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FTP Test by Garmin is totally wrong and not the Standard Protocol?

f|33tStA
over 5 years ago

i am not sure, but i think, the Garmin FTP Test is totally wrong and not like the Standard FTP Test Protocols, or?

in the 20min phase, the Garmin Test change the Target of the Power every 4 minutes higher, the first 4 minutes are arround my actual FTP and then Garmin increases the value, after 8 minutes to a value where it's impossible for me, to hold till to 12 minutes, same after the next step, the target is now so high, more ore less 100 Watt over my actual FTP, it's impossible to hold it so long.

Why all other to the FTP testing different, like Zwift, in Zwift you get the message after 10minutes, you have now a average of e.g.210 Watt, try to increase it, so you cqan hold it for the next 10 minutes?

i know, i do cycling for fun and i am near 50 years old, but is this Testing really right?

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    There are nuances to differing FTP test procedures. I am not sure about Garmin. You need to do your testing with the training program that you are using consistently. If, in this case, Zwift - do your FTP testing in Zwift. If TrainerRoad, etc.

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to fljones3

    sure, i do, but as Zwift, Trainer Road, etc can't deliver Training Effect, vo2max dircetly to the Garmin Eco System, i record it twice with Edge, think Garmin have to change it, that it nearly looks like the other Test, they are all identical, the main 20 minutes, ride as hard as possible you can hold for the 20 minutes, only the Warm up is sometimes a little bit different.

    And of course, there is the possibility to do the Test outdoor, so you have only the Garmin Test, or you import a training, that you can follow, or?

    for me, it's not a nuances when i have to ride the last 8 minutes 50% over my actual FTP, a colleague of mine have the same problem!

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to f|33tStA

    Why don't you enter your Zwift/TR FTP into Garmin Connect manually? All Garmin's metrics should pick it up the same way as if you had it from Edge's test.

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to macnuts

    sure, i do this, but would be nice, when someone from Garmin can correct it, or?

    especially for peoples (new customers), etc. who haven't the full knowledge how everything works?

    my chief bought during my holidays a 830 with Vector 3, i heard a lot of funny stories and of course, his FTP failed too more times.
    Mean, this test is really critical, you give your best, then you get a failed message and of course, you can't repeat this test every day

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to f|33tStA

    What should Garmin correct???


    There is no right or wrong FTP test. And you really don't need to do a test to find out your FTP. The important thing is to warm up and then ride as hard as you can so that you can ideally last 40 minutes at that pace. Obviously you have to pace yourself to not hit the wall after the first 5 minutes. But if you just ride for fun, why do you need to know your FTP anyway?? If I were you and would ride for fun, I would rather focus on my bpm and learn to ride using the rate of perceived exertion to make sure you stay healthy. If you can't ride over your FTP for a couple of minutes, than the FTP you set is too high.

    Doing multiple FTP tests is only useful or interesting if you really follow the progress and study the numbers - and in that case you should use a smart trainer to always test under the same conditions

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Vivo3d

    to correct it, so it is possible to fnish it without failing the Test, the Lactate Threshold Test for running works as it have to work, this test protocol is the wrong way.

    my FTP is correct, but i never heard, that in a FTP Test you have to ride more ore less the half of the time 50% over your FTP!

    i do sport (road cycling) for fun since more of my half life (30 years), with a big break (4 years) cause of an accident, since one year i am back and working on structured trainings for Duathlon (thats fun for me).


    Why i have to work with my bpm when i am able to work with power and structured trainings?

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to macnuts

    This is what I do.

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to f|33tStA

    You don't make any sense - if you know your FTP and you are saying your FTP is correct, why are you bothering with the FTP test? If you are doing the FTP test outside, how can it "force" you to ride 50% over your FTP? It might be a suggestion of the workout - but if you can't hit those numbers, that's it. If you are doing it on a trainer, you can't use ERG mode......so I really don't get what you are talking about.

    Power meters record your wattage - and while it might be cool to impress other cyclists with a high FTP, that's it. BPM is actually telling you if you are harming your body. You are even saying, the FTP is wrong and doesn't work and someone from Garmin should change it...well, you don't really strike me as someone that is used to train with a power meter. BTW, my coach mixes my training between wattage and REP/bpm focused all the time.

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Vivo3d

    The FTP test on the Edge uses logic provided by Firstbeat. It looks at your HR settings (check those values are correct) and your current FTP value. It then performs a ramp test and will take you above your FTP level. It is looking for changes in your HRV data. 

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    You may find it incredulous, but the free Garmin Connect IQ app by Xert really works.  It's totally free.  No need to sign up for anything.

    https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/07/xert-rolls-out-free-real-time-ftp-app-on-garmin-devices.html