For years the only way to ride I’m power profiled indoor cycle sessions was to firstly establish an FTP (Functional Threshold Power) level. This FTP figure is used to determine the scale of the power training zones for each individual riders based on their own ability…. Indisputably the most important part of any power training system. However … There are though a couple of issues with instigating this in a group cycling concept.

1. Firstly an FTP test is possibly the most uncomfortable, non enjoyable thing you can do on a bike!!! It is simply asking a rider to ride as hard as they can for a given period of time. Most riders in a group cycle class will be unaccustomed or even a little worried about riding this way….. even for a 5 mins test and certainly for 20 minutes or longer meaning results will not be accurate.
2. FTP is a figure given while riding at a steady state, usually at 80 to 90 RPM and designed for road riders riding long distances…. whereas most indoor cycle classes are much shorter & have varying RPM profiles so the FTP figure given won’t be entirely applicable to riding an indoor cycle session.
3. True power profiling is much more 3 dimensional than standard FTP incorporating the different RPM values at different intensities and seating and standing elements, utilising bodyweight, and the actual physiology of the rider so multiple testing is actually required to be successful which isn’t feasible in the normal world of the indoor cycle session, aside from the powerlab concepts which are designed for road cyclists.
4. Without a good power test, FTP or otherwise, a profiled power training concept just will not be successful…. In fact it is probably the number one reason why instructors & studios shy away from power in favour of traditional rhythm based classes as the complexity of it all is just too much to implement.

This is one area of indoor cycling that is critical to achieving success in your indoor cycle classes and one area I needed to address first and foremost in the Ciclo concept. Firstly I created a basic algorithm to assign an FTP within the CicloZone onboarding process for each rider. This FTP was designed to give a valid start point for any rider and it was calculated from data from over 7500 FTP tests and the actual physiology of the ruder. I then created the CicloZone Output Level% (COL)…… grading classes and riders output intensity by power, RPM and their own unique physiology …. Then I created the COL% augmentation which monitored riders sessions and awarded FTP changes based on their own results over time. These unique tools basically eliminated the need for actual FTP testing and we found that after around 5 to 7 classes a rider would have their FTP set to a very accurate level.

However…. We could go further….. So we did….. Introducing ‘Ciclo Adaptive FTP‘. We have developed an ride monitoring interface that will give you that exact FTP in a single class. In fact, after around 8 or 9 intervals, this intelligent software will recognise any inaccuracy in your FTP and correct during the class itself. It even corrects itself later in the class if you begin to lose intervals against the class……. Now your actual session can be you FTP test. It is truly 3 dimensional as it monitors all ranges of RPM and applies the logic to any seated or standing intervals. It is elective… Meaning any rider can switch on or off before any session to constantly check they are on the correct FTP. Riders can also elect to accept the adaptive FTP results and apply to their rider profile or dismiss.

FTP testing is now truly a thing of the past. Set any FTP level pre ride and post ride it will be adjusted to your true level. Now any rider can be guaranteed they are riding in their correct zone at any time and enjoy the full training benefits of indoor cycling in every interval in every class.

Ciclo Adaptive FTP is a true landmark innovation in indoor cycling. Ride true, ride easy ….. Maximise results with CicloStudio and CicloZone.