Peloton bikes may not be particularly heavy but they can damage the floor they are placed on especially if your workouts are vigorous. How do I know which one will work best?
I am still excited about my latest acquisition. I recently bought a Peloton spin bike which I have used several times in the last two weeks. I opted for the cheapest package which comes with the bike and nothing else. I already have cycling shoes so I felt all the other accessories in pricier packages were not really necessary.
I have noticed some light chipping on the wooden floor around the bases of the bike. As much as I hate to admit it, I think I do need a mat to protect the floor from further damage.
Here is a detailed guide to point you in the direction of a suitable mat to solve this problem.
7 Best Mats for Peloton Bikes – A Comparison Table
 |
Product |
Material |
Size |
Density |
Price |
1.       |
Stamina fold-to-fit equipment mat |
Foam (closed cell) |
84 x 36 inches |
¼ inch |
|
2.       |
Marcy Fitness Exercise Bike Floor Mat |
Foam (EVA) |
78 x 36 inches |
¼ inch |
|
3.       |
CycleOps Training Mat |
Rubber |
65 x 36 inches |
¼ inch |
|
4.       |
BalanceFrom GoFit Mat |
PVC ( high density) |
78 x 36 inches |
2/5 inch |
|
5.       |
Sunny Health and Fitness Mat |
PVC |
48 x 24 inches |
1/6 |
|
6.       |
Cap Barbell Premium Mat |
PVC (blown) |
78 x 36 inches |
¼ inch |
|
7.       |
Motiontex Fitness Equipment Mat |
PVC |
Small: 24 x 48 inches
Large: 36 x 84 inches |
0.11 inches |
7 Best Mats for Peloton Bikes – Comparison Overview
Stamina Fold-To-Fit Equipment Mat
[amazon box=”B0012MEZKG” template=”horizontal” ]The Stamina equipment mat can be used to protect your floor from spin bikes as well as a variety of other indoor exercise equipment such as rowers, ellipticals, steppers and even treadmills.
Specs
- Material: closed cell foam
- Size: 7 feet long and 3 feet wide / 84 x36 inches
- Thickness: ¼ inch
- Foldable sections
The unique feature in this mat is the reason the word ‘foldable’ is included in its name. It is divided into 7 equal 12-inch folds. With this you can unfold it until it is just big enough for your piece of equipment. The smaller your machine, the thicker the mat.
When unfolded to its maximum size it is 7 feet long, and 3 feet wide and a quarter inch thick. The textured surface serves to create friction between its surface and the bike so you are stable even during vigorous workouts.
With a closed foam construction, this is a tough mat but is still soft enough to eliminate vibrations and absorb noise caused by movement of the bike.
Pros
- Non-slip surface
- Adjustable size
Cons
- Can be difficult to clean
Verdict
If you are looking for a good quality, versatile mat, the Stamina mat fits the bill. You can use it for your Peloton bike as well as other machines of varying sizes and it will always be big or small enough.
Marcy Fitness Exercise Bike Floor Mat
[amazon box=”B0041GQH3S” template=”horizontal” ]This mat’s high impact foam surface makes it a light but heavy duty accessory.
Specs
- Material: EVA foam
- Size: 78 inches x 36 inches
- Thickness: ¼ inch
- Matte layer
It is made using premium EVA foam material which makes it robust and tough enough to handle a variety of situations. This material not only helps to protect the floor from damage caused by movement of the bike, it also absorbs noise from vibrations.
In the event you drop one of your dumbbells, this mat easily absorbs the impact and is left with no signs of damage.
A matte layer keeps the bike firm with sufficient friction to ensure neither you or the bike can slip.
This is a multifunctional mat which can be used with a variety of fitness equipment and serves just as well whether it is on a carpet, concrete or hardwood floor.
Pros
- Lightweight but heavy duty
- Pliable
- Ages well
- Multi-functional
Cons
- Compresses easily under heavy equipment
Verdict
The Marcy Fitness mat strikes a balance between efficiency in absorbing impact and vibration and weight.
CycleOps Training Mat
[amazon box=”B000BT7HXI” template=”horizontal” ]This mat is designed specifically for bike trainers although it can be used with a spin bike and any other exercise equipment.
Specs
- Material: Rubber
- Size: 65 inches x36 inches
- Thickness: ¼ inch
- Water resistant
- Slip-resistant pattern
The CycleOps mat effectively absorbs noise and vibration while protecting your floor surface from damage.
It is made from rubber, a strong and water-resistant material. This makes it sweat proof and relatively easy to clean after every use. It also means it is a durable accessory likely to last years if well taken care of.
