The Conconi-Test is a practical method, to define your Lactate Threshold LT (as Heart Rate or Power Level at the anaeronic/aerobic threshold) under realistic circumstances to then be used to define your Training Zones.
A successfull test depends entirely from the choice of a suitable route. Ideally it would be a covered velodrome. But: who has a covered velodrome at his disposal? Alternatively a flat, wind protected loop of about 400 to 800 meters (1/4 to 1/2 mile) - from the tratan track to a parking lot everything could do. But it needs to be wind protected! A tartan track is very often an ideal approximation. It even provides more rolling resistance which will deminish the influence of the wind and make for a more accurate Conconi-Test.
Testing Procedure: Keep the exact same position during the whole ride (same aerodynamic - best to be accomplished with an aero bar). Increase your speed at every lap by 2 km/h or 40 watts if you ride with a power measuring instrument. Ideally your heart rate gets recorded or alternatively will be taken at every lap and shouted over to an assistant. You start on a perceived easy pace (HR 110-120). The test will end once you will become unable to hold a constant speed over the whole lap.
Now you plot your heart rate over the speed in a diagram. Draw a line through all the points. The point where the line bends corresponds to your LT. This will be easier to see if you plot the speed axis in such a way to get smaller (shorter spread) as the speed increases.
Here you get help for this evaluation:
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