You’ve got your turbo trainer, you’ve downloaded your indoor cycling app, you’re ready to start training and exploring virtual worlds… almost!
A turbo trainer and bike are the basics, but the right accessories can completely transform your indoor cycling experience. From cooling and comfort to noise reduction and hydration, here are the essential turbo training accessories every rider should consider.
1. Fans for cooling
A fan is the number‑one accessory for turbo training. When you ride outdoors, airflow naturally cools you down. Indoors, that cooling effect disappears, and your body heats up fast.
Without a fan, you’ll overheat, feel uncomfortable and see a drop in performance. Using one fan is good; using two or even three gives you cooling from multiple angles and keeps your indoor rides far more comfortable.
2. Towels for sweat protection
Even with fans, you’ll sweat – a lot! A towel helps keep sweat out of your eyes and off your bike.
Sweat can corrode components like handlebars, bolts, bottom brackets and bearings. Draping a towel over your handlebars and top tube protects your bike and keeps your setup cleaner.
3. Water bottles for hydration
Indoor cycling is hot work, so staying hydrated is essential. Keep at least two full water bottles within reach during your session.
Start hydrating a couple of hours before your ride so your body has time to absorb the fluids. Larger bottles are ideal for indoor training, helping you avoid mid‑session refills.
4. Hydration tablets for electrolyte balance
Sweating means losing electrolytes, which are vital for performance and recovery. Adding hydration tablets to your water helps replace sodium, magnesium and other key minerals.
They’re especially useful for longer or more intense turbo sessions.
5. Phone or tablet holder
Indoor training apps make turbo sessions more engaging, but you need your device close by to control workouts, join virtual rides or follow structured training plans.
A handlebar‑mounted phone or tablet holder keeps your screen secure, visible and easy to reach while you ride.
6. Turbo trainer mat
A turbo trainer mat isn’t essential, but it’s a smart upgrade for several reasons:
- Protects your floor from sweat and scuffs
- Reduces noise and vibration
- Helps stabilise your trainer
If you live in a flat or share your home with others, the noise‑dampening benefits alone make a mat worthwhile.
7. Turbo trainer tyre (for wheel‑on trainers)
If you’re using a wheel‑on turbo trainer, your regular rear tyre will wear down quickly due to heat and friction.
A dedicated turbo trainer tyre is designed to handle indoor riding and lasts much longer. Many riders keep a spare wheel fitted with a turbo tyre to make switching between indoor and outdoor riding quick and easy.
8. Riser block or smart steering block
A turbo trainer lifts your rear wheel, so a riser block levels your bike and keeps your front wheel stable.
For riders using apps like Zwift, a smart steering block adds an extra layer of immersion by allowing you to steer in‑game based on your real‑world movements.
Ready to build your indoor cycling setup?
If you’re preparing for indoor training, explore our full guide to creating your own indoor cycling studio. You can also check out our complete turbo training guide for more tips, advice and inspiration.
And when you’re ready to upgrade your setup, visit Halfords.com to find turbo trainers and all the essential accessories to make your indoor rides smoother, cooler and more enjoyable.
