Kinetic Trainer Mat Review: The Bike Trainer Mat that Reduces Noise and Protects Floors!

Among the multitudes of bike trainer mats available today, few check the boxes of reliability, aesthetics, safety, excellent floor protection, and noise absorption at the same time. The Kinetic trainer mat is one of them. 

Are ther any suitable alternative for the Kinetic Trainer Mat?

Ofcourse, the Kinetic Trainer Mat is of the best exercise mat. In fact, many Peloton users vouch for this mat.

The versatile CyclingDeal Bicycle Workout Mat for Indoor Cycle and Cycleops training mat come in as 1st and 2nd runners up.

Further, other serious contenders such as the Balancefrom Gofit mat or the Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Equipment Mat are budget-friendly options we can’t ignore.

In this Kinetic Trainer Mat Review, we’ll discuss its special features and drawbacks in detail. We’ll also outline a comprehensive buyer’s guide on exercise mats along with some worthy alternatives to this mat. Enjoy!

Kinetic Trainer Mat Review

The kinetic trainer mat is a large, durable mat. It boasts of an excellent build quality and a long positive reputation from its parent company, kurtkinetic. It looks great and is both water and sweat resistant. It’s well-padded and does an excellent job at dampening noise and protecting floors.

About the Kinetics brand

The Kinetics brand was born in 1999. It came at a time when a company for which Kurt manufacturing was producing bike trainer frames went bankrupt. They were left with a great deal of inventory which spurred their revolution into one of the most innovative bike trainer manufacturers in the world. 

The company is known for their award-winning leak proof resistance unit. To date, the company has expanded its line of products to include modular cycling computers, advanced bike trainers, mats, among many others.

Special features of the kinetic trainer mat

Size

A mat is of no use if it does not provide sufficient coverage under your trainer. The kinetic trainer mat is a large one. It measures 79”*36”. Translating to a working surface area of 37.5 square feet. By all standards, this is sufficient to use under any trainer. It also ensures that sweat is collected efficiently. 

The mat is not the thickest in its class. However, its 5mm thickness is sufficient by all means. The padding delivers sufficient comfort both on foot and on the bike. It’s average thickness also makes it easy to roll for transport or storage purposes. 

You can also find decent utility when using the mat for yoga and stretching routines, However, I’d recommend the Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat for these purposes. This mat should fit most home gym allocated spaces. You can have two of these mats side-by-side if you’d like to have some extra workout space for calisthenics. 

Be careful when walking with cleats on this mat as it is thin, enough to be easily torn.

Noise insulation

Although the mat is only about 5mm thick, it does a decent job at absorbing vibrations. There is no drastic reduction in decibel levels with regard to sound disturbances. However, damping of vibrations is just about all you need to stop disturbing your neighbors. 

This is especially true if you are working out from a closed room. It’s worth noting that mats are meant to absorb vibrations and not sound itself. Your family will thank you for those late nights and early morning cardio sessions. 

With a dense construction, the mat helps to secure your trainer in one spot. This stabilizes your trainer by reducing( and possibly eliminating) rocking motion from side to side. As a result, you’ll notice a reduction in squeaking sounds. 

Reduction in noise means that most shock is absorbed before making it to the floor. This is one of the ways that the mat helps to protect your floors.

Water and sweat resistance

The kinetics trainer mat is made of closed-cell PVC foam. This means that each building unit is completely sealed from its adjacent neighbors. This makes it hydrophobic to say the least. 

This property is pronounced even further as the sweat tends to pull instead of scattering. 

The obvious benefit of this is that the mat becomes easy to clean. The absence of prominent gaps in the sheets also blocks air from penetrating into the mat. This helps to keep the mat odor-free. 

Cleaning the mat requires a simple wipe with a damp cloth and an all-purpose cleaner.( more on this later). Thereafter, the mat dries up almost instantly. You can clean it as often as daily if you wish. 

Both sides are water-resistant. So flipping the mat overtime should not compromise this property. 

