Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to join your club?
No, our club is open to all levels of ability – even if you have never been on a road bike before. In fact we make it easy for beginners with our Road Confidence and Skills course designed to get you started.
Do I need to own a road bike to join?
No, you don’t. Hybrid road bikes are fine to use on our Road Confidence course and club rides when you first start. We are a road cycling club and the idea is that you will eventually progress onto a road bike – they are quicker, easier, lighter so you will find it easier to ride in a group. We can also lend you a road bike to see if you like it – the kind gentlemen at Addiktion Cycles have some fantastic stock bikes that you can ask to use. Just email us or pop in and see them.
I don’t want to join club rides, can I just come to the circuit and/or Spin Class?
Yes, you can pay-as-you-go for circuit and spinning classes.
Why do you only have 2 spin classes? When will you add more classes?
Once we see busy classes and happy coaches, we will add more classes to our timetable.
Why do you stop club runs during Dec/Jan/Feb?
These are the coldest and therefore the potentially icy months. Road cycling is unsafe if there is any ground frost at all. Rather than allow uncertainty in how we train during these months, we decided to schedule weather-proof workouts so that club members are guaranteed a session.
Do you have any membership prerequisites?
Our indoor and outdoor classes are designed for everyone who has a desire to get fit or get into cycling. You need not have any previous experience, however you must be over 16 to participate.
What if I am aged between 16 and 18?
If you are aged between 16 and 18 we would love to see you in class. All you need to do it email info@beatbike.co.uk to request a copy of our parental disclaimer that you have to get a parent/guardian to sign before you come to class.
What can I expect during an indoor class?
Indoor classes are made up of an instructor and a number of other cyclists on Spinning® bikes.
Your instructor will take you through a number of different types of cycling routines. These simulate terrain as if on an actual bicycle ride, including hill climbs and sprints- and recovery/flat sections!
All this is set to motivational, high energy music, which coupled with encouragement and coaching from your instructor, will inspire you to challenge yourself yourself and get the most out of a fun work out.
What if I am new to indoor cycling?
One of the best things about indoor cycling is that it can be adapted to any fitness level. You can pick up some helpful tips on our ‘new to indoor cycling?’ page.
How fit do I need to be?
Cycling is a brilliant work out for all abilities. It can be adapted for all levels of fitness. You are in charge of how much resistance you put on and how fast you go. You just need to be willing to be brave, give it a try and we guarantee your fitness will improve. Your coach is there to support you – let them know your level of experience and your fitness goals; they will set you up and answer any questions you might have.
Cycling is for all ages and abilities. We design options for different fitness levels into every single class. Nobody will be left behind or asked to complete more than they are capable of doing safely. Nor will anybody go home unsatisfied! Each day will be different providing you with a fresh challenge. You will inspire and be inspired by others.
Our indoor bikes (top of the range Spinning® Blades!) were created to accommodate all male and female shapes and sizes, as well as athletic ability. However, to maximize the benefits of this aerobic workout and minimize injury, proper form has to be utilized. If you’re new to indoor cycling please let your instructor know. They’ll help you adjust your bike and answer any questions you may have. You should arrive 10 minutes early for your first time orientation and to get set up.
Lastly, it is also a good idea to check out our health questionnaire before booking and coming to a class.
What are the fitness benefits to indoor cycling?
Indoor cycling is fast, fun and will leave you feeling fantastic! By challenging yourself in a motivated, energetic group environment you will experience a dramatic improvement in your physical and mental well-being. In addition, you will meet great people who share your same passion for acquiring a more healthy body and mind.
Improvements can take place from your first class. In each class we will exercise, stretch and squeeze our major muscles, which will invigorate, rejuvenate and energise our bodies and our minds. Everyone is different and so we all experience changes to our bodies in different ways, however, one thing is for certain changes will occur each time you ride.
Many people hope to see weight loss and you will see an almost immediate improvement in your respiratory system (heart / lungs and breathing ). We would also expect your initial max heart rate to come down – in other words your heart health will improve!
