I've been spinning for about 10 years and have taken many classes at local gyms and studios, as well as a number of places when I'm on road, including Flywheel and Soul Cycle. In my opinion, I think Prime Cycle is the best of the bunch. I've had the opportunity to take about 40 classes there over the past year. Here's my reasoning:
1. Power meters, cycle computers and technology - Obviously, the your main goal of doing this is to see results. Prime is one of the only studios that incorporates cycle computers with power meters into their bikes. At the end of the class, you immediately receive an email with all your statistics: total power output, total distance, average RPM, average speed, etc. In addition, the on-bike computer gives you real-time feedback while you're riding for all of these. If you goal is to track improvements, I'm not sure how you can effectively do this without having this equipment and these statistics available to you.
2. Excellent staff and instructors - The staff here is incredibly friendly and helpful. No attitude at all and they are super helpful to beginners. The instructors style and abilities vary, but provide a good variety for those who spin multiple times per week. The classes themselves are not very "dancey" like other places, but do have a lot of movement, which keep it intersting and engages a lot of your body.
3. Nice Facilities and amenities - the studio is small, but not cramped. The small locker room handles a full class without much issue - you may need to wait a couple of mins for some space on a bench to free up after class, but it's not a big deal. They have several full bathrooms and showers towels, deodorant, etc. that are always squeaky clean. The spin studio itself and the bikes are very clean. Towels are provided at the bike, with extras available. Chilled, bottled water is available if you bring you own bottle. If not, a variety of waters and juices can be purchased for a nominal fee an charged to your account (no need to carry cash).
4. Good variety of classes - It may be only one studio, but they have a good class schedule. There's rarely a time when there isn't a class to accommodate my schedule. They also provide on-site babysitting a couple of times a day.
5. Tough but not competitive - The classes are tough but you can pace them at your own level without feeling embarrassed about your current ability. I know people often complain about the competitive aspect of flywheel. At Prime Cycle, you get all the vital stats to track your progress but don't need to feel ashamed about your performance. You compete with yourself, not with the person next to you.
Lastly, on a highly personal level, I think the saddles (seats) on the bikes are very comfortable. I really cannot stand the saddles at Soul Cycle - they drive me crazy. Your results may vary!
Some potential downsides:
1. Locke rooms - As I mentioned, they are small. If you are used to any of the studios in the City or Hoboken/JC, you're used to this. If you've been to the big places in the suburbs that have the luxury of cheaper real estate, you may find these too small.
2. Pricey, but in in with others - It's easy to reach the threshold where it just makes sense to spend the $250/month on the unlimited pass. This is not out-of-line with other studios in the are but just keep in mind that just because it's not Soul Cycle, doesn't mean this is a budget place.
I highly recommend that you give Prime Cycle a try. read more