I'm only giving this 4 stars because it's so pricey. If it were more affordable it would be getting 5! Although, I do have to say that the $10 recess classes are a good price! I went yesterday on a whim. I'd be dying to try it since I go past it every.single.day. and a friend had just gone a few days prior. My experience began by walking in to be greeted a bubbly, blonde girl (who ended up being the teacher) wearing an identical outfit to mine and yelling "We match! OMG TWINSIES!" Excellent. I immediately knew I would like her due to her love of bright colors and the fact that we were wearing the exact same orange crops. The front desk girl could have been a little friendlier, but she wasn't mean either. She offered me shoes and I went on my way. It was definitely different than any spin class I'd taken before (I had only taken them at BSC and my old gym in PA). Rachel was really great about making sure I knew what I was doing before class and helping me set up my bike. She also explained/demonstrated the choreography before we did it which was nice. However, because I hadn't done spin in a very long time (read YEARS) I felt like a newborn baby giraffe trying to walk for the first time as I was getting used to the bike again WHILE trying to do a pushup and a crunch on the handle bars! I was definitely dripping in sweat by the end though! read more

I love spinning and have been to lots of different studios in different cities. Handle Bar is good, but it's not my favorite. I prefer a class that mimics a road ride -- big hills, sprints, just focused on riding. Handle Bar classes incorporate lots of crunches and push ups and upper body work, which just isn't my thing. (But it might be yours!) They also do one song of weight work, which isn't bad. I like that they provide free towels, free shoe rental (though I already own my own) and the bikes are in great working order. read more

I moved to Boston for a 6 week academic program, and wanted to try something new while I was in the city. The Handle Bar is by far the best cycling studio in Boston. Friendly instructors and friendly front desk staff. To the people who wrote a review saying that they "pushed you too hard and you felt you weren't in control", is not very accurate. The very first class I took with The Handle Bar, they made it VERY clear that this was a place where you could spin at your own pace, and try to keep up with the beat of the music. I felt no pressure at all. Such a fun and amazing experience I had with them! Would recommend to anyone to try it out. My biggest fear was going to my first class and not feeling confident and would feel awkward, but the second you hop off that bike after your first class, you feel at home surrounded by amazing and uplifting people. Give it a shot. I did and it turned out to be one of the greatest decisions I made while living in Boston. If you're new and trying to figure who to pick for your instructor: Allie and Jess take first place for class experience, music choice, energy, and making yourself feel that you are the best you can be! You will not regret taking these instructors especially for your first ride! They really set the bar high! read more

Just took Ashley's class. AMAZING. I will be a regular. I was here about a month ago on a Sunday evening and didn't love it. I'm SO glad I gave it a second chance and took Ashley's class. It was pretty packed on an early Saturday class which speaks for itself!! She was full of great energy, had fun choreography you can follow with ease, and most importantly pushed me to my limits. read more

Wish they hadn't gotten rid of their medical professional and student walk-in discounts. Their classes are great but expensive. I'm both a nurse and a student and made use of the discount for classes that didn't fill anyway (a lot of the noon classes don't fill up) - but now I'm shifting over to give Turnstyle a try, since they offer a student discount. read more

I love The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio! I been going for the past month every sunday with Erin and it is amazing! The music she plays and the energy she has really make it into a great class. It is a bit pricey, but hey it is worth it! read more

I 100% credit this studio with getting me into wedding shape for my May wedding this year. I've never loved cardio workouts until I started coming to Handle Bar, and now I totally feel that I have found the right workout for me; one that I can consistently come back to and feel great about when I leave. It's so much fun, the time FLIES, and it's a full body workout that I can feel good about. Rachel is my favorite instructor; her music is the bomb and she's a badass motivator and also super friendly. There's a total community feel to this studio, and they are incredibly welcoming. I just moved to San Francisco, and am so sad to leave this place but will definitely go back when visiting Boston. Keep it up HB! read more

Enjoy the spinning classes there but there is a lack of air circulation. I have been there a couple of times but after this Saturday not sure I will make it back. There was a class ahead of my class so when we got in the studio it was pretty funky. There was no air in there at all. Then during the ride it just felt stifling - even with the fans on. I couldn't wait to get out of there to get some fresh air. read more

Been riding here since the studio opened. Great instructors and staff. Awesome community environment!