At beatbike we don’t just focus on your physical fitness and strength – we will provide a class program and playlist that will combat stress; help you focus on your life goals; leaving you feeling like you can take on the world, on and off your bike.
Will I get thighs like Chris Hoy?
Indoor cycling can sculpt your body and tone muscles but will not bulk up thighs.
Climbs rarely last more than a few minutes so whilst you will get your metabolism working & your heart rate up, there is not enough time to build bulk.
beatbike will clear your body & mind, not bulk it up!
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy – please read our ‘how to get started’ guide.
How far in advance can I sign up for a Spinning or circuit class?
You can simply sign up for one class at a time or you can make a reccuring reservation up to 8 weeks in advance.
How much do classes cost?
See our ‘Pricing’ page for more details.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start of your class. If you cancel more than 24 hours before the start of your class, we will credit your class back on to your beatbike account. If you cancel within the 24 hour period you will be unable to get a class credit. Cancellations can be made on your ‘my schedule’ page when you are logged on to our booking system.
What if the class I want is full – do you operate a wait list?
We operate a short waitlist for each class. If a class is full you will be given the option to be added to our waitlist at the time of booking. If a spot becomes available you will automatically be moved from the waitlist into the class and you will receive an email confirming your place.
What should I bring to Spinning class?
- A water bottle.
- Flat soled training shoes or bike shoes with spd clips.
- Wear comfortable workout gear, avoiding bottoms with loose legs – they can get in the way of the pedals.
- A desire to get fit, have fun and rock out with the rest of the pack!
Is there parking nearby?
Each location has easy parking facilities available. Check links on location page for more details.
Do I need special cycling shoes for Spinning?
Our indoor bikes have pedals that can fit ordinary flat soled training shoes and cycling shoes fitted with spd clips– the choice is yours. Cycling shoes are ideal as they give you an efficient pedal stroke and a more secure, connected feeling on your bike. However, training shoes are more than adequate.
Do you provide water?
No. Please do make sure you come with your own full bottle of drinking water.
Do you provide towels during Spinning Classes?
We will provide you with a clean sweat towel for your comfort. However, if you wish to take a shower, you should bring your own bath towel.
Do you have showers and changing rooms?
Yes. Members are free to use the changing facilities and sauna in Fitness First before and after class on a Friday.
Do you use heart-monitoring systems?
Not as yet. If you like to train with a Heart Rate Monitor, please bring it with you and let your instructor know – your instructor will be able to guide your target heart rate throughout your ride.
What is the difference between indoor cycling and Spinning®?
Spinning® is a brand or type of indoor cycling and is a registered trademark owned by Mad Dogg Athletics. Only those studios who are a licensed facility may use the Spinning® trademark. Beatbike Studios Ltd is a recognized Official Spinning® Centre.
How does this affect your ride? It means that beatbike is working with the most respected and sought-after indoor cycling program in the world. We pride ourselves on ensuring that those instructors who are teaching a Spinning® program have completed the high level of consistency and quality demanded of the Spinning® qualification.
While we do believe that the Spinning® Program is the best available, we do also recognize that variety is the spice of life. Therefore we have some instructors who have qualified in other areas of indoor cycling and can teach in our non-Spinning® defined classes.
What types of bikes do you have?
There are 20 state-of-the-art Spinner® bikes.
They have a fixed gear fly wheel which provides an extremely smooth resistance. They are fully adjustable in the seat position and handle bar position, so no matter your height or size we will be able to find a comfortable fit for you.
Do you have any tips on Spin class etiquette?
Beatbike is about your ride, your way but it is also about working as a pack (a cycling team) to get the most out of your experience. Our team motto is: support; inspire; be brave.
- Support – you can support your instructor and the other riders around you by refraining from talking/texting/using any electronic device during class. If you have the energy to do any of these things you are not working hard enough to get the most out of your own ride!
- Inspire – turn up on time, take time to chat to your fellow beatbikers but ensure you are ready to get in the zone from the first song. Arriving late interrupts the flow for the entire class.
- Be brave – keep a positive mental attitude and give it your best shot – the cyclist next to you will feed off your energy!