Whether you’re brand new to indoor cycling or just brushing up on your lingo, getting familiar with the most common indoor cycling terms can help you feel more confident walking into your first class. At CycleBar, we believe that every rider, from first-timers to seasoned pros, should feel empowered and informed. This beginner’s guide to indoor cycling terms will help you understand what to expect, how to get the most out of your ride, and why CycleBar is the ultimate indoor cycling experience.
Clipping in refers to securing your cycling shoes into the pedals using a cleat system. This keeps your feet firmly in place and allows for more powerful pedal strokes. At CycleBar, our bikes are equipped with dual pedals that accommodate both SPD clips and traditional athletic shoes.
Pro tip: New to clipping in? Arrive a few minutes early to class and ask your instructor for a custom bike set-up and help!
The saddle is the cycling term for the bike seat. Proper saddle height is key for a safe and effective ride. Your instructor or front desk team can assist you in adjusting it to fit your body.
Check out our class options to learn more about the different experiences offered in and out of the saddle.
Resistance is the amount of tension on your bike, controlled by the resistance knob. Instructors will cue you to add or release resistance throughout the class to simulate climbs, sprints, and intervals.
You control your resistance. It’s your ride, your pace.
A travelback is a move done while riding out of the saddle. It involves pushing your hips back over the saddle in a pulsing motion, activating your core and glutes. It’s a CycleBar signature move that adds rhythm and fun to your ride.
Want to master your moves? Practice with us at home on XPLUS.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute and measures how fast you're pedaling. Instructors often reference RPM during sprints, jogs, or climbs to help guide your effort. You may also hear the term rhythm, which refers to riding to the beat of the music. Whether you're focused on cadence or connection to the music, both help you stay motivated and challenged. Don't worry if it takes time to find your flow. You'll get there with consistency.
When instructors say “add gear,” they’re talking about increasing resistance. At CycleBar, we use a resistance knob instead of numbered gears, giving you the freedom to adjust based on your own strength and stamina. Resistance is a key metric that instructors cue throughout the ride to help guide your intensity and keep you challenged.
Explore your strength with a Classic ride, our foundational class format for all levels.
Leaderboard
The Leaderboard is a real-time display of each rider’s performance metrics during class. It’s totally optional, but for those who love a little friendly competition, it can be motivating and fun.
Want to see how you stack up? Visit your studio’s page to find a location near you and join a ride today.
After each class, you’ll receive a CycleStats email with a breakdown of your performance metrics like power, RPM, and distance. It’s a great way to track progress, set goals, and stay motivated ride after ride.
Now that you're familiar with common indoor cycling terms, you're ready to clip in with confidence. Whether you're joining us for your first class or your fiftieth, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Explore CycleBar locations near you, browse our class formats, or ride at home with XPLUS. For more tips and inspiration, check out other blog posts.