A Peloton Bike can provide a convenient and engaging home workout, but the right accessories can make your cycling experience even better. From comfortable shoes and cooling fans to headphones and equipment covers, a few additions can help you get more out of your home gym.
Whether you've just purchased your first Peloton or have been riding for years, here are 10 accessories worth considering.
1. Cycling Shoes
If you're new to indoor cycling, you may not be familiar with the specialized shoes used with a Peloton Bike. Unlike regular running shoes, cycling shoes attach to the pedals using cleats, helping keep your feet securely positioned throughout your workout.
Peloton Bikes use Delta-compatible cleats. You'll need cycling shoes with a compatible three-bolt cleat configuration to use the standard pedals.
When shopping for cycling shoes, consider:
Cleat compatibility: Make sure the shoes accommodate Delta-compatible cleats.
Sole stiffness: Stiffer soles help provide a stable platform while pedaling.
Fit: Shoes should feel secure without squeezing your toes.
Ventilation: Breathable materials can help keep your feet comfortable during longer workouts.
You don't necessarily need to purchase Peloton-branded shoes. Many cycling shoe manufacturers offer compatible options.
For more information, see Peloton's cycling shoe compatibility guide.
2. An Adjustable Workout Fan
Indoor cycling can generate a surprising amount of heat, especially during high-intensity classes. A dedicated fan can make a significant difference in your comfort during a workout.
A ceiling fan may help circulate air throughout the room, but a directional fan positioned near your bike can provide more targeted airflow.
When choosing a fan, consider:
Adjustability: Look for a fan that can be angled toward your upper body while riding.
Airflow: Choose a fan with enough power to provide consistent airflow at your preferred distance.
Placement: A floor fan, desk fan, or wall-mounted fan can all work, depending on your available space.
Noise: If you listen to instructors through speakers, consider how much noise the fan produces.
A good fan is a relatively simple addition that can make longer rides more comfortable.
3. A Protective Exercise Mat
An exercise mat is one of the most useful accessories for a home cycling setup. It creates a barrier between your Peloton and the floor, helping protect against scratches, scuffs, and sweat.
A mat can also help reduce vibration and prevent the bike from shifting on certain floor surfaces.
When choosing a mat, look for one that:
Is large enough to accommodate your bike's footprint.
Has a non-slip surface to help keep the bike stable.
Is made from a durable, easy-to-clean material.
Provides adequate protection for your particular flooring.
If you tend to sweat heavily during workouts, consider a mat that extends beyond the bike to catch drips and splashes.
It's also important to clean your mat regularly. Sweat and moisture left underneath exercise equipment can contribute to unpleasant odors and floor damage.
Peloton offers its own Bike Mat, although third-party options are also available.
4. A More Comfortable Seat
If you're new to indoor cycling, you may experience some discomfort as you adjust to riding on a stationary bike. This is relatively common, particularly during your first few weeks of regular workouts.
Before purchasing an aftermarket seat, make sure your existing saddle is properly adjusted. Seat height, fore-and-aft positioning, and riding posture can all affect comfort.
If you're still uncomfortable, you may want to consider a replacement saddle or padded seat cover.
A few things to consider:
Padding: Gel or foam padding can provide additional cushioning.
Width: A seat should support your sit bones without interfering with your pedaling motion.
Fit: Make sure any replacement accessory is compatible with your particular Peloton model.
Adjustment: Proper saddle positioning is just as important as the seat itself.
Peloton also offers a Comfort Saddle, which is an alternative worth exploring before purchasing an aftermarket option.
5. A Heart Rate Monitor
Tracking your heart rate can provide additional insight into how your body responds to different workouts. Rather than relying exclusively on resistance, cadence, and output, a heart rate monitor gives you another way to evaluate exercise intensity.
Many cycling classes incorporate intervals that alternate between higher- and lower-intensity efforts. Monitoring your heart rate can help you understand how hard you're working and how your fitness changes over time.
When choosing a heart rate monitor, consider:
Compatibility: Look for a Bluetooth or ANT+ compatible device.
Comfort: Chest straps, armbands, and wrist-based monitors offer different wearing experiences.
Battery life: Consider how frequently the device needs charging.
