First Ride Guide
What is a beat-driven cycling class?
In the indoor cycling industry, most riding styles fall into two main categories: beat-driven and power-driven. A beat-driven class matches the cadence of cycling to the beat of any given song, while power-driven classes aim to hit specific RPMs by recording and displaying the output of your bike. At Cycle Fly, we believe a beat-driven class creates a more immersive and intuitive ride.
What should I expect when I arrive?
At Cycle Fly, we believe in making every ride a success by fostering a sense of comfort and community. For your first ride, you’ll begin by checking in at the front desk and if needed, we can provide you with your first pair of clip in shoe rentals for free to try them out (after that it is $3.50 a rental or we have cages for tennis shoes). Next, you can store all of your belongings in a locker (please bring your own lock), grab a water bottle and make sure your shoes fit properly. It might be a good idea to engage in some gentle stretching before class. An instructor will help you set up your bike before class starts. Once class begins, take a deep breath and let the music overtake you as you respond to physical cues given by your instructor.
Why do I need special shoes? Can I just use my own athletic shoes?
Indoor cycling shoes allow you to “clip in” to the bike for better stability and control. These shoes also allow you to generate power not only by pushing down on the pedals (the downstroke), but also when pulling up on the pedals (the upstroke). We strongly encourage using clip-in shoes!
Our bikes allow for both DELTA and SPD clip-in cleats, but we also have straps available behind the front desk if you’d prefer to wear regular athletic shoes.
What should I wear?
You’re going to get sweaty. We advise wearing form-fitting athletic wear that you’d usually wear for other physical activity. Moisture-wicking material is always a plus. Excessive jewelry or baggier-style athletic wear are not recommended, as these can impede your movement.
Why’s the studio so dark?
Creating a dark environment takes less pressure off of the riders and puts everyone on more equal footing.
Is it safe?
Indoor cycling is a great full-body workout that is easy on your joints. Good form and proper movement is paramount in making sure you have a safe, enjoyable experience.
Always keep some resistance on your bike and make sure the resistance is appropriate for the type of riding at-hand. For example, heavy resistance is encouraged while the cadence is slower and lighter resistance when the cadence is faster.
Always keep your body within the frame of the bike. Do not list your body excessively side to side or project your body too far over the front or back of the bike.
Always make sure your bike is set up properly for your measurements and preferred style of riding. An instructor will help you set up for your first ride, but in time you’ll get a feel for that “just right” fit.
When in a standing position, always keep your hands securely on the handles unless otherwise directed by the instructor.
The beat of the music comes first always. Once you’re comfortable matching the beat, more advanced riders can experiment with extra movements such as tapbacks and pushups as cued by the instructor. It is critical to make sure you have a solid understanding of your body on your bike before trying these movements. Always follow proper form.
Always check in with your doctor if you have any health concerns before starting a new exercise program.
What if I feel like I can’t keep up?
Our instructors will guide you through a great workout and encourage you to push your limits. We believe that magic happens when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. However, listening to your body must always come first. Muscle burn, sweating and breathlessness are to be expected; Sharp pain, nausea and extreme discomfort are not. Show yourself some love and tune in before an injury or exhaustion happens. Take cues from the instructor on how to properly proceed through the class — or speak to them before or after class if you have any questions or concerns.
What is the Frequent Flier Program?
You work hard during your rides, why not get rewarded for it? Our Frequent Flier program is a simple 10-punch card system. Ride ten times and your next one is on us. Ask the front desk or an instructor for a punch card!
How it works:
It’s as easy as walking in and asking for a punch card. After collecting all ten punches, present your card and we’ll drop a free ride credit into your account.
Check back for even more rewards as you continue to hit ride milestones.
