Hey guys, Bryce from TrainerRoad here.
The new test that we are developing is not technically a MAP test, however it does have a stepped nature like many other tests out there. Most of those stepped tests are designed to be used alongside medial testing equipment in order to attain the results of the test. The Ramp test that we are developing is designed to be used purely on its own and to accurately estimate a user's FTP.
The way it works is through a series of one minute steps. The test is scaled to your current FTP and increases to an order of 6% with every step. The rider then begins the test and rides until they can no longer meet the demands of the Target Power. While it is a reallllly nice test for ERG mode users, the algorithm is designed to deal with the imperfections of non-ERG users and is accurate for everyone. We then take the point of failure, and using our formula, we work backwards to estimate the user's FTP. So far, we have been recieving very positive feedback.
You mention that it is a 2 minute test, however that is not entirely true. I believe Nate said on the podacast that you only "really have to hurt for 2 minutes" and having completed the test myself a few times that is certainly a fair statement. By constantly increasing the resistance, you only have to live in a zone of suffering for a brief period of time before failure occurs. This contrasts to the 20 min test for example, where you may start really hurting 8 minutes in, but you have to hold that same output for 12 more minutes until you want to fall off your bike.
The goal of this is not only to require less TSS during testing, but also to eliminate the feelings of dread and anxiety surrounding testing. It also eliminates the factor of pacing and just allows you to ride hard :)
If you are a TR user, I recommend joining the TrainerRoad Beta Testers page on Facebook. Even if you are not a member, you can complete the Ramp Test X in our Workout Catalog. Since it is still in Beta, it will take about a day for a Support Agent to manually comment your earned FTP from the test.
Happy training!
Get Faster with TrainerRoad
The new test that we are developing is not technically a MAP test, however it does have a stepped nature like many other tests out there. Most of those stepped tests are designed to be used alongside medial testing equipment in order to attain the results of the test. The Ramp test that we are developing is designed to be used purely on its own and to accurately estimate a user's FTP.
The way it works is through a series of one minute steps. The test is scaled to your current FTP and increases to an order of 6% with every step. The rider then begins the test and rides until they can no longer meet the demands of the Target Power. While it is a reallllly nice test for ERG mode users, the algorithm is designed to deal with the imperfections of non-ERG users and is accurate for everyone. We then take the point of failure, and using our formula, we work backwards to estimate the user's FTP. So far, we have been recieving very positive feedback.
You mention that it is a 2 minute test, however that is not entirely true. I believe Nate said on the podacast that you only "really have to hurt for 2 minutes" and having completed the test myself a few times that is certainly a fair statement. By constantly increasing the resistance, you only have to live in a zone of suffering for a brief period of time before failure occurs. This contrasts to the 20 min test for example, where you may start really hurting 8 minutes in, but you have to hold that same output for 12 more minutes until you want to fall off your bike.
The goal of this is not only to require less TSS during testing, but also to eliminate the feelings of dread and anxiety surrounding testing. It also eliminates the factor of pacing and just allows you to ride hard :)
If you are a TR user, I recommend joining the TrainerRoad Beta Testers page on Facebook. Even if you are not a member, you can complete the Ramp Test X in our Workout Catalog. Since it is still in Beta, it will take about a day for a Support Agent to manually comment your earned FTP from the test.
Happy training!
Get Faster with TrainerRoad
Last edited by:
Bryce Lewis TR: Jan 30, 18 17:46