Connectivity: Make sure it can connect to your Peloton Bike or the device you're using for your workouts.
Peloton supports compatible Bluetooth and ANT+ heart rate monitors. You can find additional information in Peloton's accessory support resources.
6. Alternative Pedals or Toe Cages
The standard Peloton Bike pedals use Delta-compatible cleats. While this works well for many cyclists, some riders prefer to use a different pedal system or wear regular athletic shoes.
There are two common alternatives:
Replacement pedals: If you prefer a different cycling shoe system, you can replace the standard pedals with a compatible set. Peloton Bikes use a standard 9/16-inch pedal connection, but always verify compatibility with your specific model before purchasing.
Toe cages: If you want to ride in regular athletic shoes, compatible toe cages can provide an alternative to clip-in cycling shoes. They attach to the pedals and help keep your feet positioned while riding.
Before making any changes, review the manufacturer's installation instructions and make sure the pedals or cages are properly secured.
You can also review Peloton's guidance on alternative pedals and toe cages.
7. Bluetooth Headphones
Although Peloton Bikes include built-in speakers, wireless headphones can offer a more immersive listening experience.
They're particularly useful if you share your home with other people and don't want your workouts disturbing everyone nearby.
Bluetooth headphones also eliminate the inconvenience of tangled cords while you're moving during a workout.
When shopping for headphones, consider:
Secure fit: Choose headphones that stay in place during movement.
Sweat resistance: Look for models designed to handle moisture from exercise.
Battery life: Make sure they can last through your workouts without frequent charging.
Sound quality: Clear audio makes it easier to follow instructors and enjoy music.
You don't need an expensive pair of headphones to improve your experience. Look for a comfortable, reliable wireless option that works with your Peloton's Bluetooth connectivity.
8. Hand Weights
One of the advantages of a Peloton membership is access to more than just cycling classes. Depending on your membership and equipment setup, you can also participate in strength training, stretching, and other workouts.
A set of hand weights can help you incorporate strength training into your routine.
When choosing weights, think about the exercises you plan to perform and your current fitness level. Lighter weights may be appropriate for certain cycling classes, while heavier dumbbells may be better suited to dedicated strength workouts.
A set with multiple weight options can be a good investment because it allows you to adjust resistance as your strength and fitness improve.
If you plan to use weights during cycling classes, make sure they can be stored securely and accessed without interfering with your ride.
9. A Workout Towel
Sweating is part of the workout, but it can create a mess around your exercise equipment if you don't have a way to manage it.
A workout towel is a simple accessory that helps keep sweat off your face, hands, handlebars, and other bike surfaces.
Consider keeping two towels nearby:
A personal towel: Use this to wipe away sweat during your workout.
An equipment towel: Keep a separate towel available to wipe down your bike after each ride.
Some people also enjoy using cooling towels, which can provide a refreshing sensation during breaks between intervals.
Choose a towel that is absorbent, easy to wash, and large enough for your needs. Regularly cleaning your towels and wiping down your equipment can help keep your home gym fresh.
10. A Peloton Bike Cover
Your Peloton Bike is an investment, and keeping it clean and protected between workouts is an important part of equipment maintenance.
Even when your bike stays indoors, it can collect dust, pet hair, and other household debris. If you have pets or children, a cover can also provide an additional barrier between them and the equipment when it isn't being used. A cover should never be considered a substitute for proper supervision or safe equipment storage.
Equip offers indoor Peloton Bike covers designed to help protect your equipment from dust, pet hair, and everyday household debris.
If you have a suitable outdoor storage area, a properly designed outdoor cover can provide another layer of protection against environmental exposure. Equip also offers custom and standard fitness equipment covers to accommodate different storage and protection requirements.
A properly fitted cover can help keep your bike cleaner between workouts and reduce the amount of routine cleaning required.
Protect Your Peloton Investment
The right accessories can make your Peloton workouts more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable. Whether you're investing in better cycling shoes, adding a fan to your home gym, or looking for ways to keep your equipment clean, small additions can make a meaningful difference.
Don't overlook equipment protection, either. A properly fitted cover can help keep your Peloton Bike in good condition between workouts.
Explore Equip's Peloton Bike covers to find an indoor protection solution for your home gym.
