[This guide was last updated on 5 May 2024. For further reading, you can check out 5 Things I Learnt About Spin Studios and Rhythmic Cycling Classes In Singapore. ]
My rhythmic cycling journey in 2021 evolved in a fairly unexpected manner. Sometime early that year, a friend of mine posted on his Instagram Stories a certain sultry picture of himself by the pool at Sofitel Singapore City Centre. Known for his blog in which he writes about frequent flyer miles, credit cards and hotel chains, this friend had undergone dramatic weight loss since the start of the pandemic by attending spin classes regularly, sometimes twice a day. The visible difference in his appearance had some effect on our mutual audiences, some of whom for whatever reason forwarded the story to me accompanied by messages such as “wah wah now he’s damn fit” and “this blogger is now very fit sia”.
I shared this amusing incident with said friend, and our conversation soon turned to rhythmic cycling and his experiences at Absolute Cycle Singapore, where he regularly attends spin classes. By then, I had actually started spinning regularly at a new fitness studio in Singapore and was already sold on the spin concept, to the point of extolling the virtues of rhythmic cycling in writing, but his anecdotes about spin helping him keep fit, the phenomenon of superstar instructors as well as the often insane demand for class slots sparked a further curiosity in me about the rhythmic cycling scene in Singapore beyond my regular spin studio. I was thus inspired to experience and write about every notable spin studio in Singapore, understand the spin industry better and find out what sets different studios and instructors apart from each other.
Equipped with a new pair of padded shorts from Decathlon (or, as I like to call them, “well-cushioned butt bras”) and across the span of seven months, I signed up for trials (and, for studios which I enjoyed more, packages) at most rhythmic cycling studios in Singapore. It was not an immediately comfortable journey because of the inherent barriers to entry when it comes to spin. Save for certain beginner classes that some studios offer as well as brief introductory routines incorporated by some studios at the start of class, you are basically left to figure out everything about spin cycling on your own, from what the optimal bike set-up is for each type of bike you may encounter (e.g. Schwinn, Stages, Life Fitness) and what the correct posture is for when you’re on the bike to the steep physical learning curve when it comes to double time as well as how to perform choreography which requires both hands to be off the handlebar (sometimes when you are off the saddle).
In addition, spin culture can be fairly intimidating, not just because spin enthusiasts who post spin-related content on social media seem to always (i) belong to some fitness fam with every relative religiously tagged and reposted on a daily basis or (ii) be dressed in midriff/sideboob-baring gear or Lululemon, but also in terms of the pressure you may feel during class to perform at the same level as fellow riders around you who may double time faster, add crosses more frequently or perform hands-off-handlebar choreography with more poise and swag than you do.
Given how trial packages mean I only had two or three classes with each studio, I was fortunate to have received quite a bit of guidance from both existing and newly-made rider friends as to which instructors I should try to book a class with in order to have the most fruitful representation of what the studio had to offer. “You HAVE to go for Aloysius’ class at Revolution Singapore,” a newly-minted spin instructor gushed at some point. “At Ground Zero Singapore, Sevian’s choreography is LEGIT,” another spin instructor shared. “Matthew from CruCycle Singapore does like 150-160bpm double time and I truly felt like a hamster,” someone else confided (and, for context, this person is somebody whom I once described as a lithe speed wizard, an Energiser Bunny on steroids and a bouncy jack-in-the-box, in case you need a better idea as to just how intimidating Matthew sounded at this point). Every recommendation given turned out to be right on the money.
The 2023 Ultimate Guide to Spin Studios in Singapore is my valentine to the spin industry in Singapore. It has been a fascinating and highly informative ride, because only when you have sampled many different spin studios can you really appreciate the distinctive qualities that each studio possesses, not just in terms of the physical spaces, quality of instruction and choice of equipment but also the profile of riders, range of choreography practised as well as the quality of the overall client experience.
Most casual riders would likely have memberships or packages with only one spin studio and would not naturally be in a position (or incentivised) to find out more about what other studios have to offer. Through this guide, the goal is to shed some light on the different strengths and weaknesses across all the studios and inspire you to make a well-informed decision as to which spin studio best meets your specific needs. I hope the guide provides a source of inspiration for your spin journey, and that you will enjoy your experiences as much as I did.
For further reading, you can check out 5 Things I Learnt About Spin Studios and Rhythmic Cycling Classes In Singapore.
