Train Chicago Studios

The class If you’re anyone other than a triathlete in training or an extreme urban cyclist, chances are you’ve stowed away your two-wheeler until the first sign of spring. Enter Computrainer classes at Train Chicago Studios (309 W Chicago Ave, 312-526-3268).

The details Unlike a traditional Spinning class, you bring your own bike to the studio—anything flies, from a mountain bike to a slick road ride (opt to store your bike at the gym for $20). Swap out your tires and hook up your bike to the Computrainer—a stand that both holds your bike in place and analyzes your performance. Customized classes run the gamut, but two types of rides are the bread and butter eight-week course options. Option one: After taking a basic fitness test with a trainer to determine your experience level, your aerobic threshold and your ultimate goal, saddle up for a once-a-week ride with as many as 19 other cyclists. Three screens at the front of the classroom show your progress throughout class (everything from wattage to mileage to calories burned), firing up some friendly competition. Option two: Take a virtual ride anywhere in the world by selecting nearly any existing race course—from Couer d’Alene to Kona. Just imagine watching your avatar pedaling her way up the Rocky Mountains while you feel the resistance on your wheels escalating. Pretty trippy. All levels of experience are welcome, whether you’re breaking in your backside (one piece of advice: wear padded bike shorts) or training for your fifth Ironman.

When to take it Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:30am and 6pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm. Saturdays at 6am and 9am. Sundays at 6am and 10am. Eight week sessions of once-a-week classes cost $150; take 15 percent off additional weekly sessions.