CycleBar Hyde Park

I’ve been to CycleBar twice and I and feel like I can give an honest review.
The Staff is very friendly and VERY visitor friendly. They supply you with shoes, if you don’t have your own, towels, water bottles and post ride snacks. If you should so chose. The Bikes are very well maintained and kept clean, it’s up to the individual rider to wipe down their bike after each workout. And I can say that I’ve noticed visitors wiping down their machines every time. The Shower Rooms, gender specific, are kept nice and tidy, and the locker area is kept clean and tidy as well.
The Instructors are very active, lively and have a great Stage mind set, and they are not over pressuring. They are there to encourage you to push your hardest. Weather you’re a seasoned vet, a new rider, or a road cyclist looking for some winter training…
Now for my big downfall for Cycle Bar. Both times I’ve gone my Calories burned has said 540 calories burned; both times. 2 different instructors, two different routines, but the same calories burned? So this time just to see what would happen if i used my own devices I bought my Wahoo Fitness Heart Rate Monitor and my Wahoo Fitness RPM sensor [cadence sensor] and the numbers matched. Tied them to my Garmin 520 cycling computer… My cadence was spot on with the 520 and my HRM actually tied to their Spin Computer and gave me the same readout. I would assume they are ANT+ compatible. Welll Garmin Connect rated me 881 calories burned and my CycleStats rated me at 540. Because CycleBar doesn’t account for weight, height, age or sex. Which all plays into your BMI, a bigger person will burn more calories. Where as smaller person will burn fewer calories. So while it’s a nice number to see… the actual results will very greatly.
This will not prohibit me from visiting again, or recommending it to people. But if you’re really crunching numbers and logging stats… theirs are off… big time on calories burned.

I’m in from out of town just trying to get some miles in on the bike and this was the closest indoor option to my brother’s place: and it was a lucky choice! Make sure to buy your Groupon early so it’ll process in time. Mine didn’t, but Andi worked with me to apply it. He responds VERY quickly to the email in their «contact us» page. He is amiable and bubbly in person, and remembers who has emailed him! Perfect customer service!
I went to the Classic class with Roury. She’s very energetic. There isn’t much focus on form, but the attitude is really positive. I’m accustomed to using long road rides as meditation, so the really loud music where it’s difficult to hear the instructor makes it a bit difficult for me to get in a groove. I did appreciate the dark room and lighting, though, so I was more focused on feeling my form than watching in the mirror. I can definitely see how this spinning style fills a niche in the workout community.
Using the bar as a weight was definitely creative for adding in upper body, too!
The locker room is comfortable and well-​stocked, especially if you are traveling and forget some key items. :)

I have heard about this place and wanted to try it, but it was expensive. I finally found a Groupon — $ 40 for 4 rides, along with another 20% off because Groupon was having a Halloween sale ($ 32 for 4 rides… all hail Groupon).
I went for my first class last night. I walked into a very cool place with super friendly staff. They could probably tell I haven’t been there before, so they took me under their wing and showed me how to check in and got me shoes. Normally, I spin in tennis shoes so I was really excited they gave out free shoes.
After looking around, I could tell why they charge a premium price. Everything is clean, new, and modern looking. They have free magnets, chap stick, hand sanitizer, etc. when you come in and the free stuff continues when you walk by the lockers (cool water bottles and fruit). To top it off, they have labeled water taps with chilled water and room temp water (oh you fancy, huh?).
The actual spinning area was so cool! I spin a lot at the UC rec and other gyms, but this one has an amazing atmosphere. Dark lighting, big TVs, great quality bikes (they keep track of calories, RPM, time, miles, etc. A lot of other places don’t have these type of bikes).
Class had great music, was challenging, and was genuinely fun (as fun as working out can be). My favorite part was that they had a weighted bar on each bike to do an upper body work out. I have NEVER seen this in a spinning class and really shows they want you to get the best work out possible.
I am so excited to go back and use the rest of my Groupon. I don’t know how much of a regular I will be because of the price :(I will say that it is expensive but they can justify it with the experience and quality bikes they provide. If you already love spinning or just want to give it a try, come here at least once for the best spin experience possible!

