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With one of these best bike trainer mats, your indoor workouts will be quieter and more floor-friendly.
I compared more than 20 bike trainer mats to provide you with tips on those worth your consideration.
The best trainer mat for the money is CyclingDeal Trainer Mat. It is cheaper than branded mats but provides similar features. It is 0.24 inches (6 mm) thick, so it absorbs vibrations well. It is durable thanks to high-quality PVC and big enough to protect your floor.
In this article, I will also guide you through selecting a trainer mat and provide you with a few more tips on making your indoor training quieter.
What Are the Best Bike Trainer Mats?
All trainer mats on this list are made of odor-proof materials, are easy to wash, provide sufficient protection to your floor, and reduce the noisiness of your trainer.
CyclingDeal Trainer Mat (Best Overall)
Main Features
- Dimensions: 30 x 60 inch | 76 x 152 cm or 30 x 72 inch | 76 x 183 cm
- Thickness: 0.24 inch | 6 mm (soft) or 0.12 inch | 3 mm (high-density)
- Material: soft PVC or high-density PVC
- Anti-slip bottom
- Odor-proof
- Available in soft or high-density option
CyclingDeal Trainer Mat provides the best price-value ratio of all mats in this selection. It is cheaper than branded mats but offers similar features.
It comes in two options – soft or high-density PVC.
The difference is that the soft mat is better for on-floor exercises like stretching and yoga and bike trainers (or rollers). It is lighter and more portable. On the other hand, it is not suitable for carpets and heavy equipment.
The high-density mat is the exact opposite. If you plan to use your bike trainer or rollers on a carpet, go for the high-density one. This option is also better for heavy, stationary bikes. Just keep in mind that it may slip a little bit because its surface is more slippery than the surface of the soft mat.
Both these mats are made of high-quality PVC, so they are durable. Your bike trainer may leave some marks on the soft mat, but you don’t have to worry about them.
The bottom side of these mats is made of an anti-slip layer, so they will keep you in one place even if you go wild on your trainer.
The 0.24 inch (6 mm) thickness of the soft mat absorbs vibrations well and, therefore, reduces the noise and improves your riding comfort. This thickness also ensures your floor won’t be scratched by your trainer or damaged by sweat.
The high-density mat is only 0.12 inches (3 mm) thick, so it’s not as good at absorbing vibrations and reducing noise.
These mats are easily washable – you can either wipe them with a cloth or wash them in a shower after your workout.
No product is perfect, though, and even these mats have their downsides. Their dimensions are smaller than the other branded mats like Wahoo, Kinetic, or Saris.
BalanceFrom Interlocking Tiles (Best Universal)
Main Features
- Dimensions: 24 x 24 inch | 61 x 61 cm (one tile)
- Thickness: 0.5 or 1 inch | 1.27 or 2.54 cm
- Material: EVA foam
- Suitable for DIYers
- Ideal for an ultimate training cave
- Odor proof
If you want to build a training cave not only for cycling but also for other activities like stretching, yoga, home workouts, etc., these interlocking tiles are perfect for you. You can buy the exact quantity you will need to cover your dedicated training space.
Depending on your intended use, make sure to choose the right thickness. I recommend thinner tiles for bike trainers to keep them stable. Thicker tiles are better for more on-floor-oriented exercises because they are softer and more comfortable.
Thanks to the thickness and foam material, these tiles are perfect for absorbing vibrations and making your indoor training quieter.
They are also easy to clean and odor-proof to make your training more convenient.
Those who do more aggressive exercises like Martial arts should look elsewhere because the tiles tend to come apart under pressure.
Wahoo Bike Trainer Mat (Best Branded)
Main Features
- Dimensions: 36 x 78 inch | 90 x 200 cm
- Thickness: 0.24 inch | 6 mm
- Material: PVC
- Anti-slip texture
- Odor-proof
Fans of Wahoo, be aware! If you belong to the hard-core Wahoo fan base and are in their KICKR ecosystem, this trainer mat is a must.
It is larger than other trainer mats from less known brands to provide sufficient protection to your floor.
According to Wahoo, they designed it to absorb vibrations. This absorption leads to quieter and more comfortable indoor training.
