I am done with the TR ramp test!
I've done quite a few by now, maybe 10-12 in total, and I've learned at least three ways to cheat on it. Some of it is down to my turbo and some would probably work on any turbo (I won't say what they are as I don't want to spoil it for others!).
Furthermore, I just don't think it works for me as a test. As an experienced time triallist used to pacing rides, with a pretty good idea where my FTP is, and being relatively untrained in VO2 max, the 20 minute test is far better suited.
Because I believe both these things, I can't really use it any more as I don't have faith in it.
I tried to do it yesterday. Everything calibrated. Did the test, but it was clear from my heart rate trajectory that I was going to run out of steam well below my previous FTP. So I stopped a bit short of where I could, probably 25 W short. But new FTP was down by 45 W.
Then I felt regret for stopping short so I thought I'll do it again. I did, but with the lower FTP, it was harder to keep going for longer above threshold. Stopped a little bit short and result was FTP back up by 1W.
That was a mess so I decided to do it again this morning. And I decided to do the 20 min test. This went well. FTP back up to -4W vs October. A bit disappointing as I've been doing a bit, but OTOH I had had a two week rest, so maybe about right.
As well as doing it with the smart trainer I also recorded it on my head unit from my power meter. Essentially my trainer is overstating my FTP by 12W vs the power meter. Apparently this is typical for my trainer (TACX Vortex). I'd not done this before but it's really useful info for outside rides.
(I don't use PowerMatch as it doesn't work well with my trainer)
When things settle down and they are available again, I'll upgrade my trainer. Should have done it last year as I am finding the limitations now (although if I know what they are, I guess it is not such an issue).