The Formula: 3.5 Times the Total Number of Indoor Cycles
Andrew Sandoval's formula suggests that the optimal number of rental indoor cycling shoes is 3.5 times the total number of indoor cycles in your studio. This simple calculation ensures you have enough shoes to accommodate your riders comfortably. Let's break this down further:
Example: If your studio has 30 indoor cycles, you should aim to have a total of 105 pairs of indoor cycling shoes available for your riders.
Gender Distribution: Balancing Male and Female Riders
Understanding your rider demographics is essential. Typically, the gender distribution in indoor cycling studios hovers around 80% female and 20% male. Based on this data, you can allocate your rental shoes accordingly:
Example: For a studio with 30 bikes, you would allocate 84 pairs (80% of 105) for female riders and 21 pairs (20% of 105) for male riders.
Sizing Matters: Using Manufacturer Sales Data
The next crucial step is determining the distribution of sizes. Different riders have different shoe sizes, so it's vital to have a balanced assortment. For this, you can collaborate with indoor cycling shoe manufacturers like Shimano or Tiem, who can provide you with their sales data. This data can help you create a size curve that reflects the demand for various sizes in your studio's specific market.
Additional Considerations
While the total number of pairs of indoor cycling shoes may seem substantial, several factors validate this investment:
1. Turnover Between Classes: Rental shoes often need time for cleaning and disinfecting between classes. Ensuring you have a surplus of shoes helps prevent a situation where you can't provide shoes to riders for their next class.
2. Drying Time: Rental shoes used in an early morning class might still be damp several hours later. Riders expect dry, comfortable shoes, so having extras ensures a consistent experience.
3. Unexpected Demand: Your studio may experience peak periods or unexpected surges in demand. Having more shoes than your typical class size can help you accommodate these situations without compromising rider experience.
In conclusion, providing rental indoor cycling shoes is a valuable service that can enhance your studio's reputation and rider satisfaction. Andrew Sandoval's formula, based on years of industry expertise, provides a practical guideline for determining the optimal number of shoes. Remember to factor in gender distribution, sizing based on market data, and the importance of accommodating unexpected scenarios. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your riders always have access to clean, comfortable, and properly fitting indoor cycling shoes, enhancing their overall experience at your studio.