Additionally, it has an anti-slip surface to keep your trainer in place and prevent it from “walking” around.
You can also use it on a carpet, but it should not be too thick. Otherwise, you risk damaging the mat.
So, what is its main downside? The price. It is higher than the price of the CyclingDeal mat, for example. But if you are Wahoo’s fanboy (or a fangirl), it is worth it.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com
QUWEI Bike Trainer Mat with Towel
Main Features
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 59 inch | 80 x 150 cm
- Thickness: 0.16 inch | 4 mm
- Material: PVC
- Anti-slip bottom
- Odor-proof
- Cooling towel included
One of the best budget mats on this list, and with an included towel – that’s the Quwei trainer mat.
It is made of high-density PVC, which makes it suitable for carpets or heavier equipment like stationary bikes, dumbbells, etc.
Its bottom is made of an anti-slip surface to prevent slipping on wooden and other hard floors.
Although the manufacturer claims it is suitable for on-floor exercises, I disagree. The mat is too hard and not very comfortable for stretching, yoga, etc.
The included cooling towel is a nice-to-have accessory. You can wipe the sweat off your face easily.
Considering the price of the Quwei mat, its dimensions are the only main downside. The mat is much smaller than other branded mats on this list.
Kurt Kinetic Bike Trainer Mat
Main Features
- Dimensions: 36 x 78 inch | 90 x 200 cm
- Thickness: n/a
- Material: PVC
- Anti-slip surface
- Odor-proof
Kurt Kinetic makes popular fluid turbo trainers, but their offer also includes bike trainer accessories like this trainer mat.
It is like the Wahoo mat, except it has a different logo and the surface differs slightly. It’s wide enough to protect your floor even if you use Kinetic Rock & Roll trainer known for its wide legs.
Owners of this mat praise its durability and ability to absorb vibrations leading to quieter indoor training.
The biggest issue with this mat is its PVC smell. To get rid of it faster, leave it outside, ideally in direct sunlight for a day or two.
Saris Bike Trainer Mat
Main Features
- Dimensions: 36 x 65 inch | 90 x 165 cm
- Thickness: 0.16 inch | 4 mm
- Material: PVC
- Anti-slip surface
- Odor-proof
Saris bike trainer mat is the thinnest of all branded mats on this list. Unlike Wahoo or Kinetic mats, it is only 0.16 inches (4 mm) thick. This makes it perfect for carpets and heavy equipment.
On the other hand, it is not suitable for stretching, yoga, or other on-floor activities because it is not as soft as, for example, the CyclingDeal mat.
This mat will absorb vibrations and make your training less noisy. The PVC also ensures durability and longevity.
To keep it clean, feel free to wash it with soap and water from time to time (after every 3-5 rides).
The biggest shortcoming of the Saris trainer mat is its price. It is the most expensive mat on this list. But, if you have a trainer from Saris, it would be a shame to use a mat of another brand.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and trekbikes.com
| Trainer Mats | Dimensions | Thickness | Material | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CyclingDeal Trainer Mat (soft) | 30 x 60 inch 76.2 x 152.4 cm or 30 x 72 inch 76 x 183 cm | 0.24 inch 6 mm | PVC | Check Price |
| CyclingDeal Trainer Mat (high-density) | 30 x 60 inch 76.2 x 152.4 cm | 0.12 inch 3 mm | PVC | Check Price |
| BalanceFrom Interlocking Tiles | 24 x 24 inch (one tile) 61 x 61 cm | 0.5 or 1 inch 1.27 or 2.54 cm | EVA foam | Check Price |
| Wahoo Bike Trainer Mat | 36 x 78 inch 90 x 200 cm | 0.24 inch 6 mm | PVC | Check Price Check Price (competitivecyclist.com) |
| QUWEI Bike Trainer Mat with Towel | 31.5 x 59 inch 80 x 150 cm | 0.16 inch 4 mm | PVC | Check Price |
| Kurt Kinetic Bike Trainer Mat | 36 x 78 inch 90 x 200 cm | n/a | PVC | Check Price |
| Saris Bike Trainer Mat | 36 x 65 inch 90 x 165 cm | 0.16 inch 4 mm | PVC | Check Price Check Price (competitivecyclist.com) |
My Verdict
Luckily for us, consumers, there are plenty of high-quality trainer mats out there that will protect your floor, reduce the noisiness of your trainer, and make your training more pleasant.
