Peloton Accessories Every Rider Needs to Maximize Performance

You dropped serious money on your Peloton. Now it’s time to make sure you’re actually getting everything out of it. The bike alone is a powerful machine, but the right accessories transform a good workout into a great one — and protect your body and your investment in the process. No fluff, no gimmicks. Here’s what you actually need.

Cycling Shoes: The Non-Negotiable Upgrade

If you’re still riding in sneakers with toe cages, you’re leaving power on the table. Period. Clip-in cycling shoes with Look Delta or SPD-SL cleats create a rigid connection between your foot and the pedal, allowing you to generate force through the entire pedal stroke — not just the downward push. That means more efficient rides, higher output numbers, and less wasted energy.

Look for shoes with a stiff carbon or composite sole, a secure closure system (BOA dials are the gold standard), and a fit that’s snug without crushing your toes. Your feet will swell during long rides, so account for that. And don’t overlook cleat positioning — improper placement is one of the fastest paths to knee pain.

Heart Rate Monitor: Train Smarter, Not Just Harder

The Peloton screen displays heart rate zones for a reason. Training by heart rate is one of the most effective ways to build endurance, improve recovery, and avoid overtraining. The built-in wrist sensors on some devices are notoriously unreliable during high-intensity efforts. A dedicated chest strap or armband heart rate monitor connected via Bluetooth or ANT+ gives you accurate, real-time data you can actually trust.

Chest straps remain the most accurate option. They pick up the electrical signal from your heart directly, which means no lag and no interference from movement or sweat. Arm bands are a solid alternative if you find chest straps uncomfortable, though they measure blood flow optically and can occasionally drift during intervals.

Once you start training with heart rate data, you’ll understand why instructors constantly reference zones. It changes the way you approach every single ride.

Seat Cushion and Padded Shorts: Protect What Matters

Let’s be blunt — the stock Peloton seat is not built for comfort during 45- and 60-minute rides. Soreness in the first few weeks is expected as your body adapts, but persistent discomfort is a sign you need intervention. You have two options, and serious riders often use both.

A gel or memory foam seat cover provides immediate relief and is the easiest fix. Padded cycling shorts (or bibs) are the more performance-oriented solution. The chamois inside quality cycling shorts is engineered to reduce friction, wick moisture, and cushion your sit bones without bunching. Wear them without underwear — that’s not optional, it’s how they’re designed to work.

If discomfort persists beyond the break-in period even with these solutions, consider swapping the saddle entirely for one that matches your sit bone width.

Floor Mat: Protect Your Floor and Dampen Noise

A high-density equipment mat beneath your Peloton serves three critical purposes. First, it protects hardwood, tile, and carpet from the weight and vibration of the bike. Second, it dampens noise — your downstairs neighbors will thank you during those 5 AM sprint intervals. Third, it catches the inevitable puddle of sweat that forms during every serious session.

Go with a mat that’s at least 6mm thick and made from dense, non-slip rubber or PVC. Cheap yoga mats won’t cut it. They compress, slide, and deteriorate quickly under the weight of the bike. Size matters too — make sure the mat extends beyond the bike’s footprint to give you room for off-bike stretching and strength work.

Weights and Resistance Bands: Expand Your Training

Peloton’s programming increasingly integrates upper body work, core circuits, and full-body bootcamps. Having a set of dumbbells and resistance bands within arm’s reach means you can flow seamlessly between cycling and strength work without breaking momentum.

• Light dumbbells (1-3 lbs) for on-bike arm segments during rides
• Medium dumbbells (10-25 lbs) for off-bike strength classes
• A set of looped resistance bands for lower body activation and mobility work
• A kettlebell for Peloton’s growing library of strength content

The riders who see the most dramatic body composition changes are the ones treating Peloton as a full training platform, not just a bike.

Towels, Fan, and Hydration: The Essentials You’ll Forget Until You Need Them

These aren’t glamorous, but they’re essential for every single ride. Sweat management is a real performance factor. When your grip slips on the handlebars or sweat drips into your eyes during a PR attempt, you’ll wish you’d prepared better.

• Microfiber towels: Keep at least two on the bike — one for your face and one draped over the handlebars for grip. Microfiber absorbs fast and dries quickly between rides.
• A high-velocity fan: Airflow isn’t just about comfort. It helps regulate your core temperature, which directly impacts how long and how hard you can ride. Position it at handlebar height, aimed at your torso and face.
• An insulated water bottle: The Peloton bottle holder accommodates most standard sizes. Cold water stays cold longer in an insulated bottle, and staying hydrated keeps your power output consistent through the back half of every ride.

Screen Protector and Cleaning Kit: Maintain Your Investment

The Peloton touchscreen is the command center of your entire experience, and it takes a beating from sweat, fingerprints, and the occasional accidental smack during an out-of-saddle effort. A tempered glass screen protector prevents scratches and makes cleaning easier. Pair it with a microfiber cloth and electronics-safe cleaning spray, and wipe down the screen after every session.

While you’re at it, get in the habit of wiping down the frame, handlebars, and seat post. Sweat is corrosive. A two-minute post-ride wipe-down dramatically extends the life of every component on your bike.

The Bottom Line

Accessories aren’t about spending more money for the sake of it. Every item on this list solves a real problem — whether it’s improving power transfer, preventing injury, protecting your equipment, or enabling you to train harder and longer. Build your setup intentionally. Start with the items that address your biggest pain points, and add from there. The goal is simple: remove every barrier between you and your best ride.

Your Peloton is the engine. The right accessories are everything that lets you push it to its limit.