Ramp test in ergo mode resulted lower FTP

Training
24

Tacx Neo. Should be ok I guess. I have to say that i almost never use ERG (because it feels unnatural for me). When i do intervals i switch to resistance.
Maybe that is the reason that my ramp test feels so strange. Ok, it is always hard but that struggle from 280w and then reach 340w, for me it seems strange. Maybe I need to perform more tests in order to get used to it.

25

  • Yet again another issue. ERG is a bit of a learned experience. I noticed that you mentioned “I also could not increase cadence any more.” which is a sign that you may be riding ERG incorrectly. Overall when using ERG mode, you are in control of your cadence and if it increases or decreases, it is a result of your input (or lack thereof).

  • The primary goal when using ERG mode should be to hold a steady and consistent cadence. Changing up or down too often will lead to issues. It’s fine to change cadence for things like standing breaks or a general shift in your target cadence for a desired time or interval. But outside of that, you should try to hold a steady cadence. Doing so is the way to better ERG mode experience.

  • Yup, unless you use it regularly, switching to ERG for a test is likely a mistake IMO. You’d probably have better luck in the non-ERG mode (I think Z is functionally what we call Standard/Slope mode, while TR will be Resistance for the Neo).

  • I can go further into the ways to get the most from ERG mode if you want, but will reserve that until needed. In short, it’s common for people to have issues in ERG if they normally use other modes.

  • It’s less about testing more, but choosing the mode for testing that makes sense.

    • Testing in ERG can make sense if you plan to use ERG for much of your training. That is what I and others do and it works well once you learn the feel and how it actually works.

    • For others, using the non-ERG options makes way more sense, especially if you are using those other modes for your workouts.

  • Broadly speaking, I suggest testing in the mode you plan to use the most for training. With all of this in mind, I definitely recommend NOT comparing the test results you discussed above. Just too much happening here to make any useful comparison.

26

I thought you weren’t supposed to do the ramp test in ERG? Doesnt the text say to swittch to resistance mode?

27

Wrong. ERG mode is not recommended for the “Test” interval segments within the 20-minute and 8-minute FTP tests.

ERG is fine to use with the Ramp Test as it is very different than how those others function.

28

Ah…thought I saw it somewhere.

1 Like
29

You are maybe getting confused with a 20 minutes test.