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When I first started indoor cycling, a pro rider friend of mine recommended a fan as my first accessory.
Using a powerful fan helps you avoid overheating. Studies have also shown that lower body temperature can lead to better performance. And finally, you will feel more comfortable.
I’ve compiled a list of the best indoor cycling fans across all price ranges to save you time.
I’ll also cover the different fan types, their pros and cons, and what to consider when buying one. Plus, I’ll provide some tips on setting them up.
So let’s get started!
Abbreviations used: CFM – cubic feet per minute
What Are the Best Fans for Indoor Cycling?
The best fans for cycling are desk and floor fans and, eventually, tower and pedestal fans. They are all reasonably priced and provide adequate airflow to keep you cool during your workout.
Read the buyer’s guide first to learn about fan features, types, and pros and cons.
It’s important to note that all the fans listed below are powerful enough to cool you down during your training session, so you don’t need to worry about their CFM (learn more about this). Plus, you can adjust their tilt or change their speed.
Lasko High Velocity Floor Fan (Best Indoor Cycling Fan Overall)
Main Features
- Quieter than similar types of fans
- Carry handle for easier handling
- Rubber pads to protect your floor
- Great airflow that covers a larger area
- Easy to clean
Technical Specification
- CFM: 3460
- Power consumption: n/a
- Weight: 16 lb | 7.3 kg
- Number of speeds: 3
- Power cable length: 72 inches | 183 cm
- Remote control: No (learn how to hack this)
Lasko is one of the best fan manufacturers, and their high-velocity floor fan is a popular choice.
This fan is great for the price and provides strong airflow covering a large area. You won’t need multiple fans like you might with the Honeywell HT-900. Just place it further away from your trainer and enjoy the cooling effect.
Despite its large air volume (up to 3460 CFM), it’s quieter than similar fans. To make it even quieter, use the lowest speed setting.
Cleaning the blades is easy because you can disassemble the fan. It’s a good idea to clean the blades regularly, especially if you don’t use the fan for a while, to prevent dust from blowing in your face.
The fan has a carry handle for easy portability and rubber pads to protect your floor from scratches.
Honeywell HT-900 Desk Fan (Best Budget Indoor Cycling Fan)
Main Features
- Relatively quiet
- Carry handle for easier handling
- Centered airflow
- Compact
- Affordable
Technical Specification
- CFM: 160
- Power consumption: 43W
- Weight: 3 lb | 1.3 kg
- Number of speeds: 3
- Remote control: No (learn how to hack this)
The Honeywell HT-900 is a popular desk fan loved by households worldwide.
It’s compact, easy to set up, and relatively quiet. Plus, it provides enough airflow to keep you cool during your workout.
The HT-900 has a centered airflow, so you can direct it exactly where you need it.
For the ultimate training setup, I recommend buying three of these fans. Use one fan for each side, and place the third one in front of you. Despite the low price, this setup will provide an unbeatable cooling effect.
I also recommend checking out its more powerful successor Honeywell HT-908.
Vacmaster AM201R (Best Indoor Cycling Fan with Remote)
Main Features
- Very powerful
- Remote included
- Carry handle for easier handling
- Centered airflow
- Compact
Technical Specification
- CFM: n/a
- Power consumption: n/a
- Weight: 8.73 lb | 4 kg
- Number of speeds: 3
- Power cable length: 144 inches | 366 cm
- Remote control: Yes
The Vacmaster AM201R can create a downhill-like wind at home. Yes, that’s how powerful it is.
It comes with a remote control, so you won’t have to get off your bike during your workout. You can easily attach it to your handlebar.
The Vacmaster has 3 speeds and 3 positions (0°, 45°, and 90°). I recommend placing it about 4-8 feet (1-2 meters) away from you because of its centered airflow.
The Vacmaster is relatively quiet, with a claimed noise level of 61 dB, which is like having music playing in the background.
Lastly, it has a 12-foot (3.6m) long cord, so you won’t need an extension cord.