Today was our first class and the girls made us feel so welcome! They helped us with everything from fixing our bike heights to putting our shoes on! Ali was our teacher and she was awesome, super energetic and positive. We loved it, we'll definitely be back! read more

There is a reason this place has 5 star reviews across the board; it's amazing. It is my favorite place to go after a long day at work! I'm addicted. I've tried spin a bunch of times before and this studio is, hands-down, my favorite. The classes are driven by the rhythm. The instructors choreograph their rides; it's almost like dancing on a bike. It's a blast and the classes FLY by. They also have people in the studio before every class helping new-comers get set up. Making it a great place for beginners! The instructors are all fun and really motivating. Elise's classes are my favorite. She has great music selections, is really upbeat and enthusiastic, and her choreography is awesome. I end up leaving feeling completely refreshed. I know some people have complained about their prices. From what I've seen at other spin studios (Velo-city, FlyWheel, SoulCycle), their prices are pretty standard- and SO worth it. Love this place! Keep it up :) read more

I am an indoor cycling instructor from KY, I Always go to various spin classes when I'm on vacation. Usually none of them are challenging enough for me but The Handle Bar was great! I got an excellent workout, and loved the music and atmosphere. I hope to be able to visit again in the future. read more

I spun at Handle Bar for a few months while I lived in Boston and this place is the absolute best. I moved to LA about a year ago and have searched the Greater Los Angeles area for a spin studio as great as HB and have been disappointed 95% of the time. Nothing compares to HB, Jess, and the rest of the HB staff. I'm looking forward to the day that Jess decides to expand her business venture to the west coast! :) read more

Ive been coming here on and off for a few years. I don't spin anywhere else and I love that a lot of their packages don't have expiration dates. I will say I stick to a select few instructors bc if you don't enjoy someone's playlist, the class can be miserable. Thankfully this only happened once, but it's worth pointing out in case you don't like your first class. Also, resevere your bike a few days out- most classes are fully booked the day of. read more

I was a division one athlete in college and had recently graduated and started working. It has been a struggle adjusting/ finding a workout routine outside of basketball. Candice 's class is awesome. The music is great and she is both entertaining and motivating, and not in the "ra ra/ go girl!" way... I hate that. Like the no bs way. I highly recommend her classes, you get the most out of the 45 min. read more

Love this place! I had never taken a spin class before coming to The Handle Bar, but now I'm addicted! Almost every class that I have taken has been with Tim. I love his classes! Each workout is different and I don't think I've ever heard the same song twice (which is key for me, because I get bored very easily with working out). He's very motivating and keeps you pushing yourself throughout the entire class, but doesn't talk way too much during the class, which I like so I can hear and enjoy the music too. I have brought a couple of friends with me and they loved the classes just as much as me. They have a free "Join a Friend" option for people that haven't been to the studio before, which is great because it helps me lure friends to class with me. The music is loud, the energy is great, and the class flies by! It's pretty expensive ($20 a class, plus $2 shoe rental), but honestly, I feel so great after that I try to ignore it. Maybe they could waive shoe rental fees when you buy a package or something? read more

I have been spinning here since its first summer in Southie. I really love coming here and it is a great workout for all cycling abilities The instructors are really great and set all their classes to the music and the rhythm. I personally have no rhythm and I still get a great workout in every-time I spin and the best part is I have been able to see myself evolve and get better at the choreography. Jess and Maura are also super nice and helpful. They are great responding to emails and phone calls. Overall I LOVE coming to the HandleBar, it is a great experience! read more

Come here if you want an intense calorie burning workout! The instructors create fun choreographed spin classes to popular beats. I'm always motivated by the peppiness the instructors have throughout the class which helps me to forge onward just when I'm about to ease up on the speed. The staff are always so kind and helpful when I get me feet stuck on the pedals and It's always nice to lose two pounds after forty-five minutes. read more

