The Unchanged Spin Bike: Why Studio Cycling Needed a Revolution For decades, indoor studio cycling has offered great workouts but little technological evolution. The typical indoor bike design hasn’t fundamentally changed in 35 years – a flywheel, a resistance knob or lever, maybe a basic power readout and as such, studio cycling has been calling out for innovation. While other areas of the gym embraced high-tech upgrades, group cycling classes largely remained stuck with manual resistance and guesswork. It’s no surprise many gym operators and instructors have yearned for something radically new to re-energise their cycling studios. That status quo is about to change. Energym’s new partnership with CicloZone has unlocked a unique breakthrough in studio cycling technology – one that promises to fundamentally transform the group ride experience. For the first time, gyms can offer classes on smart bikes that automatically adjust resistance for each rider in real time. This is not just an incremental tweak; it’s a leap into truly smart, data-driven cycling workouts. Here’s why this development is being hailed as a game-changer for the industry. Enter ERG Mode: A Breakthrough in Group Cycling In the world of elite cycling and home training, ERG mode (short for ergometer mode) has been a secret weapon for years. On smart trainers used with apps like Zwift, ERG mode automatically adjusts the resistance to keep a rider at a precise target power output, ensuring perfectly calibrated intervals without any manual fiddling. You simply pedal, and the machine increases or decreases the load to hold you in the desired intensity zone. It’s like having a personal coach in the bike’s firmware – no more twisting a dial and wondering if you’ve hit the right level. The payoff? Better training results with less mental guesswork. Until now, ERG mode was impossible to implement in a studio environment. Traditional indoor bikes aren’t “smart” and require riders to manually adjust resistance. Also, historically, ERG-capable trainers needed to be plugged into mains power For years, even industry veterans like CicloZone’s founder Darren Lee regarded ERG in group cycling as a fantasy and “just a dream” – because the technology simply wasn’t feasible on dozens of bikes at once. That’s why our partnership with CicloZone solution is so significant. By integrating CicloZone’s intelligent cycling software with Energym’s innovative RE:GEN indoor studio bike, we’ve brought automatic, instructor-controlled resistance to every bike in the class. This is made possible as the RE:GEN can generate and store its own electrical power from pedalling, which powers an electromagnetic resistance system on each bike. Unlike legacy equipment, the RE:GEN bikes don’t need to be plugged into the wall at all – they’re self-powered. This was the missing piece that finally makes studio ERG mode a reality. We’ve created the world’s first indoor group cycling setup where the software can automatically control bike resistance across an entire class. In practice, that means an instructor (or a pre-programmed workout in CicloZone) can set the target intensity for each interval, and every RE:GEN bike will seamlessly adjust itself to keep each rider on track. "This isn’t just a cool piece of tech – it fundamentally changes the group cycling experience for the better," Will Flint, CEO - Energym. Tech-Powered Bikes for Precision and Engagement Energym’s tech-powered RE:GEN bikes with auto-resistance control are bringing a new level of precision, engagement, and efficiency to group cycling. Consider what this means for your classes: every sprint, climb, and interval can be executed at exactly the intended intensity for every participant. The moment an interval starts, the bikes’ electromagnetic resistance kicks in to hold each rider at the prescribed wattage or effort zone. No more riders erratically twisting resistance knobs; no more guessing or falling out of sync with the workout plan. The entire class stays “ocked into the perfect intensity from start to finish. No drop-offs, no slacking – just results on autopilot. This automatic precision delivers huge benefits for engagement. Instructors are freed up to coach, motivate, and connect with participants instead of constantly instructing people to add or reduce resistance. Riders stay fully immersed in the experience – they can focus on pushing the pedals and enjoying the music and experience, confident that the bike has them at exactly the right intensity. And because the system is smart, it can tailor the resistance to each rider’s fitness profile, effectively personalising the workout for every individual in the group. The net effect is a highly engaging class where every rider – from beginner to pro – feels challenged and supported by the tech. Benefits of ERG Mode for Instructors, Riders, and Gyms Why is this ERG-enabled setup such a game-changer for studio cycling? Let’s break down the key benefits: No More Guesswork – Only Results: Riders no longer have to second-guess if their resistance is right. The ERG system eliminates the guesswork by automatically setting the correct intensity for them. This means consistent performance across all riders – no one accidentally taking it too easy or too hard. The workout quality is reliably high for everyone, every class. Data-Driven, Smarter Workouts: ERG mode ensures each interval is executed at a precise power output, aligned with training science. In practice, this leads to smarter, more effective workouts. Instructors (or the CicloZone app’s virtual coaches) can program classes based on real training zones and trust that all riders are hitting those targets. Over time, the system can even adjust to each rider’s evolving fitness – for example, using real-time FTP (functional threshold power) measurement to personalise the resistance. All the performance data is tracked, giving both coaches and members actionable insights. In short, it brings Olympic-level training precision into a fun group setting. Level Playing Field – Inclusive for All Levels: Perhaps one of the most exciting benefits is how ERG mode levels the playing field in group rides. Because the resistance is tailored to each person’s ability (often scaled to a percentage of their own threshold or power profile), anyone