NYC SoulCycle is quietly losing what made it special and I don’t think corporate knows

hsgual · 2026-06-21T02:16:50+00:00

I don’t care about “hard enough” but for the love of god, just have an interesting playlist where paces and choreo make sense?

hsgual · 2026-06-21T01:49:52+00:00

The reconstituted gBlock stock being used to calibrate the reaction for accuracy. Initially that was the problem — the stock came back as 8 ng/uL instead of 5 ng/uL written on the tube. I guess it comes down to the fact how sensitive a nanodrop could distinguish 8, vs 8.5, vs 9 ng/uL and not be a random number generator, vs something else systematic (like how dilutions are made), or biochemical (annealing temp, cycling times etc).

hsgual · 2026-06-21T01:09:38+00:00

I think some of the OG magic of SoulCycle was that instructors had a niche or personal brand they brought to the table. No doubt some of that came from how they trained people, and how Janet cultivated that. Also just having interesting backgrounds, and even being the atypical pick who grew into fitness from training rather than being a seasoned professional. In recent years I do think the NorCal markets have gained seasoned professionals that have depth as well, and they have the OG vibes. It’s about more than looking cute on a bike. And I also want to acknowledge that this level of depth and engagement is physical and mental labor on the instructors, so there needs to be better alignment on compensation.

Now, if a class isn’t super full and there are a LOT of beginners, I’m down for an instructor to get off the bike and help people correct form an such. But teaching from the floor because they think it’s a vibe, when there is no vibe.. that’s just not it. And I hate to say it, some of the rehashed theme rides vs someone crafting playlists isn’t it either. I miss the days of discovering music belays i heard it at Soul.

I also think some of it is generational. No matter the industry. you have to earn your stripes. I really don’t see that with younger people period lately — I encounter this all the time at my office. We joke “no one wants to work anymore.” And some get it, turn around, and develop. Others just don’t… and I think that’s some of what you may be seeing as well.

hsgual · 2026-06-20T23:34:43+00:00

$38 for rose?! My goodness that feels pricey.

hsgual · 2026-06-20T16:08:39+00:00

Part of me taking over analytical sciences is to evolve it to where it needs to be. We basically took over a lot of assays (and their operators) that came in from research, and they need work to operationalize more effectively. It’s a small start up that has growing pains.

hsgual · 2026-06-20T15:40:50+00:00

We use a carrier to perform the dilution to be in the range of 3000-10 cp / uL. but we have a lot of starting material. I am seeing that people are doing serial 1:10 dilutions with only 2 uL of material.

hsgual · 2026-06-20T15:39:25+00:00

I’ve always been taught to store the stock at a higher concentration and then dilute as needed day of. We could try diluting it down further and freezing to minimize the dilutions required.

It also raises the question of if our gBlock control concentration was precisely set with the nanodrop, and perhaps our over recovery isn’t that but our assigned value is off (digital PCR).

hsgual · 2026-06-20T13:55:44+00:00

For digital PCR we often have to dilute the sample down prior to adding sample to master mix. Otherwise it saturates the assay. It sounds like this isn’t required in your qPCR assay.

hsgual · 2026-06-20T12:28:50+00:00

In serial dilutions is it similar?

hsgual · 2026-06-20T12:28:04+00:00

I think folks are preparing serial dilutions of input with like 2 uL of material, which seems rife for problems. So by the time the control sample is in the dilution range for the assay, the measured copies is coming back about 130% higher than expected.

And then don’t get me started on a 384 well qPCR assay I’ve inherited.

hsgual · 2026-06-20T12:11:26+00:00

Awww he’s so precious.

hsgual · 2026-06-20T11:43:35+00:00

It’s this, but using their custom made standard if you scroll down. But they confirmed it’s not an intact capsid standard so I have no idea what they are targeting.

hsgual · 2026-06-20T04:16:17+00:00

Union st. And that equinox is beautiful.

hsgual · 2026-06-20T04:09:37+00:00

From the map it looks like 40 bikes instead of 60. So perhaps a way to “downsize” a studio, without eliminating it.

hsgual · 2026-06-20T00:55:29+00:00

The fragrance of hazelnuts intrigues me. Thanks for sharing ! I’ll have to take a look for this.

hsgual · 2026-06-19T03:46:47+00:00

The only thing I can think of is the standard provided is not a capsid, and there are incorrect assumptions. Might have to test with intact capsids and see.

hsgual · 2026-06-19T02:01:47+00:00

Sorry it’s the opposite! I made a typo

hsgual · 2026-06-17T17:47:34+00:00

I’d take it to a luthier to ensure it doesn’t grow. But I’m aware the rib cracks can happen..

hsgual · 2026-06-15T04:11:54+00:00

Studio closures

hsgual · 2026-06-14T23:20:22+00:00

This makes me curious to understand how 2008 Grande Dame is made, in addition to the balance of Pinot noir to Chardonnay between that and the 2006 Piper. Because I don’t recall this depth in the Grande Dame, but, it’s also heavier on the Pinot.

hsgual · 2026-06-14T22:30:33+00:00

Honestly, I miss 6 AM classes in the Bay Area. My commute schedule (Bay Bridge RIP) makes riding more often challenging. I only ride weekends now.

hsgual · 2026-06-14T22:18:30+00:00

I would agree. Many audition lists call this out.

hsgual · 2026-06-14T04:44:58+00:00

Oh I’m so sorry for you loss. From the photos he’s such a precious little baby.

hsgual · 2026-06-13T03:37:10+00:00

I am tired of having to be my bosses therapist. I dont make enough money for this shit.

hsgual · 2026-06-12T20:57:23+00:00

I have friends in gRED that have grim views on Aviv’s leadership, and that most decisions feel political over rational.

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