If there is a “hub” of cycling in Seattle it may very well be the Ballard-Fremont corridor. The two neighborhoods have a dense ecosystem of cycling businesses that include:
–Cascade Bicycle Studio (CBS) which offers a personalized bike purchase and fitting process, and has earned some notoriety for their shop rides
–Dutch Bike, which is focused on commuters and folks who use bikes for utiliarian purposes (as opposed to merely for sport and recreation)
–Second Ascent, an outdoor gear retailer including bikes
Add to the list The Beautiful Bike, a new cycling studio owned by Peter Cannon whom I met a while back when he worked in the HSP shop for a short time. The Beautiful Bike offers a spectrum of indoor cycling and fitness classes. While the focus of most indoor cycling classes is on intensity, sweat, and suffering, Peter’s coaching focus is on having fun and providing an experience that helps his coaching clients connect with their bodies.
The Beautiful Bike uses RealRyder bikes, which have an articulating frame technology that enables a wider variety of movements than conventional stationary bikes. Peter led me through a 30-minute workout that included both familiar spin exercises, as well as movements that can only be done on this kind of bike. I wouldn’t say that a RealRyder bike mimics an outdoor cycling experience per se. Rather, in addition to a cardio workout, it provides a platform for different kinds of functional movements that help strengthen the core muscle groups and build kinesthetic awareness.
The Beautiful Bike offers a personalized experience. Peter keeps track of his client’s preferences and sets up each bike with a seat and pedals that match (or closely match) whatever his clients use on their outdoor bikes. The Beautiful Bike studio experience is definitely different from traditional indoor spin classes. If conventional indoor cycling classes don’t resonate with you, the experience Peter offers may be just what you have have been looking for.