from a novice to an elite cyclist can ride the same class and get an equally challenging workout. Beginners no longer feel left behind or intimidated by not knowing how or when to adjust the bike. The tech meets them where they and the auto-resistance feature enables anyone to compete with any ability. This inclusive, personalised approach makes classes more welcoming to newcomers while still pushing the seasoned athletes (since the stronger riders will simply have their resistance set higher, relative to their fitness). Consistent, Coach-Approved Intensity: For instructors and fitness directors, ERG mode is a dream because it guarantees the class hits the intended intensity profile every time. No more worrying that some riders are spinning too easy when they should be sprinting, or others are overexerting. If the workout calls for 2 minutes at 80% effort, everyone will be at 80% of their level, automatically. This consistency leads to better results and happier members who actually see progress from class to class. Enhanced Engagement & Gamification: Because the RE:GEN and CicloZone are collecting rich data, it opens up a world of engagement tools. Live leaderboards, wattage targets, and color-coded power zones give riders instant feedback and an element of gamification. You can have friendly competitions on total energy generated or points earned for hitting targets. The CicloZone platform even tracks things like kilometres ridden or minutes in the red zone, offering challenges and rewards over weeks and months. All of this keeps members motivated and coming back for more, fostering that addictive “video game” quality that has made platforms like Zwift so popular – but now it’s happening in your studio. Riders are more likely to stick with their routine when it feels fun, measurable, and goal oriented. Less Intimidation, More Motivation: For new participants, walking into a high intensity cycling class can be daunting. Auto-resistance helps lower that intimidation factor – they don’t have to know the ins and outs of gears or resistance settings. The bike literally guides them through the workout at a level that’s appropriate. That lets instructors spend more time motivating and encouraging the group rather than explaining what resistance to use. The overall vibe becomes more supportive and collaborative. Riders can “just ride” and enjoy the experience, which is especially appealing to a generation of gym-goers who value experiences over old-school exercise drudgery. Bonus: Green Energy Generation: Only Energym’s solution provides an eco-friendly bonus – all that sweat equity isn’t wasted. The RE:GEN bikes convert rider pedalling into clean electricity that can be stored or fed back into your facility, reducing your energy costs. Members literally help power the studio’s lights or charge their own devices as they workout. It’s a compelling talking point and a sustainability angle that tech-savvy young members love. While not the core reason to implement ERG mode, it’s icing on the cake for gyms looking to differentiate and promote their green credentials. From Full Classes to Gym-Floor Setup: Flexible Setup for Any Gym Another advantage of the Energym-CicloZone system is its flexibility. We know not every facility has the luxury of a dedicated 50-bike cycling studio. That’s why our solution is designed to work in various settings – from large studio classes through to just a few bikes on the gym floor. Whether you operate a boutique cycle studio or a traditional gym, you can deploy this technology in a way that fits your space and community. Here are two common use cases: Immersive Studio Classes: Equip your cycle studio with a fleet of Energym RE:GEN bikes integrated with CicloZone’s software for a truly next-level class offering. In this setup, instructors can lead high-energy classes with full control over the experience. They set the program and intensity, and the system automatically keeps every rider in sync. Gym operators can market these as signature “smart cycling” classes that differentiate their schedule. Expect to attract not only seasoned spinners but also data-loving fitness enthusiasts and curious newcomers who want to try the “world-first” in cycling tech. Gym Floor Setup: If you don’t have a studio, or to supplement your class schedule, you can create smaller installations of 2–4 Energym bikes in your main gym floor or a functional training area. These mini stations, that feature a display screen, allow members to hop on and do a guided CicloZone workout anytime, either solo or with a few friends. The bikes can run self-led classes or virtual instructors via the CicloZone app, using the same ERG magic to auto-adjust and coach the users. This setup encourages casual group rides and friendly competition among members in a less formal setting. In particular, tech-savvy members (think Gen Z and Millennials) are drawn to these interactive experiences. They see the gym not just as a place to lift weights and leave, but as a social hub where they can connect, compete, and have fun with technology-enhanced workouts. Providing such an engaging tool can help attract a new demographic and keep them coming back. Plus, the compact pod format means you can implement this innovation without a huge footprint or dedicated studio space. A Vision of the Future: Energym & CicloZone Leading the Way What we’re witnessing with the Energym and CicloZone partnership is more than just a new class format – it’s the beginning of a new era of connected, intelligent training in mainstream gyms. If you’re looking to differentiate your facility with a high-impact, tech-forward experience, auto-resistance cycling could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. It brings science-backed training to the masses in an addictive format, builds community and competition among members, and signals that your gym is at the cutting edge of fitness innovation. "Studio cycling just went from analog to digital – and the ride has never been more exciting." For more details on implementing Energym’s RE:GEN bikes with CicloZone’s platform in your facility – whether a full studio or a modular pod setup – contact us here. We’ll help you be among the first to launch this experience and put your gym on the map as a leader in fitness tech.