CycleBar CycleBar, can’t you see, sometimes your ways just hypnotize* me.
*make me faint
Not for the faint of heart, nor for the faint of face. And even if your manliness is too manly to show your face here, you’ll be struggling to save face after you finish in last place.
This place does it right from top to side — here’s why, and if you’re patient til the end, I’ll even show you my tips ;)
1) Beautiful handmade app allows you to pre-​pick a bike based on availability, and you can even «favorite» a bike spot so it automatically places you there for future classes.
Stadium seating provides options for superstars who want front row seats and for slackers who want the nose bleeds.
2) And because the system already knows where you sat during class, it immediately emails you your bike’s class stats (calories burned, RPM, ABC (Avg Butt Clenches), etc), as well as the full list of songs played during your session. It’s like they shazamed the whole hour’s worth of music AND movement.
3) No need to bring cycling shoes, a towel, water, or for that matter, a water bottle. There are Nalgene-​sized water bottles sitting out that anyone can take for free, as well as free bananas, snacks, and hugs.
3) And no need to even bring a lock — the lockers have these cool on-​the-​spot coding systems that allow you to pick your own code/​adventure for the duration of the class.
4) For those of you who whine about the pricing, here’s where CycleBar earns its price and makes you feel like the diva you aren’t — for filling up your water, they offer 3 different water temperature options, ranging from ice cold to pee warm.
Now if that doesn’t make you feel rich, there are even rumors that the showers sprinkle out coconut water and the bananas are flown in from Fiji.
And if THAT doesn’t make you feel rich, your fitness level will never overcome your maintenance level.
THIS IS WHERE I SHOW YOU MY TIPS
1) I’ve taken classes from 3 different teachers — Melanie, Chris, and Ziad.
For fun — take Ziad
For intensity — take Melanie
For NSFW — take Chris
2) It’s also BYOHRM — Bring Your Own Heart Rate Monitor. Definitely recommended so you can customize your ride to maximize your sweat and minimize your butt.
3) Also definitely check out their «themed» classes — I took one that only played songs by Pullitzer-​prize-​winner Pitbull. Glad to know they also know that you’re losing money every time you’re not investing in a company that Pitbull’s endorsing. #DrPepper
4) It can sometimes be difficult to hear the instructor over the music, so choose a spot located in between the speakers. Unless Chris is instructing, then you’ll be able to hear from home.
5) After your first few visits they periodically begin to offer bulk discounts, which is why the people who stay around are not the ones whining about price. Paying full price here is like going to Bed Bath & Beyond without that 20% coupon.
Speaking of Bed Bath & Beyond, I’m going to bed.

I don’t mean to be a downer, but CycleBar was only okay for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love free things (water bottles, hair ties, chapstick, bananas, etc.), but that doesn’t really make it worth the $ 20 per class. That said, I had a freebie class, so I didn’t actually pay the $ 20…
The class was just a little over-​simulating. I kind of felt like I was walking into a dance club, not a spinning class. I mean, call me a traditionalist, but I don’t need flashing lights and music videos when I go spinning. I also love to visualize the cycling experience, but there was just a little too much going on for that to happen. Don’t get me wrong, the workout was killer and I definitely burned off a ton of calories, but I’m just going to stick to my normal, boring spin class at the gym from now on (unless, of course, I stumble on another freebie).

There are so many things about this place that I want to dislike, however at the end of the day it still earns 3 stars in my book because I leave with a good sweat every single time. The instructors I’ve had are all energetic and upbeat, really encouraging you to push yourself – motivation I often need. I like the weights aspect of the class too, which makes it different than other standard spin studios. I’m also a fan of how sometimes there are special theme classes that motivate you to come. For instance, one Friday morning, there was a coffee and macaron tasting after the ride. Can’t say no to that!
Okay so now for the things I dislike. I cannot get over the high price tag for a class. I’ve gotten lucky with some random deals and a groupon, but $ 20 for a walk in fee is just way too excessive. I get they are often providing lots of amenities plus theme days (like the coffee I mentioned) sometimes however, I find things like a free reusable water bottle every time I go workout to be excessive. If the business spent less money on these types of amenities maybe price could go down. I also don’t like how large and commercial the cycle theatre feels. Bikes are all crammed together, almost too close as during the weights portion I’m afraid I may hit someone!
At the end of the day, you can offer me as many free perks with my class as you want and I’ll definitely enjoy them, but it’s not gonna keep me a regular customer. I’ll treat myself to a fun workout on a day followed by some kind of «free» food but unfortunately the largeness and commercial feeling of this place don’t exactly scream «personal touch» or community to me, which are almost as important as sweating is to me when picking a gym.