Aesthetics

As you’d expect, fitness equipment have that sporty vibe on them. The kinetic trainer mat looks striking. It has a clean, minimalist design. The surface is black with a greyish finish. You’ll find the kinetic logo on one of the shorter edges along with the word”KINETIC” in caps. This would be nice for the gram. (if you know what I’m saying). 

The unit is quite dense. It’s minimally stiff but flexible enough to roll up. In general, I like the attention to detail in the consistency of its patterns. You can easily tell apart the upper and bottom sides. It comes in black. 

This should accent the theme of most spaces in your house. Minus the branding, this mat could really go anywhere in the kitchen, garage, or even outdoors under a shed.

Grip

The Kinetic trainer mat has a smooth surface on the bottom and a textured pattern on top. The smooth side bonds well with the floor without leaving black stains. The rougher side is non-slip and holds your equipment firmly. 

Due to the weight of the trainer+rider, the mat curves inwards to create a ridge that further supports the equipment. This eliminates the rocking motion when pedaling hard. The mat also supplies sufficient traction when walking on the mat( barefoot or with shoes on). Care should be taken when walking with cleats. 

Long term users confirm that the mat retains its non-slip texture.

Durability

The durability of a bike trainer mat depends on the build quality, type of materials used, patterns of usage, and the immediate environment. 

One of the things quickly noticeable about the Kinetic trainer mat is its density and form. The mat feels heavy and looks sturdy. There are no noticeable individual layers. This is probably why the mat lays flat not so long after unboxing. While it’s flexible, it’s not easy to bend. Overall, it’s surely a premium product. 

The Kinetic trainer mat is made of a microfiber foam. But there’s a twist in the manufacturing process. The rubber compound in the foam is exposed to high-pressure nitrogen gas. This causes the individual blocks to seal completely. This brings with it good and bad news.

The bad news is that the resultant mat is quite rigid. This would be a problem if you plan to move it frequently. The good news is that the mat becomes tougher. This allows the mat to spring back quickly from pressure indentation. I would highly recommend routinely switching the position of your trainer for this purpose. 

The foam rubber is a super material in an array of conditions. This is pronounced the most when it’s curated in a closed-cell process. It’s durable, has excellent thermal performance, and retains its color over a long period.

This material is not limited to mats only. You can find it as a fix for leaky roofs and basements( note that it is much thicker under these scenarios). It’s also used in silencing loud engines. Even with little maintenance, closed-cell foam is known to last upwards of 30 years!

Like anything else, mats that are used frequently, such as those in commercial gyms, wear quickly. The contrary is true for those in home gyms. Consequently, you are set to get a decent lifespan on the kinetic trainer mat. I wouldn’t advocate exposing the mat to direct sunlight for long periods. This may compromise its longevity.

Customer Support

I haven’t found any elaborate warranty information on this mat. However, there’s a free return policy on faulty orders. You may also bank on the reliable customer service of the Kinetic brand. 

That aside, do not hesitate to reach out to their customer care office in case you ran into any issues with the product. ( ). Note that you may have to go through the specific third-party vendor who sold you the mat for warranty, replacement, or refund purposes.

Safety

The closed-cell PVC foam rubber used in this mat is very different from natural rubber and latex. As previously iterated, this mat is bound using pressure. This eliminates the need for phthalates-these are a family of chemicals used in the molding of plastic compounds such as the aforementioned PVC.

Consequently the mat has no plastic odors. This makes it both children and pet-safe. Another benefit of the Kinetic trainer mat is its “memory foam” property. This means that your trainer will settle into an imprint, thus, improving the stability of your trainer.

Drawbacks of the kinetic Trainer mat

Color

The kinetic trainer mat is only available in black. While black can go with any color, it may not satisfy the styling preferences of some users.

Kinetic Trainer mat Buyers Guide: Things to consider before buying an Exercise Bike Mat

Price

I’m sure you are already familiar with mats. In fact, mats are some of the cheapest products you can buy online. Some even go for the sub $10 price tag. However, don’t expect much utility on such mats. This goes for anything at all. 

