12 Best Products for People Who Use an Exercise Bike at Home
Updated: Mar. 14, 2022Get the most out of your exercise bike workout with these expert-recommended products and accessories that will help keep you healthy.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Best products for your exercise bike
The popularity of on-demand and at-home fitness has risen drastically in recent months, and along with it the popularity of exercise bikes. Indeed, these compact machines offer a wide variety of workout options, from steady-state (moderate intensity) cardio to strength-building climbs to fat-blasting high-intensity intervals.
There are also many ways to take your workout to the next level. “While the only absolute necessity you need for an exercise bike is the bike itself, there are some accessories that help you maximize the benefits,” says certified personal trainer and Schwinn cycling instructor Dan Chojnacki. The first key: A good pair of cycling shoes. “Cycling shoes are very helpful when it comes to stability and proper form,” says Chojnacki. (Here are more benefits of cycling shoes you should know.)
After shoes, there are many products and accessories for your exercise bike that can help you maximize your workout. Some of these products also can help keep your space clean and your bike running smoothly. Here are the experts’ top picks.
RockBros Bicycle Trainer Sweat Net Frame Guard
$11
“A sweat net is a must-have if you want to keep your cycling area dry,” says fitness and cycling expert Jonathan Frey, CMO of Urban Bikes Direct. “It extends from your handlebars to your saddle post, shielding your bike and the floor below your head from perspiration.”
His favorite: This inexpensive pick from RockBros, which has an adjustable length and easily wraps around the seat post and the handlebars. “It’s thick, ultra-absorbent, and comes with nifty red and gray accents,” adds Frey. “The RockBros Sweat Net will fit on virtually any kind of bike, but it works best on stationary units.” (For more gear, check out these best leggings for indoor workouts.)
Bose SoundSport Pulse Wireless Headphones
$148
A heart rate monitor can provide valuable information about how hard you’re working during your ride and how quickly your fitness is improving, but wrist devices and chest straps can be uncomfortable. That’s why Frey recommends these wireless headphones from Bose, which have a heart rate monitor built in. “Little things like this can really enhance your comfort and keep you focused,” says Frey. “The StayHear and Pulse tip features keep the earpieces snug and secure. They’re also compatible with fitness apps.”
Aftershokz Aeropex Open-Ear Endurance Headphones
$160
Are you constantly pulling out your earbuds during your workout to respond to queries from your kids or partner, then struggling to put them back in snugly without breaking your cadence? If so, try these open-ear headphones from Aftershokz.
“These bone conduction headphones go over your ear and conduct the sound using the bones in your ear rather than through your ear canal,” explains certified fitness instructor Taylor Galla, an assistant editor at tech review platform SPY.com. “You can listen to your music or class, but also still hear what’s going on around you.”
Drip Accessory Spin Bike Sweat Towel
$44
“One accessory I’d highly recommend for everyone who owns a bike at home is the Drip Spin Bike Sweat Towel. It’s an awesome product,” says Galla. “You tend to sweat a lot when you’re biking indoors and this towel fits perfectly around the handlebars and collects your sweat. It also has an extension towel that’s not connected that you can use to dab your face throughout your workout.”
Camelbak Podium Chill Bike Water Bottle
$14
“Sipping fluids while you’re exercising is not only good for warding off dehydration, but being optimally hydrated can also positively impact your performance,” explains Los Angeles-based certified trainer Samantha Clayton. “Studies show that even a slight drop in hydration can slow you down, so having your water bottle where you can see it will be a good reminder to sip as you cycle.”
To make it even easier to stay hydrated during your workout, opt for a bottle like this insulated one from Camelbak. “I suggest a bottle that works by squeezing so you can quickly squirt some cold water into your mouth and not be fumbling with a cap,” says certified fitness trainer and champion bodybuilder Jason Kozma.
Beroy Women’s Bike Shorts with 3D Gel Padding
$24-$35, depending on size and color
“Bike seats are narrow and quite uncomfortable,” admits Kozma. “Padded bike shorts just like the pros wear help a lot.” This pair from Beroy boasts over 4,350 five-star reviews on Amazon, thanks to the multi-density padding in the seat region specially designed to provide maximum comfort and support for even long-distance rides. While women can feel confident with this pick, the bestselling pair in women’s cycling shorts on Amazon, men can try these ones from Sponeed. (Do your knees feel sore? Here’s how to treat indoor cycling knee pain.)
Dralegend Yoga Mat
$23
Placing a mat beneath your bike, like the Dralegend, can serve two key purposes: It protects your flooring from scratches and sweat and also provides a non-slip surface so your bike doesn’t shift or move while you’re working hard. But you don’t actually need to invest in a bike-specific mat, says certified personal trainer and yoga therapist Samantha Parker. “A yoga mat will provide you with the same amount of grip needed,” she explains. (And here are the best yoga mats on Amazon).
CelerSport Ankle Athletic Running Socks (6 Pairs)
$15
Thick, soft socks are key, says Kozma, especially when you’re wearing cycling shoes that may feel stiffer and more rigid than cross trainers. These cotton, moisture-wicking ankle socks from CelerSport are only $2.50 per pair and come just high enough up the ankle to protect the skin from chafing or blisters. With more than 10,000 five-star reviews, you know you’re getting comfortable, reliable socks.
Zacro Gel Bike Seat Cover
$20
If you find padded bike shorts awkward or uncomfortable, a gel cover over the seat is a great alternative. This well-reviewed Zacro cover uses a drawstring beneath the seat to fit on all sorts of narrow bike seats. It’s also easy to wipe down or wash by hand to keep it clean and smelling fresh. (Looking to disinfect? Here are some eco-friendly cleansers.)
Towels by Doctor Joe Surgical Towel, Pack of 12
$17
“Surgical towels can be used for a variety of purposes, but they’re perfect for post-cycling wipe downs because they’re lightweight and hold a lot of moisture,” says Frey. Unlike regular hand towels, surgical towels like Towels by Doctor Joe, are extra absorbent and quick-drying, making them the perfect addition to your workout space. (These are the best face masks for exercise.)
Wipex Natural Gym & Fitness Equipment Wipes for Personal Use, 75 Countย
$100, pack of 12
These natural wipes from Wipex are touted for their natural ingredients, including vinegar and lavender essential oil. This makes them an ideal choice to clean your LCD screen, without the streak marks, and other surfaces like glass, plastic, and rubber on your exercise bike. These wipes also can be used on your yoga mat and any other fitness equipment you have at home. The large canister makes these portable to carry if you’re planning on going back to the gym.
Wahoo RPM Cycling Cadence Sensor
$40
Many apps offer at-home cycling classes and videos, but not every exercise bike provides data on things like cadence and distance, on which lots of classes are based. Enter this small sensor from Wahoo. It’s mounted on a bike and delivers real-time information on cadence, distance, and time via Bluetooth to more than 50 smartphone fitness apps so you can use that information to govern or enhance your workout. Struggling with a place to put your phone while you ride? Use this phone mount to mount it on your handlebars.
Next, here are the fitness myths you should avoid.
- Dan Chojnacki, certified personal trainer and Schwinn cycling instructor
- Jonathan Frey, CMO of Urban Bikes Direct
- Taylor Galla, certified fitness instructor and assistant editor at SPY.com
- Samantha Clayton, ISSA-CPT, certified trainer and VP of Worldwide Sports Performance and Fitness at Herbalife Nutrition
- Jason Kozma, personal trainer and champion bodybuilder
- Samantha Parker, MS, CPT, C-IAYT, certified personal trainer and yoga therapist and CEO of Neoteric Movement Systems