ABSOLUTE CYCLE SINGAPORE
In a nutshell: The Fitness First of spin studios.
Locations: Centrepoint, Millenia Walk, i12 Katong, The Star Vista
The clientele: Mass market clients of all age groups.
Why you should: With four different outlets to choose from, Absolute Cycle Singapore rivals Revolution Singapore as the biggest spin studio in Singapore, although its international leanings (it also has studios in Thailand) makes it the bigger and more established brand. With compulsory beginner classes and many classes available throughout the day across the different locations, the studio is a great entry point into rhythmic cycling.
Why you shouldn’t: Given its mass market audience, the hardware – think communal areas and shower facilities – may not be the most luxurious. Also, the fact that Absolute Cycle still uses (in my opinion, less stable) Schwinn bikes in some of their outlets instead of the now ubiquitous and standard Stages bikes you see in most boutique studios means you are not often exposed to the more innovative and challenging choreography that are frequently performed at these other studios on the sturdier Stages bikes.
My experiences: Jia En (JE)’s classes blend the conversational address-the-audience intimacy of a late night comedy club with clubby neon vibes and the clash boom bang of an arena pop concert. The Naruto-esque and Red Bull hyper-charged Brian and the jovial chilli-padi-meets-Bacardi Shaun kept energy levels high, while Terence – who boasted enough swag to play a cheesy song like Chinese Orchestra staple 男儿当自强 and still make it somehow work – demonstrated a remarkable theatrical showmanship and almost section leader-esque mastery of audience engagement, with the most notable example being the audience participation aspect of his weights segment (if your half of the class does not cheer and respond loud enough, you have to do more reps).
The fierce Hyekel was memorable for both his distinctive-coloured fringe (he could be a wisecracking sidekick or villain in a Mortal Kombat/Pixar movie) as well as his signature ringtone-worthy exhortations of “ah ha”, “hoo” and “OWWWWWWWW”. The impossibly toned Ria – who seems like she often accidentally breaks wine glasses and sounds like your elder sister who happens to work at Kiss92FM – threw in a cartoony villainous dubstep track as well as seemingly endless runs interspersed with handlebar choreography. Elsewhere, with his “I love your screaming” Chinese arena tour artist feels, Vnex (apparently it rhymes with Kleenex) incorporated left leg action and sprinting pulses aplenty and had a playlist which had a tendency to remix/transform ballads and mid-tempos to balls-to-the-floor, YP E-Scooter Ah Lian anthemry.
Millenia Walk
9 Raffles Boulevard #02-43
Millenia Walk
Singapore 039596
The Centrepoint
176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint #04-101
Singapore 238843
Katong
112 E Coast Road
i12 Katong Mall #03-25/27
Singapore 428802
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green #02-25/26
Singapore 138617
AIBI MAXWELL SINGAPORE
In a nutshell: Multi-concept wellness and lifestyle destination.
Locations: Tanjong Pagar
The clientele: ClassPass users.
Why you should: Housed in a stand-alone building conveniently located near Tanjong Pagar MRT station, the snazzy new AIBI Maxwell offers six distinct wellness and lifestyle concepts. Aside from RE:SPIN, the studio also offers group classes under its RE:HIIT and a well-equipped state-of-the-art workout facility under its RE:GYM programmes respectively. The studio’s group classes are currently on ClassPass for your (affordable) ease of booking.
Pro tip: as the studio is still very new, the staff do not mind (and may even encourage you) should you wish to squeeze in a workout at the main gym after you finish your group class.
Why you shouldn’t: The studio is in its infancy stages, with a very modest stable of instructors and class slots offered. Also, the seemingly higher-resistance Johnny G Spirit bike – a cross between the Life Fitness and Stages RPM bike – manages resistance adjustment by way of buttons on both ends of the handlebar, and it has a dashboard which brightly displays resistance level, distance, RPM and time elapsed, so gone are the days of getting away with half turns when the instructor said two-and-a-half. The studio is currently not offering indoor classes, so all sessions are outdoors.
My experiences: While the energetic Jasmine kept the choreography fairly uncontroversial, her class felt rather vicious at parts – I recall giving up and sinking into my saddle before the conclusion of a particularly gruelling triple sprinting pulse-push segment.
AIBI MAXWELL SINGAPORE
30 Maxwell Road
Singapore 069114
ALGORHYTHM SINGAPORE
In a nutshell: A spin studio in Bukit Timah Shopping Centre.
