What a terrific story! Thank you Mitch for sharing your experience. I've been participating in the Peloton Power Zone Pack (PZP) community for a couple of years, which consists of 6-8 week power zone training challenges, culminating with an FTP test at the end. My experience has been the same as yours - it's makes me stronger on the road bike, but the numbers don't translate (I'm also using the power pedals that you have on my road bike). Such an entertaining and interesting video - great job! Oh, and how cool is it that you can do an FTP60 around the Rose Bowl?!?
Thanks, Dan! I feel very lucky to have the Rose Bowl so nearby. The power number inconsistencies on the Peloton are super frustrating. I'm overdue for a follow-up video, but I just finished a training block on my bike with a coach and I need to make that video (and several others in the queue) first!
Well done mitch ! This video was brilliant !!! Just got the peloton and just want to get stronger on the bike (on/off road). I think to begin with cycling peloton is really good so far. Just started my power zone program ! We will see
Great video content. Fun to hear your story. Couple of things to add to your FTP performance. First you could change your tire to be more road profile and smoother. If you really want to increase your ftp, you should choose only a hill for one hour of FTP to ensure you are working all the time . Because if you descent a hill, you will loose FTP average. I would also recommend doing squat training to increase your strength. Congrats on the improvement.
man, thank you for this!! exactly what i was looking for. i have my peloton set up with a device called DFC that transmits to zwift. i'm a woman and it's been telling me my ftp is 304. i won a category B zwift race the other day and finally had to come to terms with the fact that this was fake news LOL. great to see just how inaccurate it can be. i'm now doing a ride on a friend's tacx to compare.
You did a great job explaining the entire process and interweaving your personal experience into the narrative. We started our own Peloton journey with an OG Bike just like you, which you found out calculates output via an algorithm, with said output accuracy dependent on the bike being properly calibrated. Right after we moved last September we upgraded to a Bike+ and I purchased my Cannondale SuperSix Evo HiMOD, which has an integrated power meter. Aside from the larger swivel screen and improved sound the upgrade I was really stoked for was the fact that the new Bike+has an actual physical power meter that measures output via strain gauge like my SuperSix. It also has an electronic calibration that takes about 30 seconds. It’s been great having an apples to apples output comparison for the last ten months, and I feel pretty good about the accuracy of the output and by extension the caloric expenditure reported by both. One other interesting thing: the Bike+ integrates with my Apple Watch and as a result I get two different calorie outputs, total and active. Total calories is exactly is described: the total amount of calories burned during the ride, both from the exercise activity and from normal, metabolic expenditure. Active calories strips out the metabolic calories, so you know how many calories burned during a ride are attributable to exercise alone. Works great for old hours like me who are tracking calories! Oh, and fortunately for us our original bike was calibrated properly so there wasn’t much change in output when we made the switch. Keep posting on your Peloton journey! 😀😀😀
Thanks Kit! I saw on DC Rainmaker’s analysis that the Bike+ is much more accurate, seems to match up with your experience. Hopefully I’ll get to try out a Bike+ one day. I still ride the Peloton a few times a week, but it’s definitely taking a backseat in my training for now.
Terrific content. I really appreciate your honesty and good humor. I also like that you went out on the road with an actual power meter to see what's what. I wish more people on Zwift and Peloton would do the same, lol. Maybe join a group ride some time? It's great to ride with experienced riders. One note: I own the Stages SB20 and it's an amazing, durable indoor trainer that easily fits lots of people. It's also dead accurate.... It's brutal. Now I have to dig into your newer videos and see how this goes.
Thanks for watching, David! I ended up getting a Wahoo Kickr and it's been great. I do still hop on the Peloton occasionally for base rides and recovery spins, but I don't use it nearly as much any more. Definitely need to get out on a group ride--still haven't don't one of those!
Great video! The same thing happened to me. My Watt meter on my Spin bike was quite different compared to the Favero Assioma Duo Dual Sided Pedal Based Power Meter ! Lol
Great video. Just got a Peloton for my other half and I decided to use it more than my kicker. Don't ask me why lol. But i did notice the incorrect data Peloton gives. But do enjoy the training course.
Funny I had a similar experience. My FTP on the peloton was 425! I bought power pedals, tested, and realized it was in the 350 range. It was humbling but also what I expected. I am 6 ft 4, 180 lbs and athletic. A runner who had been getting into the Peloton and I just got really good at it. I had no idea exactly how good as I had never trained on a real bike. At the end of the day, FTP aside, if you want to be a cyclist, you have to ride a real bike, you have to race in real life. If you are good there, you can be certain that you are good. I still enjoy riding the Peloton from time to time and usually dominate. Its fun to compete on the leaderboard with people who likely also are not putting out 100% legit numbers. I've still improved significantly as a cyclist, even f I am not at some semi-professional level.
