Maybe I'm approaching it all wrong in thinking that somehow a spinning class should have some resemblance to a real ride?

What I really want to know is what's up with stand and grind?
There are a few instructors (not all) that are really into this. I refuse to do it because I NEVER grind... horrible for my knees as I've learned the hard way.

I love the endurance, cadence and steady standing intense climbs but stand and grind (slow push) forget it.

Irulan