Wahoo KICKR Headwind (Best Fan for Zwift)
Main Features
- Airflow can change based on your heart rate, speed, or smart trainer
- Quiet
- Carry handle for easier handling
Technical Specification
- CFM: 440
- Power consumption: n/a
- Weight: 12 lb | 5.4 kg
- Remote control: Yes
- Bluetooth connectivity
- ANT+ connectivity
- Number of speeds: 4 (manual settings)
The Wahoo KICKR Headwind is the best fan available on the market for indoor cycling apps like Zwift.
It can adjust the wind speed based on your heart rate, speed, or smart trainer. When your heart rate (or speed) increases, the Headwind increases the airflow (up to 30mph | 48 kph).
This interactivity takes your indoor training to a new level, making it feel almost like you are riding outdoors.
You can also control it with your smartphone via Bluetooth and pair it with HR monitors and trainers using the ANT+ protocol.
The Headwind’s airflow is unique compared to other fans because it mirrors the position of a cyclist on the bike, providing the most efficient cooling possible.
However, the Headwind is pricey, so that’s its downside.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com
Lasko U12104 Floor Fan
Main Features
- Centered airflow
- Powerful
- Long power cable
- Carry handle for easier handling
- 360° tilt
Technical Specification
- CFM: 285
- Power consumption: 100W
- Weight: 8.7 lb | 4 kg
- Number of speeds: 3
- Power cable length: 120 inches | 305 cm
- Remote control: No (learn how to hack this)
The Lasko Pro Pivoting fan (U12104) is a great option if you need a powerful floor fan with centered airflow.
It’s easy to set up and comes with a long power cable, so you don’t have to worry about finding a nearby electrical outlet.
You can choose between three speeds and tilt it up to 360 degrees to direct the airflow to the part of your body that needs cooling the most (like your head or legs).
This compact fan is perfect for small spaces where efficient cooling is essential for top performance.
The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a remote control, but you can easily hack it using this guide.
Pelonis Pedestal Fan
Main Features
- Stable platform
- Easy to clean
- Programmable timer (7 hrs)
- 85° oscillation
- Adjustable tilt & height
- Great airflow that covers a larger area
Technical Specification
- CFM: n/a
- Power consumption: 55W
- Weight: 11.4 lb | 5.2 kg
- Number of speeds: 3
- Power cable length: 36 inches | 91 cm
- Remote control: Yes
Pelonis is an affordable pedestal fan that has one major benefit: it comes with a remote control so you can control it from the comfort of your seat.
You can adjust its height (from 3.5 to 4 ft | 107 to 122 cm) and tilt (24°), so it will blow air where you need it.
The airflow is diffused, not centered, so I recommend placing it further away from your training area to get the most out of it.
Although you probably won’t use the oscillation feature during your indoor training, it’s nice to have if you also plan to use the fan in your bedroom or other parts of your home.
The biggest disadvantage of this fan is the short cord, so you’ll likely need an extension cable.
Rowenta Turbo Silence Pedestal Fan
Main Features
- Stable platform
- Easy to clean
- Programmable timer (8 hrs)
- 85° oscillation
- Adjustable tilt & height
- Great airflow that covers a larger area
- Very quiet
- Attractive design
Technical Specification
- CFM: 2440
- Power consumption: 70W
- Weight: 19.6 lb | 8.9 kg
- Number of speeds: 5
- Remote control: Yes
- Noisiness: 35dB
The Rowenta Turbo Silence is on another level (although the price also reflects that) compared to the Pelonis pedestal fan.
At 35dB, it’s one of the quietest fans on this list. Its noisiness is hovering between whispering and quiet rain. However, this noise level is only achievable in silent mode. But even in other modes, it’s quiet and won’t disturb you during training.
The Turbo Silence has a stable base and comes with a remote control, allowing you to adjust the speed, oscillation, modes, and more from the comfort of your bike.
I also prefer its design over the other fans on this list. It’s simple and elegant.
The main downside is the diffused airflow. You may want to place it further away to get the most out of it.
Honeywell Quiet Set Tower Fan
Main Features
- Stable platform
- Programmable timer (8 hrs)
- Great airflow that covers a larger area
- Very quiet
- Carry handle for easier handling
- Dimmable display
Technical Specification
- CFM: 110
- Power consumption: 34W
- Weight: 6.8 lb | 3.1 kg
- Number of speeds: 5
- Remote control: Yes
Honeywell Quiet Set is a tower fan that offers great value for money from a reputable manufacturer.
