So I checked out CycleBar after my old gym closed, and I love it. The instructors have all been great, the rides are a great workout, and there are amenities galore (free water bottles, fruit, shoes are provided, coffee for early morning classes). I like that they have classes throughout the day, so if you are an early person or a late person, you can find a ride for you - I mean, 5:15 AM, that's insane! So far I've been to six different classes (with six different instructors) at this location - three Live DJ rides (Sam, Damion, Natalie), one early morning ride (Aimee), and two Concert Series ride (Shane, Haley).
I also really like the technology and the fact that you are racing with the class - it's fun to be a little competitive. I learned today during Damion's class that you can "race" women vs. men (women won!) and between the rows (so, 1st row vs. 2nd row vs. 3rd row). It definitely elevated the energy in class. You get an email after class of your workout and stats (average watts, calories burned, rank in class), so you can compare your performance class to class.
The music in the classes has been great. The Live DJ classes are a little bit loud, but they provide earplugs if you need (I don't know where people are getting this "the music is too soft" thing... if that was the case before, it definitely isn't the case now). They also do a "Concert Series" where they have different themes - I went to "Taylor Swift vs. Her Enemies", which was super fun. I've seen other themed classes on the schedule, including Hip Hop and Reggae classes. I've only heard one questionable song choice ("Ocean Avenue" by Yellowcard... what?!), but all of the other music has been on point.
The quality of the workout is excellent - you just should know what you're getting into. It's primarily going to be a lower body and cardio workout, although there is some upper body work. I saw that someone said that you just peddle for 45 minutes, and that hasn't been my experience for any of the classes. I guess you *can* just peddle if you want to, but all of the instructors I've had have given cues for jumps, sprints, push ups, etc, so I don't know what that review is talking about. All the classes have gotten me sweaty and sore - I'm not sure if I trust the numbers they provide on calories, but I burn around 600 calories during each class.
Parking is pretty easy, but the lot sometimes closes one of the entrances, which is a little baffling. Keep in mind that you can park on the second level also (it's really unclear, but that is what I was told by the front desk). I would just suggest getting there 10-15 minutes early to account for parking (earlier if it's your first class).
Customer service is great. When I went to a 5:15 am class, the woman at the front desk had a smile on her face and was helpful (I was not smiling). I've also had to email a few times about buying packages and issues with my online account, but Marina and John were quick to help and resolve my issue.
I do have two gripes, though - and this is where they lose a star:
1. The weighted bar! I don't mind using the weighted bar during class - even for a song or two, you will be sore - but not all instructors use it, so it doesn't always need to be there. It gets in the way for most of the class, especially when you're moving your hands on the handlebar. I wish they would do what FlyWheel does and have some sort of holder for the bar in front of the bike. EDIT: The CycleBar in NoMa actually has holders for the weighted bar. Please, Columbia Pike, get on this. Additionally, please make sure trainers are trained on how to use the weighted bar. It seems really unsafe to use it while standing - which was something my instructor had us doing tonight - both from a safety perspective and from a bio-mechanical (that is, you may injure yourself because you're unable to have proper form) perspective.
2. They don't have a phone number! If you're running late, there's literally no way to contact them except for email. They need to have some sort of message line or something. Or better yet - a phone number.
Other than those two gripes, I'm super happy with my choice to go to CycleBar. They have lots of affordable new rider packages, and your first ride is free. Also, if you're new to cycling, they have FREE intro classes every Wednesday Check it out! read more