Cycling guides

FTP testing, power zones, watts per kilo and choosing a bike.

• FTP test and power zones: how to test, calculate and use themHow to run a 20-minute or ramp FTP test, what the result means, and how to turn FTP into seven power zones, sweet spot and W/kg.
• FTP test: ramp vs 8-minute vs 20-minuteCompare the ramp test, the 8-minute test (×0.90) and the 20-minute test (×0.95) for estimating FTP, with when to use each.
• FTP watts per kilo (W/kg) by levelWhat a good FTP in watts per kilogram looks like, with Coggan power levels and percentile data from thousands of riders.
• Why your heart rate and power zones don't matchWhy Garmin, Strava and your power meter give different zone 2 numbers, how heart rate and power zones are built, and how to pick one to train by.
• What bike to buy for your first triathlonRoad bike or tri bike for a first triathlon? Compare clip-on aero bars, buying second-hand, frame size and budget, and see what a faster bike split is worth.

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