Why wouldn’t you do the test? It’s a great short-sprint type workout?

There’s a reason the tests are about the highest ranked difficulty rides in the platform- if you do them right they suck. But, they will give you the most accurate results. I’ve taken it twice and my output rose 30 points the second time.
I really like power zone rides. I also like Christine since many of her rides are basically pz rides.

I did the FTP test early on, but I had absolutely no idea how hard I was supposed to go and my number was too low. (But still higher than the ridiculous number they calculated for me based on my age and measurements)

If you don't want to do a test, look at your PRs and find your highest average output from any ride that's at least 20 minutes. In the settings, you can use that number to set your Power Zones manually. That's what I ultimately did but I think my zones are still a little low. I just ride one zone higher if I'm doing an endurance ride.

If you want to try a test, I would take the 10 minute warm up, start the ride at an output that matches that highest average output from a PR, and maybe slowly build on it over the 20 minutes. (I need to do this and actually not quit 10 minutes in)

I've been hesitant to do the whole program. I'm on the bike 6 days/week, but I usually prefer to spend 60 to 75 minutes per day and it doesn't quite work with the schedule.

Anonymous wrote:I didn’t do the test- I just went straight to a power zone ride and figured it out. Wasn’t hard.

It’s really most effective if you take the test.

My suggestion OP: Take the test, try a few Power Zone Endurance and Power Zone rides, then join the Power Zone Pack. You can select 3 rides a week.

I didn’t do the test- I just went straight to a power zone ride and figured it out. Wasn’t hard.

FTP testing really sucks. But, just go ahead and give it a try to see where it slots you so the workouts are at least in the ballpark. You can always go in and manually adjust it up or down if the workouts seem too easy or too hard.

I started with power zone on peloton. It’s a great place to start.

Start with the test. Take a few classes and sign up for the next PZ challenge. They have all sorts of vary commitments including 3 days per week.

Anonymous wrote:You can just start with the test.

Or you can set your power zones manually using basic info (including your top output in 20 minutes, which I just estimated from a 45 minute class). I never do the FTP tests because I’m not looking to improve or build or do a race or anything. I just like the Powerzone classes.

OP, I’d set your zones manually then take a class and see how you like it. If you’re really into it and want to build and get better, you’ll want to do an FTP test to start and then retest regularly. If you’re like me, you’ll just work powerzone classes into your routine.

You can just start with the test.

I’ve never done power zone rides but would like to try them. I know that the discover your power zones program is the recommended first step but it’s so long! I keep putting it off because I know I won’t be able to do the recommended 5 days/week for that many consecutive weeks. Can I just do week 1 for the introductory stuff and the test and then choose my own classes or is there something special about the classes selected for the subsequent weeks?