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Understanding FTP Estimate

Marius
over 4 years ago

Hello,

I recently did the guided FTP test and I don't understand the result. I read on the discover.garmin.com website how the test works, and what it checks and all, but the result doesn't seem to be plausible. I don't know how to post a training/activity on the forum so here are the details:

  • I use a Elite Direto X indoor trainer and a Garmin HRM-Run chest strap along with my Fenix 6 Pro watch;
  • I did a 10 minutes warm-up followed by the test;
  • My initial FTP is 184W, my current LT is at 181 bpm, and VO2max is 55;
  • The test ramped from 175W to 190W to 210W to 225W after which it stopped. The ramps were 4 minutes and the last one 3 minutes;
  • My HR ranges during these ramps were 145-150 during the first ramp, followed by 155-160, 160-170 and the last one stabilized at 175;
  • I reached a maximum HR of 178 while my maximum HR recorded while running is around 195;
  • Cadence is steady around 90 RPM all along;
  • The only thing that I see showing variability is my respiration rate during the last ramp (which I didn't feel was so much different, but let's say it was).
  • I did feel my legs were working to push the 225W but I didn't feel out of breath, tired, nor did I fail to stay in the given power range;
  • FTP Result: 183W?? (with TSS at only 47.7).

I felt like I could be doing at least one more ramp before my legs would tire off, and my breathing felt fine, I didn't feel exhausted. Did I do something wrong? Should I fake a FTP that I believe would be closer to my real FTP and see what the app selects?

Thank you!

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Dr Phil

    I'm in total agreement with you that they are not directly related. VO2 max only indicates the potential of your aerobic system to deliver oxygen to your muscles. You still have to train the body to take advantage of that, which FTP or FTHR are indicators of how good your body is able to do that. A somewhat loose analogy is that VO2 max indicates how free flowing the intake and exhaust system is on your car and FTP is indicator of your redline. You to need to increase your redline if you want to take full advantage of the what's available. Since the VO2 Max that Garmin uses is per kg of body weight, your weight obviously influences this number as well.

    I think your personal examples give some ideas of how you may not fully realize one's potential however they didn't seem to apply here. The OP stated that he felt like the test was easier than it should have been and didn't seem to indicate that pain, or other things were limiting his ability to push hard for the test. I don't know for certain, but it seems like his VO2 max is from cycling. If it is from another sport, that could explain the disparity since VO2 max is sport specific and it takes time to express that potential in a new sport. However, if the VO2 max is from cycling then I still wonder about the FTP a little. If he is very light, it makes more sense because the VO2 max/kg is a relative number and a smaller guy can still be fast making less power because there's less weight to move.

    Speaking of personal anecdotes, my VO2 max per Garmin is currently in the low 50s but my FTP is floating between 245-255 watts. When I was more focused on cycling my FTP was around 300 watts but my VO2 max was around 60. Once again, pure anecdote, but from what I've seen of other cyclists, not just me, his FTP does seem a little low given his fitness level, unless again he is smaller in stature, he's new to cycling, or the power meter is giving off numbers due to lack of calibration.