The REAL Simple Science of Why EVERY Mountain Biker Should Think About FTP (Includes FREE Workout)

[@3dflyer87]

Dude this channel is so amazing, and it's only getting better!

[@mtbphd]

Thanks so much Colin, this means a lot!

[@3dflyer87]

@@mtbphd absolutely! I'm an XC racer, so both the MTB training and braking performance content are directly applicable!

[@mtbphd]

Got one coming up on braking/pacing in XC that I think you'll be into 👌

[@3dflyer87]

@@mtbphd awesome!

[@paulthompson6357]

As someone who rides MTB way more than my road bike, and the fact I live in a very hilly area, I can attest to the needs for aerobic fitness and the ability for rapid recovery. I like that you are taking on the science in MTB vs the many others doing the same for road. I'm curious to see what you come up with for future videos. Great work Doc!

[@mtbphd]

Thanks Paul, these videos are super fun to do and my list for future videos is growing. Let me know if there's anything you'd like to see!

[@PetrPolach]

I ride E-MTB when I ride alone to get steadier HR (in my case 135-145), to train in "zone 2" once or twice per weak. It improves my endurance significantly. Then when I ride with my friends, I go more explosive, I care more about fun. Works for me.

[@mtbphd]

Nice, that definitely makes sense. Shame there are so many ebike haters out there haha

[@NewZealandMountainBiking]

Thanks for sharing 🙌 time to start training!

[@mtbphd]

2024 starts now! 🤜🤛

[@alexanderwademd]

I had to stop and say something... I'm at 8:44. I discovered last fall that *one* difference between my old legs and my son's young legs is how much shorter his rest is - I tend to sneak in a rest at the top of a climb, and I suspect that the winner of the race continues pedaling while I am resting. It's not a 45:15 ratio, but it adds up.

[@mtbphd]

Nice mate, that's for sure what the winner is up to

[@JerrySpallone]

Great video thank you!

[@mtbphd]

Thanks Jerry! 🤜🤛

[@downhillupside]

I guess it shouldn't be surprising that I've found that road biking really helps my mtb fitness, and visa versa. Also, I REALLY hate 80-90 rpm targets for all of these trainer workouts. I realize they're by far the most efficient and the best way to keep your power from spiking, but my holy grail would be a workout regime that could improve my FTP while allowing me to spend at least half of my time in around 60rpm.

[@mtbphd]

High cadence is the achilles of many MTBers! If you can get used to it you'll find a benefit for your Type I (low force) muscle fibers

[@NewPolishScientist]

Only problem i find with training with power meter on mtb is zone 2. I live in the mountains so it very hard to stick to power zones.

[@mtbphd]

Absolutely. I like to think of it a little differently though - it's because of the power meter that we can see how difficult it is to stay in Z2 on trails. I opt for gravel/road climbs to my fav trails on Z2 days. Otherwise the riding is too hard to be a Z2 day

[@haemmertime]

I haven't done a FTP nor am I a professional rider, but may way of thinking was that for the uphill you need a good aerobic threshold to don't be gased out at the top, why I train mostly cardio. On the other hand I combined it with strength trainning and explosive power for certain situations where I'd need it, like climbing a short steep section or to get on to a rock. Seems like I haven't been to far off with my concept.

[@mtbphd]

Sounds like you're on the right track mate! 👍 Believe it or not many riders see it the other way

[@haemmertime]

@@mtbphd Well I've been riding with someone else, who does mostly gravel riding. There it was apparent that I might be faster on the downhill but on the overall laps I was slower because I was slower uphill and needed to slow down at the top for a moment for recovery. So based on that I got my concept for training.

[@crumblenoob]

Hey Matt - great video! I tried sending a training plan question via training peaks but it looks like it's having trouble submitting. Is there another way to get in touch?

[@mtbphd]

Thanks Mark! Try my email: matt at mtbphd.com

[@kjracz15]

I see a hill that's farther than the one I'm on, so I think "I should be able to get that far with energy to spare next month.". The next month, I manage to do it. I improved 1 hill more than before. That's my unit of measurement. 😂

[@mtbphd]

Bring on the tailwinds!

[@eltongolds6934]

great content but get a clip on mic or non directional type mic.

[@mtbphd]

Thanks mate. What'll that do? I have a Blue Yeti but I like this one since I stand and like to hold it

[@thenormalberries6767]

Good god. The people who can't ride are becoming mainstream.

[@mtbphd]

Subscribe for more!

[@MRhankylolka]

that bad micro )

[@mtbphd]

Thanks for the comment. Sounds fine to me

[@MRhankylolka]

a lot of breathing and bass bumps@@mtbphd

[@Marrz01]

Before you repeat FTP 100 times maybe consider defining it.

[@mtbphd]

Thanks mate, good point. It's functional threshold power, which I must have cut out. I explain the physiology and what it represents around 2:35, but I didn't want to simply put out a generic 'what is FTP?' video

[@JayFriedrichs]

@marrz01 You don’t have to be this rude lmfao

[@brokenspokesmtber]

In description. Functional Threshold Power

[@saddleweary2777]

It means Funny Terminology Pops

[@markysgeeklab8783]

It's a "Feet Tickling Position"