I just did the FTP on my peloton and I did the ramp test on Zwift and they were within 4 points of each other I also have the peloton bike + that auto calibrates and I use the zwift hub trainer peloton was 200 and zwift said I was at 196 pretty close love cycling I am doing it to lose weight I ham down from 400 lbs to 285 I love your videos keep it all up also I would like to know if you still use the peloton at all as I love the coaches and the programs I do the power zone pack challenges love your content you and Mark Lewis are my go to for a bit of motivation I also have the peloton Treadmill and just got the rower a week ago
Dude your progress is awesome! I’ve heard the Bike + is much more accurate, seems like it’s true! I sold my Peloton and now mostly ride outside but I do occasionally ride on my wahoo trainer or Zwift. Sounds like Peloton is working really well for you, and I’m glad to hear it!
The peloton flywheel can be spun up, then the dial for resistance cranked and with the inertia of flywheel you can increase the total watt summation and basically manipulate the data 📈
Great video! BTW….You looked way more gassed coming off the peloton than you did the actual bike for your last test. I hope you looked at your heart rate data to see if they were comparable efforts.
I've heard the same. for what it's worth, I have the latest generation of the Base model Peloton (not Bike +). I now have a Wahoo Kickr and like it much more--hoping make an in-depth video comparing the two sometime in the next few months
Ya, i am no to Peloton. You now understand how worthless the leader board is! I have a Tacx Neo and there are some major benefits. one being your bike is your bike and that is what you are riding indoors and out. it is not a perfect analog but it does a very good job. Have you looked at jailbreaking your Peloton and running your preferred training app on the bike? If you are focused on the numbers zwift is not great. I personally find it unusable with all the distractions. There are a number of training options out there. I find myself just riding in slope while following a workout on my bike computer.
Yeah the Peloton leaderboard is all over the place. I’m surprised to hear you don’t like Zwift, but I can totally understand how it’s distracting. I wanna try a few races and see how I like it. May need to get a trainer for that!
@@MitchBoyer I will turn that back around on you. If you like variety and perhaps realism why Zwift? Here is another mind-bender for you. Do you ride for clicks/kudo's or do you ride for something else?
@@finder2267 Good question! Something to think about 🤔 There are many reasons to ride, and I haven't defined or quantified all of mine. Maybe a future video 🎥
I’m in the middle of build your power. I screwed up the ftp so I’m like bleh. Didn’t understand what I was supposed to do for 20 mins. What is this calibration you speak of
I hear ya! It's really tough to pace a 20 minute effort, especially if you've never done it before. Unless you wanna get dragged down a rabbit hole, I'd suggest staying away from trying to calibrate your Peloton. In my experience, it resulted in buying an entirely new setup 😅. If you do wanna try to calibrate it, the Peloton support site has an article titled, "Calibrating Your Peloton Bike or Bike+." Good luck 🫡
Ahhh Mitch, Mitch, Mitch... Welcome to the long haul. :-D If you're looking for workout tracking software, check out www.trainingpeaks.com/wko5/ and the dynamic training programs at www.xertonline.com/. You can actually use the Xert training sessions in Zwift. You can do the training on your bike with your head unit. Wahoo Elemnt I'm assuming? If you intend to train outdoors, this is a great option. Great job on the effort! I'm so happy to hear you're having fun!
@@MitchBoyer Yeah, you can export Xert workouts: export it to ZWO, then go over to TrainerDay.com (registration is free), then convert the workout: My Workouts > Create Workout > Upload link lower right. Then download as MRC and transfer to your Wahoo. I think you'll really enjoy Xert's dynamic nature.
What a terrific story! Thank you Mitch for sharing your experience. I've been participating in the Peloton Power Zone Pack (PZP) community for a couple of years, which consists of 6-8 week power zone training challenges, culminating with an FTP test at the end. My experience has been the same as yours - it's makes me stronger on the road bike, but the numbers don't translate (I'm also using the power pedals that you have on my road bike). Such an entertaining and interesting video - great job! Oh, and how cool is it that you can do an FTP60 around the Rose Bowl?!?
Thanks, Dan! I feel very lucky to have the Rose Bowl so nearby. The power number inconsistencies on the Peloton are super frustrating. I'm overdue for a follow-up video, but I just finished a training block on my bike with a coach and I need to make that video (and several others in the queue) first!
