dhale50

Thanks. I guess my ultimate question boils down to this: If a test has been done to find FTP (MAP test in my case), and I can't complete SST intervals based on this figure, then my FTP may be set too high? I do realize, like you said, it could be fatigue from the test leftover.

If the answer is "yes, it could possible that the FTP is set too high", then what good did the test do? The numbers don't lie I suppose, since I was able to map 381 watts. Just don't understand why couldn't ride at SST. I will take a day or two of rest and try again.

jsutkeepspining

also remember the .72 (i think thats the number) of you map test number is just a guesstamit. you may have a terrible aerobic system and be able to use your anaerobic system to get through most of the test.

echappist

if you are really unsure and don't trust the number, do a few easy days and redo the MAP test with 20W ramp.

Otherwise, wait a few days and try SST again. I don't think my AP was over 0.88 of FTP until the 7th or 8th session.

What's that number good for? It's a start. When i bought my ptap, i thought my FTP might be over 270. Yeah, right. I did one 20' session (no 5' before) and estimated 255 for FTP, probably overly high, but close enough. The next time i tested, i was aiming for 260 and got exactly just that.

Skinny Fred

I edited my post above. The description at CC specifies computer only now, but I think that it used to describe the package. I examined the deal pretty carefully. People seem to be satisfied with the new (late 2010) premium strap.

waterrockets 

I got a new laptop a while back, and rather than start off with WKO on it (and moving the license, etc.) I decided to try Golden Cheetah. I really like it. I haven't gotten it completely figured out yet, but it's really cool. Aerolab is a great toy, and I'm looking forward to trying it out with some low-wind tests in various road positons.

One question: why does it show my rides like 18 hours in the past? WKO was fine with the time stamps on my PT data. I might have to crack open the source...

Creatre

What format are you bringing the data in with? Maybe has something to do with that?

I know when I was trying out Golden Cheetah a couple weeks ago it was finicky about which format I brought it in with.

waterrockets 

I'm not sure. I just pull it in with the defaults.

echappist

get the latest development version. Earlier versions had troubles with timestamps, but not the current one.

if you can extract out the *.bin file from your LYC, even better

shovelhd

Give yourself ten gigawatts.

shovelhd

I know it's vaporware, but if that Brim power meter makes it to market and it works, that's the one I'll drop the big coin for.

carpediemracing 

If it comes in at $1000 then it's not as much big coin.

I have some philosophies on equipment and future stuff. The show and some other stuff made me think about future direction etc. I'll be posting shortly on some of that stuff.

Also I found what I think is my new favorite chainring. Bought two sets, will be installing/reviewing.

waterrockets 

I like that when I googled it, I ended up with a zecanon article

JohnKScott

Si

found that cool

Smallguy

I just started with WKO and loaded in a few workouts ( My quarq is a few weeks old and I have not done formal testing yet)

so I am beginning to look at my wattage numbers.

I did 7 "longer" hill (750 meters) repeats the other night and made the separate laps for the climb and decent.

So I was able to look at the numbers for each climb and my time to complete the climb and get a better idea of what power range I should aim for when climbing those hills next week so I do not start at say 500 watts and then finish the climb at 200 cause I blow up.

we also did a few short punchy climbs which were fun to do after the "longer" repeats. I seem to be able to climb the short climbs a lot fast and with quite bit more power.... my peak was 1040 watts up on of the hills.

is this fine for initial analysis or am I looking at this the wrong way?

so far it seems I'm better at short hard efforts than longer durations but I'm also out of shape and a newbie

shovelhd

You're getting some numbers here and there but they're not really telling you much. You need to start a structured training program, designed to get you to peak for your next A race. That may be many months from now, so you can use it to stay within a base range until you start the real training ramp-up. Get the book. Read it a few times, then design a plan for yourself.

tombailey

People are always very keen to start looking at numbers right away. But I try and get my guys to ride for a month w/o paying any attention to very much. Do a variety of rides and workouts like you currently are, then start looking at the data, assessing areas for improvement, and structuring training for next season.

Smallguy

thanks guys

I admit I do like to look at the numbers and make assumptions or trying to anyway. I'm not planning on starting anything structure right now I just want to ride for a bit with out a plan in mind then do formal testing in say November.

if the weather hold our I'm going to try and complete a century this weekend because it's something I've always wanted to ride in and just have not had the time before.. I'm also interested to see the data from it.

Shovelhd

I understand what you are saying I do not plan to peak till next summer. The advice I've received before was to just ride look at your data but do not worry about it.

Tom

can you explain what you mean by "w/o paying any attention to very much"?

shovelhd

There's no problem with just looking at the numbers. I was referring to how you drew conclusions from them without gathering enough data or within a structured program or racing season. That's more than just looking at them. There's no middle ground here unless you want to join an ewang contest. The numbers don't mean a lot until you have enough of them and something to wrap around them. Like I said before, right now I think the best thing for you to do is to do an FTP test, get a number, and use that number to keep your power within the base region until you are ready to start a training program.

ericm979

+1, do a test (or two). You need to test periodically anyhow because your FTP will change.

aham23

its ok to pay attention to the numbers now, but they dont mean crap. you need, at least, a couple months of data for it to mean anything to you. later.

Creatre

How do you guys utilize TSS when training on the trainer. Do you input a separate Trainer FTP everytime you are on the trainer to make it a more realistic TSS? Or do you guys throw on some extra TSS on the side after you are done and look at the numbers compared to a normal ride of the same distance?

I'm trying to help my mom train a bit, and she is getting like .6 IF rides from the trainer which is giving her next to no TSS even at longer time periods.

aham23

^^^^ so you are saying her Perceived Effort is high and the numbers dont seem to match. that is typical for trainer rides for numerous reasons. those numbers may very well be correct.

she needs to do a FTP test on the trainer to establish her FTP. i only do mine on the trainer and its the same routine every time. be consistent with the testing. the difference between indoor and outdoor numbers shouldnt be great enough to significantly skew her data. i do not adjust my FTP based on the location of my efforts.

good luck. later.

tombailey

Don't base assessments of strengths/weaknesses or use the data to build your training until you have enough data that it's somewhat meaningful. Shovel is right - there's no harm in looking at the numbers. They just don't mean that much in isolation.

Creatre

Thanks for the response.

I'll have her do a MAP test on the trainer and hopefully we'll have a better FTP that will work with indoors and outdoors.

LowCel 

I have a question about zeroing a powertap when using with a 705. In the past I always zeroed my wired version while coasting. That doesn't seem to work with the setup I have now. Does it have to be zeroed while not moving? That seems to be the only way mine will do it.

I know my quarq has to be done that way but I assumed the pt had to be done while moving.