The submaximal ramp will calculate your Functional Threshold Power (FTP), Maximum Minute Power (MMP) and Maximum Heart Rate (MHR), you can use this information to set personalised training zones and give structure to training with your smart trainer.
When to use the submaximal ramp test
Use the submaximal ramp test at the start of a training plan or block of training to set your baseline performance figures.
What is the submaximal ramp test
During this test you will ride in 15 watt increments until you experience a perceived rate of exertion (RPE) of 7 out of 10 (where 1= easy, 10= extremely hard), you’ll no longer be able to maintain a conversation when you reach an RPE of 7.
How to complete the submaximal ramp test
The Model B Performance Monitor has a pre-programmed submax ramp test. Simply follow the instructions below to get started:
Set your air resistance to level 8 on the Wattbike Trainer or 3 on the Wattbike Pro.
1. From the main menu select workouts/ tests
2. On the test screen, select Submax Ramp
3. Input your age, weight in kg’s and gender
4. Input your starting Watts (we recommend 55W if you’re unfit or 100W if you’re regularly exercising) then press enter
5. The live display will show your current interval and target watts
6. Once you have reached 7/10 on the Borg scale of exertion, press escape to end the test.
How to interpret your results
Following the test, a ‘test’ screen will automatically appear which displays:
- FTP
- MMP
- MHR
- Power to weight ratio
- VO2max estimate
- METs (represents the intensity of the test)
You can press the right arrow to switch between tabs for more information.
If you miss this summary screen, don’t worry, all test data is stored and can be accessed in Recall.