Great video Mitch! I like how you broke down FTP and took us on the journey. I’ve got a test coming up soon, looking forward to seeing where I’m at.
Thanks, Montee!
I miss my first FTP score haha great video! Learning so much ✨👏
Well done mitch ! This video was brilliant !!! Just got the peloton and just want to get stronger on the bike (on/off road). I think to begin with cycling peloton is really good so far. Just started my power zone program ! We will see
Great video content. Fun to hear your story.
Couple of things to add to your FTP performance. First you could change your tire to be more road profile and smoother. If you really want to increase your ftp, you should choose only a hill for one hour of FTP to ensure you are working all the time . Because if you descent a hill, you will loose FTP average. I would also recommend doing squat training to increase your strength. Congrats on the improvement.
Thanks for watching!
man, thank you for this!! exactly what i was looking for. i have my peloton set up with a device called DFC that transmits to zwift. i'm a woman and it's been telling me my ftp is 304. i won a category B zwift race the other day and finally had to come to terms with the fact that this was fake news LOL. great to see just how inaccurate it can be. i'm now doing a ride on a friend's tacx to compare.
You did a great job explaining the entire process and interweaving your personal experience into the narrative. We started our own Peloton journey with an OG Bike just like you, which you found out calculates output via an algorithm, with said output accuracy dependent on the bike being properly calibrated. Right after we moved last September we upgraded to a Bike+ and I purchased my Cannondale SuperSix Evo HiMOD, which has an integrated power meter. Aside from the larger swivel screen and improved sound the upgrade I was really stoked for was the fact that the new Bike+has an actual physical power meter that measures output via strain gauge like my SuperSix. It also has an electronic calibration that takes about 30 seconds. It’s been great having an apples to apples output comparison for the last ten months, and I feel pretty good about the accuracy of the output and by extension the caloric expenditure reported by both. One other interesting thing: the Bike+ integrates with my Apple Watch and as a result I get two different calorie outputs, total and active. Total calories is exactly is described: the total amount of calories burned during the ride, both from the exercise activity and from normal, metabolic expenditure. Active calories strips out the metabolic calories, so you know how many calories burned during a ride are attributable to exercise alone. Works great for old hours like me who are tracking calories! Oh, and fortunately for us our original bike was calibrated properly so there wasn’t much change in output when we made the switch. Keep posting on your Peloton journey! 😀😀😀
Thanks Kit! I saw on DC Rainmaker’s analysis that the Bike+ is much more accurate, seems to match up with your experience. Hopefully I’ll get to try out a Bike+ one day. I still ride the Peloton a few times a week, but it’s definitely taking a backseat in my training for now.
Terrific content. I really appreciate your honesty and good humor. I also like that you went out on the road with an actual power meter to see what's what. I wish more people on Zwift and Peloton would do the same, lol. Maybe join a group ride some time? It's great to ride with experienced riders. One note: I own the Stages SB20 and it's an amazing, durable indoor trainer that easily fits lots of people. It's also dead accurate.... It's brutal. Now I have to dig into your newer videos and see how this goes.
Thanks for watching, David! I ended up getting a Wahoo Kickr and it's been great. I do still hop on the Peloton occasionally for base rides and recovery spins, but I don't use it nearly as much any more. Definitely need to get out on a group ride--still haven't don't one of those!
Great video! The same thing happened to me. My Watt meter on my Spin bike was quite different compared to the Favero Assioma Duo Dual Sided Pedal Based Power Meter ! Lol
Great video. Just got a Peloton for my other half and I decided to use it more than my kicker. Don't ask me why lol. But i did notice the incorrect data Peloton gives. But do enjoy the training course.
Well done to you both. Great story
Funny I had a similar experience. My FTP on the peloton was 425! I bought power pedals, tested, and realized it was in the 350 range. It was humbling but also what I expected. I am 6 ft 4, 180 lbs and athletic. A runner who had been getting into the Peloton and I just got really good at it. I had no idea exactly how good as I had never trained on a real bike. At the end of the day, FTP aside, if you want to be a cyclist, you have to ride a real bike, you have to race in real life. If you are good there, you can be certain that you are good. I still enjoy riding the Peloton from time to time and usually dominate. Its fun to compete on the leaderboard with people who likely also are not putting out 100% legit numbers. I've still improved significantly as a cyclist, even f I am not at some semi-professional level.
