For flats and sprints
One foot on the beat
RPM = BPM
Your right foot pushes down on every beat. Flats usually run at 80 to 110 RPM, so use tracks at 80 to 110 BPM.
95 BPM track · 95 RPM flat
Spin class music
Indoor cycling runs on cadence. Match the beat to the pedal stroke, then set any track to the RPM you're coaching.
Match the beat to the pedal stroke
Cadence is how many times one leg goes around in a minute. Riders hold it best when their feet land on the beat, and there are two ways to ride it.
For climbs
Both feet on the beat
RPM = BPM ÷ 2
Each foot pushes down on its own beat. Climbs usually run at 60 to 80 RPM, so use tracks at 120 to 160 BPM.
140 BPM track · 70 RPM climb
An example 45-minute ride
Each block's cadence, and the BPM to set the music to. Adjust it to your riders.
| Block | Cadence | Set the music to |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up flat0–5 min | 85 RPM | 85 BPMOne foot on the beat |
| Seated climb5–12 min | 70 RPM | 140 BPMBoth feet on the beat |
| Flat with resistance12–18 min | 95 RPM | 95 BPMOne foot on the beat |
| Standing climb18–26 min | 64 RPM | 128 BPMBoth feet on the beat |
| Sprints26–34 min | 105 RPM | 105 BPMOne foot on the beat |
| Last climb34–40 min | 68 RPM | 136 BPMBoth feet on the beat |
| Cool-down40–45 min | 80 RPM | 80 BPMOne foot on the beat |
Set the tempo instead of hunting for songs
The right song is often at the wrong tempo. With BPM control, you pick songs for the mood and set the cadence yourself.
BPM control in Premium Pulse and Studio Suite
Any BPM from 60 to 200
Tap the BPM under Tempo in the player and set the cadence you want, for one track or the whole playlist.
Daily Mixes at 136 BPM
Fresh 60-minute mixes every day. At 136 BPM with both feet on the beat, that's a 68 RPM climb.
60-minute DJ mixes
Mix and match them, and set them to any BPM for a whole block.
Gapless playback
No silence between tracks, so the cadence carries straight through a track change.
HIIT Timer
Time sprint intervals in the app, with a playlist running underneath.
Spin class music questions
What BPM is best for a spin class?
It depends on the cadence you are coaching. For flats at 80 to 110 RPM, use tracks at 80 to 110 BPM with one foot landing on each beat. For climbs at 60 to 80 RPM, use tracks at 120 to 160 BPM with each foot landing on a beat.
How do I match music to cadence?
Pick which foot lands on the beat. If only your right foot pushes down on each beat, cadence equals the BPM. If each foot pushes down on its own beat, cadence is half the BPM. So a 140 BPM track gives a 70 RPM climb, and a 95 BPM track gives a 95 RPM flat.
Can I change the tempo of a song for my spin class?
Yes, in Premium Pulse and Studio Suite. Open the player, tap the BPM under Tempo, and set the exact BPM for one track or lock it for the whole playlist. The app goes from 60 to 200 BPM, and tracks are time-stretched to the tempo you choose.
What music works for indoor cycling?
Songs with a steady, driving beat that riders can lock onto. Fitness Radio has more than 61,000 tracks in pop, rock, electronic and more, plus Daily Mixes and 60-minute DJ mixes you can set to any BPM.
More answers on the FAQ page.
Set the cadence in your next ride.
Start free trial
Full music library included in the trial.