The Secret to Avoiding FTP Tests Forever

[@RoadtoA]

If you have any questions regarding how XERT works, feel free to ask!

[@grounder84]

No discount codes?

[@RoadtoA]

@ unfortunately, I asked if there were any I could give you guys, but they don't do discounts. That said, there is a 30 days free trial so you can really test the platform risk-free.

[@xertedbrain]

Nice video Adam!

[@RoadtoA]

🤜🤛

[@Degisftw]

Thanks for the tip about the XSS Bucket data field. Really handy to have. Did the first Baseline test yesterday but still wanted to get the suggested workout done. So once done with the test I just keept going until all buckets was filled. Super nice

[@RoadtoA]

It is incredible, isn't it? I usually use them this way when I'm Zwift racing - to log the stress for the warmup, then the race itself and then I finish the buckets as a cool down.

[@SilentM1337]

Xert imported my strava activities and calculated my treshold power way to low. If I had no idea I probably train with low intensity for weeks according to the numbers. A quick ramp test gave me a more accurate power number. Still a good app for generating a training plan. I'll give it a try and use the AI workouts with my own ftp.

[@RoadtoA]

I cannot comment on your situation without seeing the complete data but I would be VERY careful about putting too much faith into a Ramp Test - that can overestimate your ftp in a crazy way if you are strong anaerobically. Are you sure you've got enough max efforts (races, tests, really hard workouts) in your training history? Without data the app can't give you an accurate estiamate.

[@SilentM1337]

@@RoadtoA That is exactly the point. I usually do pace rides for the last months. I have a lot of training exp over the years and I pretty much know what my ftp is. The ramp test i did confirmed that number. I recently did a alpe duez z3 ride 250 watts on rouvy 3,5/5 intentisity for 1h and even with that workout the app calculated my 20 min power at 269W. Roughly 10-13% too low.

[@SilentM1337]

My point is, you still need ftp like efforts in your history to have a good estimate of your 20 minute power.

[@RoadtoA]

@ yea, but you will always need that (at least until the AI models get really really good). It's still a data model. But for many people the FTP tests are a mental blocker, if you can achieve the same thing with a Zwift race that's a benefit.

[@RoadtoA]

@@SilentM1337 I assume you subscribe to the (widely spread) idea that FTP is 1 hour power?;)

[@mattshirlaw3092]

Awesome video, I'm currently not focused on an event goal but I am trying to improve my performance in zwift racing. Have you seen performance gains using the xert software for this purpose? I like the flexibility and adaptability of not having fixed sessions.

[@RoadtoA]

All my performance gain is using xert for training. I've been using it since October 2023, shortly after I started Zwifting.

[@CyclingMotive]

Well, good to know it. But I already did my FTP test few weeks ago painfully😓

[@RoadtoA]

That is still going to e a fantastic effort for the XERT model!

[@hugoz6950]

Hi, what happen when you go over session goals, like your PRL, will it recalculate your plan and resting period? I wonder if a 2nd sport could be supported by the app. I do row erg as complement to cycling and found intervals.icu provides specific metrics for both sports (but no training recommendations). Since xert is using AI, maybe this could be done in future... Finally, are the live metrics specific to garmin computer or is it also on android app?

[@RoadtoA]

Yes exactly. Yesterday when I finished I clicked "Adapt training" and it recalculated my upcoming plan - gave me rest day today and tommorow. As for two sports usage - I am not experienced with multisport training but I would be hesistant to treat training stress from rowing in the same way as the one from cycling. Live metrics are available for both Garmin and Android.

[@hugoz6950]

Thanks for the reply. Would definitely consider xert if it had that multisport capability. I guess I won't see you for the first Flat is fast race tomorrow. Enjoy your extra rest day, we'll deserved!

[@RoadtoA]

@ I am actually tempted to do that tommorow, but my legs are still sore. I'll see.:)

[@Blazej_Kar]

Do you have any referall for xert ? I would use it thanks for video

[@RoadtoA]

@@Blazej_Kar unfortunately Xert doesn't do discounts or referrals. But there is a month long free trial so you can give it a whirl safely!

[@JulAlxAU]

Can you please compare Xert with TrainerRoad?

[@RoadtoA]

TR is PITA to use with Zwift (or at least it was the last time I tried it). It is clear they want people to use their own platform, not export into 3rd party. Also, I found it less flexible/more long term oriented, I couldn't have figured out how to use it alongside frequent Zwift racing. The auto FTP on TR is nice (then again, if you do max efforts on Xert from time to time you get that and more). Xert has the buckets which is just awesome way to train. Xert is cheaper. Edit: Once again, you might say I am biased as an Xert ambassador (and you might be right to point that out) but there is a reason I chose to work with them.

[@heavenlypictures4200]

I loved this video and the idea of this type of training. I signed for the free 30 day trial. I tried to do a workout this evening and I noticed that the workout zones they show for xert, say red blue green etc do not match up with zwift’s colors. Anyone else notice this? It looks like my xert tp is much less than my ftp. Should that be the case? I was thinking xert would pull my ftp info from Zwift.

[@RoadtoA]

@@heavenlypictures4200 Xert calculates the parameters including the FTP on their own based an all activities in your recent history. That's one of the biggest benefits of Xert because Zwift's FTP estimatiom is...bleh.

[@heavenlypictures4200]

Oh wow! That is interesting. I wonder if you have ever heard of such a huge disparity. My FTP on Zwift is around 230 and my Xert TP is 170. Does this seem right to you?

[@heavenlypictures4200]

And get well soon😊

[@RoadtoA]

@@heavenlypictures4200 thank you! I would expect this big of a disparity if you have done a ramp test on Zwift but do not have longer max efforts recorded. Be that as it may, you are lacking SOME data in your history. Continue riding, do some races or max efforts and it will get more accurate.

[@Degisftw]

Xert is awesome

[@RoadtoA]

@@Degisftw I love it too. Do you use it for racing guidance, too?

[@Degisftw]

​@RoadtoA I use it to prepare for longer events in the spring and summer. But what I really love is how it adjusts the training if I choose to do a group ride or race instead of the suggested workouts. Also displaying MPA on the bike computer is fun, it is almost creepy how exact it can predict when I hit the wall on a sprint

[@ThomasAmstad-y4i]

What a fake, not even the sign up process works, failed from the beginning

[@RoadtoA]

How does it not work? I've never had technical problem with Xert (and like I said, I use it for more than a year).

[@xertedbrain]

I hope you're ok getting dropped by all those that were able to sign-up! Seriously, email support. Everything should work without a hitch.

[@mckwacz268]

I understand that Xert is very advanced, but Zwift alone costs €20 per month. That's a lot compared to other subscription products like competitors or even Netflix. For this price, Zwift should offer much more advanced training plans. An additional €10 for Xert brings the monthly cost to €30, not even including the trainer itself..