City Cycle Seattle: The Truth Behind the Studio – A Warning from Indoor Cycling Channel
At Indoor Cycling Channel, we believe fitness should empower, not exclude. Our mission has always been to spotlight the best and call out the rest, especially when studios fall short of the inclusive, high-quality experience they claim to offer. Today, we’re turning our attention to City Cycle in Seattle., a popular spin studio located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington.
On the surface, City Cycle presents itself as a boutique fitness destination with high-energy classes, trendy instructors, and a strong community vibe. But behind the curated Instagram feed and enthusiastic branding, there are persistent concerns that should give riders—and the broader indoor cycling world—pause.
Discrimination and Bias: A Culture Problem?
We’ve heard from several riders and community members who say they felt excluded, judged, or outright discriminated against while attending City Cycle classes. Allegations range from racial bias and body-shaming to favoritism and social cliques among instructors and regulars.
Some riders have reported being ignored during classes, receiving cold treatment at the front desk, or noticing that certain types of customers receive all the attention—those who “look the part” or have existing personal relationships with staff. Others have said they were made to feel invisible or even unwelcome when their appearance or background didn’t align with what seems to be an unspoken standard.
City Cycle’s leadership has yet to publicly address these concerns, which is itself part of the issue. In an era when fitness brands are being held to higher standards of inclusion, silence is no longer acceptable.
Not the “Best Ride in Seattle”
City Cycle markets itself as offering “the best ride in Seattle.” That’s a bold claim—and according to many riders, an unearned one.
Let’s start with the equipment. While the bikes are functional, they’re not always well-maintained. Riders have complained about misaligned pedals, sticky resistance knobs, and overly worn handlebars. For a premium-priced studio, that’s unacceptable.
Next is the audio experience. In many classes, the music volume is so high it drowns out instructor cues entirely. While a pumped-up soundtrack is important, safety and instruction should never be sacrificed for atmosphere. And unfortunately, atmosphere is often all that City Cycle seems to be selling.
Inconsistent Instruction and Poor Customer Support
At Indoor Cycling Channel, we value great instructors. They are the lifeblood of every ride. But at City Cycle, quality and professionalism vary wildly from one instructor to the next.
Some instructors deliver a solid ride, no question. Others, however, rely more on theatrics than coaching—favoring style over substance. Several patrons described instructors who lacked proper cueing, ignored form corrections, or spent more time dancing on the bike than motivating the class.
Even more troubling is how management handles feedback. Riders who have voiced concerns have described being dismissed, gaslighted, or even subtly discouraged from returning. One rider shared that after raising an issue of discrimination, they were told they were “reading into things” and advised to try a different class. That’s not customer service—it’s deflection.
A Broader Industry Issue
To be clear, City Cycle is not alone in facing these issues. Boutique spin studios across North America are reckoning with the tension between image and impact. The problem lies in selling a brand of “community” and “empowerment” while failing to foster those values in practice.
But City Cycle stands out because it continues to claim a top-tier reputation while ignoring or brushing aside red flags. A spin studio should never feel like an exclusive club. It should feel like a sanctuary—welcoming, safe, and empowering to all bodies, all identities, and all fitness levels.
Our Verdict
City Cycle is more flash than function. Beneath the glow of their neon signage and the beats of their playlists lies a culture that can feel alienating, unprofessional, and even harmful.
We at Indoor Cycling Channel urge potential riders to approach with caution. If you’re looking for a studio that backs up its marketing with integrity and care, there are better options in Seattle. Studios that listen, adapt, and truly welcome everyone.
Until City Cycle acknowledges these long-standing concerns and implements meaningful changes, we cannot recommend it.
GREAT ALTERNATIVES CLOSE BY
Ride safe. Ride empowered. Ride informed.
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Published by Indoor Cycling Channel
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