image credit: nike
Nike unveiled its first ever shoe for indoor cycling called “The SuperRep Cycle.” The shoe is designed to compliment high-end spin bikes and the clips are compatible with many major cleat systems, as well as caged pedals. It features a support arc to help keep feet secured during “Figure 8s” and side-to-side combination maneuvers. The lightweight mesh on the upper, a sockliner and bottom-mounted vents, help increase airflow and cut down on water weight from sweat.
image credit: nike
Indoor cycling traces its routes back to 1965, when Schwinn introduced the first mainstream stationary bike. In the 1970s and ’80s, stationary bikes started popping up in homes and public gyms. Group fitness cycling classes began popping up in the 1990s when Johnny Goldberg, a South African Cyclist, created the first commercial Spinner bicycle and created a “Spinning” group exercise program at Crunch gyms in New York.
Nike’s launch comes at a time when spin class studios, such as SoulCycle and Flywheel are facing increased competition from at-home competitors like Peloton. The concept of group spinning studios was waining before COVID-19 changed our lives. This as traditional gyms are also facing heavy debt loads and severe uncertainty. Still, the cycling trend is showing no sign of slowing down. Instead, there is a paradigm shift as consumer behavior is starting to prioritize convenience and savings over luxury facilities and amenities.
The SuperRep Cycle is available for sale today in Europe and will be released globally on June 1st.