Get ready to rock your ride! The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is welcoming its Class of 2026 on November 14, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing these legendary artists into your cycling studio?
This year’s inductees represent an incredible range of musical styles, from the hard-hitting rock of Iron Maiden and Oasis to the infectious energy of Billy Idol, the smooth grooves of Sade and Luther Vandross, and the groundbreaking sounds of Wu-Tang Clan.
What makes these artists particularly exciting for indoor cycling is the variety their music brings to a ride. Powerful guitar riffs, driving drumbeats, infectious bass lines, and dramatic musical builds create natural opportunities for climbs, intervals, endurance efforts, and recovery. Their music also spans generations and genres, making it easy to create a playlist that surprises riders while featuring plenty of familiar favorites.
For this week’s Theme Ride Thursday, we’re highlighting one song from each of the eight inductees in the performer category, along with suggestions for bringing their music to life on the bike.
So, what does it take to earn a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? To be eligible, an artist or band must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before the year of induction. But longevity alone isn’t enough! Artists are recognized for their musical excellence, originality, influence, and lasting impact on music and culture. Each year, a nominating committee selects eligible artists, and an international voting body of more than 1,200 musicians, historians, and music industry professionals helps determine who will be inducted. Fans also have a voice through an annual public vote. It’s an honor that celebrates not just great songs, but the artists who helped shape the music we love today.
Eight Inductees, Eight Ways to Inspire Your Ride
1. Phil Collins
Earlier this year, ICA celebrated Phil Collins’s birthday with a special Theme Ride Thursday tribute featuring some of our favorite songs from his solo career and his years with Genesis.
From powerful drum-driven anthems to emotional ballads and upbeat classics, Collins’s music offers plenty of opportunities for climbs, endurance efforts, intervals, and recovery.
Rather than revisit those selections here, we invite you to explore our Phil Collins Birthday Tribute for song recommendations and ideas for bringing his music into your cycling classes.
2. Rebel Yell, Billy Idol, 4:47, 166 bpm
With its driving guitar riffs, powerful drums, and explosive choruses, “Rebel Yell” is a fantastic choice for high-energy intervals. At 166 bpm, riders can settle into a strong, steady cadence of 83 rpm, then increase their resistance and power during the choruses.
Use the following intervals to challenge riders:
0:46–1:09 (23 seconds)
1:38–2:02 (24 seconds)
3:50–4:36 (46 seconds)
The longer final interval provides an opportunity to build intensity and finish strong. Encourage riders to maintain control of their cadence while increasing power, using the music’s energy to drive each effort.
Another option is to use the entire song for a long, seated 83 rpm interval at threshold with no fluctuations in intensity. Hard to do? Certainly! Worth the challenge? Absolutely!
3. Iron Maiden, Run to the Hills, 3:53, 172 bpm
Fast-paced drums, powerful guitar riffs, and relentless energy make this heavy metal anthem perfect for a high-intensity challenge. At 172 bpm, riders can settle into a strong cadence of 86 rpm for a challenging flat road. Use the musical changes to introduce short, powerful surges, increasing resistance during the choruses while maintaining a controlled cadence. The song’s galloping rhythm creates a sense of urgency and momentum, making it a great choice for an exhilarating, high-energy effort.
4. Joy Division/New Order, Blue Monday, 7:29, 131 bpm
With its hypnotic electronic beat and relentless rhythm, “Blue Monday” is a classic choice for a long, sustained climb. At 131 bpm, riders can settle into a steady cadence of approximately 65–66 rpm, maintaining consistent power as the music drives them forward. The extended length challenges riders to stay focused, patient, and committed to the effort.
ICA previously featured this timeless track, along with several remixes that offer different climbing experiences. Check out our “Blue Monday” feature for more inspiration and song options.
5. Oasis, Don’t Look Back in Anger, 4:48, 164 bpm
One of Oasis’s most beloved anthems, “Don’t Look Back in Anger” features soaring vocals, powerful guitar riffs, and an unforgettable sing-along chorus. At 164 bpm, riders can settle into a steady cadence of 82 rpm for a moderately challenging flat road. Use the verses to maintain a consistent effort, then encourage riders to increase resistance and power during the choruses. The song’s uplifting energy makes it a great choice for a memorable, feel-good effort.
ICA previously featured another Oasis classic, “Wonderwall,” in a Wednesday Timeless Classic post. Check out our “Wonderwall” feature for another way to bring this iconic British band into your cycling classes.
6. Sade, Smooth Operator, 4:58, 119 bpm
With its smooth vocals, sophisticated jazz influences, and relaxed groove, “Smooth Operator” is an excellent choice for active recovery or a transition between more demanding efforts. The song’s flowing rhythm encourages riders to settle into a comfortable cadence, release tension, and recover while enjoying one of Sade’s most recognizable hits.
ICA previously featured another Sade classic, “Paradise,” in a Wednesday Timeless Classic post. At 99 bpm, it’s a fantastic choice for a fast flat, warm-up, or sustained tempo effort. Check out our “Paradise” feature for more inspiration on incorporating Sade’s music into your cycling classes.
7. Luther Vandross, Never Too Much, 3:50, 110 bpm
This upbeat R&B classic has an irresistible groove, lively bass line, and infectious energy that make it a wonderful choice for a rhythmic endurance effort. At 110 bpm, riders can settle into a comfortable cadence below the beat, focusing on maintaining consistent power and a sustainable intensity. Its feel-good energy also makes it a great choice for a warm-up or an easy flat road.
Luther Vandross’s musical influence continues to inspire new generations of artists. Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s hit song, “luther,” samples Vandross’s duet with Cheryl Lynn, “If This World Were Mine.” ICA previously featured “luther” as a Mainstream Music Monday, highlighting how its 138 bpm rhythm works beautifully for a progressive climb or recovery. Check out our “luther” feature for another way to celebrate Vandross’s musical legacy in your cycling classes.
8. Wu-Tang Clan, C.R.E.A.M., 4:12, 91 bpm
With its distinctive piano loop, laid-back hip-hop groove, and steady rhythm, “C.R.E.A.M.,” which stands for “Cash Rules Everything around Me,” brings a completely different musical energy to the cycling studio. At 91 bpm, this iconic 1993 track works well for a moderate flat road or a resistance-focused endurance effort. Encourage riders to settle into a comfortable cadence, maintain consistent power, and focus on smooth, controlled pedal strokes. Its relaxed but deliberate rhythm provides a great opportunity to introduce riders to a different musical style while keeping them engaged. Consider using a clean version for your studio.
Celebrate the legends!
One of the best things about this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees is the incredible musical diversity they bring to the studio. From high-energy rock anthems to soulful grooves and electronic beats, these artists offer instructors endless opportunities to create memorable riding experiences.
Whether you build an entire tribute ride or incorporate a few favorites into your next class, this is a great opportunity to introduce riders to different musical styles while celebrating the artists who helped shape music history.
Which of this year’s inductees is already a favorite in your cycling studio? What songs would you add to your Rock & Roll Hall of Fame playlist? Let us know in the comments!