Test: Easter is just around the corner, the days are getting longer, there are more cyclists on the streets - that means it's also the time of the bike offers again at the discounters in this country. As in the past, we take a close look at some of the supposed bargains and tell you where the purchase is worthwhile. From April 11th it will be the turn of the Aldi Süd bicycle offers 2019.
Aldi Süd bike offers 2019: Bikemate bike helmet
A bicycle helmet for less than 10 euros? This is by no means uncommon among the discounters' spring offers. In the case of the Bikemate helmet, there are even some very exciting features on board that are otherwise rarely found in such inexpensive helmets. In addition to the integrated LED auxiliary light, this also includes the adjustment system that encloses the entire head.
Our impression: Not pretty, but definitely functional and definitely better than riding without a helmet. However, the workmanship is very cheap and cannot even compete with cheap branded helmets. The comfort is okay for short rides, but the adjustment system is very notchy and tends to pinch.
Aldi Süd bike offers 2019: Crane hydration pack
Aldi Süd has two or three different backpacks in the range of bicycles this spring. The most exciting thing for us was the hydration pack with a capacity of 8 l. Not a dedicated backpack for bikers, but a 10L hydration bladder is included for less than 2 euros.
Our impression: The backpack itself is made of extremely thin material - it seems just thick enough not to be see-through. The fit is moderate, the straps always protrude a bit and are not elastic. The hydration bladder, on the other hand, seems quite solid, even if the mouthpiece is made entirely of plastic and doesn't make a particularly durable impression - and it can't be disassembled for cleaning.
Aldi Süd bike offers 2019: Bikemate Urban luggage bag
The Bikemate pannier bag, which is available in three different versions, also costs just under 10 euros and is therefore many times cheaper than the brand competition. The designs are based on what the established manufacturers offer: in addition to a version with backpack straps and a standard design, there is also a visually subtle urban bag. What they all have in common, however, is that they are only waterproof with the supplied rain cover - impractical.
Our impression: For just under 10 euros, the Urban luggage bag makes a solid impression - the material is solid and there are numerous compartments inside. Unfortunately, the attachment proves to be very tricky and requires a certain amount of finesse to attach the plastic hooks. The rain cover fits perfectly, although we would have our reservations about sensitive contents and heavy rain.
Aldi Süd bicycle offers 2019: Bikemate combination lock from Bikemate 2019
Sure: such inexpensive locks as the Aldi combination lock or the coiled cable lock with key are often no more than an "immobilizer" and will probably not withstand any reasonably sharp side cutters. Nevertheless, they are useful as a spare lock or for the rusty bike in the city. Their advantage lies in the low weight and the very simple handling.
Our impression: We got hold of both combination locks that are available - the thin coiled cable lock and the slightly more robust chain lock. With the former, we miss a grid on the combination lock - you never know exactly which number or code is set. It should be able to be conquered in a matter of seconds with a small bolt cutter. The chain lock is made a little better, the locking mechanism appears to be of a higher quality. However, the chain in the fabric cover is extremely thin and should only be able to offer limited resistance to thieves.
Aldi Süd bicycle offers 2019: Bikemate work stand
Repair stands from discounters have become something of an insider tip among occasional mechanics in recent years. For a fraction of the price of the brand competition, they have so far offered reasonable quality, which is usually sufficient for hobby mechanics. The new Aldi assembly stand 2019 seems to have changed in a few small details, but remains priced at just under 25 euros and should be able to hold wheels up to 30kg - this should also make maintenance work on the e-bike possible.
Our impression: At 25 euros, the Bikemate assembly stand costs a quarter of what you would otherwise pay for a cheap branded product. On the other hand, it does its job quite well, even if it has a few annoying flaws: The claw clamp isn't ratcheted, heavy bikes can either only be clamped on the top tube, or you have to live with the fact that they tilt forwards or backwards. We tested the 30kg weight limit with a Pegasus Savona weighing almost 29kg - the stand groans under the load, but remains steadfast. However, the rubber buffers of the retaining claw came loose after a little wobbling. So: For light bikes with a horizontal top tube and without a carbon frame, the Aldi assembly stand should satisfy casual mechanics. But if you tweak your bike more than two or three times a season or own an e-bike – it’s better to invest a little more!
Aldi Süd bike offers 2019: Bikemate mini pump
The new Aldi mini pump for 5,99 euros has two really interesting features that even much more expensive branded counterparts often lack: An integrated pressure gauge and it can be attached to the valve with a hose (all three common types are supported here). You can also set whether you prefer to pump a lot of volume (for MTB) or high pressure (for racing bikes). Up to 5,5 bar should come in the tires.
Our impression: The pump looks extremely cheaply made. The cover of the pressure gauge was already taken off when unpacking, all moving parts also rattle and have play. It also proves to be a failure in terms of performance: With Dunlop and Sclaverand valves, the air pressed past the idiosyncratic valve head from two bar, the pressure gauge showed fantasy values. It worked properly on car valves, but from 3 bar the manual forces increased enormously. The actual setting - pressure or volume - had no noticeable effect for us.