Despite its imperfections, SoulCycle's bicycle offers an exhilarating, rollercoaster-like cycling experience.
Despite its imperfections, SoulCycle's bicycle offers an exhilarating, rollercoaster-like cycling experience.
If you've dabbled in group fitness classes, you've probably had at least one friend persuade you to shell out $34 for a SoulCycle ride. And even if you haven't, you've likely heard of its devoted following, who cycle in dimly lit studios, led by animated instructors spouting motivational phrases that would make a fortune cookie envious.
Despite being the pioneer of boutique fitness studios, SoulCycle was late to the at-home, on-demand fitness trend. In an attempt to keep up, they launched the SoulCycle Bike, a competitor to Peloton. While it's a decent effort, it may not be worth the investment unless you're prepared to join the SoulCycle "crowd."
Stylish and Expensive
Known for being pricey, stylish, and all about the ambiance, SoulCycle's bike is a reflection of the company's image.
This is a good-looking piece of equipment. My family and in-laws said it gave my apartment a "super posh" feel, and I can see why. It has a sleek matte black finish, a silver front wheel, and SoulCycle logos that add a modern, trendy touch. In terms of features, you get a 21.5-inch, 1080p full HD touchscreen, Wi-Fi, support for ANT+ and Bluetooth 5.0 accessories, and two 8W speakers with a 15W woofer. It's also a standard size, measuring 62.2 x 22.2 x 53.5 inches (LWH). It can accommodate riders between 4'10" and 6'10" with a weight capacity of 350 pounds.
I found the build quality to be sturdy, though I'm only 5'3'' and relatively lightweight. The touch screen responded well, the resistance knob was easy to use, and my feet never slipped out of the pedals, even during fast pedaling. My concern is that if I pushed myself too hard during the choreography, the handlebar might wobble. This wasn't a major issue, as tightening the adjustable knobs fixed it, but it wasn't my favorite thing to happen during a ride. Another issue is that the front wheel isn't completely silent. You can hear a whirring sound, but my husband said it wasn't overly loud. This is worth considering in the current work-from-home era.
You must use clip-in shoes. Image: Victoria Song/Gizmodo
The bike itself costs $2,500—not including the mandatory $40 per month Equinox+ membership for 12 months (which is waived for existing Equinox members). The shipping and handling are included, and you can finance the bike for around $64.10 per month for 39 months with 0% APR. This includes the monthly app subscription, making it more affordable than the cheapest Equinox memberships.
However, the bike is clip-in only, so if you don't already have Delta or SPD-compatible cleats, you'll need to buy them. SoulCycle offers its own shoes for between $175 and $215. They also sell hand weights for $18-$76, a bike mat for $75, and for a true SoulCycle experience, you can even buy a $42 SoulCycle x Jonathan Adler Grapefruit Pop candle. There are more affordable bundles if you want to buy multiple items, with bike-specific options ranging from $135 to $375. The accessories enhance the experience, but the only necessary items are the shoes.
Over-the-top Classes, but the Metrics Are Italy
Do you enjoy it when instructors clap and scream "YAAAAAAAAAS" while telling you to "claim your space" and "manifest your intentions into the universe"? A teacher with a bedazzled cowboy hat and shouting "yeehaw!" to the beat of "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" sounds fun, doesn't it? Or perhaps an instructor who makes kissy faces at you while using an acid-washed denim jacket to semi-strip tease to '80s rock? How about cycling to Luther Vandross while an instructor dispenses life advice such as: "If this song isn't playing at a backyard cookout, don't eat the potato salad and beware the mac and cheese." These are all real things I heard or saw during the classes I took. If this appeals to you, SoulCycle might be for you.
I'm a data-loving person, so the SoulCycle classes left me a bit puzzled at first. The classes tend to focus more on the atmosphere and vibe rather than building skills. But that's fine! It's just not what I'm drawn to. To clarify, this isn't a knock on the difficulty level. You will certainly sweat buckets at the end of the class.
The cycling classes on Peloton, Flywheel, and Apple Fitness+ typically provide clear goals, such as a particular cadence, resistance level, or intensity. However, SoulCycle classes focus on synchronizing with a song's rhythm and using either your right or left leg as directed by the instructor. You may be prompted to perform tapbacks or handlebar push-ups while cycling. A swipe to the right will reveal a "form view," which displays a side view of an in-studio cyclist demonstrating the correct form. Many Peloton classes also incorporate choreography, but every SoulCycle class I've attended featured choreography. During an '80s playlist ride, I was urged to headbang and swing my hair, while the instructor in a sparkly cowboy hat prompted me to mimic lasso swings. Although these actions are not mandatory, they contribute to why people enjoy SoulCycle.
