Originally Posted by sterlingsam

Spinning (via Soul Cycle, Peloton, Wahoo, Zwift, etc.) and bicycling on the road both use some of the same muscles, but spinning does use more of the hamstrings. This is because of the flywheel, which is typically 14-18kg. Cycling, however, uses a lot more of the body muscles, esp. lower body. Abs, forearms, hamstrings, gluts, shins, calves, and quads. The thighs, in particular, are worked harder cycling. Unless you are pedaling pretty much all the time while cycling, you will achieve better cardiovascular fitness with spinning. Unless you are spinning for hours and hours, however, there is no comparison between the calories burned. Cycling will burn many more calories than spinning, fighting the headwind, avoiding potholes, debris, cars, dogs on leashes, etc., taking on hilly terrain, high mileage. If you have limited time to cycle, as I do, I might suggest riding a heavier bike. I thought I was a pretty good cyclist, until I went to Denmark, rented a bike comparable to what everyone else was riding. In that situation, other than the under 10 year olds, most Danes can blow you away, while holding their cell phone in one hand, a warm beverage in the other! This is because they start riding very early, and they ride in dry weather, the rain, the snow, every condition. Americans, as a whole, tend to ride only in dry weather. That is the difference which accounts for Danes being much strong bicyclists than Americans and their average BMI is reflective of that. Spinning, of course, will not help you develop any outdoor cycling skills, climbing those hills, descending, riding with the wind behind you, riding with the wind in your face, etc. Spinning, however, is a form of exercise where you can literally close your eyes while doing it. That is, there are no hazards, such as cars, and careless drivers opening their doors on you without looking back, potholes, to look out for. This accounts for the majority of spinning riders being women, and majority of outdoor cyclists being men. Easily 80% of spinning riders are women while more than three-quarters of outdoor cyclists are men. Largely a safety concern, but also sexual harassment, clothing, time, etc.

Originally Posted by sterlingsam

Spinning (via Soul Cycle, Peloton, Wahoo, Zwift, etc.)

Originally Posted by PeteHski

Wahoo and Zwift are not just “spinning” at a high cadence and low torque. Far from it.

Originally Posted by mattcalifornia

Peloton is nothing like that and has a variety of different structured workout classes.