Best Floor Mats For Indoor Cycling: Protect Your Space!

With more of us cycling indoors, it’s essential to have the right kit, and that should include a bike trainer floor mat. Like so many things in cycling, the choice is huge, but surely there’s not much to consider when buying a mat?

Well…there is! Today, you’ll uncover mats that provide stability, noise reduction, and floor protection.

I’ll draw on my real-world testing and insights from avid indoor cyclists. This guide tackles the best floor mats designed specifically for indoor cycling.

Our top pick is the POWR LABS Exercise Bike Mat. It’s made in the USA, has a 12-month warranty, and has excellent durability. Due to its dense structure, it is ideal for carpets or hardwood flooring. It’s also designed to be anti-slip.

Summary of the Best Floor Mats For Indoor Cycling

The Best Bike Trainer Mats on the Market

The Powr Labs exercise bike mat offers something different from the rest. For one, it’s made in the USA, so the quality is excellent.

You get a 12-month warranty, which for an exercise mat is impressive. Mats can see a lot of use; no matter how hard you try, it isn’t easy to be gentle with them. I am guilty of piercing a few yoga mats with my cycling shoes of the years 😶

It’s not the thickest exercise mat at 4mm, but that’s no bad thing. Due to its dense structure, it is ideal for carpets or hardwood flooring. It’s also anti-slip, so you’re not at risk of sliding around when you’re full gas in a Zwift race.

Want to get started on Zwift? Check out Zwift Setup Ideas For Any Budget.

As a sucker for extras (when they’re worthwhile), I must mention the neon-green, microfiber cooling towel you get free with the Powr Labs exercise bike mat.

No matter how good your fan keeps you cool, you’ll need a towel. So, this type of freebie is appreciated.

Do you really need a fan?

I haven’t finished with what makes this mat quite so different. It’s resistant to scratches. That’s pretty special.

This means you drag your trainer on and off and do not worry about damaging your floor mat. Powr Labs also claim it’s tear-resistant. These durability claims make this a standout product that I can’t fail to recommend.

I’m not going to lie. I’m a fan of Wahoo products, so naturally, I like the Wahoo KICKR floor mat, but I can justify my fondness!

Let’s start with the length. This bike trainer mat is long, 78 inches long, and has a decent width of 36 inches.

For some people, this may not be a positive, but depending on the type of trainer you have, it can be necessary. I have an Elite trainer, and my whole setup is long, so a long mat makes me happy. Let’s not forget it’s almost 3 feet wide, ideal for catching your sweat.

The Wahoo KICKR floor mat works a bit differently from other mats in that it’s waterproof, but the sweat is collected in the small depressions of the mat’s rough surface. 

Why is that good?

It makes cleaning super easy. A mop is all you need. It also means the sweat doesn’t just stand on the mat, potentially creating a slippery surface for you.

As with many other floor mats in this roundup, this one is made from PVC, and Wahoo claims it will be more durable than rubber, so that’s great news, right?

It comes in at 6mm thick, and Wahoo has created a beveled edge with this mat so that it’s easier to keep it in line with the floor. 

On a final note, the Wahoo KICKR gets extra points for noise reduction. Something that has been designed into this mat, so if you want something that will help to reduce the noise output, this one should be a contender for you.

For those who are after simple, no-frills options, I bring you Amazon Basics.

I will confess I am a fan of Amazon Basics stuff. They do the job and do so at an affordable price. This high-density exercise mat is no different.

There are three different sizes of mats, so there is plenty to choose from depending on your needs. You can be sure of a decent amount of padding in whichever size you choose.

The cushioning that it provides does work well for indoor cycling as well as many other activities.

As far as absorbing noise goes, it works well. Even when you place weights on it – which I wouldn’t recommend doing with force, there’s only so much protection a mat can offer!

But you get my point. It does a good job at noise reduction. If it can help muffle a dropped dumbbell, it can undoubtedly help to drown out the noise of an indoor bike!

It’s another mat that is easy to clean. However, the sweat/water tends to sit on the mat, so I suggest you wipe it up before it becomes slippery. It will eventually dry, but the Amazon Basics exercise mat doesn’t quite do the job of others in that way.

Having said that, you almost can’t fault this mat. It does everything the big branded floor mats do but in an inexpensive way. Nice one, Amazon 👍 

If you’re looking for an all-rounder, the BalanceFrom GoFit mat is for you.

This mat is thin, so it is ideal for those intending to train on a carpeted surface. Don’t let the thinness put you off. Its high density protects your floors, and the PVC material makes it hard-wearing and easy to clean.

BalanceFrom state, you only need to use soap and water to clean GoFit, and that sounds like the type of low-maintenance cleaning I like! It’s also moisture-resistant, so in terms of keeping things clean, GoFit does make it easy for you with this durable mat.

I do like the multi-purpose aspect of this floor mat. Both sides of it can be used and have different patterns. This lends itself to being used for other activities, not limiting it to indoor cycling. 

