Test: Starting tomorrow, Thursday, April 6.4.2017th, XNUMX, Aldi will once again be offering a wide range of bicycle-related offers. We were able to secure a luggage bag and a backpack in advance and take a close look at it.
Aldi bikemate bicycle pannier
As is always the case with Aldi special offers, panniers in different shapes, sizes and designs will again be available during the 2017 bike week. With a price of €9,99, they only cost a fraction of what is charged for comparable branded bags - but what can such a cheap bag actually do? We were able to grab a bag before it went on sale tomorrow, April 6th, and take a close look at it for you.
Our test copy has the dimensions 37x35x15cm and comes in an urban look reminiscent of cotton. On the back there are two plastic hooks with which you can attach the bag to almost any luggage rack - if you don't need the suspension, you can hide the unsightly and uncomfortable hooks behind a padded zip cover. If the bag is not hanging on the luggage rack, it can also be transported comfortably with a length-adjustable shoulder strap.
The processing of the bag is fine. You certainly shouldn't expect the level of an Ortlieb bag here, but in view of the low price there is little to complain about here. The outer material doesn't feel too cheap, the straps are thin but seem well made and the zippers do their job - at least at the beginning - reliably. Of course, there are also points of criticism: The shoulder pad is not only very small, but also very thin, the beige inner fabric does not make a particularly robust impression and the general impression is rather average. As I said, in view of the price of €9,99, this is quite bearable.
The interior of the bag is minimalistic: in addition to the large main compartment, there is also a small zipped compartment to at least keep things tidy. A shelf gives the bag some stability, but doesn't make a particularly durable impression itself. A bright red rain cover is hidden behind another zipper on the underside of the bag. This is also urgently needed, because the outer material of the bag absorbs water like a sponge and is completely soaked very quickly. So it's better to put on the cover at the first drop.
Overall, we would recommend the Aldi bicycle luggage bag to occasional riders who occasionally need a side bag on the luggage rack for shopping or running errands, but don't want to spend a fortune on it. However, if you commute daily and depend on your pockets - even in bad weather, you should spend a few euros more.
Aldi crane bicycle backpack
Two backpacks will also be available again from Aldi from Thursday – a small, 6,5L bike backpack and a slightly larger version with 9L, which is advertised as a "sports backpack". After we had already tested the small bike backpack last year, we have now chosen the 9L sports backpack variant. At first glance, this makes a really good impression for €12,99. The outer material is robust and even sealed zippers are used. Two side pockets and two zipped compartments on the top and front also offer plenty of storage space apart from the main compartment.
Inside there is also space for a hydration bladder, the hose of which can be routed to the outside through an opening provided for this purpose. Unfortunately, you didn't think any further: There are no clips for the hose on the carrying straps, which means that it dangles back and forth while driving. For the back part, the decision was made to use a strongly curved variant in connection with an elastic net - this is how the air circulation on the back should be improved. This works properly in practice, but the large area of the net still causes a wet back in warm temperatures and longer rides.
The straps themselves are a bit thin, but don't feel uncomfortable while wearing them. The back can also be relieved with a chest and abdominal strap. An integrated rain cover protects the interior even in heavy rain - although the outer material can withstand at least short rain showers.
The Aldi sports backpack is a really hot tip for the price of €12,99: the workmanship doesn't have to hide from significantly more expensive models, the compartment layout is good and most of the features are well thought out. Annoying is the not quite finished preparation for the hydration bladder. For occasional users, however, the Aldi backpack is worth recommending!
All Aldi bike offers 2017
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