Put simply, your FTP is the maximum average power output you can sustain across one hour.
In this article, I’ll be walking you through the key elements of Functional Threshold Power, from the different formats of FTP, how to do an FTP test for yourself, and how you can use your FTP to train like a professional.
Simply put, a “Watt” (W) is a unit of power. On a scientific level, it’s equivalent to one joule per second.
Watts are most commonly calculated for cyclists through the use of a power meter, which measures torque and cadence to display power output.
Read on to find out what Watts means for cycling power, why it’s such an important element of power to understand, and how this knowledge can be implemented in your training.
Anyone who has ever ridden a bike uphill will know the importance of weight. But just how much does a bike weigh?
The weight of a bike varies massively depending on its style, purpose, and quality. High-end racing bikes can hit the UCI’s minimum weight limit of 6.8 kg (15 lbs) or even less, while beefy downhill mountain bikes can weigh as much as 20 kg (44 lbs).
This answer isn’t very satisfying for any budding “weight-weeny” cyclists out there, however, and there’s a whole lot more vital information to know about average bike weights when you scratch beyond the surface.
It might not fit our romantic ideal of cycling, of man against machine and mountain, but it is an undeniable truth that numbers win bike races.
And no number is more sacred, more enshrined in cycling folklore, than the power-to-weight ratio.
Typically measured in Watts per kg (W/kg), it is a measure of the power a cyclist can generate relative to their body weight.
Your power to weight ratio is an important indicator of your cycling performance, particularly your climbing abilities. In this article, we’ll discuss power to weight ratio for cycling, why it matters, and how to measure your power-to-weight ratio on the bike. We’ll be covering: Let’s dive in! What Is Power To Weight Ratio? Power to … Read more