Road Cycling - Spin Class... Do they make you faster or a better cyclist?

My gym offers a Spin Class and since winter is quickly approaching, I am thinking about giving it a try.

Do any of you attend Spin class and if so, do you think they make you faster or a better cyclist.... or is it just a workout?

Thanks in advance,
Lance

since i moved away from Oregon in 2000 i haven't found a good gym for spinning...

but i found spinning a good idea, especially during winter when it gets dark early and is cold. i think in general it's not quite as good as regular cycling, but in winter when it's often hard to get in a good 2 to 3-hr ride on Wednesday night after work, spinning is a great substitute.

from my experience, there are 2 types of spinning classes: "aerobics-type" classes where they do things like "up-down-up-down" standing-sitting changes and other things like a step-aerobics class - in general things to make it "fun" for non-cyclists

the 2nd type which i prefer is more like "similated or virtual cycling" where the instructor has you ride an imaginary course and uses visualization; so you crank up the resistance and stand and climb "imaginary" hills and then spin hard for the downhill, etc. i had 2 really good instructors in Oregon who were also both long-term cyclists and x-racers... on worked full-time as a bike-guide and did spinning on the side.

in general, as interval training Spinning can be really good, b/c you can precisely control the duration and intensity - plus you can do intervals with training partners without the inevitable problem of someone being slower/faster.

i recommend giving it a try as a supplement to winter cycling. In Oregon i reduced my outdoor cycling to 1 or 2 days a week and added spinning once a week to stay fit and through the winter be ready for the spring.

Spinning's not quite as popular here in Europe so i'm still looking for a good place for the upcoming winter...

In the cold winters in Wisconsin spinning is the best thing I have found when my bikes go to the basement to hibernate. Usually I go to spin class 3 times per week during December, January and February.

I don't know if it makes me a better cyclist but with a good instructor the class is very enjoyable and the next best thing to being on the road. Also spinning definitely helps to maintain your fitness during the off months.

A good instructor is the most important thing.

My gym has 7 different instructors - all women but 1. HE'S a die hard roadie and kicks my a$$ more than any woman there. (although there is 1 who comes close). Other than those 2, I really don't like the others and try to avoid those classes.

Like I said, a good instructor is key!

Yes, spinning helps! It keeps your cardio up for sure. One thing though I've noticed is that REAL biking tends to be heavier in gears that spin. (or maybe I was just being too easy on myself til I did a century this year--so since then, I add on tension to really simulate the outside ride).
Spinning also is a great place to work on technique (same way a trainer does). You can work on peddle strokes, positioning, breathing etc...
Try it a couple of times... If you like that high you get after an intense cardio session, you'll enjoy spin. Just keep some tension going for those quads and hams! ;)
Sarah

I recommend spinning as a way to stay in condition when you can't go for rides in the dead of winter. I found that it really did help build up my strength and keep me fit in the offseason. Of course, it's not the same. The instructors are all very qualitifed- racers, former racers (including one former olympian, a cyclo-cross champ and a couple of other local racers). Many of the people attending classes are local racers, clubbies, mountain bikers, etc. I know some gyms offer spininng classes that are not too tough, but the ones at my gym are not for the faint of heart. I know I would never be able to keep up with most of these people on the road!

Originally posted by wabbit
my gym

Which one?