Ok, I’m officially converted. This place is crazy-​awesome! I got an amazing workout on Saturday with Chris who had me feeling pumped, pushed, and sexy all at the same time… even while gallons of sweat poured off. You’ve got to try it. I signed up for my next class as soon as I left because I was so impressed.
Don’t think you have to be a cycle expert either. This was the second spin type class I have ever taken and they were great to deal with. Supportive and encouraging — this place is just good for your soul (and body of course).
Go give it a shot. It’s amazing!

Chris is the BEST!!! His energy always leads to an exciting class!!!
I have done many spin classes in different cities but Chris is by far the best instructor I have ever experienced.

I want to dislike this place for how expensive it is, but it is probably my favorite spin studio I have ever been to.
When CycleBar first opened they offered two free weeks of classes so I attended three of them. The first few times I came it was a bit disorganized, but I credit that to the fact it was brand new. Hence the free classes. Now that I’ve come to classes since then it is more of a well-​oiled machine.
You sign up online and reserve a bike (necessary, only one of the classes I’ve ever been too wasn’t full) and grab some shoes for the bikes. Pro: shoes are free here. Other spin studios charge $ 3 to rent spin shoes. The staff is very friendly and helpful your first time selecting the appropriate shoes and checking in. Especially your first time it’s good to arrive 15 minutes before to figure out what’s going on and set up on time. They seem to be sticklers about starting promptly.
They have huge lockers with combination locks built in, so that’s awesome. There are free water bottles and taps for class and to take home, so I see them all over the area and at LA Fitness (close by, most hydd parkians are members). Pretty smart advertising.
The main negative (other than the price) is the fact that the bikes are extremely close to each other. The only time it really matters is during stretches and using the weights in certain classes.
The instructors are really motivating, they don’t scream at you or typically call anyone out but I feel like I want to push myself harder in each class.
The room itself is really swanky. There are two massive screens that play music videos, show stats, etc so frequently we race against each other or try to push the average up per row. I find it very motivating to have real-​time stats like that in front of me.
Overall, $ 20 for a drop in is expensive and I’m not going to lose my normal gym membership anytime soon, so I wouldn’t ever sign up for monthly memberships. So I try to find packages on living social and just buy big packages infrequently to attend as a treat every once in a while. I would like to give this place 4.5 stars due to that fact, but I’ll round up to 5.

Love the classes and instructors here! The classes are a little pricey, but it’s totally worth it.

Such a great studio! Everyone is so friendly, the equipment is top of the line, instructors are great, studio is super clean, etc… I am only in town for the week so I bought the 3 ride package and I am sad to leave Cycle Bar after my third and final ride tomorrow. If I’m ever back in town, I will be back!
We have cycle studios in NC (where I reside) but Cycle Bar takes it t the next level. Chilled water and fruit, nice soft towels, and BIG lockers are just some of the extras that make this studio above and beyond your typical cycle studio.
Thank you to Cycle Bar for the great sessions this week!

Let me just say that, I LOVE CycleBar! This place is truly awesome! From the customer service, the modern facility to the action packed workout; this place offers me everything I need and more!
I first heard about the cycle bar concept while watching an episode of «Tia & Tamera» about a year or so ago (don’t judge me) and thought to myself, how cool would it be to have something like that in Cincinnati?! Insert CycleBar Hyde Park…
This place is very upscale and modern. It gave me the feel of being somewhere out in LA or Miami where fitness places like this are the norm. I can really appreciate this because ambiance is everything. Yes, even while you’re working out. Cycle Bar offers free water bottles, fruit, room temp or ice cold water, hair ties, towels, shoes, feminine products and more. CycleBar is all about top notch experience and I love it!
Here are a few things to note:
1. Arrive @ least 15 mins. before class: The transition between classes can be a little hectic, arriving early will help you to stay organized and less frazzled.
2. The Cycle Theater is a little tight and the bikes are close together: You’ll be close to your neighbor and may even bump them a before and after your ride.
3. Pay attention to instructions during your first time, especially when they explain how the lockers work. Don’t be like me and forget your code! :-)
4. Have fun and enjoy your workout!