Some of the issues you’ll have to deal with include persistent plastic odors, poor longevity and quick wearing and tearing. Unless your intentions are short-lived, I’d recommend a one-off purchase of a premium product. Remember that these mats should last in excess of 30 years(on paper of course, lol).

Cost is not always a proper indicator of quality. Mid-range mats tend to give the best value to the dollar. They are made of durable materials, have no “plasticy” smell and are easy to clean. 

As a baseline, specify your budget. Thereafter, check for all products within the same price range. I’d personally buy from reputable brands. This is not meant to rule out smaller brands with quality products and reliable customer service. 

 Also take into account, the shipping fees to your destination when calculating the total cost of a mat. ( very important). In this regard, you should quickly grab offers that include free shipping. Be sure to also look for packages that include free accessories such as storage straps, gloves, water bottles, etc. The more the merrier!

Size

Size! Size! Size! In the world of mats( except for portable yoga mats), the bigger the better. This applies to both the surface area and thickness. As a minimum, a mat should adequately accommodate the length and width of your trainer. If you ask me, I’d want an extra ½ foot to 1-foot margin around the trainer. 

This not only provides an ample workout space but also ensures proper collection of sweat. It also eliminates the need of walking on your carpeted/hardwood floors with cleats on. 

The thickness of a trainer mat is just as important. The thicker the mat the more it’s protective abilities. Anything from 4-10mm should suffice. Note that thin and thick mats have pros and cons alike.

Thinner mats are easier to install as they tend to lay flat easily. They are also easier to roll up and store. On the flip side, they are more prone to damage. Thicker mats are harder to install and tend to take time(if at all) to lay completely flat. On the other side, they are more durable.

Material

The type of material used in making a mat principally dictates all of its characteristics. You want a mat that is comfortable, durable, well-padded and water-resistant. Let’s begin by ruling out nylon and leather for their poor longevity and rarity respectively. We are left with PVC foam and natural rubber. 

You should expect some persistent smell, poor thermal performance, and accelerated aging with rubber. Therefore, PVC foam in the form of sheets or microfiber stands out as the superior material for making reliable mats.

Grip

Traction is one of the main reasons you’d want a floor mat in the first place. Mats can have some form of rough texture incorporated in them to supply grip. This is hard to miss with the product at hand. However, confirm that a mat has a non-slip design on the product information section of a vendor’s page. 

A well-padded mat sinks on the points where your trainer is standing on. This promotes stability thus, the overall grip of your set up. 

Customer Support

The majority of us prefer the convenience and simplicity of purchasing stuff online. Consequently, it’d be nice to do your homework before purchasing a mat. You are already doing so by reading this post. But there’s more.

How about confirming that a mat has a free return policy. You know, in case they ship bananas instead. (you get the drift). For me, I’d require a warranty as well if am to pay a premium for a mat. 

Most brands actually offer both “after-sale services”. The question is how fast will you get your refund or replacement. To be honest, you shouldn’t trust a seller’s verbal( or written) promise. The best way to gauge a brand’s quality of customer service is by reading a ton of customer reviews. 

PS: you may consider posting your own honest feedback as well. It may help a brother(or sister) somewhere.

What Others Are Saying About The Kinetic trainer mat

• One user said: 

“The mat has excellent quality and retains its shape unlike other rubber mats”

• Another user said:

“He’s giving it a 4-star rating since his left cleat pierced the mat”

• Another user said:

“The mat is well sized. It allows some space or him to mount/dismount cleats without ruining his hardwood floors”

Alternatives to the Kinetic trainer mat

1. Saris CycleOps Training Mat for Indoor Bike Trainers: Premium Alternative

The Saris cycleops training mat boasts similar construction with the kinetic trainer mat. It’s made of a durable PVC microfiber foam. It’s water and sweat resistant. It looks great with a clean minimalist design. You’ll find the Saris logo on one corner. 

