Journey from Footwear Design to Spin-novation

After years of designing shoes for major brands in the Footwear Industry, I faced a particularly stressful period in my final two years at my last job. My wife and I, independently, both researched the Peloton bike as a potential solution for managing stress. Our kids accidentally spilled the beans, leading us to surprise each other with a Peloton bike for Christmas. From the moment I started using it, I noticed a remarkable shift in my outlook and fitness levels.

However, one unexpected challenge arose: I was sweating profusely during my workouts. Picture Patrick Ewing in the fourth quarter (Google it youngsters). I would complete my workout, shower, and rush off to work, leaving my wife to deal with a sweat-drenched bike. My timing was always geared to drop off one of our two kids at school and still make it to work on time, which left little room for post-workout cleanup. My wife wasn’t thrilled with this arrangement, so I decided to apply my design skills to find a solution.

With some basic sewing skills, I crafted what would become the FrameWrap. It turned out to be incredibly effective, cutting my cleanup time from minutes to mere seconds by keeping my sweat off the bike’s frame. Realizing this solution could benefit many Peloton owners, I reached out to factories I had worked with over the years and began producing the FrameWrap under the brand name “Pelotowel.” It was a clever name, combining cycling and towel terminology. However, it was too close to the Peloton brand, which led to some legal challenges. After a rebrand, “Velotowel” was born, using the French word for bicycle, and, happily, the domain Velotowel.com was available.

I’m passionate about the Peloton community and indoor cycling, and I love creating new products. Under the Velotowel brand, we’ve introduced several innovations: The FrameWrap and AeroWrap (for the 1st generation Peloton Bike), VeloMat (compatible with Bike and Bike+), and the FrameWrap+ and AeroWrap+ (designed for the redesigned Bike+ and Aero handlebar). In late 2022, we also launched the VeloSandal, a new product with a patent pending.

We deeply appreciate the support our small business has received over the past year. Here’s to continued success and growth in the future!

We created sweat barrier specifically designed for the Peloton Spin bike. FrameWrap consists of 3 layers. The first layer deflects indirect sweat droplets and absorbs “direct hits”. The second layer is a semi-permeable foam that allows the top layer to breathe while simultaneously preventing liquid from reaching the frame down tube. The third layer sits directly against the frame. The soft Terry material protects the bike finish and provides additional protection from cleat scuffs while mounting/dismounting the bike.

AeroWrap

AeroWrap+

AeroWrap and AeroWrap+ are more than a towel. They’re dual purpose powerhouses. 1. They protect the head tube’s exposed metal edge from the corrosive effects of your sweat. 2. Allows free hand movement to all five handlebar positions. 3. Super easy one handed operation. Go ahead, wipe that brow!

Lift, wipe and replace in a single motion.
**AeroWrap**

Easily access All FIVE hand positions.
**AeroWrap**

VeloSandal

VeloSandal I had forgotten my water bottle after I had already started my class (This was before the pause feature was added to Peloton On-Demand classes). Removing my shoes would have taken me too much time. I unclipped from the bike and FAST-WALKED into the kitchen. As soon as the plastic of my cycling shoe cleat hit the hardwood of the kitchen floor, I went down. HARD. I was happy that no one was around to see this comedy of errors. Class would have to wait! I needed to recover from would turn into a pretty good bruise on my hip. In the meantime, I searched the internet for something that I could easily step into while keeping my cycling shoes on that would prevent the calamity that had just occurred. I couldn’t believe that there was nothing out there on the market. It was in that moment that I started to think about designing and developing the VeloSandal.

VeloSandal is lightweight and simple to use. Just toe in, Step down and you’re in! Go ahead walk around, Answer the door, get that forgotten water bottle or towel. The VeloSandal is held on 3 friction points and your own body weight hold them in place with each step. When it’s time to resume your ride, simply step on the heel with your opposite foot and step out.