Unable to get cycling VO2 Max reading

Former Member over 7 years ago

So the instruction manual for the fenix 5S states "Getting Your VO2 Max. Estimate for Cycling. This feature requires a power meter and wrist-based heart rate or a compatible chest heart rate monitor" ... and "be paired with your fenix 5/5S device".

I have the premium soft strap HRM already paired and still unable to get any cycling VO2 Max reading. Do I need to get a different product? What are some mid-level priced compatible power meter devices? Thanks

0 NickCroken over 7 years ago

You'd need a power meter but you if you're just looking for your VO2 max I'd just go and get tested as it'll give you a real result, not an imaginary number that the garmin gives you. Affordable power meters would be Stages or 4iiii

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

I'm wanting more than just the VO2 reading as it is necessary for the training status function on the F5S as well. I had assumed that the reading from Garmin is not absolute but a good idea of my status seems acceptable. I'll start researching your suggestions on the power meters. Appreciate it.

0 openbox9 over 7 years ago

I don't know about cycling VO2max, but Garmin guesstimated my running VO2max spot on with my tested metabolic result.

0 sevk over 7 years ago

You can try this:
https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/d7ec9b1b-8353-42e9-a3d3-c8ac641a2dba

0 chatlow over 7 years ago

I went with 4iiii due to accuracy and weight, it's fantastic. Newer stages meters have more powerful ant+ now so should work well with the F5. The previous gen would dropout all the time.

Also worth noting that if you have a turbo trainer that gives a power reading then this can also be used as a power input for the F5 and will give VO2 based on this. I have found the Tacx Vortex (another great budget, smart trainer) provides a slightly higher power reading - but then is based off both legs, rather than my 4iiii which is one side. Both are close enough for me though.