The first thing you notice when you step into CycleBar isn’t the bikes, it’s the energy. Music hums under the studio lights, riders settle in with quiet anticipation, and there’s a sense of shared purpose in the room. It feels less like a workout class and more like a community gathering, one brought together by rhythm, sweat, and the unmistakable pull of movement.
For owner Chris McMahon, that’s exactly what drew him in. He laughs when he recalls his first visit: “My wife was the one who told me to check it out. I was skeptical—I remember saying, ‘CycleBar? I don’t know.’ But we love outdoor cycling, so I went to a Saturday morning class. I walked out thinking, this is awesome.”
McMahon had spent more than a decade in law enforcement before moving into personal training, and he had always imagined owning a fitness space. CycleBar wasn’t what he expected, but it quickly became everything he’d been looking for. “The workout was amazing. I mean, I couldn’t stay on beat to save my life,” he jokes, “but it was so much fun. And I immediately saw how much it could improve my power on the bike.”
But the clincher wasn’t the cardio, it was the people. “The community just hooked me,” he says. “They were super welcoming, celebrating everyone’s wins. The instructors were phenomenal. The energy was unreal. I was like, yeah, this could work.”
Classes move with the music. Riders shift side to side, rise out of the saddle, sync movements in what the studio calls the “choreo.” As Chris describes it: “It’s kind of like dancing. You’re using your arms, core, legs, it’s a full-body workout without feeling like a full-body workout.” The lighting, playlists, and pacing create an atmosphere that pulls you in, making each ride feel like an experience rather than a task on your to-do list.
In winter, when icy trails and cold mornings disrupt fitness routines, the studio becomes a hideout. Riders stay warm, stay consistent, and stay connected. “That’s one of the best parts,” Chris says. “You don’t lose your momentum when the weather changes. And honestly, it’s just a blast. You forget you’re even doing cardio.” For cyclists who usually spend long hours outdoors, CycleBar fills the seasonal gap with structure, challenge, and a sense of adventure, minus the freezing wind.
Beyond the workout itself, CycleBar has built a culture around encouragement. Members cheer for one another during milestones or small victories. After class, riders linger—not to compare performance metrics, but to talk, share, and, sometimes, decompress.
“A lot of people come in carrying stress or things going on in life,” Chris says. “During the ride, the music and movement help them zone out a bit. It’s therapeutic.”
That sense of connection becomes especially important during winter months, when isolation can sneak in. “People need a place to feel supported,” he adds. “And this community shows up for each other.”
Taking over the studio came with its own learning curve. “Running a business was totally new for me,” Chris says. “Being the leader my team needs, that’s been the biggest challenge. You have to communicate clearly, follow up, lead by example. And if you say you’re going to do something, you absolutely have to do it. That builds trust.”
His background in law enforcement shaped his approach to pressure. “Little crises come up all the time, but I’m like, well, no one is coming after me for anything, so we're fine," he says with a smile. That perspective helps him stay grounded, even on busy days. “But I also try to remember that what feels small to me might feel big to someone else. Finding that balance is key.”
Now, his focus has shifted to growth. More members, more sessions, and one clear goal. “I want this to be the best cycling studio possible,” he says. “I want people to walk in and immediately feel the energy that made me fall in love with it.”
When asked how he’d describe CycleBar to someone who’s never tried it, Chris doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the best indoor cardio you’re going to find. It’s fun, it’s hard, and you don’t even realize you’re working out until the end when you’re like, ‘Man…I’m tired.’ That’s how you know it was a good workout.”
In a season where staying active can feel like a chore, CycleBar offers something rare... a workout that’s warm, energizing, community-driven, and—maybe most importantly—something to look forward to.
Chris McMahon
Owner of CycleBar Centennial
When you talk to Chris McMahon you quickly understand why the studio feels so grounded in community and purpose. Before stepping into fitness ownership, Chris spent 12 years in law enforcement, an experience that shaped his calm leadership style. “Little crises don’t rattle me,” he says. “If nobody’s life is in danger, we’re okay. We’ll figure it out.”
After leaving the police force, he started personal training, but the dream of owning his own space lingered. When his wife spotted that the local CycleBar was for sale, she nudged him to try a class. “I was skeptical,” he admits. “But the workout was amazing, and the energy in the room was unbelievable.” He was hooked.
Today, Chris leads with clear communication, accountability, and genuine care. “If you say you’re going to do something, you have to do it,” he says. “That’s how you build trust.”
He stays motivated by staying fit himself. “I want to be prepared for anything—playing with my kids, joining a race, whatever life brings.” It’s that spirit he brings into every class and every rider who walks through the doors.