I have been cycling for over 5 years at various studios and gyms and this one is by far my favorite. The instructors make it fun yet challenging- true professionals. The studio itself is a bit small so I suggest either getting there very early to change or coming in your gym clothes. Staff is always friendly. Totally worth the money- just bought a package. read more

Umm, there are no showers there!!! The class was just so so, the music sucked, the bikes are out dated. I don't get how they can charge this price point with bare bones facilities. My office relocated so I can no longer to go my beloved b / spoke. I would go back because of convenience but the prices seem a little crazy for what you are getting. read more

Let me make this clear right off the bat -- the spin classes at The Handle Bar are awesome. Specifically, Ali, Elise and Sarah are the way to go. The reason I have to give this place two stars is for the owner's complete lack of customer service. For a place this expensive ($20 a class) - customer service is key. Let's be real - for ANY business that's looking to grow and expand - customer service is key. I've run into too many instances where the customer service was literally non existent. The thing is, the studio is in Southie - meaning the target audience is 24-30 year old's - mostly recent grads. The owner clearly hasn't studied her audience because the pricing alone is insane and she doesn't know how to create a positive experience so that young people who can barely afford these classes will want to keep coming back. The spin class itself isn't enough to drive loyalty when you aren't providing customer service - especially when there are studios who are doing the same thing that are offering superior service. Some examples of unfortunate experiences that I've had at The Handle Bar: 1) I had bought a month unlimited of classes and was on my last day. I'd signed up for the 5:30 PM class and had a last minute client meeting schedule for 4:30 PM - meaning there was no way I was going to make the 5:30 class, let alone the 6:30. I called the owner at The Handle Bar and told her my situation, and asked if I could possibly have my last class the next day instead. She declined. 2) I wanted to buy the month unlimited on Black Friday because it was a better deal than the 10 day discounted price. The problem was that I am going home for 2 weeks in December for the holidays and wanted to get started right away with classes. I called the owner and asked there is any way I can freeze my month and finish it when I return to Boston. She declined. *Might I add that pretty much all yoga and other spin studios do allow this* 3) My friend doesn't like wearing the cycling shoes - just a preference thing. She went probably 6 classes without wearing them and then came in one day and couldn't find a bike with the straps. She went and asked the owner if she could have a strap to put her feet in and the owner proceeded to tell her that it's company policy to wear cycling shoes. OK. That's fine, but 1) why hadn't she known this before? and 2) why are you charging $2 for using shoes when it's a requirement? 3) is it really that hard to front $2 when I'm paying $20 to even attend the class? 4) We went to a class that was supposed to be 45 minutes and only lasted 30. OK - yes - high maintenance - but again - I'm paying $20 a class so you better as hell give me 45 minutes of exercise. This studio has so much potential and the instructors are fantastic - but without superior customer service, the cost just isn't worth the experience. If I'm going to pay THAT much to attend spin classes - I better feel like I'm in heaven for the hour I'm in the studio, otherwise, I'll head over to Copley and try one of those spin studios that do have superior customer service. I hope the owner reads this and is able to take it as constructive criticism because she really has started something that can take off in no time. Bottom line: know your audience and cater to them. You do that - your business will stand the test of time. read more

Pros: 1. Instructors are very friendly. Candice is the best! She is very inspirational and always has (what I consider) motivational speeches every class. 2. Clean...I love that the bathrooms have face wash! Cons: 1. Cost. I bought the 3 month unlimited membership and after doing the math, the per-class cost was still incredibly pricey. I've gone to several cycling studios in Boston that 1. blast music, 2. have black lights but are ~1/4 cheaper. 2. Not the biggest fan of the obliques + crunches... would rather do more speed/spin. 3. Are the staff also instructors? It's a small local studio so I like when instructors know my name. Once I went to a studio, was signed in by an instructor who chatted with me, and I didn't take her class for another 2 weeks and she still remembered me. This would never happen here. I also had a bad experience with a staff member. I live in Braintree, so I commute 40 minutes by train to get here. This is because I work right next door. During the snow storms when the MBTA screwed everyone over, the woman at the front desk was rude when I was late. I woke up at 5:30 AM to get on a train to make it to the 7AM. I called in advanced saying, I may be 5 minutes late. Who knew the MBTA would take over 1.5 hours to get the Broadway. I ended up being 15 minutes late, knew I had no chance in getting in the class and didn't expect to. Before I even got both feet in the door, she says, sorry can't let you in.... I said, I know I just wanted to stop by anyway to see what my options are. (Since late cancellations are $10). She was very egotistical about it and made it seem like she was doing be a huuuuuge favor for waiving the cancellation fee. I would rather pay $10 than witness this. 4. They threw away my water bottle. This was my favorite water bottle. They said they do monthly cleaning...but it was the middle of the month. :-/ Overall: It was a decent work out. read more

