Watts - And The Meaning!!!

Alex_Simmons/RST

jibberjim wrote:

Alex_Simmons/RST wrote:

While I agree, the issue is that it is not always practical or possible to test under the conditions one is likely to face in competition. Pursuit riders that don't live near a track, or getting ready for long hill climbs when you don't have any nearby, etc.

Oh I don't think it's a bad test, and it won't give you completely bogus data. It's just not for me.

Yeah - that's a backhanded way of saying the test is of limited value, when in fact it is a highly reliable* means of assessing fitness and performance potential and can be used to help guide training efforts through the setting of power training levels.

* provided you follow the test protocol (same for all tests)

jibberjim

Alex_Simmons/RST wrote:

Yeah - that's a backhanded way of saying the test is of limited value, when in fact it is a highly reliable* means of assessing fitness and performance potential and can be used to help guide training efforts through the setting of power training levels.

* provided you follow the test protocol (same for all tests)

As you've taken it that way - how exactly does it work? I can only produce ~85% of the power I can for 20 minutes on an indoor trainer - How do you use the information from a RAMP test done on an indoor trainer to "set power training levels" if you do not otherwise train on an indoor trainer?

Pokerface

Alex_Simmons/RST wrote:

jibberjim wrote:

Alex_Simmons/RST wrote:

While I agree, the issue is that it is not always practical or possible to test under the conditions one is likely to face in competition. Pursuit riders that don't live near a track, or getting ready for long hill climbs when you don't have any nearby, etc.

Oh I don't think it's a bad test, and it won't give you completely bogus data. It's just not for me.

Yeah - that's a backhanded way of saying the test is of limited value, when in fact it is a highly reliable* means of assessing fitness and performance potential and can be used to help guide training efforts through the setting of power training levels.

* provided you follow the test protocol (same for all tests)

Forgive me - but as this particular tests has intervals and jumps that are so big - how can you assess progress? With smaller jumps in wattage - surely you would see progress easier? (For instance - you might get to 370 watts on a 20w per minute protocol, but won't get past 350w on the 50w per 5 min protocol).

Or would you just look at the length of time at 350w before failure to see progress?