Mask free Performance Test

$249

For those adverse to wearing a testing mask and/or having their fingertip or earlobe pricked.

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What is it?

The same INSCYD metabolic analysis as our Full Metabolic Profile — without the mask and without the finger prick.

Not everyone wants to wear a gas analysis mask during exercise. Not everyone is comfortable with a blood lactate fingertip sample. That's completely understandable, and it shouldn't mean missing out on the most sophisticated metabolic profiling available in Canterbury.

The Mask-Free Test uses the INSCYD Power Performance Decoder (PPD) protocol, performed in our studio on the Wattbike Proton. You complete a structured series of maximal power efforts at different durations. We analyse the power output data using the INSCYD platform to model your complete metabolic profile — including VO2max, VLaMax, lactate threshold estimates, training zones, fuel use, and metabolic phenotype — without any gas analysis equipment or blood sampling.

Same INSCYD methodology. Same report. No mask. No needle.

How we test

You complete a series of all-out power efforts on the Wattbike Proton at our studio, each targeting a different energy system duration. The test requires maximal effort — this is not a comfortable protocol — but it is entirely non-invasive. No equipment is worn beyond a heart rate monitor, and no blood samples are taken at any point.

The power data from your efforts is then fed into the INSCYD platform, which uses established physiological modelling to derive your metabolic profile. The accuracy of the result depends on the quality of your maximal efforts — giving everything on each effort is important for the model to produce reliable outputs.

What the results tell you

  • VO2max — modelled from your power output data

  • VLaMax — your maximum lactate production rate

  • Lactate threshold estimates — LT1 and LT2, modelled from the INSCYD framework

  • Fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates across intensities

  • Carbohydrate consumption rate at target pace or power

  • Metabolic phenotype — your classification across the five Tristar phenotypes

  • Personalised training zones — heart rate, pace, and power

  • Full INSCYD report with Tristar branding

How does it compare to the Full Metabolic Profile?

The Full Metabolic Profile measures VO2max and lactate directly using gas analysis and blood sampling — these are absolute measurements. The PPD models them from power output data using validated physiological relationships. Both use the INSCYD platform and produce the same report format.

The Full Metabolic Profile is more precise — direct measurement will always be more accurate than modelling. But the PPD is a genuinely powerful tool that produces reliable and actionable data, and for athletes who are uncomfortable with the mask or the blood sampling, it is the right choice.

If you're unsure which test suits you, contact us and we'll help you decide.

  • Cyclists and triathletes who want the full INSCYD metabolic profile without the gas analysis mask or blood lactate sampling. Those who have previously found gas analysis masks uncomfortable or claustrophobic. Athletes who want metabolic profiling in a more controlled, purely power-based format.

    Note: because the PPD is based on power output, it is a cycling-specific protocol. It cannot be performed for running or rowing. For run or row-specific metabolic profiling, the Full Metabolic Profile is required.

  • Allow 75–90 minutes including warm-up, the test efforts, recovery between efforts, and results review.

    • Arrive well-rested — do not perform hard training in the 48 hours before this test

    • No food or caffeine for 3 hours beforehand

    • Bring your cycling shoes and tell us your pedal system when booking

    • Wear your usual cycling kit

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All prices NZD inclusive of GST.