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Time to read 7 min
Indoor spinning is booming—and not just in big cities. Providers like BEAT81 and Hicycle are often fully booked several days in advance. What used to be considered monotonous home workouts is now an intense experience with beats, instructors, and group energy.
But as with any sport, the same rule applies here: The right equipment makes all the difference.
A towel designed for spinning, the right indoor cycling shoes, and the right clothing can make your workout significantly more comfortable—and more hygienic.
In this article, we’ll show you what equipment you need for spinning, what to look for, and how to get the most out of your workout with minimal effort.
Why you can trust WOODSANDWAVES:
An effective spinning workout challenges not only your cardiovascular system but also your gear. Especially during sweaty sessions, it helps when your towel, shoes, and other gear are well-thought-out. Here’s a list of the items you really need for spinning:
💧 1. Water bottle
During intense sessions, you’ll quickly lose a lot of fluid—so drinking regularly is a must. A leak-proof water bottle with a quick-release cap is best. You can easily take a sip during the breaks between intervals. The WOODSANDWAVES team recommends still water—non-carbonated and unflavored.
🧺 2. Towel
Spinning is guaranteed to make you sweat. An absorbent microfiber towel is ideal for wiping down the handlebars or your forehead—it dries quickly and stays hygienic. In many studios, a towel is even required—at others, you should still bring one out of consideration for the equipment and other participants.
👟 3. Shoes
Many spinning bikes are equipped with clipless pedals (e.g., SPD system). Some providers offer matching shoes. If you work out regularly, it’s better to invest in your own pair—it’s more hygienic and comfortable.
👕 4. Clothing
Lightweight, breathable athletic wear helps you stay comfortably cool during your workout. Tight-fitting cycling shorts with a padded seat are more comfortable over time than regular athletic wear—especially during longer sessions, this is a real comfort upgrade.
Different spinning studios and providers have different policies regarding the equipment they provide. Some offer rental shoes and towels, while others expect you to bring your own gear. Here’s an overview:
1. BEAT81
BEAT81 offers an intense 45-minute spinning workout. As of April 2025, special cycling shoes will be provided free of charge and disinfected after each session. Participants should wear athletic clothing and bring enough water. A towel is recommended; it is not specified whether one will be provided.
2. Hicycle
Hicycle also provides shoes. It is advisable to check directly with the studio to see if towels are provided or if you need to bring your own equipment.
3. Urban Heroes
No detailed information about rental equipment is publicly available for Urban Heroes. We recommend contacting the studio directly for clarification.
4. Other providers
Many local gyms or specialized spinning studios have their own policies regarding the equipment they provide. Smaller providers typically do not offer rental shoes or towels. In these cases, the operators and instructors usually expect participants to bring their own equipment.
💡Note:
It is always a good idea to check a new studio’s specific policies before your first visit. You can do this by checking the official website, sending an email, or making a quick phone call. This ensures you’re fully prepared and avoids any unpleasant surprises.
A towel is an essential item in every spinning class. You’ll work up a sweat quickly on the bike, and a good towel prevents sweat from dripping onto the handlebars and saddle.
But not every towel is equally well-suited for indoor cycling:
Traditional cotton towels are often too heavy, too large, or dry too slowly—especially during intense workouts. Microfiber towels offer key advantages here: they are lighter, more absorbent, and dry faster. Another plus: thanks to their compact size, they can be easily attached to handlebars or placed on equipment without slipping.
What to look for in a spinning towel:
✔ Compact size: Not too large, so it fits well on the handlebars or seat. Dimensions around 80 cm x 40 cm have proven effective. If the towel can be folded compactly or even features a magnet, larger sizes are also acceptable.
✔ High absorbency: To reliably absorb sweat without getting saturated right away.
✔ Slip resistance: Many microfiber towels (such as those from WOODSANDWAVES) feature anti-slip elements or magnetic clips.
✔ Quick-drying & hygienic: Especially important if you work out regularly or toss your towel into your bag right after class.
Our tip: Choose a special fitness towel made from high-quality microfiber. That way, you’ll be perfectly equipped for every spinning session—whether at a boutique studio or at home on your bike.
After an intense spinning session, a shower is often the most pleasant way to finish. Measuring 140 x 70 cm, the WOODSANDWAVES shower towel offers the perfect balance: large enough for comfortable drying, yet compact enough to take up hardly any space in a backpack.
Especially after a sweaty workout, you don’t want to slip back into your regular clothes without freshening up first. A lightweight, quick-drying towel that feels comfortable against the skin is therefore ideal for a post-workout shower!
The right pair of spinning shoes can take your workout to the next level. They provide more stability, better power transfer to the pedals, and minimize the risk of slipping during fast pedal strokes. Unlike with traditional sneakers, most spinning bikes allow you to clip directly into the pedals—making every movement more efficient.
Many providers such as BEAT81, Hicycle, or Urban Heroes offer suitable rental shoes. It’s important to know that the systems differ. While some studios rely on the SPD system, others use Look Delta. If you train regularly, it may be worth investing in your own pair of spinning shoes—not only for hygienic reasons, but also for optimal comfort.
💡 Tip: Before your first workout, find out which clip-in system the studio uses. This way, you can make sure your own shoes are actually compatible.
Indoor cycling can make you sweat quickly—that’s why breathable clothing is essential. A functional sports shirt and form-fitting pants wick moisture away from your body and ensure you still feel comfortable even after 30-minute intervals.
Many spinning enthusiasts opt for cycling shorts with a padded seat—especially during longer or more intense sessions. These offer additional comfort and prevent uncomfortable chafing. Studios like Hicycle or BEAT81 focus on intense, HIIT-based workouts.
Spinning is more than just cycling in time to music—it’s an intense full-body workout that pushes you to your limits. Anyone who trains regularly at the studio should pay attention not only to shoes and clothing, but also to small yet crucial details like the right towel.
With the right gear, you’ll not only train more comfortably but also more hygienically—and ensure that you can focus entirely on your performance. Whether it’s BEAT81, Hicycle, or Urban Heroes—those who start their workout well-prepared will definitely have a better time in the saddle.
→ What size is ideal for spinning?
Your towel should be able to dry you off comfortably. Don’t underestimate how much sweat you lose during a spinning class—the towel should be at least 80 cm x 40 cm. Our recommendation: a compact sports towel measuring 130 cm x 50 cm (with magnets and a hooded pocket so it doesn’t hang over the bike and get in the way).
→ How concise should it be?
A good spinning towel fits easily into any gym bag and is so compact when folded that you can comfortably hang it over the handlebars.
→ Does it stay fresh—even during sweaty workouts?
Look for quick-drying material with antibacterial properties so it doesn’t start to smell unpleasant even at the end of your session.
About the Author: Julian Eyrich
Julian is one of the two founders of WOODSANDWAVES—and a passionate athlete.
Whether at the gym or during a spinning workout: As an active gym-goer, he knows the little details that really matter during a workout. From personal experience, he knows what makes a good gym towel—and why function, comfort, and quality are crucial as the workout intensifies.
