Originally Posted by
FlashBazbo
It's Winter. Always a difficult time to get an FTP test that compares with valid tests taken the rest of the year. And tomorrow is time for my end-of-Early Base phase FTP test. My last FTP test was in late October. Here are my options for tomorrow's test:
1. An outdoor FTP test on my usual course -- but with temps in the high 30's to low 40's and wind of 15 mph, with gusts above that. Lots of clothes and lots of wind. The second half of the FTP test will be into the teeth of that 15 mph wind. (All my FTP tests are taken on this course, but the temps are usually in the 60's and 70's, with wind of around 5 mph.)
2. Use a Kickr Snap indoor trainer. The results of indoor FTP tests are notoriously low -- but who knows by how much?
3. Skip the FTP test and wait six weeks (to the end of Late Base) to take a baseline FTP for use during the Build phase.
So, the question . . . which of these 3 options makes the most sense? And given the option you recommend, how would you adjust the results (if at all), to come up with a "valid" FTP upon which to base the power zones for Late Base training?
I would do the outdoor test. First, even when it's cold I find I'm able to make better wattage pushing into the wind, which will be helpful during the second half of the test. Second, you're testing your ability to make power under the conditions in which you're riding. So, if you're going to ride outside, you should test outside. Third, the precise number isn't that important. It's to set training parameters. If you get numbers and your workouts are too easy or too hard, there's nothing wrong with adjusting the wattage targets.