And probably dumb vs smart trainer
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I have the InsideRide E-Flex Kickr system, and I use a single FTP. I do ~90+% of my structured rides on the trainer 365 days a year, so no real reason to worry about the difference in the power I can put out inside vs. outside.
I know I can put out more power consistently outside, so I just use what I can do inside as my FTP, and bonus for when I’m riding outside - groups rides (or solo rides now), gran fondos, sportives, etc. - and I’m stronger.
A whole host of factors… the podcast saying 7% seems to me like someone thinking, “well it’s probably 5-10% different, so slap a 7% on there and it’s definitive and easy to remember…” It’s just kind of baseless for individuals…
Where did you read/hear 7%? Or were you simply making a statement with made up numbers to illustrate your point?
Oh, I see original poster might be seeing 7% difference. But is using ramp test and intervals.icu estimates. Should be doing same test inside and outside before jumping to conclusions about FTP inside vs outside.
OP cited it from a Life in the Peloton podcast.
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All right I see that now in first post. Thanks.
No FTP differences indoors/outdoors for me once I upgraded my cooling solution. I’m at the point where I find it easier to put down bigger power indoors due to the steady resistance, inspirational tunes, and the lack of external factors that disrupt power delivery (undulations, wind gusts, turns, cars, etc.).
I don’t have a rocker plate but ordered one and am interested to see if that changes anything.
I am within 1% inside or out with my Garmin vector 3 pedals. The pedals consistently read about 5% higher than the Tacx Neo2. I train on a COLD 35-45F garage with a fan.
Despite my comment(s) above, being able to set different ftps etc, mine are within ~ 2% (higher outside). Close enough not to worry about, especially as I only use FTP to approximate zones below FTP (sst, z3, z2, z1) Threshold training is a guided by FTP as a starting point but based on feel. Anything above FTP is based on history, experience and my PDcurve. The only slight concern for me personally is the impact on TSS, IF etc, but it is probably within the margin of error(s) How do you know your FTP from day to day with certainty anyway?
The same test or the same power meter? I think that is what is causing the issue, Tacx indoor, Stages outside.
I think you are right Dave, I’ll do the test this week using the Stages meter indoors instead of Tacx trainer that way it’s like-for-like.
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two issues:
Different FTP Estimates:
- inside is ramp test
- outside is estimate from intervals.icu
Different Power Meters:
- inside is Tacx
- outside is Stages
What not use Stages for power both outside and inside? And do same test inside and outside? Only then will you have a handle on inside vs outside power. You’ve got a Tacx Neo and that should help narrow the gap between inside and outside (versus a dumb trainer).
I tested out on the road today. 2 x 8min test puts me at 299w FTP Vs. 283w inside on the Ramp Test.
I used to think it was my Stages Vs. Wahoo Kickr but I have started testing comparing both and they are almost identical.
I’m putting it down to cooling - it’s 20 degrees in my current training room and it was a cool 14 degrees this morning, plus a bit of wind chill added to that.
I’ll keep my Ramp Test FTP for my indoor workouts and use the other number when I’m riding outside.
Big thanks to TR - both numbers are all time PRs for me! Hopefully I’ll sneak over 300w next time.