Unfortunately, the instructions can be vague. The instructors provide some form guidance or exertion level suggestions, but they can be too ambiguous for my liking. Certain classes also include light hand weights, which I found to be rather random in their execution. While there may be a burn felt, simply pumping weights at double speed for arm strength development doesn't appeal to me. It's fine if the primary goal is to move and feel good, but it could be frustrating for those who want to monitor their progress closely.
On the screen, only cadence, power output, distance traveled, and duration can be tracked. The resistance can only be modified by a small amount, with no clear indication of the actual resistance level. Instructors may provide vague guidance like "just a touch to the right" or "reduce some resistance." Heart rate monitoring is only possible with an ANT+ compatible device, and while the bike features an NFC chip, it isn't compatible with any smartwatches or trackers. As such, I wasn't particularly impressed with what I saw on my screen or the after-ride metrics. My progress is not something I'd like to gauge based on matching the beat 85% of the time.
Feeling rather energetic, I pedaled furiously during the Ben Swolo scene in The Last Jedi. I acknowledge I may have overstepped. Image courtesy of Victoria Song, Gizmodo
Otherwise, the classes are generally straightforward, offering around 7-8 live classes per day (mostly 30 or 45 minutes long), a leaderboard, and instructor shoutouts. On-demand cycling classes range from 20-90 minutes, with the majority lasting between 20, 30, or 45 minutes. "Sculpting" classes focusing on lightweight dumbbells are also available. The playlists are moderate, though they lack the big-name celebrity partnerships found in Peloton and are not as easy to integrate with personal playlists as Apple Fitness+. Music genres include pop, rock, hip-hop, country, electronic, and more, with a diverse group of instructors to suit personal preferences. (I'm Team Tanysha.)
One drawback is that SoulCycle's on-demand catalog isn't as comprehensive as Peloton's yet, with around 400 classes available, but they are not evenly distributed across different skill levels. However, SoulCycle makes up for this by allowing the streaming of Netflix and Disney+ on the screen, provided you have active accounts and a subscription to Equinox+. This can be a useful alternative when you don't feel like participating in a class.
Peloton, SoulCycle, or Lower-Priced Alternatives?
For those with financial constraints, you don't necessarily need to invest in a Peloton or SoulCycle. The NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle at $1,999 offers a simple, adjustable bike suitable for internet classes, as long as you aren't too fussed about iFit classes. Echelon offers a range of affordable alternatives at around $1,040 to $1,640. If the prospect of spending more than $1,000 on an exercise bike makes you break out in hives, you can still find well-built bikes with tablet holders for on-demand content streaming, including Equinox+, Peloton, and others.
If you're willing to spend more, Peloton or SoulCycle will provide a superior experience, as the content is generally better. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and budget. I lean towards Peloton due to its cohesive identity and intuitive app design, although others may prefer the diversity and Equinox+ app offered by SoulCycle. Try out the free trials for each app and visit a gym for brief workouts to determine your preference.
The additional cost of shoes, mats, and weights can enhance the experience, although clip-in shoes are sufficient. Image courtesy of Victoria Song, Gizmodo
Regarding equipment and features, Peloton distinguishes itself from SoulCycle primarily due to its longer presence in the digital fitness realm, allowing for more considered development of its services. The Peloton Exercise Bike, comparably priced to SoulCycle's, boasts a larger 24-inch swiveling screen, which is particularly advantageous for activities like yoga, bootcamps, or strength training off the bike. It also supports GymKit for cycling classes, should you be an Apple Watch user, and features an auto-follow function, sparing you the need to adjust resistance settings via the knob. Peloton continues to roll out new features, such as custom workout playlists and personalized workout scheduling. Additionally, Peloton allows you to fit your own pedals or toe cages to the bike, bypassing the need for clip-in shoes. If the Bike+ is beyond your budget, the original Peloton bike, permanently discounted at $1,895, provides the majority of its accolades.
In recent months, Peloton has grappled with extended shipping durations, noticeably angering customers. However, the situation has improved following Peloton's investment in manufacturing more bikes domestically and as the pandemic lessens. If speed is a priority, SoulCycle promises delivery within 1-3 weeks. If you're an Equinox member or are deeply invested in SoulCycle, this could prove the more cost-effective choice as well.
Nonetheless, it's worth noting that while Peloton may not offer the finest smart bike, it remains a highly commendable selection. Personally, I found tremendous enjoyment on the SoulCycle Bike, hissing a few "yeehaws" of my own during the ride.
The SoulCycle Bike, with its stylish design and high-quality features, is a reflection of the company's image, promising a premium at-home fitness experience. However, the price of $2,500 for the bike, not including the mandatory membership and accessories, may be a deterrent for some customers seeking affordable wearable technology solutions for their fitness needs.
The at-home fitness market is rapidly evolving, with various brands offering smart, budget-friendly bikes that cater to users seeking technology-driven workouts. Despite SoulCycle's efforts to compete, it remains to be seen if their focus on atmospheric and experiential classes will be enough to sway customers away from the competitive, data-rich offerings from brands like Peloton.