5 Reasons to Buy SoulCycle’s Bike
I never thought I’d do it — but I did. Some people think they’ll never swim with sharks or fly a plane. I thought that pigs would fly before I bought an at-home bike. But, then the pandemic happened.
I’ve taught cycling classes for more than a decade. And during the months of lockdown, I flat out missed being on the bike. When SoulCycle started offering outdoor classes at my go-to studio in Atlanta (Buckhead), it felt so good to ride to the rhythm again. I felt the same on the occasions I had a chance to teach cycling at Exhale Spa (where I teach barre and cardio classes).
But, due to quarantines, changing regulations, and other unpredictable circumstances, I didn’t have a consistent option for cycling. And then in November, I decided it was time to invest in — and yes, I paid 100% my own money for this — an at-home SoulCycle bike (powered by Equinox +). Here are the five reasons I’m glad I took the plunge:
I can rhythm ride whenever I want
As I did my research on at-home bikes, I learned there was Team Peloton and Team SoulCycle — and each team feels very passionate about their chosen product and programming. This summer, I tried out a class on my almost sister-in-law’s Peloton and thought it was OK. (I got a good workout and the music was good.) But, when I checked out a SoulCycle live class on the Equinox + app during a free trial (more on that in a minute), I realized I’d found my people — again. What I mean is that when I haven’t been teaching cycling over the last few years, I’ve been taking it at SoulCycle. It’s been my go-to cycling class. When I was younger I played the piano and sang, and as a high school cheerleader and fitness teacher I’ve always loved finding the perfect choreography to match the music. So, the rhythm-based riding and choreography is a good fit for me. Whereas my perception of Peloton is that you get could music and a workout, but I don’t connect as much to the class when I’m not trying to find that right-left beat and feel the music. Which leads me to my next point…
2. Tanysha
Now, there are plenty of great SoulCycle teachers featured in the on-demand (pre-recorded) and live classes. But, I have clicked with Tanysha. Her playlists are a delicious mix of dance and hip hop I haven’t heard since college (yes, the Ludacris the other day was PERFECTION). Add her energy, attention to form and safety, and amusing reflections on life to the mix, and I am able to be in the moment for the 45 minutes I ride with her. (For example, a few weeks ago, during Lil Wayne’s Lollipop, the lyrics say, “Shawty want a thug.” Tanysha goes, “Does she, though? Because I want a man who has a real job and an education.” I about fell off of my bike giggling.)
3. There’s no travel time
Sure, this is an advantage to any at-home program. But, I find it’s even more important when it comes to cycling, because to prep for class you have to put on your cycling shoes, set up your bike, and get situated — every time you go to a class. The beauty of my at-home bike is that it stays set up just for me. And I don’t feel like I need to wipe it down, because someone else has sweat buckets on it. Even better, the bike sits next to my desk. So, I can just hop up and clip in, minutes before class starts.
4. The Equinox + app is killer
FYI, when you commit to the SoulCycle bike, you have to commit to the Equinox + app to access SoulCycle’s programming. (But, you do receive a free seven-day trial.) However, the app also features programming from a variety of boutique fitness brands, including Rumble (boxing), Pure Yoga, TB12, and Equinox. Plus, they’re adding partnerships regularly, including recent new addition [solidcore].
5. Delivery was easy and efficient
At the time I ordered my bike, there was at least a month-long wait for Pelotons. So, having the option to get my SoulCycle bike within a week or so definitely factored into my decision. The delivery team was on time, professional, and had the bike ready to go within about 15 minutes. Piece. Of. Cake.
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