Indoor vs outdoor FTP tracking

TrainerRoad Software
1

Does TR AI FTP have the ability to calculate, track, and use different FTP for indoor vs outdoor workouts? Seems like an easy thing to do.

Thanks,

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2

Are you asking for TR to use a given FTP for inside training vs a different FTP for outside training?

  • If so, that is not possible right now.

  • AI FTP Detection is looking at any and all power data from power meters and smart trainers to set the value they offer, but it is never split between locations or devices. It is one size fits all FTP in the TR universe.

There is an old feature request related to location (inside/outside) as well as equipment (different power devices) and even rider position/bike (Road vs TT vs MTB), but it is still open and not available in any form.

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Yes, that is exactly what I’m asking.

Mainly because (I have strong suspicions) that my spin bike power meter and my gravel bike are values are very different. It should be pretty easy to implement as you can specify in each workout which bike you are using (ALL, spin, gravel, MTB). I know theoretically they should all be the same but we know in reality meters can be very different.

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I would agree my FTP differs by close to 30 watts indoors vs outdoors.

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5

Hey @grega,

Welcome to the forum! :partying_face:

Good question! As of now, we don’t have the option of keeping separate FTPs for indoor and outdoor rides.

While it is somewhat common for cyclists to be able to produce more power outside than inside, we find that it’s mostly circumstantial and that your true FTP likely isn’t actually that different between the two environments. You can read more about that in the link below.

What is more common though is a discrepancy between two power meters just as you’re describing with your spin bike and gravel bike. We know that accuracy ratings can differ from one power meter to the next which can add up and create somewhat significant differences in power readings which is why we created PowerMatch. This allows the power meter on your bike (that you use for outside rides) to control your smart trainer which minimizes the discrepancy between the two sensors.

This of course won’t solve the problem if you’re using a specific power meter (such as a stationary bike) exclusively for inside rides. In those cases, it’s best to ensure that you’re calibrating the two sensors as often as the manufacturer recommends to minimize the discrepancy as much as possible. There isn’t really a good way to measure true differences in power between the two since they are used in very different environments unless you have a power meter such as power pedals that can be used with your spin bike simultaneously.

Let me know if this helps and if you have other questions about this. :slightly_smiling_face:

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Thanks, for the reply. I think the easiest solution is just cheaper power pedals… :wink: Also, I was thinking about creating a “power calibration ride”. because I’d also like to know my HR at certain power zones. Basically, just a stepped ramp ride… Export result to Excel and correlate.

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