For prospective entrepreneurs, the boutique fitness industry can look like a crowded field of trends. However, CycleBar, the global leader in indoor cycling, has proven that the most sustainable business model isn’t built on a fad; it’s built on real demand, recurring membership revenue, and an experience that stands out.
With a refined strategic vision, CycleBar is embracing a 360-degree approach to wellness that meets the consumer where they are, whether they’re a 15-year-old starting their fitness journey or a grandmother training for her next decades of vitality, and everyone in between. With this, CycleBar also offers franchisees an opportunity with a sticky membership model, clear market differentiators and a leadership team committed to supporting franchisees’ long-term success.
“I’m a big believer in the power of fitness to change lives,” said Lori Klein, President of CycleBar. “I also believe in the power of this business to sustain both the entrepreneurs who invest and the communities they serve. As a leadership team, we remain committed to ensuring our franchisees have the strongest possible foundation to build thriving businesses in the boutique fitness space.”
A Vision Formed Through Firsthand Experience
While CycleBar has the backing of Extraordinary Brands, the multi-brand boutique fitness franchisor, it is also led, at the brand level, by someone who is incredibly passionate about CycleBar and its mission.
Klein’s journey in franchising, and to CycleBar, began with her building her own franchise that served busy moms like herself. After selling this business, she found CycleBar. From launching independent studios to rehabilitating underperforming locations as a consultant, she recognized CycleBar’s potential, and the operational discipline required to make studios successful across markets.
“I got to know the business from every direction,” she said. “I was boots-on-the-ground support in Raleigh, Atlanta, Portland, Seattle and Dallas. I saw that every market was wildly different, but the core human need remained the same. People don’t come back to CycleBar just because of the exercise; they come back because they find their community.”
CycleBar Franchisees Bring Wellness, Acceptance and Strength to Their Communities
The CycleBar methodology is rooted in a unique workout that supports both the physical and mental well-being of members.
“It doesn’t matter what kind of day someone had when they show up to CycleBar,” Klein said. “I like to say that you never regret a CycleBar workout. You come in black and white, and you emerge colorful. People feel so good from what they’ve experienced. That hit of replenishment is what we deliver, in addition to a highly effective heart, lung and muscle strengthening workout.”
The feel-good benefit doesn’t stop with the individual experience of the workout and its effects. CycleBar is also deeply committed to accessibility and inclusivity, working to move away from the exclusive feel some boutique fitness concepts have. Rather, CycleBar promotes a philosophy that honors each rider’s body and pace, encouraging members to complete the workout that they need.
While instructors guide the class through a unified journey, there is explicit permission for riders to do what feels right for them. A communal workout, where members are united by the environment and music, combined with encouragement to adjust as needed, makes CycleBar a welcoming environment for people of all shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels.
CycleBar also remains committed to evolving as its customer base's needs do. Modern consumers are increasingly prioritizing longevity and functional health, recognizing the value of both cardiovascular fitness and strength training. With this, CycleBar has continued to look at programming, evolving the existing STRENGTH class to provide deeper work with muscle building through time under tension. For studio owners who want to push that potential a little further, CycleBar has introduced Define classes, giving franchisees the ability to integrate strength-training and heavier-lifting classes into their regular rotation with the proper certifications. This allows studios to offer a comprehensive fitness solution that boosts things like cardiovascular endurance, VO2 max and muscle preservation, all while staying true to the high-energy cycling core that built CycleBar’s reputation.
For franchisees, this evolution allows studios to meet changing consumer demand while maintaining the simplicity of a proven operating model.
An Opportunity to Nurture Community and Build a Legacy
Beyond brand affinity, CycleBar’s model is designed to support long-term member retention and predictable studio performance. As CycleBar continues to grow and evolve, its leadership team is pressure testing the model to ensure maximum efficiency. Klein has already rolled out several new tools and initiatives to boost franchisees’ profitability and success, identifying the real challenges they face and providing practical solutions.
“For example, we know that we don’t have a hard time driving leads; CycleBar is a well-known name,” she said. “But we’re helping our owners level up the first-time rider experience. We’ve rolled out a 90-day training program to coach studios on how to turn a single drop-in into a lifelong member.”
With this consistent growth, Klein highlights the importance of franchisees’ continued involvement. The brand is seeking owners who understand that boutique fitness is both a people business and an operational one — leaders willing to build teams, nurture community and execute the model consistently. Franchise owners who go the extra mile to connect with the local community, such as inviting the local PTA for a private ride or collaborating with a nearby health cafe for post-workout samples, will see healthier growth with the CycleBar model.
Success in the CycleBar model requires both persistence and community focus. The ideal CycleBar franchisee understands that this is a business that needs consistent nurturing to thrive. By focusing on granular operational details and providing extensive ongoing training and support, from facilities cleanliness to instructor auditions, CycleBar ensures its owners have every tool necessary to create a home away from home for their members.
“I want to help our owners find their way to financial sustainability and community impact; that is the legacy I want to leave,” Klein said. “And I want to do it with entrepreneurs who are ready to be the face of their community, or prepared to hire a General Manager who can serve in that capacity. Someone needs to own the role as the face of the studio, connecting with riders and their communities, to maximize sustainability and potential.”
CycleBar has franchise opportunities across the United States, supported by national marketing infrastructure and ongoing franchisee training.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/extraordinary-brands.