I’ve not seen any recent posts on this… Ive been on TR for about 6 weeks now. I’m 60 and my AI FTP was recoreded at 287. 4 Weeks on it is 300 - so all good. It is possibly a bit low but not by too much (say 10W). Generally i am best at long sustained power. Downside is i’m 100KG but that is work in progress
Anyway, I got some Garmin Power pedals the other week. When on Turbo they were showing the same power as my Turbo (via Zwift). I did a 160KM (100 mile Group ride) with hardish times on the front, 1,500m of climbing. I recorded a new FTP (outside) of 335 with an NP of 305. Generally it felt less of a slug than on the Turbo. Bearing in mind the 335w was as part of a ride then I know i could go higher than this.
I know outside and inside FTP can vary, but my question is how does TR differentiate (if at all) with regards the Power from outside than in. I’m hoping my indoor rides do not use my outside FTP!!
Just wondering how TR looks at this difference - i dont think i could do a 335 FTP indoors…
They used to have the requirement for 10 inside workouts before AI FTP could calculate. My thinking was that indoors workouts set the spade in the sand FTP wise and outdoors stuff just tweaked around it. I don’t know for certain though or if I’m right how it copes with heavily outside dominated or exclusive training
I always am able to do more outside. Earlier in the season I did a four hour .85 IF effort which I absolutely would not be able to do on the trainer. I think this is pretty common?
AI FTP Detection uses a Machine Learning System (a subset of Artificial Intelligence) to analyze millions of rides, to understand how FTP changes over time and in response to training. Our system looks at your personal biometrics and the unique details of your recent and past cycling data to detect your FTP without the need for maximal efforts or specific workouts.
That said, AI FTP Detection takes into account your outside rides with power data, but I doubt they will inflate your FTP.
Question for you, how did you calculate your outside FTP of 335?
Post ride on Garmin Connect… It just came up and told me i’d averaged 353W for 20 min - in looking at this just now I can see it was probably when i was on the front whilst going uphill for the majority.
The Garmin power pedals are brand new and I checked them out and seem to be consistent with my smart trainer.
I don’t think my rides have become harder indoors and what was v. good is TR backed off my training to compensate. I think my TSS from Training Peaks showed 1250 for the week.
The average of 353W for 20 min in Garmin can offer an estimate, but it’s not always perfectly reliable, especially when based on post-ride detection rather than a structured test, so I would always rely on AI FTP Detection to calculate your FTP or a Ramp Test.
no problem about message… It is more jsut out of interest as I’m fully onboard with AI FTP and indoor - thats where i do all my structured sessions so that is the important FTP…
Out of interest, if i have Garmin Power Pedals and Garmin Connect tells me i have ridden say 350 Watts for 20 min is that an estimate or actual? Just wondering
Only time i need to know my FTP outside is for pacing purposes on an half/full Ironman bike.
Garmin calls it an FTP estimate so it’s not an actual.
One of the most common questions we receive here at TrainerRoad is whether you need to adjust your FTP between indoor and outdoor workouts. The short answer is no, as FTP is rooted in physiology and not affected by external factors. However, this doesn’t mean it’s always equally easy to ride indoors and out. Why does it sometimes feel like your FTP changes in different settings, and what can you do to feel stronger more often?