I just did the FTP on my peloton and I did the ramp test on Zwift and they were within 4 points of each other I also have the peloton bike + that auto calibrates and I use the zwift hub trainer peloton was 200 and zwift said I was at 196 pretty close love cycling I am doing it to lose weight I ham down from 400 lbs to 285 I love your videos keep it all up also I would like to know if you still use the peloton at all as I love the coaches and the programs I do the power zone pack challenges love your content you and Mark Lewis are my go to for a bit of motivation I also have the peloton Treadmill and just got the rower a week ago
Dude your progress is awesome! I’ve heard the Bike + is much more accurate, seems like it’s true! I sold my Peloton and now mostly ride outside but I do occasionally ride on my wahoo trainer or Zwift. Sounds like Peloton is working really well for you, and I’m glad to hear it!
The peloton flywheel can be spun up, then the dial for resistance cranked and with the inertia of flywheel you can increase the total watt summation and basically manipulate the data 📈
Great video! BTW….You looked way more gassed coming off the peloton than you did the actual bike for your last test. I hope you looked at your heart rate data to see if they were comparable efforts.
I thought the new peloton + is more accurate. I wonder about all of these issues myself. Thanks for doing a video.
I've heard the same. for what it's worth, I have the latest generation of the Base model Peloton (not Bike +). I now have a Wahoo Kickr and like it much more--hoping make an in-depth video comparing the two sometime in the next few months
@@MitchBoyer I took the plunge and bought the bike + for the whole wife/family use vs just me use issue. But I do yearn for a wahoo kickr.
this helped so much. i was wondering about this. so which power tap pedals do you use/recommend?
Favero Assioma pedals all the way. I have their road and MTB pedals and they been solid
@@MitchBoyer thank you!
sick!! nice video
Thanks!
Hi what pedals do you use for Zwift? I have a peloton and I want to make sure I get the right power meter pedals. Thanks
I have the Favero Assioma Duos and love 'em
254 is not a bad ftp at all for first year of structured training!
Thanks!
Did Mitch join the Marines?
😅
Ya, i am no to Peloton. You now understand how worthless the leader board is! I have a Tacx Neo and there are some major benefits. one being your bike is your bike and that is what you are riding indoors and out. it is not a perfect analog but it does a very good job. Have you looked at jailbreaking your Peloton and running your preferred training app on the bike?
If you are focused on the numbers zwift is not great. I personally find it unusable with all the distractions. There are a number of training options out there. I find myself just riding in slope while following a workout on my bike computer.
Yeah the Peloton leaderboard is all over the place. I’m surprised to hear you don’t like Zwift, but I can totally understand how it’s distracting. I wanna try a few races and see how I like it. May need to get a trainer for that!
@@MitchBoyer I will turn that back around on you. If you like variety and perhaps realism why Zwift? Here is another mind-bender for you. Do you ride for clicks/kudo's or do you ride for something else?
@@finder2267 Good question! Something to think about 🤔 There are many reasons to ride, and I haven't defined or quantified all of mine. Maybe a future video 🎥
FTP stands for F**k the P****e … no wait that’s not right. Also, you went for the best power meter pedals!
😂
Oh, and if you wanna know how strong you are (not), go to a bike shop...on a group ride. THAT was humbling.
If 20min is that tough, imagine doing an hour 🥵
sounds like pure misery!
I’m in the middle of build your power. I screwed up the ftp so I’m like bleh. Didn’t understand what I was supposed to do for 20 mins. What is this calibration you speak of
I hear ya! It's really tough to pace a 20 minute effort, especially if you've never done it before. Unless you wanna get dragged down a rabbit hole, I'd suggest staying away from trying to calibrate your Peloton. In my experience, it resulted in buying an entirely new setup 😅. If you do wanna try to calibrate it, the Peloton support site has an article titled, "Calibrating Your Peloton Bike or Bike+." Good luck 🫡
Phwooar look at that mamiya 7
Good eye! Wish it was a 7, it’s the 6-square crop and collapsible.
get into a race and train real race
Ahhh Mitch, Mitch, Mitch... Welcome to the long haul. :-D If you're looking for workout tracking software, check out www.trainingpeaks.com/wko5/ and the dynamic training programs at www.xertonline.com/. You can actually use the Xert training sessions in Zwift. You can do the training on your bike with your head unit. Wahoo Elemnt I'm assuming? If you intend to train outdoors, this is a great option. Great job on the effort! I'm so happy to hear you're having fun!
Thanks, Steve! Yep, Wahoo Element, good eye! I’ll check out Xert 👀
@@MitchBoyer Yeah, you can export Xert workouts: export it to ZWO, then go over to TrainerDay.com (registration is free), then convert the workout: My Workouts > Create Workout > Upload link lower right. Then download as MRC and transfer to your Wahoo. I think you'll really enjoy Xert's dynamic nature.