At RealRyder we like to keep a sense of perspective, a sense of balance, so if we write about how our stationary bike can benefit an elite cyclist or triathlete, we try to make sure that we don’t alienate any beginners who are looking to try our indoor bike for the first time.
The reality is that, although it was designed by a very good cyclist, who wanted to make a stationary bike which felt much more like a real bike than any of the existing stationary bikes or spinning bikes, you really don’t need to be an expert to ride one. In fact you don’t even need to be able to ride a real bike at all!
We regularly seek and get feedback from ALL our customers across ALL our different market sectors and the responses are actually surprisingly consistent. It doesn’t seem to matter whether we ask experienced spin class instructors, complete beginners or experienced cyclists; we normally get the same answer!
It takes a little time to get used to the movement, but usually something like 10 minutes for most people. By the end of the first class (45 minutes or an hour) most people will be comfortable leaning the bike from side to side, in or out of the saddle. After a few classes, confidence and familiarity have usually increased to such a level, that we often hear comments like there is no going back to a non moving stationary or spinning bike!
One of the reasons that a beginner may feel apprehensive about trying a RealRyder stationary bike is ironically the very thing that makes it unique, the ability to lean! This is where we come back to that great word balance.
Take a look at any picture of a RealRyder stationary bike without a rider and you will notice the bike naturally sits upright, completely vertical. So if you just push or pull the bike to either side it will automatically re-center itself if you let go of the handlebars and walk away! Now look at the base that the bike sits on; it is a very sturdy, steel unit which gives the bike a very stable platform.
The reason for emphasizing these two design features is that first of all the bike will not flop from side to side and secondly it won’t fall over! So if you sit with your weight centered and still, the stationary bike will be just that “a stationary bike”! It will only lean if you lean or turn the handlebars. It will only move if you move.
So, only the top half of the stationary bike moves, whereas the base will be completely stationary! These two features are like the “Yin and Yang”; they work in tandem and complement each other.
Our instructors, Douglas and Adam, who train the RealRyder Indoor Cycling Class instructors use an expression “having a conversation with the bike” or in other words let the bike move naturally with subtle inputs from the rider, feel what the bike is doing, but don’t fight it.
I hope that all made sense, but it is actually easier to experience “our ride”, rather than write or read about it. So get to a RealRyder Indoor Cycling Class soon and find out what everyone is so excited about!
The real message here is that although this is a ground breaking design, the appeal and the benefits are universal. Beginner or expert, chilling or hammering, everyone can enjoy the benefits of our unique moving stationary bike so have fun and work hard – the Yin and Yang!
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!