A Fitness Pro's Scoop on CYKL and Real Ryder Bikes

I just came home from my school mama night out that included a cycle class at CYKL (located at 68 Bathurst) and a glass of vino and some chuckles. I've really been wanting to try out the new bikes that CYKL uses called Real Ryder bikes.

These new bikes kind of blow the traditional Johnny G spin bike out of the water. I started teaching spin classes after getting certified through the Johnny G Spin program about 10 years ago. I've used different bikes while teaching at what used to be Level Five Fitness, Totum Life Science, Quad and Diesel. I used to be a spin freak and even got right back to teaching 7 weeks after a home birth. I used to own a carbon fibre bike and would get through feature length films while spinning at home. I haven't taught spin in a couple years but I've spent enough time teaching and riding to be able to form an educated opinion.

The class at CYKL made me want to teach again because the Real Ryder bikes open up so many opportunities to get people spinning properly with better body awareness, a more honest pedal stroke, proper weight distribution on the bike and a decent amount of tension instead of the silly no tension RPM of the 90s that only wear joints out and do nothing for strength.

Here's a demo of what the Real Ryder bike looks like.



What I look for in a spin class is ambience, good music, personal attention, and attention to form and technique and generally letting individuality come out through a personalized teaching style. The original Johnny G Spin program was deeply based on a philosophy of what matters to me in a spin class. Maybe I'm dating myself!

CYKL is a beautiful space and at night it's not hard to get street parking. First class is free! The sound system is great. The room ventilation is great. The owners/staff are extremely friendly, provide towels, extra bike shoes, gel seats. The online sign up system is unparalleled as compared to other spin/cycle gyms. You can even book the exact bike you want while reserving your spot online. Loved it as soon as I walked in.

The only thing I would suggest is that like in any great group class environment, the instructor should be taking opportunities to personally correct form and technique and try to connect with each participant which means getting off the bike for a lot of the class. What makes a spin/cycle gym really take off is the environment the instructors create. Everyone likes a different style of instruction for different reasons. What's going to make CYKL fly are the instructors more than anything. Spin became popular because of the buzz you feel after brought on my great music, intense work and the synergy in the room everyone contributes.

Someone new to spin might need a little more explanation and guidance than in a class with a stable bike. I liked how the bike felt on my body. I felt my obliques in the turns and could see how I could work on my upper body alignment. It isn't exactly the same feeling as being on the road but it's more integrative than traditional spin bikes. I'm sure it takes a few classes to get the feel of the bikes. The Real Ryder bikes require more coaching than regular bikes and beginners need hands on help to get the feel of how to move with the bike. Real Ryder instructors need to be very specific in terms of what muscles to use for turns, hand positioning for turns and how to get the core involved to stabilize the bike. If you're not using the right muscles to stabilize the bike, you will know right away because the bike is going to wobble like crazy.

The Real Ryder bikes do not have a certification that goes along with them yet like Johnny G did when he first started out. The instructors get a binder but no class time. If Real Ryder can create a philosophy that includes not only great bikes but also an overall culture that is associated with their brand the way Johnny G did, then I think they're onto something great with these bikes.

Thanks to CYKL for a great intro to their special spot and the next generation of spinning/cycle fit.



Jane Clapp
Founder
Urbanfitt