Okay I got it knocked out but encountered a few issues.
The way I did it was sent the workout to TrainingPeaks and then to my Garmin. I was able to override ERG mode and switch to level mode at the start of the first hard block. But then when the next power increase came up, the trainer flipped back to ERG and I had to manually override it again. Same with the short ramps near the end. A bit frustrating (allthou the Normalized Power was close to the average still).
This is fine if you only use the Garmin to control your resistance. If you use any other application, eg. Zwift, TP Virtual, Rouvy, etc., then you need to disable this so the terrain in the virtual app can control the resistance.
I prefer following the workout only on the Garmin, and use gears and/or another app to control resistance. The Wahoo app can seamlessly switch between ERG, resistance and simulation mode, but is not automatic; you need to manual change.
That´s the Gold Standard for measuring VO2.
But it´s expensive and the ramp rate isn´t adapted to find FTP. It´s focussed on max VO2.
It does also provide VT1, where the RER = 1.
Perhaps try out Auuki or BikeTerra; both applications integrate with your Intervals account, and can be accessed from the applications links on the Settings page.
I tested your method of setting up as a 4% gradient, allowing my 530 to control the trainer. It switched from 4% to the target power, and I experience the same as you did.
Since 2017 I’ve had a Wahoo trainer and Garmin 520/530/840.
Never thought to use my Garmin to control the Kickr.
In my opinion, ramp tests are better executed in free tools like MyWoosh or TrainingPeaks Virtual (free until March 2025), or subscription tools like Zwift or TrainerRoad.
FWIW I have used the Wahoo app to put the Kickr into standard/slope mode, which I believe is now called sim mode in the Wahoo app. Works well enough for training.
Indeed indeed. Hey, if you want to be even MORE frustrated, trying calling Garmin and trying to explain this to them. Something I did a couple hours ago in fact
They sent me an email saying “here’s how to set a range powers in Garmin Connect and…”
So, I made a short little 3 step workout at 40-50, 50-60, and 60-70 percent of FTP in Garmin Connect. Rode it on the turbo and filmed it when the head unit was showing.
I’ll let you know what they say but I suspect it’s going to be “shove off” lol.
I said something to the woman I was talking to “I assume you are a cyclist right?”
“uhhh, yeah?”
“so, you’ve done a FTP test then?”
“uhhh yeah?”
“you don’t see not being able to increase your power on demand during the test?”
“well umm, it computes the FTP for you (ie the head unit)”
Me:“that’s great if you never want your FTP to go up, or know the real value because ERG prevents you from pushing more watts”
My understaning is that Wahoo heads respect what the user sets and leaves it there.
I wouldn’t disagree, except this isn’t really a ramp test. It’s basically a traditional 20 minute test where you burn off any anerobic contributions before you do the test, as Gerald and Kolie Moore have described.
The article where Kolie Moore tells you to NOT do a 20 minute test? But rather to learn pacing and do a longer test?
Ok I’m mystified why anyone would use erg during such a test.
Do it like outside. Use a free virtual cycling platform like MyWoosh or TrainingPeaks Virtual or Zwift’s free once a month trial. Then load a flat course, hop on the trainer, and do a good warmup. Then do a long test.
It will be like outside but without traffic, or (probably) the amount of natural cooling you get from riding outside with the wind in your face.
Ok, our gym has a 60F / 15C spin room with Stages power meter bikes. The room has 2 HUGE FANs and when I’m the only one in the room, one fan is arms length in front of me, and thats the same amount of cooling as outside.
Per earlier comment, I never thought to control trainer with a recording device (Garmin). Last time I did manual control was with Wahoo app and it worked great. Better yet is using a free physics simulator and flat road.
My preference is to dual record on my Garmin, and any one of the following apps:
Zwift (I use the free 25km per month, so it’s 2-3 rides on Ven-Top route for my hard sessions)
TP Virtual
Auuki
BikeTerra
Wahoo
The reason is for dual recording is that the Garmin records data that these apps don’t. Also, I experience random data/connectivity issues which then affects the quality of data. The Garmin reliability is 99.9999999% with a second here or there as missing.
Here (below) is yesterday’s “workout” with many data drops, while using the Garmin to control the resistance, and letting Zwift read the power and cadence. Zwift was 2:48 behind by the time I complete the session because the timer stops every time the power/cadence drops.
Wahoo is also very reliable, but I seldom use it, as the others fill my need better.
Edit: I don’t use my Garmin to control my trainer; it was an experiment about the slope control changing to “erg” after the existing step is completed. I use a “free mode” most times on a virtual hill. That’s me, but some of my athletes never might want to use ERG or similar.
Dual recording is the way and always failsafe in my experience. Also: build a ramp test with auto slope changes in Auuki or Breakaway (i’m sure there are others)
