This discussion has been locked.

You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

VO2 Max accuracy and bugs

Is everyone aware that restoring your Garmin device (Fenix 3 here) deletes your VO2 max level in Garmin Connect? According to Garmin there is no way it can be restored meaning you have to work your way back up to the level before reset. Also, the manual VO2 Max setting in under user Settings>User Settings does not work - try changing it! One Garmin Support person told me to change it manually but then admitted it does not change the VO2 Max displayed - so what good is it?
My big question is why the VO2 resets back to a default level - in my case it went from 44 down to 38 after reset and despite 10 good runs since, it is still only 40 now.
Does this mean my previous level of 44 which took 6 months to achieve is incorrect or are the new readings incorrect?
There is no warning when resetting the watch that this data will be lost. Had I known this I would not have reset the watch as the only issue I had was problems with the WiFi connection.
Not happy at all about this and the lack of support as I am simply being told there is nothing that they can do even though a different support rep is asking me for back up files and diagnostic report. I don't know about the other Garmin users but improving my VO2 max was a great motivator - now it just seems like the VO2 is insignificant from Garmin's side. It cannot be difficult for Garmin to change the software in the next version update to allow the user to set the VO2 Max level. After resetting the watch, it HAS to take a default value from somewhere - this is not hard to change - if they want to!

0 Mrburns over 4 years ago

Interesting, Similar happened to me (VO2 max down from 51 to 44) when I downgraded software and then reinstall latest version on my 1030+.

Very dispiriting.

0 trux over 4 years ago in reply to Mrburns

Not sure I understand the problem - why don't you simply do another ride to get the recent VO₂Max value recorded?

0 Mrburns over 4 years ago in reply to trux

I have done a number of rides since and its showing 44 where as before it was 51. It must use stored data to evaluate over time hence loss of data affects output.

Since I reinstalled the software I have this minor issue but I now get anaerobic data which I did not before and my unit has not frozen in over 20 hours since. Very happy chappy. I still think most issues are due to no checksum when upgrading.

0 Danty over 4 years ago in reply to trux

It took me months to climb up to 44. Restoring factory defaults in my Fenix 3HR (and I use the HR Run strap too) changed it to 38. I have done 12 good runs since and it is barely moving now at 40. The point is there is no warning that you will lose your "hard earned" VO2 max status! Garmin are simply fobbing me off saying there is nothing they can do. So, which is the true number - before the reset or after?

0 trux over 4 years ago in reply to Danty

Danty said:
So, which is the true number - before the reset or after?

Have a look at the following document from Firstbeat (the provider of the VO₂Max technology used by Garmin)

VO2max Fitness Level

Basically, it tells: "The algorithm behind Firstbeat Analytics’ VO2max calculation learns from you over time. The more you use your device, the more reliable your VO2max estimate becomes.". On the other hand the VO₂Max value of your body also varies during the life, as well as during the season, hence it is impossible to tell which of the values is correct. If you want to know for real, make a lab test at a sport physician.