If you’re ready to bring a fresh kind of high-energy drive to your indoor cycling classes, drum and bass (D&B) might just become your new secret weapon. This genre delivers a fast-paced rhythm and deep, pulsing bass that’s made for cycling at higher cadences. The sweet spot for most D&B tracks is around 170–175 bpm, which perfectly aligns with a pedal cadence of 86–88 rpm—making it ideal for endurance rides, sub-threshold efforts, FTP tests, VO2 max pushes, and even short, all-out anaerobic surges.
Drum and bass is defined by its syncopated breakbeats, deep basslines, and layered percussion. Tracks often feature a steady underlying rhythm with dynamic shifts in intensity, creating natural opportunities for interval work or progressive builds. The signature drum patterns originated from the early jungle and breakbeat scenes in the UK, giving the genre both grit and groove. You’ll hear crisp snares, rolling hi-hats, and warm sub-bass frequencies—all designed to keep momentum moving forward.
One of the best things about D&B for cycling is its versatility. Many tracks ebb and flow in energy, allowing you to cue shorter surges and recovery moments within a single song. Others—like much of Pendulum’s music—are hard-driving from start to finish, perfect for sustained, powerful efforts or FTP tests. This duality makes drum and bass uniquely useful: you can ride the wave of intensity or lock into a relentless rhythm. You get the best of all the higher-cadence worlds.
Caution! While I love drum and bass for higher-cadence efforts, FTP tests, and racing scenarios, it’s best to use the genre thoughtfully. Always listen to the full track before adding it to your playlist. Some subgenres can feel hectic—almost chaotic or overly aggressive—with melodic beginnings that suddenly take a darker turn. In these styles, the basslines aren’t just deep; they’re often distorted, filtered, or modulated into a growling, “robotic” sound that might be too intense for some riders. In the examples below, we’ll focus on smoother, more melodic D&B tracks that carry the signature rhythm without overwhelming the cycling studio.        Â
You’ll find that many pop and indie artists have collaborated with drum and bass DJs or released songs infused with D&B energy, making it easy to find tracks that feel familiar yet fresh. DJs like Sigma, Sub Focus, Metrik, High Contrast, Netsky, Hybrid Minds, and Wilkinson are great starting points for discovering versatile tracks that fit various cycling efforts—from warm-ups to high-intensity pushes. We’ve added a few of those collaborations below.
We’ve put together a bucket playlist of nearly 130 drum and bass tracks (and growing) that work well in the cycling studio. ICA members can access it at the end of this post, along with 13 cue ideas to help guide riders through the energy and flow of D&B tracks. If a song grabs you, explore that artist’s catalog—you might discover similar tracks, or even something unexpected that gets your riders moving.
Characteristics of Drum and Bass
- Tempo: Usually 160–180 bpm, most often around 170–175 bpm (ideal for 86–88 rpm on the bike).
- Rhythm: Fast breakbeats, syncopated percussion, and powerful sub-bass lines.
- Instrumentation: Synths, drum machines, samplers, and electronic effects; some tracks feature live instruments or vocals.
- Structure: Distinct sections with builds, breakdowns, and drops—perfect for timing intervals or changes in effort.
- Energy Flow: Can range from smooth and melodic (liquid D&B) to heavy and aggressive (neurofunk or techstep).
Why It Works for Indoor Cycling
- Aligns with commonly used higher cadences that are challenging but manageable (high 80s rpm).
- Built-in changes in energy make it easy to design structured intervals.
- Sustains high energy for endurance to threshold efforts without feeling repetitive.
- Offers both intensity and accessibility through pop or indie remixes.
- Engages riders with its hypnotic, rhythmic drive.
💡 Sidebar: Drum and Bass vs. Dubstep — What’s the Difference?
While both genres share roots in the UK electronic scene and a love of deep, pulsing basslines, their feel and function in a cycling class are quite different.
Drum and Bass (D&B) runs fast—typically 165–180 bpm—and uses syncopated breakbeats that create constant forward momentum. It’s energetic, propulsive, and perfect for higher-cadence work around 86–88 rpm.
Dubstep, on the other hand, slows things down to around 140 bpm (roughly 70 rpm), with half-time rhythms, big drops, and heavy, wobbling bass. It’s darker, moodier, and works well for climbs or power pushes.
There’s also plenty of crossover between the two styles—artists like Sub Focus, Netsky, Seven Lions, Skrillex, and Metrik often blend elements from both worlds. These fusion tracks can give your playlist emotional builds and explosive energy shifts that keep riders engaged.
🎤 Fun Fact: Vocals in Drum and Bass
Many of the smoother, melodic D&B tracks feature female vocalists—but that’s a stylistic choice, not a rule of the genre. Liquid funk, in particular, often uses soulful or atmospheric female voices to complement rolling basslines and airy production. Male vocals also appear, especially in harder subgenres or as MC/rapped verses, and many tracks are purely instrumental. For indoor cycling, the prevalence of female vocals pairs beautifully with accessible, high-energy rides.
Drum and Bass Artists to Explore
Here are some great starting points for exploring drum and bass artists and a few of their tracks to build into your playlists. Each one brings a slightly different energy or subgenre flavor that can suit everything from warm-ups to all-out intervals.
