# Result difference between Outdoor cycling vs Zwift cycling **URL:** \ **Category:** Uncategorized\ **Created:** [15 August 2026 01:08 UTC](https://forum.intervals.icu/t/result-difference-between-outdoor-cycling-vs-zwift-cycling/131012 "2026-08-15T01:08:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Steve\_Troy](https://forum.intervals.icu/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/57b2e6/32.png) [@Steve\_Troy](https://forum.intervals.icu/u/Steve_Troy)\ **Post date:** [15 August 2026 01:08 UTC](https://forum.intervals.icu/t/result-difference-between-outdoor-cycling-vs-zwift-cycling/131012/1 "2026-08-15T01:08:55Z")
I have a power meter (4iii on my outdoor bike) and the power meter data from the Zwift Hub. The power meter data is pretty close between both of them. However, I have higher power in Zwift (the same with speed) vs outdoor. The effort outdoors is higher and the same with heart rate, yet the power meter statistics are lower compared to Zwift. Outdoors, I am dealing with wind, real climbs, traffic on trails, heat, intense sun shine, wet trails, etc. Example, I did a 30 mile ride outside and a 30 mile ride in Zwift. The climbing was similar. The outside ride had “lower” power and higher HR compared to the Zwift ride. Strictly looking at power meter data, my rides outside are “low loads” and my Zwift rides have higher “loads”. I ride outside and my fitness level drops in Intervals.icu, yet I am much more tired after outdoor rides vs Zwift rides. Doesn’t the analysis done in Intervals consider heart rate or outdoor vs indoor riding? If someone could offer their insights, I would appreciate it. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![app4g](https://forum.intervals.icu/user_avatar/forum.intervals.icu/app4g/32/41800_2.png) [@app4g](https://forum.intervals.icu/u/app4g)\ **Post date:** [15 August 2026 01:18 UTC](https://forum.intervals.icu/t/result-difference-between-outdoor-cycling-vs-zwift-cycling/131012/2 "2026-08-15T01:18:04Z")
you can have/set an indoor vs outdoor ftp which would make/create this differentiation if you want. Typically, indoor is harder as there’s no rest and you’re constantly pedalling ---
**Author:** ![Gabriel\_Vargas](https://forum.intervals.icu/user_avatar/forum.intervals.icu/gabriel_vargas/32/36904_2.png) [@Gabriel\_Vargas](https://forum.intervals.icu/u/Gabriel_Vargas)\ **Post date:** [15 August 2026 02:30 UTC](https://forum.intervals.icu/t/result-difference-between-outdoor-cycling-vs-zwift-cycling/131012/3 "2026-08-15T02:30:57Z")
> [@Steve\_Troy](#): > > Doesn’t the analysis done in Intervals consider heart rate or outdoor vs indoor riding? In Settings, you can define which has priority for determining training load, power or HR. The suggestion from @app4g will be very helpful, especially once you have a better understanding of the differences between each scenario. I also recommend disregarding average speed and elevation gain. A direct correlation between the virtual environment and reality is very vague. You mentioned that the two power measurements are close, so I hope you have already compared them simultaneously. Regarding indoor vs. outdoor FTP, you’ll need to think about your method(s) for setting and updating FTP. But, before, try looking at the HR vs. power correlation over steady sections (at least 8 to 10 minutes), especially at low to moderate intensities, such as Z2 to low Z3. That’s a good starting point to make everything clear. Out of curiosity, what is the usual variability index (VI) of your outdoor rides? ---
**Author:** ![R2Tom](https://forum.intervals.icu/user_avatar/forum.intervals.icu/r2tom/32/50144_2.png) [@R2Tom](https://forum.intervals.icu/u/R2Tom)\ **Post date:** [15 August 2026 05:09 UTC](https://forum.intervals.icu/t/result-difference-between-outdoor-cycling-vs-zwift-cycling/131012/4 "2026-08-15T05:09:55Z")
Your average value will be lower outside, even if you pedal the same power, because you have additional downhill coasting or stop signs and so on, while you can pedal on zwift all the time. Another thing is that average speed in zwift is extreme inflated (or better it uses an extreme aero position to calculate speed), so I wouldn’t recommend to compare those too. And third, actually consider the weather in your equation. May be it’s hot or has high humidity, then your heartrate will be elevated. While you indoor may have an optimal temperature and good cooling ventilators.