I love this place! I recently bought a Groupon for 4 classes for $ 39 and that is a great deal. I have already used 2 of my classes and I am signed up for my 3^rd next week. I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but I am hooked! The class schedule is great and works for me. I am now trying to decide how many more classes to buy!

The best cycling experience in Cincinnati. Save time and just go to cyclebar. Don’t waste your time at the other places in Cincinnati — nothing even comes close. If you’ve heard of or done Soul Cycle this is extremely similar. Spin shoes are provided. Very easy sign-​ups and check in. The atmosphere in the spin studio is great — dark, loud music and video screens, and energizing instructors.

I just moved back from Los Angeles/​NYC where I would go to Soul Cycle classes so I was worried coming back to Cincinnati I wouldn’t be able to find anything similar. (Soul Cycle is the fancy, celebrity packed cycling studio in all the big cities). My first class was yesterday morning and I have to tell you, I prefer it to Soul Cycle in every way possible! There seems to be a lot of attention to detail and care for how things are run and it feels very upscale for Cincinnati which is hard to find when looking for a place to work out.
I love that the music videos are shown, that there are lockers provided, apples and water bottles provided, and I think the way the computers are used really helps challenge yourself and push you to work harder and beat your previous numbers. For a competitive person this is great.
When I mentioned their attention to deal, the towels and bars for Strength class were already placed on every bike, which may not seem like a big deal but it is the small details that add up to a really nice work out experience. The instructor was very motivating and you are free to go at your own pace, but encouraged to push your limits. The packages are very expensive but honestly your health is worth it! Think about all of the unnecessary things we buy all the time. Anyway that helps me justify it ;)
If you’re new to spin don’t worry there is someone there to talk you through setting up your bike, and I believe there is an intro class if you’re in a newbie.
Definitely walked away from the class happy to be back in Cinci and feeling energized! Ready for the next class!

Looking at my other fitness reviews, I would give this place 4.5 stars so I’ll round up. When it comes to indoor cycling, I’ve been to several studios and gyms around Cincinnati, but none are like Cyclebar. This place is fancy, like multiple iPads used in class fancy.
Cyclebar is an indoor cycling studio that touts the instructors, their playlists, the studio experience, shoes, towels, and water provided as a way to distinguish themselves and justify the $ 20 per class price.
To register for a class, visit the Cyclebar website, create an account and then choose your day. From there, you will pick your bike and it is important you don’t switch to a different bike once you arrive because your cycle stats are connected to the bike you are registered on. After I booked my classes, I put the bike number in my calendar otherwise I would forget.
It is recommended you arrive 15 minutes before class, this allows time to use one of the three iPads on the desk to check in, grab shoes if you’re not bringing your own, and get bike setup. Note, the bike number was not posted on the checkin screen. They told me they have plenty of shoes in the popular ladies’ sizes.
Before heading into the studio, you’ll pass mens and ladies shower rooms (ear plugs and hair ties available on the sinks) as well as an area with day lockers. They have locks that you set (unless you’re me, you never get the sequence down and you lock your bag in and have to ask for an open). Also, a big bin for returning shoes and towels.
If you brought a water bottle you can refill or grab one to take. Inside the studio, each bike is numbered and a towel is provided. After class, wipes are provided. Go on and WIPE DOWN YOUR SWEAT! I know it seems silly to state that but it is strange to me how many waltz off thinking elves come out and clean up after them.
I knew this space had been a yoga studio so I knew how big it was (or wasn’t) and after seeing 50+ bikes on the schedule, I wanted to know how they fit them in the space. Very closely.
From the bike layout on the Cyclebar website, I couldn’t tell where the door was and what bike would be the best pick for a not slim lady like myself. I now know to choose a bike in the front row despite any hesitation I have about potentially interacting with the instructors due to proximity. I’ve never woo-​ed as much in my life as I did in these class and I used to spend a decent amount of time in a bars late at night :)
During my first class, I had my doubts. I wasn’t used to the bike, my pants (Old Navy, if it matters) seemed to catch to the rubberized seat, I didn’t realize the resistance read-​out was slightly delayed when when I adjusted it so it felt like I was constantly fiddling with it. Subsequent classes were better!
Each bike has a computer that shows RPMs, watts, resistance, time, and there is a second area for time and miles for the competitive portion of the class. For example, in two of the classes they did half mile sprints and then the results were shown on the big board.
The classes are 50 minutes and by the time I got home, I had an email with my cycle stats (except for one class, not sure if it was because the big board never registered beyond zero or if the instructor didn’t turn something on, but I know I was on the right bike).
Your first intro class is free and while I’m not planning to give up my gym membership, I could totally see myself registering for a class like competition or endurance as a personal challenge.
One of the best things about a new place in town is that it shakes up the fitness landscape and other studios step up their game so we all win! Also, I want to commend them for offering at 5:30am class.

