Edge 820 and Vivoactive 3 combination VO2 max

Are saying that you're not getting Vo2Max for both running and cycling or just not for cycling? I'm pretty sure that to get a cycling Vo2Max you have to be using a power meter along with HRM.

I don't run. Only bike.
From what I understand the vivoactive should do an estimate without powermeter. ?

I'll check tomorrow by biking with only the vivoactive would be a shame of the edge however

it's always been my understanding that VO2 max was mainly available for running. And checking some web searches for VO2 max and Garmin, for a bike computer, I find below to be consistent with what was stated above about power meters: [h=1]About VO2 Max. Estimates[/h]
VO2 max. is the maximum volume of oxygen (in milliliters) you can consume per minute per kilogram of body weight at your maximum performance. In simple terms, VO2 max. is an indication of athletic performance and should increase as your level of fitness improves. VO2 max. estimates are provided and supported by Firstbeat. You can use your Garmin[SUP]?[/SUP] device paired with a compatible heart rate monitor and power meter to display your cycling VO2 max. estimate.

And then checking the VivoActive 3 user manual, for anything about VO2 Max, this is what is shown, which makes me think the VA3 cannot deliver VO2Max stats for cycling:
[h=1]Getting Your VO2 Max. Estimate[/h]
The device requires heart rate data and a timed 15 minute brisk walk or run to display your VO2 max. estimate.

• Hold the touchscreen.
  
• Select My Stats > VO2 Max.
  
  If you have already recorded a 15 minute brisk walk or run outdoors, your VO2 max. estimate may appear. The device displays the date your VO2 max. estimate was last updated. The device updates your VO2 max. estimate each time you complete an outdoor walk or run of 15 minutes or longer. You can manually start a VO2 max. test to get an updated estimate.
  
• To start a VO2 max. test, swipe up, and select Test Now.
  
• Follow the on-screen instructions to get your VO2 max. estimate.
  
  The VO2 max. test takes about 15 minutes. A message appears when the test is complete.
  

I'll check it tomorrow when biking and doing it only from the watch. It wouldn't make sense if it doesn't work because the 3 claims to even do it from.the all day heart data

I'll also do the walk :)

I have a 735 which does have the ability to do bike Vo2Max but I've never got number for it. So I'm pretty sure that a power meter is required for it since I don't use one. I know that a power meter is required to get an FTP score.

Either way since the VA3 doesn't support power meters it's not going to be an option on your watch, so you'd have to get it from your Edge but power would still have to be added to your bike.

I'll test it tomorrow
As I understand the manual it calculates the vo2max from the heart rate. It evens states that if you're not doing the timed exercises it will calculate it automatically. Seems weird seeing vo2max is not an "easy" thing to do.

But I'll experiment tomorrow
i never saw the vo2max before I got the active 3 and I got the edge a few weeks ago.

Intriguing :)

Yeah I think for the VA3 to test it, you have to either run or walk. And then if you wanted to test via the 820, that requires power meter I guess...

Walking was indeed the only thing working. Biking stays on zero. But I did find another disturbing behaviour and will open another topic on that.

Walking Gps was accurate. 2.5 km walk was plotted nicely. However a 18.5km bike ride was plotted correctly but the watch told me it was a 0.02 km ride.

So I tried it again with a smaller ride of 3.68 km and again it plotted right but said it was a 0.02 distance.

Anyone else having this problem?
This was already on the watch btw. Not in Garmin connect