Equipment Choice

The first consideration in developing group cycling classes is providing the stationary cycles.

The popular instructor-paced classes started with fixed-cam exercise bikes. A fixed cam does not allow the rider to stop pedaling and coast. It employs the physical principle called inertia — when you start to slow down a little, it gives you that extra little push to keep your legs in motion. The rider can go very fast with little or no tension without the bike wheel rotating too fast for the pedal action to keep pace.

Almost every major manufacturer is now providing or developing programs. So, your existing cycles probably will work, although you may need more of them unless you have a lot of underutilized cycles, now.

Like cars, bikes come with options. The challenge is deciding which best suits your club’s needs. Many different types of pedals can be used with these bikes. The basic cage type seems to be standard with most bikes, and can be used with regular fitness shoes. Other types of pedals require special bike shoes and clips that fit together. Cycling enthusiasts will show up with their own special pedals and shoes. Some pedal systems come with a detachable cage option so it’s not necessary to change the whole pedal assembly. Others offer a clip system built into the bottom of the cage pedal. One word of caution when dealing with this issue, however. Often, when people start changing the pedals on their own, they strip the crank arm and the entire arm must be replaced. Typically, crank arms are not covered under warranty.

The resistance-setting controls on a cycle should be conveniently located, and should change from an easy resistance to a high resistance and back very quickly. This allows for additional programming ideas that alternate intervals of workloads within a short period.

Many programs are starting to incorporate activities with handweights or elastic bands into their routines. Find out if the bike comes with handweight racks or holders, because it is difficult for a person to get off the bike to pick up the handweights while riding. This is a nice option to have and worth the extra cost.

Because the flywheels are very heavy on these bikes, wheels are a necessity in order to move the bikes around. These bikes typically weigh more than 100 pounds.

Lastly, water bottle holders are absolutely necessary, so find out if they are standard with your bike purchase.