Update!
CycleBar has been open about a month now. I was impressed with CycleBar from the start but it seems to keep get better.
CycleBar is a full service indoor cycling studio. It is on the pricy side but they do provide a lot. The spinning bikes are provided (of course). The studio recommends using spinning shoes which they also provide as rentals free of charge (you can bring your own as well). If you are averse to clipping your shoes into the pedals they are also able to attach cages (I think that’s the term) to the pedals so you can slip your shoes in– just call in advance and they will have them ready when you arrive. They also provide towels (which you will need), water bottles, water, and fruit– all free of charge. They have showers and most things you could need in the restroom (for example hair ties if you forget yours). There are also day lockers with codes you set yourself– so really a lot is included with the price.
The class itself takes place in the cycle theater. The lights are low and sometimes colored. The music is loud and sometimes there are music videos. It is the perfect environment to huff and puff without being self conscious. A meter on the bike gives you real time information on your power, RPM, and the gear the bike is in. It is nice to have a gear value on the bike as an objective goal as well as RPM. Data from the bike is automatically sent to you after class. Real time data can be used in class for races. If you are not competitive or anti-​competitive you can turn the racing data off for your bike via their website (I did, I don’t really like competition). One small complaint is that the bikes are packed a bit tight.
The instructors or CycleStars are the cream of the crop. All are a little different in style which is great for variety. All the instructors I have tried have been great.
The customer service really sets this studio apart. CycleBar is a well run business and it is apparent from their actions that they really care about their customers. Everyone is super friendly from the moment you walk in the door. I have emailed them questions about things like packages, and guest passes and always get a prompt response. I have friend who was picky about her bike setup and they happily helped her with all aspects there as well.
CycleBar is a business that I am happy to support. I get an awesome workout here and feel like my business is appreciated.

They don’t mess around at this place! If you want to burn mass calories, feel like you killed a great workout and leaving drenched, this is your spot.
CycleBar is located in Rookwood Commons Pavilion in Norwood/​Hyde right next to DSW Shoe (across from Whole Foods Market and Old Navy).
When you walk in, you are greeted by a freindly staff. If you are a newbie, please make sure to arrive 15 minutes before the session. That way it will give you time to check in on their touch screen computer, rent shoes, if you need a locker and to show you around. Before the workout, staff is there to assist you with adjusting your seating and making sure your shoes is secured on the pedal.
CycleBar is indoor cycling. The CycleTheatre is set up stadium style which seats a capacity of 50 people. It has great sound and light systems. Depending how the instructor sets up the workout routine, they control the tunes and the lighting. I really like the selection of music! Goes well with the workouts! There are a total of 8 trained and best cycling instructors ready to get your heart racing!
I took advantage of the free ride (promotional expires October 5^th) and had the session with Kendra which is 50 minutes. WOW! Let me say that by the end of the class, my whole body was saturated with sweat. We started off light, then RPMs went up and incline levels high (heart rate is definately pumping). Then we used the bar to work our upper body (shoulders and triceps). Then last was going all balls fast, at the same time you are working your back your hips. This is high intense. Can you imagine what the other classes are like if this is just the intro session? You are definately getting a great workout.
These are the pros and what I love about CycleBar:
–NO contracts
–Free shoe rentals
–Complimentary Lockers
–Complimentary Fruit
–Filtered water (chilled or temperature) provided. If you need a water bottle, they provide that as well.
–No need to bring your towels, they are already sitting on your cycle.
–You can buy and schedule your session online (create an account).
–You have an option to reserve and pick your cycle/​station online.
–Stats are emailed to you (Average RPM, HIgh RPM, Energy level, Distance, Estimated Calories and your Duration. How cool is that?
–In the lockers, towels, accessories (hair elastics), mints, etc are provided near the sink.
Pricing is a wee bit high, but like the saying goes, you get what you pay for, which is true. You will leave the session feeling liked you worked up a good sweat and killed it!
For each session is $ 20.00
Buy 5 classes is $ 95.00
10 classess– $ 180.00
20 Classes– $ 340.00
50 classes– $ 800.00
100 classes-​$ 1500.00
From time to time they run specials which is worth grabbing and taking advantage of.
I highly recommend coming here. The staff is very knowledgable, friendly, and ready to assist you with no hesitation.
What a great experience and I had a blast. Working out should be fun! This place makes sure of it! :)

