Indoor biking and VO2max/training status

I thought it was only running and biking outdoors with GPS that gave you VO2max and training status. I just got a bike trainer and had my first ride yesterday, only 23 minutes, but my Fenix 6S sapphire gave me VO2max and a Productive training status (after having No Status for a couple weeks, because I am on running restriction from my PT). I was quite surprised, both by the VO2max reading and by the updated training status after just one ride.

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0 3717520 over 5 years ago

From talking to Garmin support, I’m told only running and outdoor cycling with foot pod will cause the VO2 to update but I have heard from others that walking will also update VO2 so who knows

0 eezytiger over 5 years ago

I have been training indoors with a power meter (Tacx Neo) for almost four years. This year I bought Assioma Duo pedals for outdoor rides, but I ride outdoors very seldom nowadays. I also do very occasional Parkruns.

I do not have a 6 series, but I have an F3HR and, a 5X+. My watches have updated VO2 Max independently for both types of activity, so long as intensity and duration is sufficient to make for meaningful judgement. Recovery rides, for example, won't trigger a calculation.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago

For Cycling, all that's needed for Garmin to calculate a VO2Max number is power and heart rate, so it doesn't matter whether you do it outdoors or indoors on a trainer.

https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=lWqSVlq3w76z5WoihLy5f8

0 lindajm22 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

Thanks for the link. It does confirm that cycling does not require GPS. I have the heart rate and power requirements. I did not know this and I am thrilled about it because I'll probably be doing more indoor cycling this winter than running as I am looking at possible foot surgery. Trying PT and inserts for now.

0 Dr Phil over 5 years ago in reply to lindajm22

I can confirm that cycling does only need power for VO2max. I use PerfPro Studio for cycling indoors during the winter and that provided virtual power. The only time I get VO2max for cycling is when I cycle indoors without GPS.