What is perhaps the biggest advantage of pure rubber is that it creates a lot of friction with the surface it is placed on so there is no chance of sliding.
This mat is larger than the average indoor exercise mat. With a length of 65 inches and 36 inches wide, there will be quite some space left over when you place your Peloton bike on it. This size is the reason some people opt for another mat. It takes too much floor space. If however, space is not an issue for you, this is a good quality accessory to consider.
Pros
- Tough and strong
- Sweat proof
- Durable
Cons
- A bit hard to clean
- Pricey
Balance From GoFit Mat
[amazon box=”B07VHSR1NN” template=”horizontal” ]Another option to protect your floor from damage is the BalanceFrom GoFit mat. It is made of high-density PVC, a strong but inexpensive material.
Specs
- Material: high density PVC
- Size: 78 x 36 inches
- Moisture resistant technology
- 2 versions – regular and foldable
This mat can be used with a variety of types of fitness equipment including spin bikes and treadmills. It can even be used as a yoga mat. All these require a base which absorbs vibrations and helps to reduce noise.
It measures 78 inches by 36 inches and is available in 2 different versions. A regular version and a foldable one. The regular comes as one continuous pieces while the foldable one has 13 sections. You can unfold the entire mat to utilize its maximum size or fold it to fit wherever you need it to.
Both sides of the mat have patterns which not only add to its aesthetic value but also help to increase friction. Increased friction keeps the mat firm on the floor even when the bike may be shifting during a workout.
Moisture resistant technology ensures sweat is not absorbed and also makes it easy to clean.
Pros
- Solid grip
- Easy to clean
- Multi-functional
Cons
- Poor noise reduction capability
Verdict
The BalanceFrom GoFit mat is a great option for users looking for averagely priced, easy to maintain but effective accessories. Cleaning only requires a quick wipe down with soap and water.
Sunny Health and Fitness Mat
[amazon box=”B0786PLYTR” template=”horizontal” ]Sunny Health and Fitness have made a name for budget exercise equipment. This mat falls in the same category as it is moderately priced but effectively serves its purpose.
Specs
- Material: PVC
- Size: 4 feet x 2 feet / 48 x24inches
- Thickness: 1/6 inch
- Waterproof
This is a basic mat made from PVC foam. PVC material makes it water resistant which then means that it is sweat resistant. When sweat and other forms of dirt fall on it, cleaning is easy. Simply use a damp cloth to wipe it down. When it is very dirty, a quick clean using soapy water does the trick.
It effectively protects your floor from damage caused by movement of the bike and absorbs vibration and noise. A rough upper surface increases friction which helps the bike remain firm throughout workouts, without sliding.
Although it is not the thinnest in the market, this mat is quite thin so it can be folded and stored away with ease.
Pros
- Non-slip
- Lightweight
- Easy to fold
Cons
- Not sturdy enough
Verdict
The Sunny Fitness mat does the job and doesn’t force you to dig deep into your pocket. If you are looking for a simple, effective but inexpensive mat, this Sunny Health and Fitness mat is a good choice.
Cap Barbell Premium Mat
[amazon box=”B01N4NMOUZ” template=”horizontal” ]This mat is ideally designed for exercise equipment like treadmills, elliptical trainers and rowers so it is slightly larger than your regular bike mat.
Specs
- Material: blown PVC
- Size: 4 feet x 3 feet / 78 x 36 inches
- Thickness: ¼ inch
It is 4 feet long and 3 feet wide. When used with a spin bike, the extra space can be used to place small accessories like weights safely and within reach. A blown PVC construction makes it an effective barrier between your bike and the floor, protecting the surface from damage. You can use it on carpets, concrete floors or hardwood surfaces.
Those sometimes loud vibrations from the bike are dampened and the noise which would ordinarily be heard especially on a wooden floor is muffled.
PVC is water resistant so any sweat droplets which fall on it remain on the surface and can be cleaned off easily.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Large enough for bikes and other equipment
Cons
- Deforms easily
- Gets bunched up under heavy equipment
Verdict
This Cap mat is an affordable option for users looking for a versatile mat with a little extra space for tools and equipment you want near you as you ride.
Motiontex Fitness Equipment Mat
[amazon box=”B07D18GYTT” template=”horizontal” ]Motiontex mats arealso designed for a variety of fitness equipment like bikes, treadmills, steppers and elliptical trainers. They are available in 2 sizes.
Specs
- Material: PVC
- Size: Small: 24 x 48 inches / large: 36 x 84 inches
- Round corners
- Antifungal feature
The small mat measures 24 x 48 inches and the larger one measures 36 x 84 inches. If you are using your mat for your spin bike and not any other equipment, the smaller sized mat is sufficient.