Slam, Pendulum, 5:45, 174 bpm
Pendulum delivers high-octane, rock-infused D&B that’s perfect for all-out efforts. Once it launches, this track is relentless—there are no ebbs and flows here. I’ve used it for years in my FTP tests (the 20-minute version) and for shorter VO2 max intervals. The first minute makes a perfect setup—invite your riders to visualize being in the starting block of a time trial. At 1:06, they roll down the ramp, and the race (or FTP test) begins.Â
You can also adapt it for HIIT-style work—try 30 seconds hard/60 seconds easy as featured in The Ultimate HIIT profile.
Changing, Sigma, 3:25, 171 bpm
Melodic and uplifting, this track works beautifully for endurance flats or tempo work with subtle energy shifts. Start moderate, then at 0:34, add some resistance and drive through until 1:18 (44s). Ease up slightly before pushing again from 2:14 to 3:00 (46s).
You don’t have to follow every wave in the music—this song also works well for gradual builds like Julianne Lafleur’s Negative Splits profile, where cadence stays steady and intensity increases progressively.
Desire, Sub Focus, Dimension, 3:35, 174 bpm
With driving rhythms and crossover appeal, this song works for warm-ups or steady endurance. It dips slightly in energy mid-song but picks up again at 2:45 when the drums re-enter—ideal for encouraging renewed focus or commitment.
Another Sub Focus favorite, “Tidal Wave,” pairs beautifully with fast flats or as an active recovery after a climb, as used in Rolling Hills and Switchbacks.
Gravity, Metrik, 4:30, 174 bpm
Metrik’s tracks are cinematic and dynamic—great for high-cadence climbs or interval builds. “Gravity” balances drive and flow, making it a versatile choice for endurance, sub-threshold, or even a smooth warm-up.
Fatso, Metrik, 4:58, 174 bpm
Another solid option from Metrik—steady, intense, and fun to ride. Maintain a consistent hard effort throughout, or cue brief attacks when the word “Fatso” hits at 1:05 and 3:17. A great mid-class grinder for sustained work.
Touch, Hybrid Minds, Tiffany Juno, 5:14, 172 bpm
A beautiful liquid funk track—smooth, soulful, and flowing. Works perfectly for warm-up, endurance, or even cool-down. It takes about a minute to build up, then offers a 50-second lull (2:30–3:20)—perfect for a moment of introspection. Encourage riders to stay present and connected to the rhythm.
Days Go By, High Contrast, 4:16, 173 bpm
High Contrast blends melodic hooks with rolling D&B rhythm. This remix of Fleetwood Mac’s “Edge of Seventeen” is soulful and familiar—ideal as a second warm-up song or a gradual build. Begin in Zone 2 at 87 rpm, then surge the legs +10–15 rpm to Zone 4 on the song’s peaks.
Another standout remix from High Contrast is Adele’s “Hometown Glory,” featured in ICA’s Ebb & Flow Tempo Ride.
Be the One – Netsky Remix, Netsky, Dua Lipa, 4:17, 175 bpm
Netsky is known for bright, energetic tracks with catchy hooks. His remix of Dua Lipa’s “Be the One” adds crisp percussion and rolling bass while keeping its smooth, danceable feel. Great for warm-ups, endurance, or sub-threshold work when you want to pair energy with familiarity.
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Sunglasses at Night, Camo & Krooked, 2:59, 174 bpm
Polished, playful, and dance floor–ready—this D&B remix of the 1980s classic adds a shot of fun to your playlist. Short and punchy, it can serve as an interval, tempo segment, or even active recovery depending on your needs.
Afterglow, Wilkinson, 3:45, 174 bpm
This fan-favorite track leaves riders with exactly what the title promises—a pleasant afterglow. Use it as a warm-up, endurance, or steady-state effort. Its emotional lift and smooth groove make it a great transition between harder intervals.
Colours, Maduk, 4:33, 175 bpm
Maduk delivers upbeat, high-energy D&B that’s accessible and motivating. “Colours” features two strong 1-minute intervals: start easy, then push hard at 1:06–2:12 (1m 6s); recover for a minute, then go hard again at 3:18–4:24 (1m 6s). Use it for tempo surges or controlled anaerobic pushes.
Summary: Why Drum & Bass Works So Well
Drum and bass brings unmatched rhythm, drive, and emotional intensity to indoor cycling. Its fast tempo syncs beautifully with higher cadences, while its structure—alternating between smooth flows and pulsing drops—makes it ideal for everything from endurance rides to FTP tests and high-intensity intervals. Whether you’re chasing power, rhythm, or connection, D&B offers the versatility to make every segment of your ride come alive.
Remember, ICA members can access our full D&B bucket playlist below, featuring ~130 tracks ready to energize your rides. We’ve also included 13 cue ideas to help instructors match the energy and flow of D&B tracks in class. Dive in, explore your favorite artists, and find new tracks to inspire your endurance, threshold, and high-intensity efforts. And if we’re missing your favorite D&B track, let us know—we want to add it and share it with other instructors!