Boom Cycle

I’ve been visiting BOOM! for a couple of years now and have loved it since my first class.
As someone who never worked out (at all), I felt a little bit intimidated at the thought of a spin class — imagining gym bunnies, all super toned and into really hardcore work outs that I’d never be able to keep up with. With BOOM! you won’t ever feel like that. From the second you get to reception you’re greeted by super lovely staff who make even the more nervous of you feel at ease about the class.
BOOM offer beginners classes, along with a variety of others such as their famous live DJ classes and ‘pop diva’ classes — think Whitney, Beyonce, Rihanna… their Garage rides are insane too. You’re encouraged to work out at your own pace and there is no judgement if you can’t keep up with the more hard core of the spinners. People of all shapes and sizes go along to the lessons, and everyone is encouraged to push themselves while having a ton of fun at the same time.
All the extra bits like £1 hire of the clip bike shoes, hair ties, plenty of healthy drink options, REN bodycare products in the showers (with free use of the towels) and at their newer Holborn location, even a smoothie bar, make the experience that much better.

Me explaining Boom Cycle to my mom: «It’s like riding a bike in a nightclub.»
Right? Pretty much. All the best parts of both and no one weird will touch you.
Ok, so I had this drafted as a 4-​star…
But, after my ride this morning with the one and only Sophia Trim… I’m bumping Boom Cycle to 5 glorious, sweaty, beat pumping stars.
Why? Well Sophia Trim is an excellent spin instructor. Her music selection is bangin’, she gets you working without you even realizing what is happening (a good thing!) and its high energy KAPOW for 45 minutes, and then you are off to enjoy your Friday. She’s friendly, fun and fit — she’s the real deal. I highly suggest Friday mornings at 730am, it’ll be worth the early wake up call. Even better? It’s just 12 credits for a morning class (normally 16 credits at more peak times).
Secondly — the Shoreditch studio just got upgraded with all new bikes AND sound system. It looks better. It sounds better. It feels better. Get yourself some.
It’s all run on a credit system — which I dig. I like not worrying if I have a few pounds for water or shoe rental, just comes right off my online account and I can top up as needed.
Oh, and the shoes! For some reason spinning shoes always gave me anxiety. Do I buy some? Do I need them? Can I wear my own shoes? What’s the deal? Are people going to laugh at me?!
Well problem solved here at Boom Cycle. Let me explain.
1. You CAN wear your own shoes if you want. It’s totally fine and no one cares.
2. OR — for just 1 credit (1 quid) you can rent a pair of theirs. Perfect! I do this so I don’t need to worry about footwear. The less I need to think about or track down at 7am, the better.
*They have shower facilities (though I can’t comment as I live close and shower at home) — and lockers right in reception that easily lock (and are free). Small apparel section.
*There’s a 3 hour cancellation policy — generous, I think. Booking is a breeze! Their online system is super easy to navigate and understand.
*There’s a fresh towel waiting for you on your bike! Bonus.
*Intro special is just enough to get you in the groove — £20 for 3 classes (use in 2 weeks). After my 2 weeks ended I immediately loaded up so I could keep up the spinning groove at least 1−2x/week.
*You can easily book for pals! When I am trying to convince someone to go with me I can say «my treat!» and just book for them with my credit. This is rad and I totally dig the ease of use and ability to bring more people to the BC party.
My only complaint is 1. More SOPHIA in SHOREDITCH! 2. More weekend classes. 3. MORE MORE MORE. Ok, sorry that was more than 1 but basically the same thing. My endorphins are still on high alert after this morning’s ride.
Scared of spinning? Get yourself to BoomCycle — they are sweet, nice and cool, they’ll make you feel like the bike riding night clubber you aim to be.

I tried out Boomcycle last night, hoping for an alternative to Soulcycle in NYC which I love. Boomcycle, while much better than the spin classes at my gym, doesnt really come close to replicating the energy and fun of Soulcycle. I did enjoy the class — music was pretty good and the workout was tough, but overall I thought the choreography was a little boring. Most of the class was «long intervals», which I could easily do by myself without paying £16 for a class.
I would probably come back just because it is better than gym classes, but not often due to the price.
Like other reviewers have mentioned, it is easy to miss the opening to the facilities so look carefully — I passed it twice!

I love Boom! Since moving from the US I’ve been looking for a spinning studio like this, none of them have come close to the standard you get in Los Angeles until Boom! High energy, knowledgeable and friendly instructors, great music, intense workouts (for all levels!), clean and well-​equipped environment. The gel padding seats need a wash, but you can use them for free, so who’s complaining? Not me. £1 towel and £1 shoe rental. Amazing! Thanks for existing.

I was hoping this place would be similar to Flywheel in NY and even trekked all the way to Shoreditch for a spin class. No, the lockers isn’t nice. Yes, it is in an obscure area but… I really liked it! If you’d like to try it out, you can book your first class for 7 pounds by calling the studio.
They had a special hip hop cycle last week and the music alone left me wanting more! The choreography was challenging and definitely worked up a good sweat. I liked the dimly lit studio and the bikes are better than the typical ones you get in most of the clubs.
Every now and then they have 2 hour classes if you wanna step it up!
I just wish it was a little closer to central London (or even SW!).

You’ve got to find the place first, it’s hidden in an industrial looking building, with only an easily missable sign to guide you in. Once you’ve been buzzed in, it’s down some sketchy stairs.
The facilities are ok — it’s clearly quite a new place and the finishes are clumsy and cheap in places.
Thers’s one big room full of spin bikes. They’ve got it right where it matters though — I thought the bikes were very good, if only a little difficult to adjust them; they’re still stiff and clunky from being new.
The room itself comes laden with disco mirror-​balls, a DJ booth and a stage for the instructor.
Having looked at the prices, they’re pretty punchy. Especially as there are other gyms in the area which will offer you spin classes as part of their membership. I think you’d have to be a spin enthusiast to see any value here. And that’s not me.