So, you've finally caved and ordered that Peloton or other at-home stationary bike. But did you remember to order a mat for your exercise bike? Before you climb on and take your bike for a spin, considering adding a stationary bike mat to your setup.
"A bike mat mainly protects your floor from scratches and the sweat that's (hopefully) pouring off you," Emily Jacques, an instructor for CycleBar GO, tells LIVESTRONG. "It also provides an even surface for your bike, so that you have a stable base, and can lessen the noise if you live in a shared space or apartment."
Here are the seven best bike mats to get you rolling in 2022.
With 11,473 ratings, 4.7 stars and a very affordable price point, it's safe to say this bike mat is a real fan favorite. It's designed with a grippy pattern on both sides, so that it won't slip underneath your bike, and the moisture-resistant PVC material makes it easy to wipe clean.
If you want some extra space on the sides of your bike for floor work, opt for the 78" L x 36" W size.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $34
Setting up your spin bike on carpet? You still need a mat!
Fortunately this mat for stationary bikes is thin, but it's dense and a lot firmer than other mats, making it the best bike mat for carpet. Its PVC material is slip-proof, waterproof, and has enough structure to it that it won't get dented and bent out of shape between your bike and the carpeting underneath — making for a secure and stable ride.
It's also available in eight different sizes, including this 72" L X 36" W one, so you can pick the size that's right for your bike and space.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $60
Unsurprisingly, this leading at-home cycling company makes its own mat. And, naturally, it's considered the best bike mat for Peloton bikes. It's perfectly sized and the bike-mat duo have been extensively tested together for the ultimate rider experience.
Like all products from the brand, this mat's quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment.
Buy it: OnePeloton.com; Price: $59
With seven foldable segments, this bike mat easily folds up for storage. Plus, if you want your mat to extra thick and sound absorbing, you can fold it in half. It's longer than other mats, so you've got extra material to play with.
It's also relatively thick to begin with, and Amazon reviewers note that it's durable, holds up over time and repels water.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $50
Made of high-density PVC foam, this mat is thick enough to protect your floors and durable enough that it'll last through many workouts — part of why it has 4.6 stars after a whopping 17,519 ratings. It's also water-resistant and easy to clean.
The smallest version of this mat is perfect for small bikes that don't take up a large footprint.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $27
Gorilla Mats are on the pricier end, but the brand prides itself in its heavy-duty construction and durability — so much so that it offers a lifetime warranty. The mat is made with a non-slip bottom later and a durable top layer, and also comes with a microfiber towel, storage bag and Velcro straps for easy cleaning and storage.
These aren't made specifically for bikes, but they can more than handle the load.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $140
This small mat is ideal for use in a small space where you can't afford to lose extra room to an oversized mat and just want something that covers the bare minimum of the machine.
It does everything the other mats do — protects your floors, mutes noise and vibrations — but won't take up much floorspace.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $24
Generally, bike mats should be at least 72 inches long and 24 inches wide (6 feet by 2 feet), says Denise Chakoian, founder of CORE Cycle.Fitness.Lagree in Providence, Rhode Island.
This footprint fits most bikes while giving you room to stand next to the bike. After all, stepping directly onto hard floors in your cycling shoes could damage them, Jacques adds.
Of course, the best bike mat size also depends on your bike. If you have a smaller bike and a small space, you may want to opt for something with less room around the sides. Just make sure that there's enough mat to fully cover the floor and that the bike isn't sitting right on the edges.
The best thickness depends on your floor, she says. "Usually thicker [0.25" and up] is better just because it's more durable and soundproof, but if you're in a carpeted room, you want something thinner to keep your bike even and flat."
The best bike mats will have a hard, durable surface "versus something soft like a yoga mat, which will break apart quicker and cannot handle the weight of the bike," Chakoian says.
You also want to make sure the material is nonporous and either water-resistant or waterproof. That way, sweat and cleaning products won't soak right into it and cause funky smells. Some brands use term "closed cell" to signify water resistance.
While rubber tends to be the most durable type of bike mat, it's also generally the most expensive and these mats shouldn't be rolled, so they can be difficult for in-home cyclers who need to roll the mat up and store it from time to time. More often that not, these are what you'll find in commercial cycling studios.
Most of the best stationary bike mats are made of PVC, a type of plastic, which isn't quite as durable, but is much more affordable. If you're using the mat in your home, PVC mats should hold up just fine.
Ideally, you want your mat to be smooth on the top and grippy on the bottom.
A smooth surface helps the bike sit flat and is the easiest to keep clean from swear, dirt and dust. Meanwhile, a textured or non-slip pattern on the bottom will help prevent it from scooting around as you're exercising, Jacques says.
Also, the stiffer the mat the better — if the material is too soft, the bike's feet will sink into it. This isn't necessarily a problem if it's minimal, but if it sinks in a ton, it can cause instability (and potentially rip through the mat and ruin your floor).
Will your bike mat be a permanent addition to your gym floor or do you plan to store it between uses? If you plan to sometimes store this exercise bike accessory, you'll want to consider that when shopping. Foldable bike mats are an option, and some thinner non-rubber mats can be rolled.
Don't roll up thick rubber mats; it can damage them. "If you need to remove it from your floor, stand it up against a wall instead of folding the mat so it maintains its rigidness," Chakoian says.