A few months after becoming a member, I tried spinning classes, which were fun and challenging. I…read moresoon noticed the seats, set parallel to the floor, didn't fit my anatomy. I was sliding forward uncomfortably.
I brought a wrench, raised the front of (just)one seat a notch, and then it didn't feel as if I were struggling to stay on. I chose the narrowest, least padded style, similar to a racing bike saddle. The owner told me I was the only one who preferred that kind.
There used to be a 'needs fixing' sheet for members to list equipment problems. Some had written complaints that the bike seats were 'tipped.' So, the staff flattened all the seats.
I went to Lee, the manager, and asked politely if I could have one seat (just one seat!) adjusted to my comfort. I was met with an expression of surprise and mild annoyance. Denied.
The classes were never full so nobody would've been forced to use a 'tipped' seat. But even if all the bikes in the spinning studio had been taken, there were four more in other parts of the gym, which I never saw in use simultaneously. One seat on any of those could've been adjusted without forcing anyone to use a 'tipped' seat. And of course, the seat posts are interchangeable.
So, on it went: I'd adjust a single saddle, a staff member would flatten it, and the charade would begin anew.
I politely raised the issue with Ruby, the owner; she said she'd put a note on a saddle to not flatten it. A week later she reneged, implying Lee wouldn't allow it. The reasoning: If one was changed, then all could be changed and Lee wasn't willing to deal with that. Denied again.
BUT, he accommodated all those who complained about 'tipped' seats. That's not fair. He could've easily worked with me and gotten to 'yes.' The seats are adjustable for a reason. The entire business is BASED on human anatomy, including its--ahem--variations.
I was 'nudged' by the former manager shortly after starting my membership. Under my original 4-star rating on this page, she added a note asking me what it would take to add a fifth star. Consistent, prolonged and respectful treatment as a valued member, I would've told her.
But, my reasonable requests were repeatedly ignored.
A couple of the staff(K and K) seemed to view me as demanding, difficult, and treated me with veiled hostility.
And then there's this:
The two managers, Lee & Jen, plus Lee's wife, wrote 5-star reviews on this page. These are conflict of interest violations per Google usage rules. Owner Ruby added praise and thanks below these 'reviews.'
P.S. The managers' illegitimate reviews and owner-added comments have been deleted.
October 2023.