Location: Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
The clientele: Neighbourhood folks, new riders to spin and ClassPass users.
Why you should: Perched on the 17th level of Bukit Timah Shopping Centre and occupying a former office space, Algorhythm Singapore bears the distinction of being the only studio in Singapore to offer impressive sky-high sunset views. Since its initial launch, the studio has undergone extensive renovations and redesign, with the current space flaunting relaxed, almost Robertson Quay-esque yoga studio vibes with its industrial aesthetic, wood textures and abundance of foliage. OMNO shower amenities are now provided, and the studio even has sexy (literal) dressing rooms with lit-up vanities. And dogs are welcome too!
Why you shouldn’t: Given its very niche location, the studio’s use case does seem fairly limited to those living in the vicinity.
My experiences: A cross between a seasoned fitness instructor and a hip and caring aunt (by virtue of her frequent and endearing use of the word “baby” in an encouraging context), Simin provided a comfortable and conducive environment for a good workout. Elsewhere, Rachel‘s class comprised hands-free crosses on jogs, multiple instances whereby I thought the runs were going to end and I was already about to rest my butt on the saddle but THE RUNS CONTINUED as well as possibly the most atrociously arm-destroying arms track I’ve had in recent memory, a miasma of zigzaggy despair with the dumbbells dovetailing up and down repeatedly like chonky butterflies of doom.
ALGORHYTHM SINGAPORE
170 Upper Bukit Timah Road
#17-01 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
Singapore 588179
ALLY SINGAPORE
In a nutshell: The most luxurious spin studio in Singapore.
Location: Cross Street
The clientele: Newcomers to spin (e.g. students) who are enamoured with the studio’s luxe facilities and are convinced to stay, folks who are very passionate and active about spin community spirit, working professionals.
Why you should: Situated on the 2nd level of Manulife Centre along Cross Street, Ally Singapore offers a splashily statement luxury spin experience. Aesop products are everywhere – think Coriander Seed Body Cleanser, Equalising Shampoo and Classic Conditioner in the shower, Resolute Hydrating Body Balm and Sculpt Hair Polish in front of the bathroom vanity, and Geranium Leaf Rinse-Free Hand Wash at the check-in counter. Dyson hairdryers and a steam iron (!) are on hand to ensure you leave the studio feeling glamorous as opposed to being all early morning MRT drippy/straw-like hair and crumpled T.M. Lewin, while BRITA still and sparkling water on tap incentivise one’s extensive self-hydration. Ally Singapore’s in-house coffee and shake bar, Neighbourhood, maximises use of the studio’s brightly lit and sizeable outdoor-while-indoor social space for even non-spin cafe-hoppers to meet their caffeine needs.
Why you shouldn’t: Given the nature of the luxurious amenities offered to its members, the average cost per ride is one of the highest across all studios in Singapore, with only CruCycle Singapore matching its price point. (Some of their classes are now available via ClassPass, which makes them just that bit more cost-accessible than CruCycle.)
My experiences: The immensely popular Jasper, whose charisma is simultaneously JJ Lin and Oprah Winfrey-esque, commanded a remarkable level of audience adoration from loyal riders who have followed him since his Absolute Cycle Singapore days. Elsewhere, in line with her girl-next-door persona, Jamie dialled down the length of her runs…although her mode of punishment was to ramp up the number of said short runs, so it all balanced out; and the “Car Tunes with Jean Danker”-familiar Becky boasted a great vibey playlist and plied her runs with generous doses of challenging middle-bar action. The summery Ruth was a fan of left leg action and tapbacks, while highlights from my class with Marina included the running “planked beggar”, the random isolation moments strewn throughout as well as all the top bar-to-back bar swerving action.
ALLY SINGAPORE
8 Cross Street
Manulife Tower #02-01/02
Singapore 048424
ASCEND FITNESS SINGAPORE
In a nutshell: Multi-concept fitness space in Dhoby Ghaut.
Locations: YMCA
The clientele: Students and ClassPass users.
