Back when I travelled more for work, I would do spin classes in place of my bike rides. I found spin studio bikes are MUCH nicer to ride than a hotel fitness center "sort of bike-shaped" machine. I did find some studios were more towards the general fitness side than cycling specific...one studio would call people out to jump off the bike and do pushups in the middle of the ride; never went back there.

I have also shown up to classes on a recovery week, told the instructor before the class I'm going to spin along at Z1/Z2 in the back and never had any issues.

In a sport that takes up a lot of our time and energy, if you can find a way to train with your Partner, even if it might be a little less ideal, I think that's a win.

Spin classes do vary a lot. I try not to be the class douche. I listen to their music and generally follow along. I am there before class starts and stay until the end.

Most of the time when the instructor finds I'm using this for IM training and I'm an "outside cyclist" they are generally flattered and treat me very nicely. They prefer my "snowbird" spinning vs the new years resolution spinners.

Once I get to know them the only thing I ask for is not the play the Rolling Stones as I despise the band.

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Swim - Bike - Run the rest is just clothing changes.

Sounds like a win win - more time with wifey and the kid is also looked after.

I think it’s interesting reading the different attitudes towards spinning classes. I’ve done it for many years and have had a huge range of instructors ... I was very picky as I liked the ones that pushed us hard. It can definitely be a great workout especially for cardio and leg strength. There are limitations such as not training on your own bike and the program not being tailored for tri training. But if you can fit the spin class in your training schedule why not? Go for it :)