Critical Power Test
What is the Bikevo Critical Power Test?
The Bikevo Critical Power Test is our way of identifying your physiological signature. Your physiological signature is what makes you uniquely.
Perhaps criterium racing and sprinting are your passion. But your results do not reflect this enthusiasm? Or maybe you have invested time and money into becoming a better time trialist only to find limited success in such a specific discipline?
Every cyclist, regardless of experience, is characterised by morphological, neuromuscular and metabolic qualities that define their strengths and weaknesses. Discover your physiological signature with the Bikevo Critical Power Test.
Take the test
What do you need to take the test?
The sensors required to carry out the test are:
- Cadence sensor
- Heart rate monitor
- Speed sensor: required if you are not using a smart trainer
- Power meter: strongly advised for serious cyclists but not essential for novice riders
Test format
The test includes:
- 10 min warm-up, easy pedalling
- 5 sec sprint
- 2 min recovery
- 5 sec sprint
- 2 min recovery
- 5 sec sprint
- 4 min recovery
- 10 sec sprint
- 4 min recovery
- 10 sec sprint
- 4 min recovery
- 6 min maximal effort
- 10 min cooldown
Tips on how to perform the test
- The test can be done indoors or out on the road. To limit random variables such as wind, rain and traffic we recommend this test be performed indoors.
- Try and use the same equipment, in the same room with similar environmental conditions for repeat tests.
- If outdoors is your strong preference then try to find a long flat road without too much traffic or other obstacles.
- Gradients of up to 4% are fine and make sure this same area is used for repeat tests; preferably at the same time of day and with similar environmental conditions each time.
- In order to perform the test correctly, we recommend that you do not connect your cycle computer to the sensors. This could lead to conflicts in data sharing.