Why you should: From the team behind RS Cycle and joining the likes of CruCycle and R10T, Ascend Fitness Singapore houses multiple different fitness concepts under one roof – RIDE, the spin studio; EXERGAME 4D, a futuristic group workout platform from Korea involves projection mapping and motion sensing; and EXERSTRENGTH, a personal training space. The studio is blessed with an abundance of space, from the cavernous spin room to the spacious male and female changing rooms which are fitted with their own toilets within. The spin studio’s light effects are one of the best around, with my favourite being the pink lights with yellow stars which plays it kinda Pac-Man arcade game. The studio also offers three different class types – Arise (for beginners), Ascend (for intermediate riders), and the soon-to-be-introduced Advance.
Why you shouldn’t: The three fitness concepts are not integrated under the same booking system – while RIDE is bookable via the ubiquitous Zingfit platform and Classpass, clients have to purchase EXERGAME 4D-specific credits and EXERSTRENGTH packages through different channels on the studio’s website – so there isn’t an obvious synergy between the different fitness programmes offered.
My experiences: Jolyn instructs with the kind of confident and slick clarity that you will appreciate as a new rider, while Rachel delivered a textbook-perfect spin experience inclusive of a form and basic choreography primer at the start, audible and clear instructions along with red-hot positive vibes.
CRNK SINGAPORE
In a nutshell: Spin concept from the guys behind the now defunct-BoOm Singapore.
Location: East Coast
The clientele: Neighbourhood folks and ClassPass users.
Why you should: The shophouse space is cosy and not as threatening as the larger studios in the CBD. Notably, the studio expressly does away with the concept of a weights track in their classes, dedicating more time and attention to the ride experience.
Why you shouldn’t: The studio is still finding its way in terms of identity and style, and it remains to be seen whether the studio can build a cult and loyal following in the same manner as BoOm Singapore.
My experiences: Founder Bryan piped in plenty of rest time for his crew in manner of caring father/officer or similar and thus when he assured the class that the next push was going to be chill you would believe him, but before you realised it you would be in the midst of a heavy resistance sprint and not quite sure what just happened. William‘s class had a most interesting format – we were taught distinct choreo blocks individually under slower tempos (think throwbacks, cross handlebar grips, handlebar climbs, sways and middle bar pulsing), and these choreo blocks recurred under incrementally faster tempos and were eventually combined (A+B, C+D, ABCD) in jog and ultimately sprint contexts. One of the better instructors around (especially in the context of non-CBD studios), Ivan delivers gruelling routines which would test your endurance and stamina.
CRNK SINGAPORE
282 East Coast Road
Singapore 428946
CRUCYCLE SINGAPORE
In a nutshell: American-style attitude, cult following and huskies.
Location: Duxton Road, Orchard Road (Pure Fitness)
The clientele: Expats and more affluent working professionals.
Why you should: One of the original boutique spin studios in Singapore, CruCycle Singapore has a loyal cult following and plenty of American-style attitude. Aside from their CruCycle concept, CRU offers CruBox classes at their studio as well as their Peloton-style CRU TV Bike complete with an extensive video library of high-quality on-demand fitness videos, making CRU quite the fitness empire and one-stop wellness solution. They also recently concluded renovation works at their flagship Duxton outlet, which now feels a lot airier and open than before.
In addition, the owners’ huskies (who are brand mascots) as well as the instructors’ own fur pets (including an adorable black French Bulldog named Boba Elizabeth and an adorable corgi named Udon) often make guest appearances in the studios, which lends to a very warm and convivial environment.
Why you shouldn’t: Amongst all spin classes in Singapore, a CruCycle class is one of the most expensive. Unlike most of the studios on this list, CruCycle is not on ClassPass, meaning affordably-priced drop-ins are not possible unless you commit to a full package (and you need to buy many, many classes in order to bring the average cost of a class below $30). They seldom do sale promotions, and even when they do, the cost savings are usually not significant.
My experiences: Co-founder BeBe is possibly the purest and most unadulterated crystallisation of CRU’s brand DNA with her inimitable blend of effortless edgy, American-style bad-ass and female boss sass. Like a level 72 Mewtwo in a Pokemon game, Matthew was legendary, playing like the optional boss of a role-playing game who is definitely not compulsory to complete the game (lest casual players rage-quit in protest) but yet offers a whole lot of self-accomplishment should you manage to conquer him. The immense challenge lies not just in the insane tempo (which is significantly higher than most rides you’d encounter) but also the complexity of the choreography which seems designed to test your psychomotor skills and push your bodily coordination to breaking point. His classes have been by far the most challenging spin experiences I ever had.
