Test / Market: Every year again - after the bike offers from Lidl two weeks ago, Aldi, the second German discounter giant, is following suit these days. Starting today there will only be cycling clothing, followed by accessories and the bikes themselves on Saturday. We will take a close look at the Aldi bike offers.
Aldi cycling offers 2016: Crane softshell vest
Basic information:
- Sleeveless vest
- Softshell membrane
- Wind and waterproof
- Reflective inserts
- Price: € 12,99
Our impression: Vests are every cyclist's best friend: Ideally, they weigh little, fit easily in a jersey pocket and keep you warm on fast descents. As soon as we touch the Crane vest, we are surprised by the thick softshell material, which undoubtedly keeps you nice and warm, but of course increases the pack size enormously. In any case, we can't get the vest into the jersey pocket, even with the greatest effort and with different folding techniques. The workmanship, on the other hand, is surprisingly good: the zipper runs smoothly and the seams are clean. With regard to the fit, the focus is on the casual area, i.e. rather wide than sporty. Thanks to the generous length, you can simply take a size smaller than usual.
Aldi cycling offers 2016: Crane short-sleeved cycling shirt
Basic information:
- Extended back part
- Three hand pockets
- Anti-slip waistband
- Reflective details
- Price: € 7,99
Our impression: Apart from the colors, the jersey (or cycling shirt, as it is officially called) is very similar to the model from the previous year, and a direct comparison also shows that the differences – if at all – can be found in the details. But like last year, the jersey is one of the recommended products in the discounter range: the fit is surprisingly good, the reflective details are well placed and the workmanship is quite satisfactory considering the price of almost €8. Of course, the many different materials (e.g. mesh under the armpits) are all sewn and not glued - the seams could chafe uncomfortably after a long ride, but this is certainly a concession to the low price. Here and there we also see a loose thread - the Aldi jersey is certainly not for eternity, but more than useful as a spare or emergency jersey. Caution: The jersey is quite large - if in doubt, take one size smaller.
Aldi cycling offers 2016: Crane cycling shorts with insert
Basic information:
- Anti-slip waistband at the bottom of the leg
- Seat pad made of Coolmax material
- Reflective inserts
- Price: € 7,99
Our impression: The cycling shorts also look confusingly similar to last year's model, but unlike the jersey, the outside is deceptive. The pants are made of a much stronger material that makes a surprisingly good impression, even if we discover a loose thread in one place. The fit has also improved, only the rather narrow leg ends could dig in uncomfortably on thicker thighs - the rubber lining on the inside doesn't help much either. The big weakness of the shorts is their seat pad - the material is more reminiscent of sewn-in foam than high-quality padding. It is very thick and is guaranteed to create an uncomfortably warm climate in the buttocks area. The seams around the seat pad are also very coarse and will probably chafe on the skin even on short rides.
Aldi cycling offers 2016: Crane cycling shorts with inner slip
Basic information:
- baggy shorts
- Removable inner shorts with seat pad
- Adjustable waistband
- Reflective inserts
- Price: € 12,99
Our impression: At first glance, the cycling shorts with inner briefs (actually baggy shorts) are the biggest bargains among the offers. For €13 you not only get the shorts themselves, but also removable inner shorts with a seat pad. First to the shorts themselves: apart from the obligatory loose threads here and there, these are properly processed, can be adjusted in width with Velcro on the waistband and make a good impression. However, the fit doesn't really appeal to us: while it's quite tight at the buttocks and hips, the legs are very wide and the crotch quite low. It's not uncomfortable, but it just looks a little weird. Unfortunately, there is not much to say about the inner shorts: the very thin fabric is quite comfortable to wear, but the padding is only good for short journeys, if at all.
Aldi cycling offers 2016: Crane cycling gloves
Basic information:
- Fingerless cycling gloves
- Gel padding in the palm
- doffing
- Reflective inserts
- Price: €3,99
Our impression: It's always a problem with cycling gloves from a discounter - even if they are quite inconspicuous, gloves as the main point of contact with the bike make a significant contribution to comfort - or maybe they don't. The positive first: The fingerless Crane gloves are a great success for discounter gloves. Almost 4€ are due and the processing can really compete with significantly more expensive brand models. The padding on the inside is also well thought out and not too thick. Unfortunately, the Velcro fastener on the wrist doesn't make a really durable impression - but given the price, that's quite bearable. All in all, we are positively surprised by the Crane cycling gloves: They are undoubtedly the best discounter cycling gloves that we have held in our hands so far.
Aldi cycling offers 2016: Crane cycling and sports glasses
Basic information:
- Protection against UVA and UVB radiation
- Mirrored and non-mirrored polycarbonate lenses
- plastic frame
- One size
- Price: €2,49
Our impression: Starting today, you can get cycling glasses from Aldi Süd for an almost ridiculous €2,49. It should go without saying that you shouldn't expect the kind of performance that brand models sometimes offer that are more than 50 times as expensive. Models with open frames and interchangeable lenses as well as more stable glasses with lenses that are framed all around are available. These come in different tints and optionally mirrored or not. They offer basic UV protection (UVA and UVB). The frame is made of somewhat cheap-looking plastic and is more for wider heads/faces. One drawback is undoubtedly the lack of padding on the nose: pressure points are inevitable here after prolonged wear. In the short test, the goggles did surprisingly well when it came to keeping the wind out of your eyes, but started up extremely quickly when you stopped. Nevertheless: If the glasses fit, they are definitely worth a try for the price they are asking for.
Aldi cycling offers 2016: Crane cycling rain jacket
Basic information:
- Welded main seams
- Two zipped pockets
- Hood
- Extended back
- Price: € 12,99
Our impression: Opinions differ when it comes to rain jackets in the sporting sector: while some spend hundreds of euros on highly developed membranes, others are satisfied with a cheap jacket from a discounter that simply keeps the rain off - because basically all rain jackets are only moderately breathable and will do only worn as long as the rain falls. In this respect, the Crane rain jacket from Aldi Süd would certainly be interesting for many. However, the fit of the jacket will not necessarily appeal to everyone: It has a very wide cut and, with the exception of its slightly longer back section, is more reminiscent of a conventional rain jacket and less of a cycling jacket. If that doesn't bother you: The workmanship is very good, the impregnation is convincing and the jacket easily passes an initial endurance test in the shower. Only the unsealed zip could be a weak point on longer rides in the rain.
Aldi bike offers 2016: Crane bike backpack
Basic information:
- Compatible with hydration bladder (not included)
- 7,2l or 8,4l volume
- Including rain cover
- Reflective details
- Price: € 12,99
Our impression: Bicycle backpacks can sometimes cost a small fortune - which makes it all the more astonishing how little money you can get them from discounters. This is also the case at Aldi at the moment – the backpack with a volume of 13 l or 7,2 l costs €8,4. We opted for the smaller model, which should offer enough space for a hydration bladder, the most necessary tools and possibly a rain jacket. The feel is good at first glance, but on closer inspection you can feel the low price: the zipper is notchy, the shoulder straps and especially the waist straps are only minimally or not padded at all and the back area is not reinforced. The wearing comfort is still surprisingly good, even if you pack a few kilos of content inside. Incidentally, our 3l drinking bladder from Osprey fit into the compartment provided on the inside without any problems. The backpack may well be worth a look for amateur riders, but if you value high-quality workmanship, a well thought-out back system and high comfort even on longer journeys, you will have to invest a few euros more.