It uses anti-slip material on both sides, so you can be safe knowing you won’t go anywhere when using it. It’s a reasonably crucial feature, especially if you intend to use it for more than just indoor cycling. The bike’s weight will usually hold most mats in place, but it’s not a certainty. 

Overall, the BalanceFrom GoFit high-density mat offers many great features that make the all-rounder suitable for any home gym.

This floor mat from CyclingDeal not only looks the part, but it also plays the part.

Like other mats in this review, it’s versatile. It is suitable for use not only for indoor cycling but also for an elliptical or a treadmill. If you want a mat for less intense activities, CyclingDeal has a 6mm thick mat (which we’ll be looking at here, too), so they have all bases covered!

The surface of the CyclingDeal workout mat is surprisingly smooth. Yet, it’s very stable, and you shouldn’t experience any movement when you’re having a hard workout.

Size-wise, this mat comes in at 30” x 60” (or 36” x 72” if you opt for the 7mm thickness version), so it’s a good size for an indoor bike and should leave plenty of space on either side for mounting/dismounting.

I can’t fail to mention the durability of this mat. It comes in at 7mm thick and is constructed from PVC. In other words, it’s made to last. There is the option to go for a slightly thinner version at 6mm, so you have options depending on how durable you want/need your mat to be!

In addition to this, it’s completely waterproof, so a simple wipe-down will keep it clean and odor-free.

Overall, the CyclingDeal workout mat is an excellent addition to your workout equipment for almost any exercise!

Why Do You Need A Mat For Indoor Cycling?

You might be wondering if there is a genuine need for a cycling mat. Here are a few reasons why they’re a good idea! 

Offers Protection For Your Floor Surfaces

Cycling naturally generates movement, and the trainer or bike can damage your floor. A mat is essential for preventing this.

Also, as you’re cycling hard, your bike can end up sliding, particularly if you have a slippery floor, leading to your bike moving out of position and potentially making things unsafe. A floor mat keeps your bike in one place and keeps things safe.

Ease Of Cleaning

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: you’ll sweat when cycling indoors. You’re going to sweat a lot.

Depending on the surface of the floor, those sweat drops can be tough to clean. Carpeted surfaces will absorb the sweat and eventually need a deep clean to prevent any build-up of odor (painting a pleasant picture here, aren’t I? 🤢).

Pop a mat under your indoor bike, and the problem goes away. It catches the sweat, and you can easily wipe it away with a damp cloth. Some floor mats are machine-washable, so even easier to clean.

A mat will also offer some protection to your bike through dust protection. If your bike is on carpet especially, it will release dust simply because of your trainer’s motion. 

With a mat, movement is absorbed, and the carpet underneath is relatively undisturbed.

Reduces The Noise

This is a benefit I really felt when I purchased a proper floor mat. It reduces the noise and vibration your bike/turbo trainer creates. 

This is a genuine concern for some people, especially if you live above somebody, as the noise can disrupt those below you.

A bike mat won’t totally remove the noise (I could still hear the trainer being used upstairs if I was in my kitchen downstairs); however, the difference in sound was huge as the mat helps to absorb the vibration noises.

How To Choose The Right Floor Mat For Indoor Cycling

Alright, a floor mat is the way to go, right? 

So, let’s drill down as to what type of floor mat you might want. I started with a cheap yoga mat, 100% don’t recommend!

Flooring

Consider what flooring will be beneath the floor mat, as some won’t suit your flooring. 

I recommend a PVC mat or rubber mat for those with carpet, hardwood, or concrete floors.

Why?

These floor mats are stable, provide a slip-resistant base, and help remove any worry about you or your turbo trainer slipping when you’re working out!

Another thing to consider when you have carpet is that it is best to go for a thinner floor mat. A thicker mat can cause your bike and trainer to become unstable.

Floor Mat Size

Another thing I got wrong. Make sure your floor mat is big enough.

It ought to comfortably accommodate your bike, turbo trainer, and still have some allowance on either side so you will be on it when you’re mounting/dismounting. The reason for the extra bit is that it will help to stop you from slipping.

Material

Rubber is the best material for floor mats in almost every situation. It’s durable, waterproof, and provides excellent grip.

Odor

Can’t get away from this one. If you aren’t going to clean your mat, it’s going to smell. Do take into account how you will be cleaning your mat. 

Will you be wiping down after every workout? Or do you want to be able to throw your mat in the washing machine when needed?

Appearance

So maybe you shouldn’t worry so much about how the mat looks, but if we’re honest, it’s something to consider.

The good news is that many floor mats come in various colors, so you should find something that will work with your home gym setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So, not all floor mats are the same, but they are needed. You get greater protection for yourself, the floor, and the machine.

Which one is my favorite?

My heart wants to say Wahoo KICKR Floor Mat. It’s a fantastic size and does the job brilliantly.

However, I feel like the POWR LABS Exercise Bike Mat does that and more…I did tell you I’m a sucker for a freebie!

You may also be interested in:

• How To Prevent Your Indoor Trainer From Damaging Your Bike
• Best Fans For Indoor Cycling – Keep Cool!
• Zwift Vs Peloton – Which Is Best For Indoor Cycling?