Both sides have a non-slip texture. It comes in a conventional, tall cuboid box. Unboxing and installation are easy. It also effortlessly stays flat for the most part. It measures 65:*36”, which is a little smaller than the kinetic trainer mat although enough for normal use. 

It has no plastic smell and is easy to clean. At 4mm, it’s thinner than the kinetic trainer mat. However, it’s easier to roll up for transport and storage purposes. This thickness also reduces the incidences of stumbling on the mat. 

Key features at a glance

• Easy to clean 
• Non-slip design 
• Great build quality 
• Reliable customer service 
• Made of durable materials 

Notable differences between the  Saris cycleops and kinetic trainer mats 

• Pricier 
• Smaller 
• Thinner 

The Saris cycleops mat is specifically designed for bike trainers. People interested in mats meant for multipurpose use can use the Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Equipment Mat instead. Check out its current price on Amazon.

Wahoo KICKR Multi-Purpose Floor Mat for Indoor Cycling, Cross-Training – SImilarly-sized alternative

The Wahoo trainer mat has about the same area as the kinetic trainer mat. It’s 7mm thick(2mm thinner than the kinetic trainer mat). I like its build quality. It looks and feels premium. It comes in the typical cuboid package. Unboxing is easy. 

It’s not easy to roll it up and takes time to completely lay flat. However, you’ll appreciate it’s padding as it feels comfortable to workout on. Both sides are non-slip and provide excellent traction on your trainer.

It features a proprietary safety bevel edge. This drastically reduces the instances of fall-related injuries. With 100% water and sweat-proofing, you should expect no persistent odors on this thing. It absorbs noise relatively well. It also seems to recover quickly from pressure indentation.

Key features at a glance

• Non-slip 
• Good size 
• Noise absorption
• Great build quality 
• Water and sweat-resistant 

Notable differences between The wahoo kickr and Kinetic trainer mats.

• Pricier 
• Thicker 

The Wahoo kickr mat is made for multipurpose use including body training and as a workout equipment mat. Check out its latest price on Amazon.

Gxmmat Extra Large Exercise Mat: Larger alternative

This mat is huge. I’m talking 6”*8”. Now, this is a ton of space to workout. I can see two trainers comfortably accommodated on this mat. It’s 7mm thick. You can have one trainer and a ton of cozy space left for body exercises.

The mat has a great build quality. It’s made of high-density microfiber foam. It features a double-sided non-slip design( in the form of groove and matrix circles). This supplies all the grip you want. 

With the use of toxin-free materials, this mat is both children and pet-friendly. You can get it in two colors-black and purple top with a grey bottom. Overall, this is arguably the best value for money on any mat. Putting into account the free accessories you get-3 velcro straps, a pair of high-quality gloves, and a carry bag.

Key features at a glance 

• Thick 
• Non-slip 
• Extra large 
• Durable materials 
• Sweat and water-resistant 

Notable differences between the Gxmmat extra large exercise mat and the Kinetic trainer mat 

• Larger 
• Thicker 
• Free accessories 
• Lifetime warranty 
• More color options 

This mat is ideal for multipurpose use including home gym flooring, body exercises, MMA, jump rope. Check it out on Amazon.

3 Quick exercise Exercise Mat Tips

1. Do not throw away your original mat packaging(box). These containers are usually perfectly sized for the ease of logistics. You could use it when moving.
2. Some mats don’t seem to ever lay completely flat. In this case, use a hairdryer to blow warm air over the newly purchased mat to remove any bumps or creases. You may also try rolling your mat the other way round upon unboxing. This may also undo any deformities. 
3. Wipe your mat(using a soft piece of cloth) with an all-purpose cleaner and water after workouts. This keeps the mat fresh and odor-free!

Conclusion:

Bike trainer mats protect our floors, collect sweat, improve grip, and absorb noise in our training spaces. A great bike trainer mat should be made of durable materials, have excellent build quality, dampen noise, and supply sufficient grip. 

Be sure to set iron out any creases on your mat upon unboxing. Clean your mat regularly and remember to workout as often as you can! If you liked this article, check out more great fitness content on our site, cheers!

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