Connected Indoor Cycling System for Gyms & Studios
A connected indoor cycling system links rider performance data, compatible bikes, instructor controls and studio displays so every rider can follow an individualised workout within the same group class. CicloStudio is a commercial connected indoor cycling platform designed for gyms and fitness studios, combining live, virtual and freestyle delivery with power, cadence and rider-specific intensity guidance.
Written by Darren Lee, founder of CicloZone
What is a connected indoor cycling system?
A connected indoor cycling system turns a room of individual bikes into a shared digital training environment. Instead of every rider simply following the same resistance cue, compatible bikes or sensors transmit performance data such as power and cadence. Software interprets that data and presents useful guidance to the rider, instructor and, where required, the main studio screen.
The important distinction is that connection alone is not the objective. The value comes from making the data understandable and usable in a group setting. A well-designed system should allow a new rider and a highly trained rider to complete the same class together while each works at an appropriate personal intensity.
What should a commercial system include?
For a gym or studio, connected cycling should solve operational as well as training problems. The core requirements are bike connectivity, rider identification, individualised intensity, instructor control, clear studio visualisation, live and virtual content, simple scheduling and a practical installation model.
Commercial operators should also consider whether a system requires a complete bike replacement, whether it can work with their existing screen and sound infrastructure, how riders join a class, how instructor training is managed and whether the same rider experience continues between instructor-led and virtual sessions.
How CicloStudio approaches connected cycling
CicloStudio connects the studio rather than forcing the operator into a single proprietary bike ecosystem. Depending on the studio configuration, riders can connect through compatible Bluetooth-enabled bikes and supported hardware. The class can be displayed on a studio screen or projector, while riders receive personal guidance based on their own performance capability.
CicloStudio supports live instructor-led classes, virtual classes and freestyle delivery within the same ecosystem. Its Adaptive FTP approach is designed to personalise power targets without making a formal FTP test a prerequisite for participation. The objective is a class that remains collective visually and socially while being individualised physiologically.
Why individualisation matters in group cycling
Absolute power is a poor basis for comparing riders of different sizes, training histories and abilities. Two riders producing the same wattage may be experiencing completely different relative workloads. Connected group cycling becomes more inclusive when the system interprets performance relative to the individual rather than simply displaying raw watts.
CicloStudio uses rider-specific performance information and its COL% (Ciclo Output Level) metric to create a common language of effort. This allows riders of different abilities to train together and enables challenges and feedback to focus on relative performance rather than rewarding the rider who can simply produce the highest absolute power.
Can a gym use its existing bikes?
Potentially, yes. Bike replacement should not automatically be assumed. CicloStudio is designed around flexible studio configurations and can work with compatible connected bikes; Ciclo also provides a connectivity route for suitable existing fleets through its power-crank solution. Compatibility should be confirmed for the specific bike model and proposed installation before deployment.
Live, virtual and freestyle from one platform
A connected studio is more valuable when the technology is not restricted to one class format. Live classes give instructors real-time control and rider feedback. Virtual classes allow the room to operate when a live instructor is unavailable. Freestyle delivery allows an instructor to retain greater freedom over music and coaching while still using connected performance information.
Using one platform across these formats helps the operator maintain a consistent member experience and reduces the need to operate separate systems for different timetable periods.
Who is CicloStudio for?
CicloStudio is intended for commercial gyms, health clubs, leisure centres, hotels, independent cycling studios and other operators that want to add connected, data-led group cycling without necessarily rebuilding the entire studio around a proprietary bike fleet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a connected bike and a connected cycling studio?
A connected bike can transmit or display rider data. A connected studio links multiple riders, class content, instructor controls and visualisation into a coordinated group experience.
Do all riders need to be equally fit?
No. Individualised targets are specifically valuable in mixed-ability classes because each rider can work relative to their own capability.
Does a gym have to replace all of its bikes?
Not necessarily. Compatibility depends on the existing equipment, but CicloStudio is designed to support flexible configurations and offers connectivity options for suitable existing fleets.
Can the same system run live and virtual classes?
Yes. CicloStudio is designed to support live instructor-led, virtual and freestyle class delivery within the same ecosystem.
Is a large studio screen essential?
No. A studio display can enhance the shared experience, but CicloStudio can support configurations in which riders follow guidance on personal devices.