This will mainly be a SPINCO versus Ride Cycle comparison since these are the two big cycling companies in Vancouver
TLDR:
if you like approachable instructors with a disco ball then SPINCO is for you with easy to hear instructions. If you prefer REALLY loud music and to cycle to heavy beats with nicer amenities and showers then Ride Cycle is for you. SPINCO is better for beginners. Ride Cycle is for the "cool kids", and SPINCO is for the "community oriented people"
Instructor:
I had Kristen who was a more "chill" vibe instructor who I liked alot. It was early Sunday morning and I needed someone to motivate me but wasnt "too high energy". I find the Ride Cycle instructors are more into yelling at you (in a good way) and bring 110% energy. Definitely pros and cons to both, depending on your style.
Class and Atmosphere:
The intensity is reasonable, similar to ride cycle. Burned 50 calories less than Ride Cycle. There was 35 mins of cycling, 5 mins of weights, then 5-10 mins of cycling to end. The cycling studio was very spacious with many cool ceiling lights and a disco ball. Ride cycle studio was more candles. Both are cool atmospheres depending on your vibe. I found the demographics to be similar mostly women in 20-30s age range. I did find the cyclers to be more friendly to each other at SPINCO and felt more like a welcoming environment and community compared to a more "intense" Ride Cycle vibe.
Weights:
The weights portion was much easier to follow than complex movements at Ride Cycle. Ride Cycle likes to do repetitions for one move at a time before moving onto the next weighted exercise. SPINCO classes did moves all together with less repetition but is better if your muscles are tired or weak. The Ride Cycle class is better for weighted exercise if you like muscle fatigue since theres quite a bit of repetition. Weights range from 1-5lbs in both locations that you bring into the class.
Music:
The music was both club like music, electronic music, with heavy beats. I found the music more enjoyable at SPINCO where there were more pop songs that I could sing along to. The music is a bit too loud for me at Ride Cycle so it was often difficult to hear the instructor, not as much of an issue at SPINCO.
Staff:
The staff are very friendly at both studios. Very helpful with new riders to help you set up the bike, clip into bike, and answer any questions you have. That being said, I felt the SPINCO staff were more approachable and kind than Ride Cycle
Amenities:
SPINCO has showers, change rooms, water fountains. All the basic things you realistically need. I will say the Ride Cycle amenities are nicer with more products like hair styling products, hair spray, face moisturizers, spray on deodorant. Ride Cycle also used Aesop products for those that value an expensive feeling post workout shower. SPINCO has more basic brand-like products that arent as luxurious or smell as nice. The SPINCO bathrooms also are on a timer so if you shower for longer than 5-10 mins, the lights turn off which was a bit awkward.
Membership and Locations
The only downside of SPINCO is that currently memberships can only be used at one location. Ride Cycle allows you to use your passes and membership credits at any of the locations which is more convenient. There are also more Ride Cycle locations, but the staff at SPINCO said there are a few new SPINCO locations set to pop up soon. read more