While it may seem redundant to say, most indoor bikes do not move. Please, stop and think about that for a moment. We are not talking about forward motion or distance, of course an indoor bike does not move forward. But what about the other motions that are involved in cycling.
When a rider is out of the saddle, most riders sway the bike from side to side a bit. Why does this happen? Generally, it is the mechanical reality of the situation due to applying extreme power to each pedal. Since the pedals are not on the centerline of the bike, applying a large force to the right pedal will, physically speaking, apply a rotational force that pushes the top of the bike to the right and the bottom of the bike to the left. Without this counterbalancing motion, the wheel would kick out to the side. By swaying the bike in the opposite direction, the amount of force that can be applied to the pedals is increased without crashing.
The second primary aspect of swaying the bike is that it allows the rider to engage their upper body (especially core and arms) into the movement which increases power.
Take a moment and watch some of the pros race, they only have about a 12 degree sway; less than most avid riders. This is due to their efficiency and power.
The last aspect of swaying the bike is that it allows the rider to more thoroughly align their biomechanics with the work that is being done. By tilting the bike, the rider is able to keep the leg that is driving down with a majority of the force in alignment lessoning the outward lateral stress on the joints.
With the exception of a few new bikes on the market, most indoor bikes do not provide movement side-to-side, and none of them replicate the true motion of an outdoor bicycle. Because of this limitation, instructors must emphasize relaxation when riding and allow gentle upper-body movement. Attempting to maintain a still upper body can place the spine and surrounding muscles at risk from the forces being generated by the legs.
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You’re passionate about fitness, you love indoor cycling and you may even be an outstanding instructor yourself. You recognize the amazing energy in a great class, and you’ve also seen a lot of poor or mediocre classes that frustrate you. Maybe you’ve wondered if a dedicated studio can make money?
Should you start your own studio? Great questions.
While not nearly as common as yoga studios, there are in fact a good many successful, dedicated cycling studios (and Spin® studios) around the country. We have worked extensively with a number of them, and in the right community, with the right model, these can be tremendous small businesses.
There is nothing more thrilling than waking every day knowing your decisions and actions are building a business, developing a community, making people healthy…….and generating a stream of profits!
Here is the first question we ALWAYS get asked. There is plenty of indoor cycling and Spinning® at gyms and health clubs in my area — why would people go to a new dedicated
studio?
4 reasons cycling studios are successful! – Free Registration Required – Click Here. Opens in a new tab.
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Dedication.For the same reason there are thousands of successful Yoga studios, despite ample yoga classes at gyms and health clubs — a dedicated studio focuses
on one thing. It pays attention to the details and delivers a more consistently excellent product.
Atmosphere.
Many people, for a variety of reasons, prefer a small intimate studio
to the feeling of a big gym or health club. As evidence, look at the vast number of Yoga, Pilates and personal training studios — despite the availability of those services at gyms.
Pricing flexibility.
Studios typically offer a variety of programs including “unlimited classes” or “pay-per-visit”. This variety and flexibility appeals to a broad range of potential clients. This service makes it easy to set up online payments.
Community.
There is a community spirit in a small studio attended by dedicated cyclists with a common passion.
The notion of a successful, dedicated cycling studio is not just a concept — it is a reality in dozens of instances around the country. That being said, the number is miniscule compared to the opportunity, and there is very likely a need near you.
John Baudhuin with Colby the office dog -photography by Michael Darter
The brand that we all know now as Spinning grew out of a partnership between endurance athlete Johnny G and cyclist / CPA John Baudhuin in the early 90's. Together they formed Mad Dogg Athletics and the rest is history!
John R. Baudhuin is the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Dogg Athletics. Prior to founding Mad Dogg Athletics in 1994, Baudhuin worked as a certified public accountant for Los Angeles-based Duitch, Franklin & Company, where he provided a variety of consulting and strategic planning services. An active member of the Young Presidents Organization, Baudhuin received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his MBA from Loyola Marymount University.
Hope you didn't just purchase a studio full of Spinner Blade Ions® at the regular price and then paid for Instructor training 🙁
I'd been hearing some rumors about Mad Dogg Athletics ending their long partnership* with manufacturer Star Trac. And then yesterday I received this email above, that frankly, looked to me like a “Going out of business!” fire sale.
Well today it is official… Precor will be the new manufacturer of Spinner® Indoor Cycles.
I traded some emails yesterday with Justin Kleber who's the Product Manager for group cycling for Core Health and Fitness.
Hi John,
Here's what I can tell you. Our contract terminated in June and we have chosen not to renew the agreement. They have been great partners but we've agreed to pursue new opportunities and are winding down our relationship with them. More details will be coming in the next few months.
And I will make sure I keep you updated on all new developments. I'm the Product Manager for group cycling for Core Health and Fitness. That includes Schwinn Cycling and the new Star Trac bikes. I'm your go to guy for everything cycling within Core Health and Fitness.
Did you catch that bit about the new Star Trac bikes? Justin wasn't at liberty to give me any additional details, so we'll have to see exactly what will be “new” about these Indoor Cycles.
It's my understanding that certain design elements of the Spinner Blade Ion were based on being different from the Schwinn AC Performance. IMO it was a mistake to continue with the friction resistance system vs. Magnetic and don't get me started on weird feel of a tensioned belts vs. the bicycle like feel of the Gates Carbon found on the AC and new Stages SC3.
My question is; If Star Trac will continue to offer rebranded versions of the PRO/NXT/Ion do we really need another brand of Indoor Cycle from Precor that will be the new Spinners®?
I always enjoy talking to Jeff because he takes enormous pride in the quality in his Indoor Cycling maintenance business and the refurbished Spinner NXTs they build are a great example. He was explaining to me that these cycles are completely torn down and rebuilt from the inside out + are sandblasted and powder-coated in your choice of 5 colors. The end result is a bike that looks great and has a better warranty than new.
r bike does not move forward. But what about the other motions that are involved in cycling.