I love this place! I've been going to HB for almost 2 months now, and it is my favorite workout! Everyone is super friendly! Can't wait to bring more friends. read more

I have been spinning at HB Southie since Sept 2014 and I am addicted, in a good way! I did my first class on a Saturday morning with Elise for a full 60 minutes and I wanted to DIE. Don't worry, that feeling goes away and turns into something awesome you can't explain. You just have to keep going and you get so much better and learn so much. No class is the same and you always feel like each ride was different from the last. I can't say enough good things about this place, the staff, the bikes, the room, everything is great. My favorite instructors are Elise, Lena, Rachel and Jess. I take the same classes weekly so I dont always get to try new instructors but Erin, both Sarahs C&M, Michelle and Jenn are also great! Elisa and Lena really make you feel good about being there and make you think about the bigger picture while spinning which is a nice addition to sweating your butt off. And boy will you sweat, dont worry they provide complimentry towels. Shoes are also included but after spinning 4-5 times a week I invested in my own for comfort. I dont have many bad things to say but for every review there had to be some critical feedback. I see Jess is very attentive to her studio and that is appreciated as a rider. I wish the cancellation time of 12 hours was shorter especially for 5:45 pm classes. If you wake up sick that day which has happened you have to cancel by 5:45 am to not get charged/lose a class. Maybe even 8 hours would be more reasonable.Ii get it, the classes are full and its not fair to cancel but 12 hours is tough. Just a thought/suggestion really. The space outside the classroom is small but there is only so much you can do about that. You're not there long and if you have to change just give yourself enough time because the bathroom lines could be long. The bathrooms are cute and kept tidy but I feel they could be just a little cleaner. A few times I have noticed the same dirtyness a few days in a row but it could have been an off day and its undertstood especially in an environment such as spin. Other than that I highly recommend the studio and can't get there enough! read more

I have been coming to Handle Bar- Southie almost since it first opened. It is an amazing workout! The instructors are the reason I get up in the morning to go to spin. They make you feel great, the motivation is outstanding, the classes are challenging but they make sure they keep you on the beat and their choreography is on point! I have never walked out of a class wishing that I had stayed in bed. I do agree with a prior comment that the class can get humid and it would be nice to have some fresh air. Overall The Handle Bar and their instructors are outstanding and have recommended to friends and they all love it! read more

This is the best indoor cycling studio in Boston. I've tried a few other studios in the Back Bay areas just for curiosity's sake, but the Handlebar is still my favorite. First of all, all the staff and instructors are very friendly, they make you feel welcome as soon as you walk through the door. The instructors are all very professional (like they won't choreograph things that are actually dangerous to do on the bike - I've experienced that in other studios). Also, all the instructors ride to the beats of music, meaning that every class is like an awesome dance party. When it comes to the facilities, both Fenway and South Boston locations have modern and simple design. The actual studio rooms have state of the art lighting and sound systems. The only complaint I have is that shoes are not included in the class price ($2 shoe rental each time) and that can add up if you go frequently and can't afford an unlimited monthly pass. But all in all, I love this place and I am now a spinning addict because of the Handlebar :) read more

Great spin classes but SUPER EXPENSIVE. Hard to justify $20/class when monthly gym membership is $70. Splurge on 60 min lessons but $20 for a 45 min lesson is steep. read more

