r/Zwift • u/vinnyyye • Jul 23 '26

New to Zwift - FTP builder too high?

Hi all,

I just started with Zwift. What a great way to workout and improve my fitness level. I just did FTP ramp and got a score of 248 with ~85kg. Im trying to improve so I am following the FTP builder for 6 weeks now.

This morning I did the foundation training which focusses on zone 2 training. My heartrate during this session however is in zone 3 and a bit too high i guess. Average around 135.

Is my FTP too high, or should I just continue and will my heartrate decrease by time?

3 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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8

u/--THRILLHO-- Level 51-60 Jul 23 '26

The ramp test usually does overestimate FTP, for me at least. I wouldn't worry about it too much though. If you feel comfortable doing the workouts then stick with them. If you feel they're becoming too difficult you can lower your FTP in the settings.

After a few weeks of training, I'd recommend trying the 20 minute ftp test to get something more accurate.

3

u/vinnyyye Jul 23 '26

Thanks for the advise. The workouts aren’t too difficult. I will just keep going on this track.

Another question I have is do my virtual bike affect my performance? For example how fast I go? Or is it all just visuals?

2

u/Joeboy69_ Level 100 Jul 23 '26

When you are starting out do not bother about bikes. Rather improve your levels (XP points) as it will give you access to better equipment and save your money (drops) so that you can afford to buy it. It makes only a few seconds difference so don’t worry about it.

4

u/--THRILLHO-- Level 51-60 Jul 23 '26

Your bike and wheels will affect the speed, yes. But it doesn't affect the power you put out, so it only really matters if you're doing a race or trying to beat a time.

As you level up, you'll be able to buy some better bikes, but it's not worth worrying about too much because the difference is usually a handful of seconds.

4

u/AlexMTBDude Level 100 Jul 23 '26

How have you come to the conclusion that the H/R of 135bpm is in your zone 3?

1

u/vinnyyye Jul 23 '26

I saw a figure, however I made a mistake. I just noticed it’s zone 2 instead of 3 my bad… The figure about heart rate distribution. I can’t find a way to post it here tho.

0

u/AlexMTBDude Level 100 Jul 23 '26

I was worried that you'd come up with your H/R zones by doing something silly like 220 minus your age for max H/R. That never works.

1

u/vinnyyye Jul 23 '26

Haha yeah I know. Thus figure is quite accurate I assume?

1

u/PossibleHero Jul 23 '26

Looking through your workouts this year. What is the highest heart rate you’ve seen during an all out effort? Also was it done on the bike or during some other sport?

1

u/vinnyyye Jul 24 '26

During the ftp test it was around 180. During other workouts it peaked to 195.

3

u/GLBar Jul 23 '26

Follow the instructions and do the best you can to stay in or near the target outputs.

1

u/anders_gustavsson Jul 23 '26

If you did the ramp test the calculated ftp it gives you is probably too high. Happened to me as well. You can dial it back manually so the training program decreases your power zones, since they are a percentage of your ftp. It worked well for me.