Looking for the opinions of the expert ST'ers here. I've always done my FTP tests on the trainer because I don't have an ideal spot outdoors. But I'm finding my outdoor power is lower than indoors so I want to do a proper outdoor test. Here is what I have available and I'm interested what you would do. This all I have available; there are no other options:
Option #1: 20 minute flat stretch with 5 slowdowns (STOP signs which usually have no cross traffic). Excellent pavement (bike path).
Option #2: 8 minute flat stretch with no stops (would be 2 turnarounds to get a 20 minute test). Excellent pavement (bike path).
Option #3: 20 minute road loop with 4 slight slowdowns (right turns without stops). 300 ft of elevation gain/loss and the pavement condition is “fair” at best.
For that important repeatability factor, I'm leaning towards #2 or #3. I'd be inclined to use Normalized Power as the test result from # 1 or 2.
Thanks in advance.
Option #1: 20 minute flat stretch with 5 slowdowns (STOP signs which usually have no cross traffic). Excellent pavement (bike path).
Option #2: 8 minute flat stretch with no stops (would be 2 turnarounds to get a 20 minute test). Excellent pavement (bike path).
Option #3: 20 minute road loop with 4 slight slowdowns (right turns without stops). 300 ft of elevation gain/loss and the pavement condition is “fair” at best.
For that important repeatability factor, I'm leaning towards #2 or #3. I'd be inclined to use Normalized Power as the test result from # 1 or 2.
Thanks in advance.