robkit said:i was wondering what is the best way to estimate VO2 max power, besides doing a VO2 max test on an ergometer. i'm thinking when the motivation is not for determination of a smart interval workload but rather to come up with the best estimate for comparing oneself against the power profile (5 min power.)
You might try doing a simulated pursuit, in which you "burn off" all of your anaerobic capacity during the first 1.5-2.5 min, then continue "pay as you go" style for the remainder of the time/distance. Getting the pacing just right may take a bit of practice, but the quasi-plateau power will be very close to that requiring 100% of VO2max.
(See Alex's blog for entries on "MAOD" for more detail.)