Elsewhere, the slightly scary and British garage MC-esque Shiqeen demanded high-speed and intense upper body physicality while the budding young Bryan Y and hands-free choreography enthusiast Mandalyn tested my endurance with plenty of fast jogs and extended sprints. Jerry‘s class started off on a relatively breezy and comfortable tempo before abruptly segueing into a manic wave of fast-time rapid-fire choreography to the point that keeping up was like shadowing a ninja stealth darting from tree to tree.
The very likable and ebullient Jolyn was responsible for possibly my favourite spin moment ever – when the first chorus of Little Mix’s military-tinged Salute came on and the three riders in the front row executed the “down/both hands up/down/up cross” choreography with regimental precision in front of their supreme leader, it was goosebumps-inducingly epic.
Duxton
68 Duxton Road #01-01
Singapore 089527
Orchard (PURE Fitness)
Level 8 Ngee Ann City Podium Block
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238872
GROUND ZERO SINGAPORE
In a nutshell: The most demanding and consistent class experience, on average.
Location: Odeon Towers.
The clientele: Working professionals and older students who seek a more advanced ride.
Why you should: Boutique studio Ground Zero Singapore has possibly the most consistent and competent roster of instructors in-house, meaning your ride experience is guaranteed to be challenging regardless of which instructor is leading the class. The #GZFAM is pretty close-knit as well, meaning energy levels from the riders are usually very high, especially during evening classes. You can expect to ride with both seasoned and mature riders here (read: less kids).
Why you shouldn’t: The move from Cross Street Exchange to Odeon Towers see an unfortunate dip in the studio luxe quotient due to the smaller space involved, and the sound system in the studio can often get fairly harsh and fuzzy. Like CruCycle Singapore, Ground Zero releases a weekly schedule, and you are likely to experience challenges booking classes with your favourite instructors. Also, some of the more faith-testing, hands-off-handlebar choreography – a Ground Zero staple – may not sit well with novice riders or those who prefer to stay strictly in their comfort zones.
My experiences: The popular Joshua – who channels Akin Akman from AARMY filtered through boyish platoon commander lenses – is famed for his ever-changing, engaging and fun choreography, thus attracting a certain level of rider sophistication, and it was quite a treat to observe in the mirror the snappy and sharp sync of everybody’s movements during the woodchopping segment of a Mary J. Blige x Zara Larsson themed ride. Eunice‘s class involved much frenzied chaos during a jogging single-arm dumbbell hold – your free hand grips the opposite side of the handlebar, and you are constantly told to switch your dumbbell-holding hand with your handlebar holding hand (i.e. you have to keep passing your dumbbell to the other hand, as quickly as within 2 counts), with the end result being everyone looking like short-circuiting, glitchy automatrons. Channelling a manic, euphoria-charged Scary Spice performing at a sell-out Wembley Stadium concert, Sevian always cranked the handlebar-free choreography dial to eleven, with hovering front and back claps leaving the biggest impression. Amanda’s “Ride or Die” advanced ride was a master class in endurance, while Wynn‘s class played like a tornadic wind (hurhur) which swept everyone and their pet dogs to a wonderful world of consecutive fast jogs after fast jogs.
GROUND ZERO
331 North Bridge Road #01-02
Singapore 188720
LUMI CYCLE SINGAPORE
In a nutshell: Spin and açai in Kovan.
Locations: Kovan
The clientele: Neighbourhood folks and ClassPass users.
Why you should: Situated within the Stars of Kovan residential/commercial mixed development a short walk from Kovan MRT Station, the boutique studio boasts the distinction of being the only one on this list that also doubles up as an F&B concept, serving açai bowls and soft serve for your icy, antioxidant-packed post-spin recovery. The studio is also strategically located near major residential neighbourhoods, with few other spin concepts in the vicinity.
Why you shouldn’t: The studio is fairly cosy in size (13 bikes within 4 rows) and its no-frills stylings – there are no locker areas or cubbies so you have to bring your belongings into the studio, and there are no showers or washrooms so guests have to walk a certain distance to access the nearest public toilet – limit its appeal to mainly nearby riders looking for a quick, fuss-free workout.
My experiences: Fond of double-time alternate handlebar presses, Pearlyn was a great instructor for beginners due to her clarity of instructions, and her class comprised a gruesome climb that went up to more than 10 turns.
