Spinning from home has been a wonderful outlet for my physical, mental, and spiritual health. To enhance the stationary bike experience, I purchased several home cycling accessories. If you’re looking to improve your rides, definitely try these game-changing products! DISCLOSURE: Affiliate links are included within this post.
A little background: I have the Echelon Connect EX-4S and started spinning immediately upon setup. Prior to that, I knew absolutely nothing about stationary bikes for exercise. The research began when quarantine life and working from home made it difficult to get my daily recommended 10,000 steps in. I mean, there are only so many steps I take from the bedroom to the kitchen to the couch each day. Spin has provided the daily cardio and brain break I need to keep physically fit.
And now, without further adieu, a list of home cycling accessories you didn’t know you needed but totally do:
1) Cadence Tracker
Cadence Tracker – While the Echelon EX-4S does include a 10.1-inch tablet that tracks cadence and resistance and all the bike ride metrics, they do not sync in the Peloton Digital App. I purchased the Wahoo Cadence Sensor and pair it with my iPad via bluetooth. The physical sensor itself attaches super quick and easy to the bike pedal which then shows my metrics in the Peloton Digital App while riding.
This isn’t necessary, but again, it does enhance the riding experience, especially if you’re using the Peloton app with a non-Peloton bike. Prior to purchasing the cadence tracker, I would open the Echelon Digital App on my EX-4S and ride “freestyle” so I could see my metrics. I then simultaneously open the Peloton Digital App on my iPad and follow along with the instructors there. When Peloton instructors call out cadence, I glance over at the Echelon screen.
The Wahoo Cadence Sensor came with all kinds of different attachment options. This was an added bonus for me, as I wanted home cycling accessories that were multipurpose. Once we’re allowed to people again, I can easily remove the tracker from my bike and attach it to my tennis shoes to go running with the dog.
2) Heart Rate Monitor (HRM)
Heart Rate Monitor – While I have a Fitbit, it does not sync with either the Echelon or Peloton apps… at least not consistently. Fitbit is a closed system, and so I “needed” a bluetooth/ANT+ heart rate monitor (HRM) that would track my zones during a ride. I ended up buying a fairly cheap one ($30ish) and it works fine.. now. Initially, I had trouble syncing the HRM with either app, but I will say that was probably a combination of user error and my spotty WiFi.
After two or three tries, I was finally able to sync the heart rate monitor with the Peloton Digital App through Wahoo. It’s important to note that most heart rate monitors will only sync with one app/device at a time. You’ll have to decide which app needs the metrics more. Personally, I have mine linked to the Peloton app (left) because I like the graphs provided in my after ride recap better than the ones provided on Echelon (right).
I do still wear my Fitbit, too, for comparing metrics and documenting my workouts in the Fitbit app. Since working out (read: sweating) a lot more these days, I noticed I was getting a rash from the watch band. Mine are rubber and I guess the sweat and friction led to skin sensitivity. I bought one of those scrunchie looking fabric bands and problem solved!
3) Cycling Shorts
Padded Cycling Shorts – Do your butt a favor and get padded cycling shorts ASAP! The first few days of cycling had my tailbone really sore. Not necessarily hurting, but definitely uncomfortable. Not knowing what I was doing as a beginner biker certainly didn’t help. I found gel-padded women’s biking shorts on Amazon for $25. Think of it like a sewn-in ginormous gel maxi pad. It covers front and back and they definitely make a difference. You’re welcome. You can wear them as is, but I like to wear leggings underneath them so I can spot wash the shorts as needed and prolong their longevity. I would not recommend throwing these in the dryer!
4) Cycling Seat
Wider Bike Seat – Like most indoor bikes, the EX-4S comes with a competition-style seat aka slim and sleek and waaaaay too small for all the junk in this trunk. In addition to padded shorts, I would also recommend investing in a wider, more comfortable seat for your bike. As a beginner, most of my exercises occur “in the saddle” (sitting on my bike seat for the entire duration of a ride). As long as I don’t readjust too much during the actual ride, I can usually power through a 20-30 minute ride without too much cursing. That said, now that I ride on a regular basis, I want to enjoy my rides a bit more and save my booty. A wider seat maximizes surface area for comfort. Super easy to install, too!
5) Cycling Shoes
Clip-in Cycling Shoes – The first few days riding, I used regular tennis shoes in the caged bike pedals. My Echelon EX-4S came with dual pedals. On one side there is a cage for your typical everyday running shoe. On the other side of the pedal are SPD clips. I didn’t think it would make much of a difference, but I have to say I am sold on the clip-in shoes. They do cost a pretty penny, though, so be forewarned.
Wanting to support local businesses and also wanting a good fit, I visited my town bike shop, tried on a few cycling shoes, and was properly fitted by staff. The shoes are purchased separate from the cleats/clips, so in addition to whatever you pay for the shoe, know that you will be paying an additional $15-20 bucks for the proper cleat. I got Shimano clips, but definitely check your pedal style as not all bikes are the same!
6) Cycling Pedals
SPD Pedals – As mentioned earlier, there is no reason you can’t ride in regular tennis shoes, but clip-in cycling shoes attach to your bike and provide an overall better biking experience. I imagine being clipped into your bike would be most helpful when riding out of the saddle, as the few times I tried getting up off my seat in my sneakers was an absolute disaster. My bike came with dual pedals similar to the ones linked. Now that I’ve ridden in clips, I have to say: this is THE must-have item for home cycling accessories!
7) USB-powered Fan
Clip-On Fan – Don’t be fooled. Even an in-the-saddle workout will have you sweating like you’ve been working the fields in 100° heat. My 4S screen has several USB ports in the back for accessories. I already had a mini fan from the baby stroller that is crazy quiet and delivers three wind speeds. I simply plugged it in to the back of my screen and used the provided clamp to attach to the bike’s handlebars. It almost makes it feel like I am riding outdoors with the wind blowing in my face, especially if I have a scenic ride displayed on screen. I love it!
8) Wireless Headphones
Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – I move around my gym a lot. Duh! I’m working out. I bike, then stretch, then lift, then meditate. My headphones were getting in the way! I had to unplug from the bike to plug into the iPad to then plug into my music… it was too much. The long cord would hang and get caught in gym equipment the few times the earbuds even managed to stay in. As I said, I go hard during my gym time. I also failed to mention one of the headphones stopped working, leaving the audio unbalanced. My audio situation was an all-around trainwreck!
I ended up purchasing these wireless headphones in black (but are available in white and rose gold, too!). Not only do they connect to my devices via Bluetooth, but they also have soft flexible ear hooks that wrap around your ears for that physical connection. I have yet to readjust them once they’re in! It’s been great. Their battery life is pretty awesome, too, with 5 hours of playtime on a single charge.
ACTIONABLE STEPS: Anything I missed on this must-have list? What are your go-to home cycling accessories? Let us know in the comments below! Are you a Peloton or Echelon user? Feel free to add me! CLM413
