Psycle Clapham — Local services in London

The Goods

Instructors/coaches: 5 star coaches! And it’s important to start here because coaches can only work with the tech, space and equipment available to them, as well as being a key ingrediant to any spinning studio. So, this is a big win.

Class structure: For the most part, the classes are similarly structured, which isn’t a bad thing. Energetic, challenging and well balanced. Enough ‘dancing’ to keep you engaged and activate your upper body, but not so much you feel like a practice sheet and tutorial video was necessary.

Staff: The staff, especially Chloe at the front desk, I found to be very helpful, engaged and knowledgable.

Turnout: Classes are very well attended, with good group energy and great/music. Book in advance! Yes, it’s that popular.

The Bad

Here we go.

Price: Outrageous. For example, it’s 375 pounds for 20 credits/classes, no unlimited monthly offerings. But, you might be thinking, surly you must enjoy a host of amenities for one of the most expensive gyms in London? No.

Amenities: They provide towels and shoes… which most spinning studios anywhere near this price range do. They offer lockers and showers which is great, but no saunas, no cold plunge, no warm up or stretching spaces whatever, no gym, no decent coffee area, nothing! "Here is your bike, ride." And they might just get away with this amongst the die hard spinners, if it weren't for….

Tech: The coaches mics, are terrible. That or the leveling/ speakers need serious attention and balancing; you might as well be on the Northern Line. This is a common problem in spinning studios, but certainly not one you expect in this price range. I sat front row more often than not and could hardly make out a word any of the instructors said. And this is a shame, because the instructors are so good and as aforementioned, they are such an intricate part of any spin practice.

Bikes: The bikes are functional and get the job done, but certainly are not state of the art, especially by todays standards. The whole room feels dated, which I personally could get on board with, if any of it were intentional.

Stats and screens: The studio offers no ability to monitor your personal growth/gains. The use of projection screens, leader boards or bike tech is non existent. Not the end of the world and often simpler is better, so consider this more or a neutral observation than a ‘bad’ one, but worth noting.

Space: There is none. The ‘waiting’ area is absolutely crammed, with people waiting to go into class, mixed with sweaty people trying to get out of class. Inside the studio, the bikes are too close and the weights can be found in boxes on the floor… health and safety violation.. I think so.

Conclusion:

A Third Space gym, with a spinning studio included, is opening around the corner… and if you were doing the 20 credits/classes for 375 pounds, it’s almost a 100 pounds cheaper…a month. The spin monopoly this Psycle studio seems to be enjoying around Claphman might soon come to end… but more likely than not, a little friendly competition might be exactly what it is needed.

Note: The stater pack of 50 pounds for 3 credits at Psycle is there most reasonable offering, or I would recommend Groupon classes for a more cost effective way to try Psycle out...

Classes are great fun and I always feel like I've had a brilliant workout. The instructors really are brilliant too, no class is the same and they really do push you further than you thought you could ever go! I was pleasantly surprised to find they supply towels and cleats (which I had never used before going to these classes). The only qualm I have is with the booking system. Booking for the next week opens on Mondays at midday (when I'm usually busy with work). By the time I can get round to booking, many of the classes are already full. I was advised over email that some people get 'advanced booking priveleges', but when I asked (twice) how I might be able to get the privileges, I was ignored both times. This was a bit of a downer for me as I recently signed up to an expensive monthly membership, and it would be nice to be able to plan and book my classes a bit more in advance. Don't let that put you off though - if you're local and looking for a proper workout I'd definitely...

Best spin studio in London! The classes are very inclusive, have great music and energy. I've enjoyed the classes with all the instructors I've tried, but the classes with Wolf are definitely my favourite! Their door policy is strict, but they try really hard to help you make your class. I've come right on the minute before (thankfully ready to go) and cut it very close, but someone helped me keep my stuff behind the desk so I could make it for the class and they really made an effort to ensure I didn't miss out. They also always have a staff member (in addition to the instructor) to help with set up before the class starts, which is helpful if you're new to spin, the bikes / shoes, or just generally need some help with adjusting your bike.

Highlights for me are also how clean everything is, that they provide you with lovely clean towels for the classes and the shakes! They make the BEST protein shakes - I wish it was available on deliveroo so I could order it during...