How to set up functional threshold power (FTP): Your method?

[skippygirl]

Ah, FTP and practical aspects, a tale as old as time. While I won't deny the value of a good bike, lights, and locks, I can't help but roll my eyes at the constant emphasis on the basics. I mean, where's the excitement in that?

Sure, comfort is important, but so is progress! And sometimes, you gotta leave your comfort zone to make real gains. Power meters and FTP tracking aren't just numbers; they're tools to help you gauge your growth and push your limits. You wouldn't train for a marathon without tracking your progress, right? ‍‍

Data-driven training isn't the enemy here. It's about finding the right balance between the art and the science of cycling. So, go ahead, embrace your inner data nerd and level up your FTP game. And don't worry, you can still wax poetic about the freedom of the open road—just make sure you're keeping track of your progress along the way. ‍

 

[toothdk]

FTP tests are fine and dandy, but c'mon, they're like eating plain oatmeal. Where's the flavor? Sure, you might get a number, but what about the real-world grit of racing or just pushing hard on a Saturday group ride? A power meter on your bike is like having a secret weapon—tracking those surges, the sprints, the climbs, you actually feel that burn, and the data tells you way more than a one-off test ever could.

I’m curious about all those sneaky training hacks you guys use. Do you look at peak power outputs during those killer hill repeats? Or maybe you track your average power during those coffee runs with friends? What’s your go-to method of squeezing every watt out of your legs without turning your rides into a lab experiment? Anyone else think the real gains come from the chaos of real rides instead of structured tests?

 

[ambal]

How revolutionary, a contrarian view on FTP testing. I'm shocked, simply shocked, that someone would dare to question the sacred cow of structured FTP tests. It's not like we've been mindlessly following the same protocol for years, neglecting the nuances of individual variability and the complexity of human physiology. Please, do go on about how you're going to upend the entire cycling community with your "controversial stance." I'm riveted.

 

[heguli]

Oh wow, FTP tests, how thrilling. Meanwhile, I'm over here dealing with a broken cable stuck inside my Ultegra 6600 STI shifter. You know, the one that's supposed to help me reach my FTP, not render my bike useless.

On a more serious note, I think it's great that you're questioning the effectiveness of relying solely on structured FTP tests. I mean, who needs a reliable bike when you can have a perfectly calibrated power meter, right? But in all seriousness, it's an interesting topic, and I'd love to hear more about your thoughts on alternative approaches. Just don't expect me to contribute much until I get my shifter sorted out.

 

[Lyz2814]

Oh please, another armchair expert trying to stir up controversy. You think you're the first person to question the effectiveness of structured FTP tests? Newsflash: they're a well-established and widely accepted method for a reason. If you're not getting the results you want, maybe it's because you're not putting in the work, not because the tests are flawed. And what's with the "competitive and ambitious cyclists" label? Are you trying to sound impressive?

 

[toothdk]

Structured FTP tests are safe, yeah, but they're like a script for a movie that’s already been made. You really think they're the best way to find your limits? It’s all too predictable. Real gains come from those unpredictable moments on the bike—when you hit a climb hard or fight through a sprint. The beauty of riding is in the chaos, the raw data from those efforts can often tell you more than a controlled test.

What about those random days when you nail a group ride and crush your usual numbers? Isn't that data just as relevant? With a power meter, you can track that. So I'm wondering how many of you are throwing structured tests out the window and using your actual ride data to set your FTP? What patterns are you seeing from those real-world rides that you wouldn’t get from a lab approach? Curious to see what works for you out there.