LUMI CYCLE SINGAPORE
988 Upper Serangoon Road
Stars Of Kovan #01-43
Singapore 534733
MINMED CYCLE (FORMERLY REVEL CYCLE)
In a nutshell: The former Revel Cycle, now part of the Minmed family of fitness concepts.
Location: Zion Road, Jewel Changi Airport (pop-up).
The clientele: Casual, younger riders and ClassPass users.
Why you should: The lighting effects at the Zion Road outlet, especially the “candlelit dorm room” and “molten lava cavern” settings, were particularly atmospheric. The Jewel Changi Airport pop-up also seems promising purely for vibes (although silent discos would always bring to mind the pandemic-era outdoor cycling restrictions, which is a memory I do not want to relive). In addition, aside from the usual rhythmic classes with choreography, the boutique studio is one of the few local studios which offers RPM-style classes focused on terrain.
Why you shouldn’t: Zion Road’s outlet only has one shower room, which may not be ideal for those who usually slot in spin amidst the day’s schedule of activities. Also, at the same studio, the distance between the instructor and some of the bikes might be a tad too close, which makes observing the instructor during class feel rather awkward.
My experiences: Mabel‘s class was a jump-tastic affair, with pyramids that went all the way up to 12. Both displaying confident student leader qualities, Chyna and Xuan offered breezy approachability and friendly instruction, while the no-nonsense and commanding Jude, a mixture of Sandra Bullock and seasoned army regular, dispensed with sweet radio voices and instead ran each choreography combos like drills which you performed until perfection and went “Hydrate. Everything good?” without fail after every single track. One of the studio’s more popular instructors, the Tomorrowland-meets-Bart Simpson Nathaniel, upped the ante with torturous 4-minute sprints with choreography as well as multiple fast jogs.
Zion Road
46 Zion Road
Singapore 247777
Jewel Changi Airport
Shiseido Forest Valley, Level 1
78 Airport Boulevard
Singapore 819666
OOMPF CYCLE
In a nutshell: Shophouse spin studio in Katong.
Location: Katong
The clientele: Neighbourhood folks and ClassPass users.
Why you should: The studio’s class prices on ClassPass are usually on the lower end of the scale, which makes it fairly accessible for the occasional drop-in.
Why you shouldn’t: Oompf Cycle is one of the few studios in Singapore who still uses Schwinn bikes which, in my view, are less stable and accommodating of more complex choreography. In addition, the studio is fairly no-frills with no shower facilities available.
My experiences: Aside from being a purveyor of alternate handlebar presses, Annabel was very gracious in permitting a rider to enter the class some 20 minutes late, yet she did not miss a beat and ensured all the other riders did not even feel any disruption.
POPSICLE
In a nutshell: Joo Chiat indoor cycling concept.
Locations: Joo Chiat
The clientele: Neighbourhood riders, including a very strong Malay female rider base as can be observed from the studio’s social media activity.
Why you should: The studio offers four different class types – the basic Signature 45, the choreography-filled Flow 45, the resistance-based Power 45 and the challenging Advanced 60 – to suit your needs and competency level. In addition, the studio is generous with their promotions, so you can always wait for a good sale to purchase class credits at a bargain.
Why you shouldn’t: Because of its Joo Chiat location, the studio may serve as a viable option only for those who live or work in the neighbourhood.
My experience: The flicky-fringed and Ben from A1-esque Gerald threw in energetic hands-free moves fairly early in the game and kept the choreography coming throughout the session. My class with mistress of seven turns Priscilla involved me spinning double-time on ten turns (!) and a frantic “Zombie”-soundtracked triple-time finale, while the cap-wearing, sick beats head-bobbing frat boy-esque Jin incorporated a seemingly never-ending endurance track where I pulsed to urban beats until my quad felt tyre track burns.
Joo Chiat
368 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427613
REVOLUTION
In a nutshell: Youth-skewing vigour and an abundance of classes all day, every day.
Locations: Orchard Cineleisure, Frasers Tower, Suntec City, Bugis
The clientele: Xiaodidis and Xiaomeimeis, working professionals, ClassPass-based riders.
Why you should: With four outlets to choose, Revolution rivals Absolute Cycle as the biggest studio in Singapore, and you would not have as much difficulty securing your workout slots as you may with other boutique studios. The average riding difficulty at Revolution is higher than at Absolute Cycle, with some instructors being comparable to the more technically demanding instructors at Ground Zero and CruCycle. Revolution also frequently organises various themed rides – from “House Party 2.0”, “Seoul Special” and “Cardi B vs Nicki Minaj” to something ridiculous titled “YP E-Scooter Upsized” – which keeps things fresh and lively. (I once saw an Instagram post depicting Revolution riders vibing to the Don Don Donki theme song. I kid you not.)
