Spin Cycle Class?

... · 12-17-2007, 01:49 AM

I am going to start a spin class, I am guy what do you recomend to wear, I believe you need the spin shoes, which is a good brand and where can I buy them, also as far as using them and setting up is it hard?

mgm531 · 12-17-2007, 01:52 AM

That can depend on what type of pedals they have available on the spin cycles. Normal pedals are plastic platform pedals with a rubber strap to hold your foot down. Not much you do with those other than use regular athletic shoes. Many better equipped spin classes will have clippless pedals that you can bring your own cycling shoes. Most of these are Shimano SPD style of pedals which use a small metal cleat on the bottom of the cycling shoe. If they have that style of pedal that is what I would use because there is a wide range of cycling shoes to choose from and they are pretty simple to set up. If you plan to use the shoes for anything beyond the spin class then I would get a half way decent pair of shoes which will probably run you between $50 on the low end to well over $100 on the high end. You can get moutain bike style of shoes which look kind of like a hiking shoe or you can get a road style of shoe, but those will be more difficult to walk in. Ideally you want to get a shoe with as stiff a sole as possible because this will allow better transfer of power and energy when you ride/spin. The cleat usually comes with pedals you buy for a bicycle, but you can purchase them seperately at most bike shops. Installing them and adjusting them can be a little tricky, but most bike shops will install the cleats on your shoes for a nominal fee (usually no more than $10-$20). Sometimes if you buy the pedals and shoes together a bike shop will install the cleats for you free of charge. When using the shoes you should wear a thin pair of socks as anything thick will not breathe well and sometimes cause blisters. Most bike shops carry a wide selection of cycling socks and they can range from $8-$10 a pair.

Hope this helps and happy spinning!

EDIT: Forgot to mention cycling shorts. If you haven't already invested in a good pair of cycling shorts I HIGHLY recommend it. They will run you between $35-$75 and they will make a HUGE difference on the comfort level of your ride/spin. You can get more traditional riding shorts like you see serious cycling enthusiasts ride, but if those aren't your style you can also get cycling shorts that look mor like regular walking shorts (although those probably won't be as comfortable over a longer ride or spin class). Cycling shorts are designed not to be worn with underwear as underwear tends to ride up in sensitive areas, but if that is not something you are comfortable with there are companies that make undergarments specifically designed to be worn with cycling shorts. For upper body you can either wear a regular T-Shirt or workout shirt, but if you're willing to spend the money I would recommend a cycling jersey instead. A cycling jersey will run you anywhere between $30 on the low end to $75 on the high end. Cycling jerseys are made of special fabrics that disapate heat and moisture much more efficiently and effecitively than cotton does. So you will feel much cooler and not as damp as you would in a regular cotton shirt.

McG · 12-17-2007, 04:03 AM

mgm have you ever been to a spin class?

No one around here dresses in cycling attire, although I think it makes sense they would. Most wear work out clothing, meaning Under Armor shirts and compression shorts under baggy shorts. Some of the ladies wear tights. The saddles are not as narrow or as firm as road bikes, so I really don't think the cycle shorts are necessary. Under Armor and Nike Sports Gear are both made of the same material as cycling specific clothing--wicking the moisture from the skin.
I think a newbie in spinning would rather fit in at the class than to stand out in cycle garb IMHO.

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