The Handle Bar is fantastic! I have been riding with the HB for just over a year now and I have had the best experience. The staff is friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable about all things HB and indoor cycling. The instructors are fabulous! Each instructor is very motivating and welcoming to all new, experienced, and frequent riders. The music/playlists are great and instructors are always taking song requests. Each class is different from the next and it is a guarantee you will sweat! I have been to all three locations and all are excellent, especially Harvard Square (brand new, great sound, raised back row, beautiful showers). Both Southie and Harvard Square are SPD compatible and Fenway is mostly Look Delta clip compatible. If you don't own cycling shoes they are always available to rent at all locations. Definitely check out the Handle Bar, you won't regret it! read more

I really like this place. So much so that I might actually pay for classes without any sort of deal or coupon (that's saying a lot for this gal who never pays full price for fitness). Some highlights for The Handle Bar that make it stand out from other studios: The staff here is friendly and genuine, not judgy or snobby; I love that I get to reserve my bike ahead of time and know exactly where I'm going when I walk into what is usually a pretty dark and crowded room; The bike shoes are always available (for free), which means I get to lighten my load and leave out the sneaks when I'm packing my gym bag; Each class includes some series of weighted arm exercises, so this is as close as I'm going to get to a full body workout in a cycling class. My only complaint, and I found this true in all of the classes I've taken (around 10 over the past few months), is that sometimes the beat is so fast, or impossible to pick up, so the side-by-side bounce or tap backs are nearly impossible for me to do in time with everyone else. I know I'll be back, though, and hopefully, with practice, I'll catch up to these Handle Bar regulars one day! read more

HB was my favorite studio in Boston for years!! I've since moved to Chicago and still haven't found a studio like the Handle Bar and hope to drop in on Sarah M's class when I'm in town. Great combination of choreography, sprints, and weights. read more

I had the best workout at the handle bar cycling studio last Sunday. I've been to many spin classes with various instructors but this location is exceptional. You not only workout your lower body but Abs and arms. The most motivating playlist choreographed so brilliantly. I am definitely hooked! Give it a try you will NOT be disappointed! read more

I went to my first class at the Handle Bar yesterday and loved the experience. I was running late and the women at the front desk were quick and super helpful. Alexa, the instructor, helped me with my bike, as I am not a regular indoor spinner. The class began and I loved it the minute the music started. Alexa has great energy and bounces on and off the bike throughout the class. I would definitely recommend this studio and class to anyone in the area - a great workout, inviting space, and overall just a lot of fun. I will obviously return! read more

Love this place. I have never been disappointed by a class and all of the instructors are great! The only time I can seem to get out of bed in the a.m. for a workout is if I am planning to spin here. Love being able to support a small business run by a successful female entrepreneur! read more

Words can not describe my love for the Handle Bar. I was dragged by one of my friends in January after a couple months of a working out hiatus, and I was instantly hooked. I signed up for the new rider month unlimited and haven't looked back since. I genuinely look forward to the 45 minute ride in my day. Since getting into spinning at the HB, I have tried a few other places such as B/spoke downtown and while the studio is definitely beautiful, it lacks the community/welcoming environment that HB has created. The teachers are all really down to earth/approachable at the HB, which is one of my favorite aspects. I tend to be loyal to Lena, but I'm yet to go to a class I didn't enjoy. I just think Lena's classes are a step above the rest. I wish that it was a little less expensive, but I have been able to take advantage of the sales to make it worth it. Thank you Handle Bar for getting me back into working out and for creating such a great environment that I feel great walking out of after every class! read more

I'm sorry to say, I am less than impressed with Handle Bar Southie, which is very disappointing because it is the closest studio to me. Pro's: employees seem friendly enough; and convenient location. Con's: Studio always smells of sweat; only two bathrooms and no changing or showers; very expensive for the quality; do not like the same pop music they play all the time (I like a little rock or something different once in a while) colored halogen lighting is blinding. But the worst thing is that there are huge speakers on either far side of the studio, so if you are the lucky ones who are placed in front of the speakers, you are likely to loose your hearing. Most other places have a nice sound system set up throughout the studio so that it is easily distributed. I also, asked to be moved to a different bike away from the speakers, and was told the class was full. I asked if they could let me know if anyone cancels, and no one did. However, there were about 3 open spots in the middle away from the speakers. When I asked after for a manager to contact me, no one did. read more