Wheel love: area couple run cycling studio in addition to full-time jobs

The couple that cycle together, stay together.

Nicole Nastanski, 32, and Jeff Olin, 33, opened The Cycling Studio, an 18,000-square-foot indoor cycling facility at 4840 S. Fort Apache Road, in January. The two became engaged in March.

It is the only indoor cycling-specific exercise facility in Las Vegas, the couple said.

The studio has undergone the usual struggles of a new business: occasional staffing issues, scheduling difficulties and membership numbers going up and down, but Nastanski and Olin said they are optimistic.

"There were times when one or the other would start to doubt," Olin said about opening their own business. "But we've always been positive ... hopefully, we'll look back and say, 'I'm glad we decided to do this.' "

The fact that the two have worked so well together through the struggles, he said, bodes well for their eventual marriage.

"If we haven't killed each other by now ... " he said, laughing.

Both work full-time jobs outside of the studio. Nastanski is a contractor for the Department of Energy, and Olin is an auto body technician who works on luxury cars.

Their studio offers, on average, 10 classes a week. The classes are normally in the mornings and evenings to accommodate both their clients' and their own work schedules.

"We make it a point to be here whenever we can," Nastanski said. "That face time is important to us."

The couple met through a mutual friend who sold Nastanski her first road bike. She said they both have a passion for the cycling industry.

In the beginning, when business was slow, the two would join classes.

"We couldn't have a class with just two people," Nastanski said. "We were taking classes every day. It got a little tiring."

The studio features 25 new Schwinn A.C. Sport bikes, which Olin maintains. An online registration system allows customers to sign up for a specific class, reserve a bike and pay.

The studio offers beginners instruction and assistance, bag and clothing storage, free towel service and changing rooms.

"With big gyms, there's so much hustle and bustle," he said. "There's 300 people trying to get a workout in. The spin classes have a high volume of people with quick turnover ... It's a lot more of a community atmosphere here."

With 10 certified indoor cycling instructors on staff, the studio offers a relaxed and open environment, allowing them to be more creative, the couple said.

"They can use videos and have themed classes," Nastanski said. "We could have '80s night, where people dress up."

She said one of the instructors went so far as to film a ride through Red Rock Canyon to play on the studio's televisions during class.

The two said they hope to add more classes in the fall.

As for their day jobs, both Nastanski and Olin said they hope to soon make The Cycling Studio their full-time occupation.

"We're keeping our eyes on that prize," she said, smiling.

Class times vary, starting as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 7 p.m. The first class is free, and prices for subsequent classes range from $15 for a single ride to $99 for a monthly unlimited pass. Other package deals are available.

For more information, call 431-6674 or visit thecyclingstudio.com.

Contact Southwest/Spring Valley View reporter Nolan Lister at nlister@viewnews.com or 383-0492.