climb from Nelspruit to Kaapschehoop.  You should come in just over an hour.

 

Can't use a hill to measure FTP

[Fat Boab]

Can't use a hill to measure FTP

 

I'm interested - why not a hill?

[Patchelicious]

I prefer the 2 x 8 min test.

 

You can use data from races but make sure gradient is < 2%.

This!!

 

Go do the SBR big climb, twice, taking the first bit easy and but then the last 2/3rds as hard as you can.

 

Then take the average of your two best 8min efforts.

 

Multiple that by 90%

 

Badabing badaboom.

 

People will tell you about more accurate this more accurate that, but again accuracy only matter if you then do the subsequent intervals based on your FTP properly

 

Remember, FTP is not some number for bar room talk, it's a number that you use to do intervals at the correct effort to maximize your training.

 

If you are going to be doing your intervals on your new PowerTap, do the baseline tests on it too.

[jcza]

I'm interested - why not a hill?

 

Numbers will be higher on a hill and you need to sustain the number on flat 

[shaper]

20 minute flat box test on a Wattbike, take that number x 95% and just use that.

 

That's what 90% of people do. This is not a complicated discussion. It's only complicated if you want it to be.

But then you have the disparity of an FTP done on a IDT (wattbike) and what the FTP can be if done out doors  ... and for some this can be a big difference......

[Patchelicious]

You know what....

 

You ride with Gerald... just ask him on the next club ride. I promise you he knows what he is talking about.

 

Asking here will just confokulate it for you.

[Patchelicious]

But then you have the disparity of an FTP done on a IDT (wattbike) and what the FTP can be if done out doors ... and for some this can be a big difference......

There can always be a bunch of reasons why something can't work, or isn't exactly perfect, but we do the best with what we are given and have at our disposal don't we.....