Quest Cycle

Finally, I’m writing a review for Quest Cycle!
I was thrilled to find a Spinning/​indoor cycle studio in town when I moved to Portland over the summer. I started riding right away and settled into a rhythm that has me in class 3 – 5 times per week. I’ve been Spinning for many years and I was instructor for a few of those so I’m picky about classes and instructors — but Quest has been terrific.
Pros:
Flexible ride packages and reasonable prices.
Great bikes that are always well maintained, clean and ready to go. These bikes use magnets to control resistance (the closer the magnets get to one another, the greater the resistance) so they automatically feel smoother than bikes with chains. They are also fully adjustable so anyone from 4’9″ to 6’5″ can ride comfortably.
I really like the other riders at Quest. Everyone’s really friendly and down to earth. It’s not a «see and been seen» place and there are no competitive overachievers here (okay, maybe one but at least I admit it).
Overall, great instructors. Some classes are like a party on a bike — great workouts but with really fun music and lots of group participation. Others are serious, simulated road rides with really well-​thought drills. I think there’s a class for everyone at Quest — try as many instructors as you can and find the one or two whose style works for you. (I hate to play favorites, but I like Ashley’s classes best).
Quest is one of the cleanest gyms I’ve ever stepped foot in. :-)
It’s easy to book classes and cancellation policies are really reasonable.
Neutral:
Quest has a large video screen at the front of the studio (instead of traditional mirrors) and they play scenic cycling videos during class. The locations are amazing — Swiss Lakes, Tuscany, Grand Canyon — and if you’re into that kind of thing, you’ll love them. Sometimes I watch the videos but most of the time I’m just trying to stay in my zone and I tune them out.
Cons:
Parking isn’t great. The lot next to the Diner is fine but a little sketchy and the walk to the studio on a cold night isn’t fun but the walk back after class is always plenty warm!
No real towels — just large paper towels. I’d suggest bringing your own — it can get really sweaty!
No walkins so if you decide you just want to drop by and see if a bike is available, it’s a no go. But they do have a really handy app for your phone that makes booking super easy.
One of my only pet peeves about Quest’s instructors is that they all seem to have different standards for what is proper form on the bike. Some use traditional Spinning hand positions but others don’t. Some ride with elbows out, pushed forward instead of with butt back over saddle, elbows in. I see a lot of riders «cheating» their own workouts with bad form. I would love it if instructors got off the bike every once in a while to give some personal attention to form — it would help everyone, I think.
As I said, I practically live at Quest and if I didn’t love it, I would go elsewhere. The cons are meant only to give an accurate review. I promise you that you’ll get a great workout at Quest, meet some nice people, and feel good about yourself after going to a class. Bottom line: COME RIDE AT QUEST!

I’ve been going to Quest pretty much since they opened in Portland. They have a larger facility in Kennebunk with a salt water pool and all, but the Portland studio is spin only.
When you go in, you will find something like 24 bikes in two rows. They pull the shades and a video plays on the wall in front of you. Sometimes you are riding through Yosemite and sometimes France. It’s nice to be able to have something to try to distract you. The instructor is on a bike in the front and to the side of the screen.
Also, upon entering you will notice that there are benches with trays for your outdoor shoes. There are cubes for you to toss your belongs in, or if you prefer, there is a room for the ladies and one for men. These are open rooms with benches and hooks, no lockers. There is a single bathroom in each.
The bikes themselves are easy enough to adjust and the instructors are very helpful in getting new people set up. There are no RPMs, etc. it is a lever and your resistance is based on «perceived» exertion. Each instructor gives you general guidelines to follow based on tempo/​speed/​resistance, however, you control what you do. I have not had one instructor shout or point out that someone isn’t doing enough work. Many of them will give you options for in or out of saddle work, but they also tell you to go at your own pace and take a break if you need it.
On a side note, Quest has been a great supporter of the Tour de Cure Kennebunks which is a very personal event for me.
My only wish is that there were early afternoon classes. Classes are either in the morning or evenings.
The added pluses which are nice: disposable sweat cloths if you forget yours, bottled water if you forget to bring some, and even brand new hair ties for anyone with long hair who forgot to bring something to tie it up!
They are a great group and really treat you right.

I’m a regular at Quest. As with any workout, you definitely have to find the right instructors (Will and Carolyn are my personal favorites) to push you past your limits. The bikes are great: brand new and they adjust just about every way you could possibly want. The studio’s convenient to walk to if you live on the Peninsula, which is why I usually pick it over others.

I’ve spun with Quest, aka QF (which stands for Quest Fitness) Cycle a couple times since relocating to Portland. When I spin, I want a hard workout, and some instructors help you deliver that better than others, like anywhere. I found the space to be nice, clean, and even a bit inspiring with their quotations and buzz words on the wall, such as journey, strength, fit, etc. On any given day, no matter my mood, I am sure to find inspiration!
Pros: great, highly adjustable and customizable, NEW bikes; real footage of actual road bike rides projected on a huge screen in front keeps you pedaling as though you’re not in a workout studio, but actually outside enjoying beautiful scenery!
Cons: The price — at $ 15 a class it is an expensive workout; no AC — large fans help, but it can be very HOT!
Overall: I will certainly go back, but not all too often because of the price.