Great, fantastic, much needed addition to the workout culture of cincinnati. I’m biased towards spinning; tis my favorite form of exercise! But what grinds my gears are unchallenging instructors, poor choice of music, and repetitiveness. I am proud to reveal that cycle bar is NONE OF THESE (Cue the confetti!!)!!! I’ve taken CycleBar instructors elsewhere and can personally attest to Z’s class and Amelia’s, but I assume all of the instructors are top notch. For $ 20/​class, you are guaranteed a bike (you can choose your bike online), a fresh towel, a bar for light strength training, and spinning shoes. I don’t know of any additional costs that aren’t encompassed in the $ 20. There are lockers for your stuff but don’t be that guy or girl bringing a gigantasaurus gym bag.
There are 50 someodd new fancy bikes, with personal monitors on each of the new bikes that tell you the cadence, calories burnt, and time. In due time, the televisions in the studio will televise your workout results with others in the class to create an additional challenge. This studio is no joke. Jokesters can find another studio! The bikes are set up like stadium seating so you can see the instructor wherever your bike is in the class. All levels of cyclists are welcome to these classes, guys and girls.
What holds me back from 5 stars is the price per class: $ 20 is a bit steep for me, although the class itself is truly challenging. I know if I took classes here religiously, my buns would be famous throughout cincinnati. I just cannot stomach the cost. Additionally, the bikes are realllllyyyyy close together, a bit claustrophobic. it doesn’t interfere with the class, just makes it a bit difficult getting to your bike.

I was convinced to join a preview class at the new CycleBar in the Rookwood Pavilion. (Near DSW. Do your shopping before class as you’ll be too sweaty after.) I’m not a big spinning fan, but if I was, I would like this place. Everything is brand new, of course. The bikes have small monitors for tracking your RPMs and progress and its hard for anyone else to see yours. There are lockers to stash your things during the class and they will provide towels, water, and cycling shoes for you to wear. (Remember to bring socks!) The cycling studio is a long room with a lot of bikes tightly squeezed in. It was dimly lit for our class which was just fine with me. Not that anyone is looking at anyone else during class but I like the reassurance that no one can really see how lame I am anyway. The employees will help you get set up properly on the bike and get your feet clicked into the pedals. I was pleased to see a small body bar resting on the handlebars. We would do some upper body work too!
The class, for me, was long and hard, but not as bad as I was expecting and even though I was tired and sweaty at the end, I felt pretty good! Keeping in mind that I am not a twenty or thirty-​something, and not usually a spinning person, my minor complaints were: the music was too loud. I could only understand about half of what the instructor was saying. I could hear that she was giving instructions, I just couldn’t understand them. Of course, in the back of the dimly lit room on a bike, I’d just do my own thing. Also, we only did about 5 minutes of upper body work. And it wasn’t very hard. While I would not want to overdo the arms in a spinning class, there could have been some more. Perhaps spread it out and do three 5-​minute arm sections.
The instructor was fun and enthusiastic. All of the employees were nice and helpful. If you enjoy spinning you should check this place out. Even I might go back.