It features five-speed settings, ranging from almost silent to whisper quiet, making it an ideal option for use during hot summer nights, watching TV, and more.
The included remote control allows you to turn the fan on/off easily, control oscillation, adjust speed, and more.
You may face some challenges if you plan to use this fan during indoor training.
Firstly, you may need to place it on a platform (such as a stool or stack of books) to raise it up and ensure adequate airflow to your head.
Secondly, the airflow is not centered, so placing the fan further away from your training area is best for maximum efficiency.
| Fan | Type | CFM* | Remote Control | Weight | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lasko High Velocity | Floor fan | Up to 3460 | No | 16 lb 7.3 kg | Check Price |
| Vacmaster AM201R | Floor fan | n/a | Yes | 8.73 lb 4 kg | Check Price |
| Honeywell HT-900 Desk Fan | Desk fan | Up to 160 | No | 3 lb 1.3 kg | Check Price |
| Wahoo KICKR Headwind | Floor fan | estimated 440 | Yes | 12 lb 5.4 kg | Check Price Check Price (competitivecyclist.com) |
| Lasko U12104 Floor Fan | Floor fan | Up to 285 | No | 8.7 lb 4 kg | Check Price |
| Pelonis Pedestal Fan | Pedestal fan | n/a | Yes | 11.4 lb 5.2 kg | Check Price |
| Rowenta Turbo Silence Pedestal Fan | Pedestal fan | Up to 2440 | Yes | 19.6 lb 8.9 kg | Check Price |
| Honeywell Quiet Set Tower Fan | Tower fan | Up to 110 | Yes | 6.8 lb 3.1 kg | Check Price |
*However objective it may seem, the CFM metric (cubic feet per minute) is not too important for indoor cycling (learn more).
My Verdict
Based on my research, I selected the following three fans as the best for indoor cycling:
- The best budget fan for indoor cycling is the Honeywell HT-900 Desk Fan. It is hard to beat for its centered airflow and affordable price. I recommend buying three fans for the ultimate setup.
- The best price-value ratio fan for indoor cycling is Lasko High Velocity Floor Fan. It’s perfect for larger areas, like garages or terraces, as it blows a large amount of air to cool your entire body.
- The best fan with a remote is the Vacmaster AM201R. You can conveniently attach its remote to your handlebar. This fan is also powerful but not too noisy.
Read the buyer’s guide section to learn more about fans suitable for indoor cycling.
How to Choose the Best Fan for Indoor Cycling?
When purchasing a fan for indoor cycling, there are various features to consider. If you’re unsure where to begin, don’t worry. I’ll guide you through the process to ensure that you make an informed decision.
Type of Fan
The first thing to consider is the fan type.
There are many types of fans out there. However, the following four are the most suitable for indoor cycling:
- Desk fans
- Pedestal fans
- Tower fans
- Floor fans
NOTE: Ceiling fans are not ideal for indoor cycling because they can be challenging to install, and they may not provide enough cooling. USB fans are not strong enough, and pipe fans are intended for other purposes.
Let’s now talk about these models in more in-depth. You can skip to the summary of their pros & cons.
Desk Fans
Desk fans are inexpensive, typically costing only a few dozen dollars. They can be relatively quiet, but lower-end models may produce more noise.
Although a standard desk fan is less powerful than a pedestal or tower fan, it is better than no fan.
Desk fans are compact and portable, making them easy to set up and store. You can also tilt them to direct their centered airflow where you need it.
However, this type of fan may not provide enough coverage for an ultimate setup, so you may need to use multiple fans (learn more).
Pedestal Fans
Pedestal fans are a middle ground between desk and tower fans. They often have an oscillation feature that spreads the airflow to a larger area.
These fans are popular due to their adjustability, affordability, versatility, and relatively low noise levels.
However, some models may not be stable enough and their size can make storage difficult.
Tower Fans
If you care about design, a tower fan is an excellent choice. Tower fans are often more aesthetically pleasing than other fan types, making them a great permanent home appliance.
They also tend to be quieter, allowing you to watch movies or chat with loved ones without disturbance.