The best bike trainer mat overall is the CyclingDeal Trainer Mat. It is made of PVC, ensuring great durability. Thanks to its 0.24 inch (0.6 mm) thickness, it absorbs vibrations well and therefore, makes your training quieter and more comfortable.
All bike trainer mats on this list are worth their price. They all seem the same but they differ in dimensions, thickness, and hardness.
If you don’t know how to choose a trainer mat, I recommend reading the buyer’s guide.
Why Use a Bike Trainer Mat?
There are three main reasons to use trainer mats. Below, I explain them more in detail.
1. Reduced Noisiness
Pedaling on bike trainers creates vibrations. These vibrations cause unpleasant noise that you want to avoid. Bike trainer mats absorb them, reducing the overall noise.
You might also be interested in these tips to make your indoor training quieter.
2. Protects Your Floor
Depending on where your training cave will be, you should consider protecting your floor.
If you want to place your trainer in a living room on a carpet or vinyl floor, for example, a bike mat is a must.
It will protect the floor against scratches and also your sweat – trust me, you will sweat a lot during indoor training, even with a fan.
If you have your dedicated training area in a garage or basement, you may not need it.
3. Makes Your Training More Comfortable
Not only do the vibrations cause noise but they also transfer to the touchpoints like your feet, hands, and bottom. This may cause further discomfort.
Trainer mat absorbs them, acting like an “absorber,” so your ride will be a little bit more comfortable. It is like riding with or without cycling shorts.
How to Choose a Bike Trainer Mat?
Before you buy a trainer mat, think about the way you want to use it. Will you place it on a carpet or a hard floor? Will you also use it for other activities like stretching and on-floor exercises?
Softer mats are better for lighter equipment (like rollers and bike trainers) and hard floors, while high-density ones are better for carpets and heavy equipment (like stationary bikes).
The general rule of thumb is that softer mats are thicker and high-density ones thinner.
The softer ones are better at absorbing vibrations and reducing your trainer’s noise, and for other activities. They are not suitable for heavier equipment like stationary trainers, dumbbells, etc. The high-density ones are the exact opposite.
Here are other features you should consider when buying a trainer mat:
- Dimensions – The mat should be big enough to protect your floor against scratches and sweat.
- Material – Choose a mat made of materials like rubber, polyvinyl chloride (more know as PVC), or vinyl that ensure longevity and ease of cleaning.
- Thickness – Not too thick so it absorbs vibrations while keeping your trainer stable. Too thick a mat will cause the trainer’s instability, while too thin won’t absorb vibrations and reduce noise. The general rule for thickness is as follows:
- Soft mats – thickness around 0.2 inches [5 mm]
- High-density mats – thickness around 0.12 inches [3 mm]
- Odor proof to prevent your room from an unpleasant smell. Note that a new mat will have a specific PVC odor that will ease over time.
- Non-slip to keep your bike trainer fixed in one place.
There are three types of trainer mats/tiles in terms of portability:
- Rollable mats
- Foldable mats
- Interlocking tiles
The first two are popular for their portability and ease of use but lack in terms of covered area.
Interlocking tiles allow you to build a larger training area suitable for indoor cycling, home workouts, yoga, stretching, and other activities.
How to Make Your Indoor Training Quieter?
Indoor training can be noisy, especially if you don’t have a direct-drive trainer or an advanced smart trainer, and you use an old wheel-on trainer.
Based on my experience and tips from riders worldwide, I summarized the following proven tips to make your bike trainer quieter.
- Use a trainer mat
- Use a trainer-specific tire (applicable to wheel-on trainers and rollers only)
- Lube your bike’s drivetrain
- Build a vibration-absorbing platform
- Get a quieter bike trainer (if nothing helps)
Bike Trainer Mats FAQ
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Preview picture source: Wahoo Fitness
