I haven’t tried the FTP test yet and probably won’t for awhile (no where in the place of doing one ha!). I sometimes use a program called PerfPro Studio for my FTP test because it has predicted (1 hour) FTP on there. For me I find this very helpful as I do the test to know exactly where I’m at in stead of trying to crunch numbers based on the 20 min effort. Not sure if this is on the Beta (or in final plans) or not but hope to see this included! It’s a great motivater knowing where you’re at during the test!
Our FTP test gives you your FTP at the end of it. No need for maths
ADDED INFO FROM LINDSAY:
Hello everyone -
We added a feature a while ago to help with exactly this situation. While on a controllable trainer, you can adjust the baseline resistance up or down during the FTP section of the test (or any other ‘free ride’ block) using the + and - keys on your keyboard, or the resistance buttons on the Action page of the Zwift Mobile Link app.
Any plans for you guys to implement a similar feature like PowerMatch that Trainerroad has? When training, controlling the smart trainer’s resistance through your external power meter becomes important.
Any chance of the workout description and the workout itself reminding you that ERG will be off for the test? There wasn’t any mention of this sort of thing, and I was a bit confused if I should do my own thing or not.
In FTP mode it should shut off the power reading and only give heart rate and speed. Seeing your power output during a test is not the best way to do the test, it should require you to exert max effort based upon how you feel, where seeing your power can lead you to confound the test results. That is why clinical trials are done blind!
Just completed my FTP workout - I missed the notification on screen, didn’t quite catch if it said 249w or 259w, is there a way to find out what the result was afterwards?
Hi, I just completed the short FTP workout yesterday and I’m a bit confused with it. I’m using a new Wahoo Kickr and have never trained with power before so this is all new to me. My question is about the 20 minute portion of the FTP test. My cadence averaged around 120 but the power wouldn’t increase. The pedaling felt relatively easy, like I was about to spin out. Is there some sort of setting I need to change in Zwift (or the trainer) that would make it harder to pedal thus resulting in more wattage output? Granted I’m very new to this so maybe it’s working how it’s supposed to. Thanks
Louis, during that bit of the test ERG is switched off, so you can use your gears. That way you get to be measured at your own pace, and not some pre-determined power level (which would sort-of defeat the object of the exercise).
It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done the FTP test, but it wasn’t exactly obvious that the ERG would stop. I only figured it out as the test on TrainerRoad is very similar and somewhere that does mention what will happen.
Currently the test seems a bit broken, at least with the Wahoo Kickr, since you can’t set the resistance level.
Basically the same issue as when running Zwift regularly with the Kickr and you end up spinning out on even slight declines because the resistance is too low.
ERG works beautifully once you’ve got your FTP set, but it seems you’ve got to find that number some other way if you’ve got a Kickr.
TrainerRoad handles this by letting you select which resistance curve/level you want to use during the test segment.
Does anyone have an update to this? I also tried an FTP test using my Wahoo Kickr and found I couldn’t push myself at all because there was little to no resistance and my legs were spinning out of control and only producing around 150 watts. I’d like to know how to be able to do a real FTP test if possible.
I’ve used a number of different applications for “FTP” testing and I always wondered why it was overly complicated.
Ideally you could simply select the course to have zero elevation change and the resistance (for power based trainers) and power computations for (regular trainers and power trainers) would mimic riding on a flat course.
This way any rider could do any sort of FTP test methodology their little heart desired.
Is this the FTP test still broken? Using Wahoo Kickr and it free wheels with no resistance. ERG is checked. I can’t pedal fast enough to hit these power targets.
Just tried the FTP test and same issue as described before. Can’t produce enough wattage and legs spinning out during the 20min test. Surely there must be a way around this!?
We added a feature a while ago to help with exactly this situation. While on a controllable trainer, you can adjust the baseline resistance up or down during the FTP section of the test (or any other ‘free ride’ block) using the + and - keys on your keyboard, or the resistance buttons on the Action page of the Zwift Mobile Link app.
I’ve had the same issue as those above. It seems erg mode does not disengage. I overcame this by taking control of my kickr from the Wahoo app. Will try the +/- keys next time. But why not just have the erg mode turn off? I love Zwift but TrainerRoad is the place for FTP testing until this is resolved.
Had a similar problem last night on my Kickr. During the 20min portion, the resistance +/- doesn’t seem to do anything and i just sat there spinning at 150w.
Even though it would defeat the purpose of a “real” FTP test, can there be an option to set target power outputs for each workout segment and leave ERG mode on?