However, except for the highest-end models, tower fans are generally less powerful than pedestal fans. Additionally, they are often more expensive than other fan types.
Floor Fans
Floor fans are similar to desk fans but are usually larger and more powerful. They may even be overkill for small spaces. They are portable, so you can easily place them where you need them.
However, floor fans tend to be noisier than the other fan types, and they are often the most expensive option.
The table below outlines the advantages and disadvantages of the fan types discussed earlier. Remember that the centered and diffused airflow can be a pro or con, depending on your preference.
| Type of Fan | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Desk | • Lower price • Compactness • Adjustable tilt • Centered airflow | • Not very powerful • Low-end models are noisy |
| Pedestal | • Lower price • Adjustable tilt • Diffused airflow | • Takes up more space • Can be noisy |
| Tower | • Quiet • Attractive design • Diffused airflow | • Higher price • Non-adjustable tilt |
| Floor | • Powerful • Portable • Centered / Diffused airflow | • Higher price • Noisy |
Source: knowtheflo.com
Airflow
When talking about airflow, there are three things to consider:
- Air direction – Most fans allow you to adjust the airflow direction to some degree, but some fans have a more centered airflow while others have a diffused airflow. Centered airflow fans are better for targeting specific body parts, while diffused airflow fans are better for cooling the entire body.
- Air volume – This is also known as cubic feet per minute (CFM) and refers to the amount of air that the fan can blow in a minute. While replicating outdoor conditions would require 7000-9000 CFM, any fan recommended on this list will significantly improve your indoor training environment.
- Air range – This refers to how far the fan can blow. It’s less important for small rooms and can be difficult to determine without specific information from the manufacturer.
In my experience, centered airflow fans are better for indoor cycling, but ultimately, the type of fan you choose will depend on your specific preferences and needs.
Remote
Does the fan come with a remote control or a manual switch?
Having a remote makes it more convenient to use the fan since you won’t have to stop your session to turn it on, adjust its speed, or turn it off.
Lower-end fans usually don’t come with a remote, but there is a way to control them remotely. Check out the tips section to learn how.
Noisiness
The quieter the fan, the better. Fans’ noisiness [dB] can vary greatly depending on the fan type and price range.
It’s not always true that a more expensive fan is quieter than a cheaper one; it depends on the model.
Generally, tower fans are the quietest, while floor fans are the noisiest, but this varies from model to model. I recommend checking the noisiness in decibels or watching video reviews.
Other Features to Consider When Buying a Fan
Depending on your requirements and the layout of your room, you should also consider the following features when buying a fan:
- Weight and dimensions
- Power consumption
- Length of the power cable
- Design
- Ease of cleaning
Weights of selected fans for indoor cycling.
The following chart shows the power consumption of the selected fans suitable for indoor cycling.
Tips on How to Use a Fan for Indoor Cycling
Here are a few extra tips that will help you get started.
TIP #1: Choosing the Right Fan
I have a whole section dedicated to helping you choose the right fan for indoor cycling, but I want to highlight one important thing. Consider where you will be using the fan and its power.
You don’t need a super-powerful floor fan if you’re training in a small room. However, it may be a good choice for larger open spaces or terraces.
Avoid fans that are too powerful, as you may start to feel cold even when using them at the lowest speed.
TIP #2: Placing the Fan
Placing the fan directly in front of you minimizes its effect. Instead, place the fan slightly off to the side, 3-10 feet (1-3 meters) away, depending on the fan. This will allow the airflow to reach a larger body area, increasing its impact.
Combining multiple fans, especially those with centered airflow, can be even better. You can play with multiple settings:
Example 1: Use one fan for your head, one for your body, and one for your legs.
Example 2: Use one fan for your left side, one for your right side, and one in front of you.
TIP #3: Making Its Use More Convenient
How to make using a fan more convenient, you ask? Use a remote! Cheap fans don’t come with a remote, but it takes your indoor cycling to a new level.
Use a simple, smart outlet switch with a remote to make your “dumb” fan a “smart” fan. It costs a few bucks but will make your life easier.
You can turn the fan on and off when needed with a remote without getting off your bike!
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Preview picture source: Wahoo Fitness
