So the testing sessions are not intended to be performed in ‘erg’ mode on smart trainers.
You want to be able to do the work you are capable of doing w/o the computer setting your resistance in ergometer fashion.
Best way to do the tests are in ‘slope’ or ‘free’ mode on Smart Trainers. This will allow you to shift your gears to adjust the power to your effort.
Use your computer to ‘lap’ the test intervals so they collect the average power data that you’re looking for.
The goal of the test intervals are to gather average powers for:
– 20:00 @ 80% HRmax (aerobic test)
– 4:00 @ maximum effort across the 4:00 (anaerobic test #1)
– 1:00 @maximum effort across the 1:00 (anaerobic test #2)
– …also identify HRmax as highest HR achieved in either test effort
These 4 data points go into the testing spreadsheet to calculate your Fatigue Rate and all training “zones” …including an “FTP” number to be entered into your Training Peaks account (under ‘Zones’) and in your cycling computer (Garmin, Wahoo, etc.) to calculate your TSS scores.
Listen to podcast episode 12 for more testing details: