I’ve had problems with the Wahoo app turning power smoothering on automatically every time I do an update on my trainer. Seems like the last 3 times I updated I closed the app, reopened it, verified that power smoothering was off, then closed the app and ran a workout in SYSTM only to find that power smoothering was on. Then went back in the Wahoo app and sure enough it was back on even tho I visually verified it was turned off. So, it’s definitely something to double and triple check after every update to your kickr.
Thanks for that advice @emacdoug will make sude I do that today…dreaded FTP test
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First of all thanks for all the advice, its been very helpful.
Several of you mentioned the power smoothing in the Wahoo app. In my infinite wisdom (or not) I had set this function some years ago so I unchecked that.
Today I did a 2h Aerobic ride. The power danced a bit up and down but I expected that and of course was probably due to my pedaling technique…or lack of.
However, my TSS was still 16 points under target.
Probably doesn’t really matter that much but still irritating when I don’t know why.
Remind me what did we decide was probably happening here? If ftp setting is consistent across apps, then it’s probably not the calculation, but rather something like the kickr just not quite holding the target wattage in erg mode?
If it’s important (eg if you find satisfaction from having them match up), maybe you could manually bump up the percentage the a bit during the workout to make sure it hits your target?
He did this, but it was still below I think.
I don’t think my actual TSS ever matches my target TSS now that Ive looked back. I’m often under and sometimes over.
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Definitely the same here, i’d be quite surprised if they ever actually matched given my somewhat random pedal action
FTP was set exactly the same in both apps. That is to say Athletica.ie and IcTrainer.
Yet another update.
Still trying to find the reason and I think I may have found it, at least with Athletica.ie to IcTrainer.
It looks like Athletica sets a from and to target eg. 100-120w IcTrainer is using the lower end as the target.
I’ll try increasing the load on next workout and see if that helps.
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I mean yeah I definitely agree. It’s one of a few reasons I don’t use TSS, I don’t really find it useful for any purpose except for maybe 30,000 foot view. But if someone else does find it useful, I try to help!
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100% agree
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What do you guys use?
To be honest, there seems to be so much new terminology now that I’m getting totally confused. Ah for the days of laying my fingers on my carotid artery and counting the beats 
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For endurance rides, I look at and progress duration. If I did two hours in week 1, in week 2 my long ride will be 3, etc, etc. I ride at endurance pace (which can change based on how tired I am, how long I’m going etc). TSS will be what it will be.
For intervals, it varies. I’ll progress Time in Zone for things like FTP (eg, 2x10, then 2x15, then 3x12 etc), number of intervals for MAP and AC and NM if I’m trying to build fatigue resistance and repeatability, or progress via intensity if I’m trying to work Vo2max, work up peak form etc (ie, same number of intervals, or even maybe fewer, just try to go harder)
You are much more advanced than I am @devolikewhoa.
I’ve only been looking at TSS to see if I was hitting the target, not really to see improvement.
So my question was more technical than physical and judging from answers something I won’t worry too much about anymore. 
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If i’m following a plan, I don’t sweat the exact TSS versus the plan (which I take to have that worked out and appropriate) and they should be close. Some days might be easier than others, but it generally comes out in the wash. The targets are only an approximation anyway, based on sampling, estimates of recovery behaviours etc, and rider details e.g. 4DP in Systm - there is no exact, correct number, so I don’t worry about it, take the guidance, watch the trends, and take note of how I feel 
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It’s true I’ve been at this for a while but it’s not as complicated as it looks.
Fundamentally what you’re asking is, did I achieve the purpose of the workout? TSS is not the workout, it’s not the stimulus, it’s just technical, modeled tool that SOMETIMES is useful for answering that first question.
To really answer it you need to combine data/metrics w subjective perception and then apply your judgment. It’s totally fine to keep it simple and look at TSS, after all taking a complex matter and simplifying it is exactly what TSS is for, but as you go, learning how to connect all the dots is super helpful.
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I always wondered how some people got that - I thought they were just like butter 
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