Class: Ride
Duration: 45 minutes
Intensity: 9/10
Price: £24 (cheaper pricing available with bulk credit buys & memberships)
Location: 1Rebel Victoria, Nova South, 5 Allington St, Westminster, London SW1E 5BX
Closest Tube: Victoria Station (1 minute walk - take the Victoria Street exit)
Website: https://www.1rebel.com/uk
Waiting area outside the spin studio.
1Rebel definitely fits the bill as one of London's higher-end studios. The spin studio itself is rare in that there are two levels of bikes, with a stage front and centre for your instructor. Bikes are set in rows on the ground level, with an aisle through the middle, making it a lot simpler to get to your bike compared to the squeeze of other locations. There are a set of stairs at the back of the room, which leads up to the first floor, and bikes positioned on a balcony, that surrounds three sides, and provides a perfect view down to the instructor.
As for the overall experience, the stage, with it's digital display board behind, along with the light show on offer, makes for a great time - you could be forgiven for thinking you were at a music gig (sweat levels are similar too...).
Side view of studio from Franco Manca opposite.
Like with many studios, it can be hit and miss with the instructor that you choose. Thus, I find a good standard approach is to check how busy each class is before you book - or even use ClassPass to see which instructor's classes aren't available. This quick check, is usually a good indicator. In general however, I've always had a pretty good instructor - sometimes the music can be a bit awry, but if you're there to break a sweat and enjoy the positive vibes before heading home for your dinner (or for a pint in the nearby Nova Building area, with plentiful bars and restaurants), then this isn't a bad shout.
The changing rooms here are spacious - unlike their Southbank studio, which is somewhat cramped - with good and plentiful showers, reliable hot water, and plenty of space to move around. There's even an emergency button to press if you find yourself "Naked & Afraid" and unable to open your locker (nice touch!). The only thing that confuses me with their setup in the changing room, is having a row of lockers at the same level as the benches, where people inevitably sit post-shower. Thus, if you're one of the last in after the class, you are often forced to awkwardly move piles of sweaty clothes (or politely shift a sweaty human) in order to gain locker access. Minor thing but I'm all about the efficiencies!
Plenty of products available post-shower. I was a bit shocked that I'd made it to a class :-)
Pricing is high if you're just purchasing single classes but check their website regularly for offers on memberships and bulk credit packages, where you can reduce that £24 p/class down to under £15 p/class if you're savvy.
For example, in January 2023 (when I am writing this article), a 10 sessions p/month pass with a minimum 12 month term was on offer (30% off), selling for £140 rolling p/month. Pretty good value if you're going to make it a regular thing.
Finishing on some interesting marketing...
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