In addition, Revolution runs sale promotions for class packages very frequently, which makes the studio one of the most cost-efficient places if you ride very frequently.
Why you shouldn’t: Given the size of the Revolution team, the choreography, tempo and general standard of instruction will vary significantly across different instructors, and you are likely to experience a large degree of inconsistency if you usually book classes based on timing and convenience and not stick to your preferred instructor. Also, as the studio offers various student packages, you may find yourself sharing bikes with significantly younger riders, and your mileage may vary in terms of what that means to you. When I attended a class at the Orchard outlet, realising the median age of the attendees around me did make feel like an old pervert in a sea of XMMs (小妹妹) and XXR (小鲜肉).
My experiences: Valerie‘s class played like a “Now That’s What I Call Spin” compilation showcasing some of my favourite rhythmic cycling moments I’ve come across this year (running crosses! running pulse claps! alternating presses! woodchopping! single arm opposite side bottom bar reaches! upping the resistance just a touch every time you saddle down during jumps!) in rapid succession and all killer no filler mode. Endo‘s comic mannerisms, verbal Japanese/Singlish duality and abrupt tone switches – “train your small muscle guruupu….ehhh don’t think I cannot see you ah” – were all sorts of brilliant, while her classes demanded high endurance (think choreography during sprints/fast jogs). Classes with the effervescent Jim Carrey-meets-Pikachu Aloysius always feel like a Taiko No Tatsujin/Dance Dance Revolution advanced stage, while the Elvin Ng-adjacent Gabriel, primed to be one of the studio’s most challenging instructors in terms of endurance, conducted his class like an extended Haw Par Villa attraction but with the courts of hell replaced by a different type of purgatory in the form of a relief-less, never-flagging Sahara of fast jogs, jumps and runs. A staple of Cat‘s classes is ever-changing choreography – you can never go on auto-pilot with her.
Orchard
8 Grange Road #03-08
Orchard Cineleisure
Singapore 239695
Tanjong Pagar
182 Cecil Street
Frasers Tower, Level 2
Singapore 069547
Bugis
520 North Bridge Road
Wisma Alsagoff, Level 3
Singapore 188742
Suntec
3 Temasek Boulevard #02-466,
Tower 1, Suntec City Mall
Singapore 038983
R1OT
In a nutshell: Beautiful people in a beautiful setting.
Location: Robinson Road
The clientele: R10T members and Classpass drop-in folks.
Why you should: The overall R10T spin experience feels fairly polished and intimate, with the instructors (usually with hair so voluminous, long and lustrous they deserve their own L’Oreal commercial) favouring a more beginner-friendly form of guidance and instruction via soothing radio DJ tones as opposed to a shoutier and more rah-rah approach. Also, in terms of lighting, the studio boasts some seriously nifty lighting effects, from overhead flying lasers and glittering stars to the flashing white lights programme which sets the stage for some particularly epic battle atop a cliff between a hero and someone with a long beard and trident in the midst of a hazardous storm. R10T was the first studio to feature the cage of lights around the podium accompanied by a certain dry ice-esque smokiness which makes the instructor seem like an ethereal being descending to share some powerful world-saving wisdom, and most recently they added machines on both sides of the podium which create a dramatic explosive/puff of smoke effect.
In addition, as opposed to the usual credits-based system used by most spin studios, those who sign up for R10T’s unlimited packages can reserve as many spin classes as they like, which is tremendous value if you spin often or enjoy attending back-to-back sessions for maximum calorie burn.
Why you shouldn’t: The relatively lean team means you often spin with the same instructors, which could go either way in terms of how much you value variety over familiarity. While the Kiehl’s shower amenities are much appreciated, the shower facilities are fairly modest due to spatial constraints. Also, due to its ties with the modelling and entertainment industry, the studio frequently attracts the attendance of influencers, celebrities and media artistes (and those in the orbit of such circles), and they also frequently organise brand-sponsored events (e.g. a recent ticketed HUGO promotional event to promote the brand’s Active collection). While the studio’s glamorous and happening vibe as well as social media-centric workout culture (think obligatory mirror wefies, post-workout social media mass tagging and self-filming during class) may appeal to some, your mileage may of course vary.
My experiences: The Nicole Scherzinger-esque JM always went all coy and “oh my gosh” whenever the opening bars of a track which heralded particularly vigorous choreography kicked in while former Miss Singapore Chinatown Mandi is the queen of the seemingly endless “up the saddle for a few counts/back to saddle and turn the resistance up a touch…and repeat” sequence, always giving the dial quite the defiant smirk with each turn. YH kept the tempo consistently and challengingly high, with your sprints never being simply just sprints.
You can imagine the reserved and demure Sophia selling Girl Guide cookies for a fundraising drive or matchsticks in the snow but in class she went all “WOOOOOOOO” and “HELLO R10T HOW ARE WE FEELING” and towel swishing and hands aloft and high energy double-timeisms and it was a massive fake-out.
R10T
140 Robinson Road
Level 3
Singapore 068907
SYNC CYCLE
In a nutshell: Neighbourhood boutique shophouse spin concept in Serangoon.
Locations: Yio Chu Kang Road
The clientele: Older ladies and general folks from the neighbourhood.
Why you should: Set within a shophouse building, Sync Cycle offers a casual yet intimate ride experience conveniently close to Serangoon Central’s array of dining and lifestyle amenities. Also, the unique layout – a long and narrow room with the podium on one end and rows of bikes gradually extending onto platform steps towards the other end – is pretty cool.
On an entirely unrelated note, the same studio is steps away from Song Kee Eating House, which serves undeniably the best fish dumplings (her geow) in Singapore, thus giving you more incentive to visit.
Why you shouldn’t: Like XYCO Studio, Sync Cycle generally keeps the tempo and choreography at a comfortable and accessible level in line with its residential setting, which may not appeal to those seeking a more advanced ride experience. On that note, like Absolute Cycle, the studios use Schwinn bikes, in contrast to other boutique studios such as Ground Zero and CruCycle whose classes typically involve more sophisticated choreography performed on Stages bikes.
My experiences: The small wins-motivational Jas punctuated her rhythm with encouraging belachan cat yelps as she ushered the class towards maximum effort.
Yio Chu Kang
92 Yio Chu Kang Road
Singapore 545572
XYCO STUDIO
In a nutshell: Pet-friendly and zen sanctuary with comfortable tempos.
Location: Martin Road
The clientele: Expats and laid-back professionals.
Why you should: With its clean white palette, Dyson hairdryers and beautiful outdoor patio, XYCO Studio delivers a comfortable and luxe offering within the similarly laid-back Robertson Quay neighbourhood, and it is no surprise that expats form a significant bulk of the clientele here. In addition, this is one of the few pet-friendly studios around, and I have met no less than four dogs during my visits, including the adorable twin girl schnauzers Maxine and Mini who serve as unofficial mascots of the studio. Also, aside from the usual rhythmic classes with choreography, the boutique studio is one of the few local studios which offers RPM-style classes focused on hill climbs, sprints and flat riding.
Why you shouldn’t: In keeping with the chill-out vibes all round, the choreography is usually kept at a comfortable and non-threatening level, although you will by no means remain dry.
My experiences: In terms of their more RPM-inclined programming, method instructor Dean – the proud father of Maxine and Mini – guided over an adult contemporary playlist (think Ricky Martin and Martine McCutcheon covering Donna Summers) with a firm, trustworthy and familiar accent that recalls Middle Earth tours and fishing expedition documentaries on National Geographic. Starting off with the sounds of babbling brooks and avian chirps which gave a surprisingly experiential take on nature road cycling, the Ali Wong-esque Alex delivered an almost audio tape-perfect brand of instruction through various jogs, sprints and jumps, including a gruelling six-minute segment on seven full turns which helped me create a lovely puddle.
On the rhythmic side of things, Brandon channeled his inner boys’ school student council president with his unassuming demeanour and gently encouraging style and will likely be someone that mothers at parent-teacher conferences will positively fawn over (and want for/on their own son), while the exuberant Ian transformed from mild-mannered guide to enthusiastic opportunity giver once his glasses came off. Valerie was the perfect instructors for beginners, with regular reminders of options given as well as the commendable ability to make a 5-minute slow jog pass very quickly.
XYCO Studio
22 Martin Road #02-02
Singapore 239058
Comments are closed.