Real Ryder, Not Red Ryder

I’ve ridden various bikes and I have to say that racing a track bike on a track without brakes was the most intriguing bike riding experience I’ve ever had.

However, riding the Real Ryder® bike this past Saturday gave track racing a run for its money.

Richard and I once again ventured out to another spin studio. Since the last studio drained my bank account, I was determined to find something more affordable. At Ride the Zone your first class is FREE!!

This studio stands out because its the only one featuring the Real Ryder® bikes in NYC. If you’re not familiar with these bikes they are designed to move with your body to mock the movement of a real bike. According to their website this bike allows for a “5-in-1 workout” that includes legs, cardio, upper body, core and balance training. Basically, they claim that you can get a full body workout while riding.

The vibe in this studio was quite different from the one at Soul Cycle. There’s more space, they use air conditioning and class pricing is much more reasonable. Customer service was also better. Overall a friendlier, more welcoming space.

The class is structured slightly like a regular spin class except it includes turns. This is where you lean your bike to one side and ride at a prescribed pace/resistance. Maybe I’m weak, but my bike didn’t turn. Or maybe my handlebars were too high and didn’t give me the proper leverage? Either way I was slightly confused. The bike didn’t move like any real bike I’ve been on.

I have to be honest and say that I didn’t really get it. I was sweating and working somewhat hard, but it just wasn’t making sense to me. It didn’t feel like a “5 -in -1 workout”. I left the class as confused as I was before the class (no fault of the instructor).

I think this bike takes some time to get use to.  Regularly priced classes are $30, but early morning classes are only $15! Which means, I can actually go back.  Next time I go, I’ll dig out my ancient heart rate monitor so I can see how hard I’m really working. (Note to self: its time for a heart rate monitor upgrade.)