The recycled PVC constructed mat is thick enough to protect the floor from damage caused by direct contact with indoor bikes and other equipment. It also absorbs vibrations and muffles noise produced by vigorous pedaling. You can spin as fast as you like without worrying about bothering anyone.
Unlike many other fitness equipment mats, you will notice this one has round corners. These help to keep the mat from folding or curling at the corners and makes sure you never trip over the mat.
A waterproof surface keeps sweat and other liquids from penetrating the mat and makes it easy to clean off sweat or any other kinds of dirt. All you need is a damp cloth wrung out of soapy water to get the mat clean and fresh.
A unique feature in this accessory is an anti-fungal feature. Many mats wear out sooner than necessary due to accumulation of micro-organisms on the surface. This feature therefore helps to increase the mat’s lifespan.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Available in different sizes
Cons
- Pungent smell when new
Verdict
The Motiontex mat gives you everything other mats have to offer such as floor protection and vibration absorption. It adds to that trip-proof corners and gives you an extra -safe feeling thanks to a micro-fungal feature.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Mat For Peloton Bikes
Size
This guide looks specifically at mats for a Peloton spin bike so the first size consideration to take is the dimensions of a Peloton bike. This bikeis 48 inches long and 24 inches wide. You want to find a mat which is either exactly this size or larger.
How much larger?
You could choose to buy a mat which is just slightly larger than the bike if you would like to have a bit of extra room to place tools and exercise accessories near you. Having them on the mat may be useful if they too have potential to damage the floor.
Versatility
Your primary need for a mat is to place your Peloton bike on it. If you intend to use the mat for other exercise equipment as well, you would need a larger and perhaps thicker mat than what is required for the bike. Heavy equipment like a treadmill requires thicker cushioning.
Perhaps you also intend to use the mat for yoga or general exercise. You would then need a mat which is lage enough for you to lie on with your entire body cushioned from the floor.
Adjustability and storage
Adjustability
A few mats in the market such as the Stamina fold-to-fit mat is designed to be adjusted to the exact size you need. It has many small sections which can be folded onto each other to make it smaller and opened out completely to its maximum size.
If you want to be able to adjust the size of your mat to serve several different purposes, this is the kind of mat you need.
Storage
In some cases, you want to be able to use the mat and then put it away in a closet or some other hidden area. If this is your preference, consider mats which are foldable and can be folded to a relatively small size for ease of storage.
Durability and cost
Durability and cost are a balance which has to be made. The most durable products are often the most expensive. On the other hand, you don’t want to buy a mat every couple of months in the name of saving a few bucks.
Even if you are shopping on a budget, you can always find a mat which will last you at least a year without breaking the bank.
Cleaning
The material from which a mat is made is what determines the appropriate method of cleaning. Most mats are made from either PVC or rubber. Both of these materials are easy to clean because they are waterproof.
A mat which can be cleaned easily and quickly saves you a lot of time and energy in the long run. It is also important to think about the drying process. Does the mat dry immediately you clean it? Does it require a few minutes or does it take more than that? A mat which takes long to dry may create some dampness which is bad for the floor and the room in general.
Floor material
Some mats are floor specific. Some are too soft to be used on carpets which makes them ineffective when placed on such surfaces. Most mats can be used on both hardwood floors and concrete floors.
Make a point to check the label or enquire from the supplier to confirm suitability especially if you intend to place it on a carpet.
Conclusion
Your Peloton bike could very well be the best fitness decision you ever made. Those stubborn extra pounds are starting to fall off and it leaves you feeling indescribably rejuvenated every time. Your neighbors and your hardwood floor are probably not as excited about it as you are.
These bikes can be noisy enough to irritate the daylights out of your neighbors every time you start spinning. They can also cause more than a little damage to floors.
A good quality mat is no doubt a worthwhile investment to keep your floor in good condition as well as protect yourself from irate neighbors.
FAQs
Do Peloton bikes come with a mat?
Peloton offers 4 different packages with varied accessories included. These are the Basics, Essentials, Works and Family package. The First two don’t include a mat while the latter two include a bike mat.
What is the difference between a water resistant and water repellent mat?
Water resistant mats have a surface which is able to resist water penetration to some degree but not entirely. A water repellent mat’s surface is also not easily penetrated by water but only as a result of treatment for this purpose.
What do I do about a new mat which smells funny?
It is normal for some mats to produce a strange smell especially when they are new. You can put the mat out to air or open up windows for as much fresh air as possible. The bottom line is that this odor doesn’t last long.