This is the gold standard for calculating your functional threshold power number (FTP). That number will inform every other workout you do, and it'll also show you how your fitness is progressing as time goes on. After a long, easy warmup and a few efforts to get the legs pumping, it's time to give it your all: Go as hard as you can for 20 solid minutes. Go at a pace you can sustain for the entire 20 minutes. Upon saving, you'll be notified if you bumped up your FTP!
Ever wondered what "FTP" means? It stands for "functional threshold power", and it's the maximum wattage you can sustain. This workout will (literally) test your legs, and give you an accurate FTP number. You can use that number to structure all the rest of the workouts and re-test anytime to measure your progress.
Word to the wise: An FTP test is no walk in the park. Come in rested and prepare your food and hydration well in advance. Don't go out too hard; you'll have to hold this power for 20 minutes. And bring lots of towels!
How much can you handle? It's time to find out. The Ramp Test will ramp up the power in 20-watt increments every minute until you simply cannot keep going. This test is designed to quickly identify the upper limit of your aerobic capacity and estimate your FTP (functional threshold power). The ramp portion will ideally take 5–20 minutes to complete. It should easy at first, but then get very hard very fast. Stay seated, keep a steady cadence, and keep ramping up until you simply cannot continue.
Note that this test is designed for more experienced and/or heavier riders. For small riders or beginners, try the Ramp Test Lite, which uses a more gradual power ramp to achieve the same results.
Want to test your limits? The Ramp Test Lite is for you. This test version of the Ramp Test ramps up the power every minute until you find your breaking point. It's designed to quickly identify the upper limit of your aerobic capacity and estimate your FTP (functional threshold power). The ramp portion will ideally take 3-5 minutes to complete. It should feel easy at first, but then get very hard very fast. Stay seated, keep a steady cadence, and keep ramping up until you simply can't go any longer.
Note that this test is designed for lighter riders or beginners. For more experienced and/or heavier riders, try the Ramp Test, which starts at a higher wattage and uses larger increments to cover a higher range on the power spectrum.