Did my FTP actually increase, or was it just the calibration?

[mcneese.chad]

@tomr1022

Also, what is calibration anyway?

• A process where the trainer spins down from a known speed to another known speed. The time it takes to do that is used to “calibrate” the power data from the trainer. In the case of a wheel-on trainer, it is meant to handle the variables like tire stiffness, tire pressure, trainer roller pressure and system friction (bearings and such) to give you more accurate power data.
• If you are using the trainer as your primary power data source, it is best to follow standard practice and calibrate after about a 10 minute warm up.

@tomr1022

If I use a power meter and power match while training indoors, isn’t my power just being recorded from my power meter? Shouldn’t the power from my power meter be legit (which I do calibrate every time!) regardless of what I do (or fail to do) with my trainer?

• Yes and Yes. Using a power meter as your primary data source, along with PowerMatch effectively negates the need to calibrate the trainer.