Aldi Cycle Gear - Sunday 4th May
Discussion
First test of several bits and bobs last night.
Bib tights - the pad is MASSIVE. But weirdly, not uncomfortable on the bike. Tested over >2hrs/35 miles, so if it was going to (literally) be a pain in the 'arris, I hope I'd know by now. Bloody snug, though. The only size given on the box was waist size. So I went for the (32-34cm) size 'Medium'. Looks like I ought to have gone to a large, as the length in the back isn't enough (and I'm a 5'6" short pants) and the leg, especially around my thighs, is very tight. The fleece panels, and 'wind-guard' fabric on the front is pretty good though. I didn't feel a chill at any point on my ride (in the dark) whereas I was feeling the cold through a long-sleeve base layer and a long-sleeve jersey on my top half, so if anything, they're too warm for the time being. I'm hoping they're perfect for 'proper' winter riding, though.
The 'Premium Lights' - well. If the Moon Comets looked/felt like these do, they'd be going right back to the shop. But at £9 each, I feel I've got what I paid for. The 'waterproof' cover for the charging port is anything but, and cabling and PCB is visible beyond the socket. Not promising for longevity through a winter's riding.
The front light lasted to the end of the ride. It was on 'steady flash' most of the time and seems to have life left in it after 2hrs 20mins. The rear light, on the other hand, disappointed by going 'man down' not long after an hour's riding. But to be fair, it was on 'constant' mode, on the second or third highest setting. So it's definitely not suitable for me as a main light. I'll be using it as a secondary light from now on, on 'steady flash', to back up a Bontrager Flare3 which will run on 'constant' as before. I charged it after I got home, and so far so good, it took about 2 hours to say it was fully charged, and still functions as intended. Only time will tell how good they are long term.
Lastly, the helmet light. I strapped it on as best I could, and only fired it up about half way through the ride (after the rear lamp had died). I can't tell whether it helped, hindered, or downright irritated drivers, but I think I was using it on 'steady blink' mode, not the hugely irritating 'miniature police car' mode that comes with a third press of the switch. This one, too, looks a little cheap, and potentially flimsy, but it was still running when I got home and still functions as intended, so all good there.
All in all, a decent enough crop of products, but I'd recommend them only as "additional lighting", not depend on them as my sole means of being visible at night. And if you're buying the bibs? Consider going a size up. My 32cm jeans are baggy on me, but I'm not quite down to a size 30cm just yet. But the bibs which claim to be good for up to a 34cm waist are slightly too tight right out of the box. Far better fitting, though, than previous Aldi/Lidl bib tights I've had, which have been overly long, and loose fitting all over. Quality seems better this time, too.
Bib tights - the pad is MASSIVE. But weirdly, not uncomfortable on the bike. Tested over >2hrs/35 miles, so if it was going to (literally) be a pain in the 'arris, I hope I'd know by now. Bloody snug, though. The only size given on the box was waist size. So I went for the (32-34cm) size 'Medium'. Looks like I ought to have gone to a large, as the length in the back isn't enough (and I'm a 5'6" short pants) and the leg, especially around my thighs, is very tight. The fleece panels, and 'wind-guard' fabric on the front is pretty good though. I didn't feel a chill at any point on my ride (in the dark) whereas I was feeling the cold through a long-sleeve base layer and a long-sleeve jersey on my top half, so if anything, they're too warm for the time being. I'm hoping they're perfect for 'proper' winter riding, though.
The 'Premium Lights' - well. If the Moon Comets looked/felt like these do, they'd be going right back to the shop. But at £9 each, I feel I've got what I paid for. The 'waterproof' cover for the charging port is anything but, and cabling and PCB is visible beyond the socket. Not promising for longevity through a winter's riding.
The front light lasted to the end of the ride. It was on 'steady flash' most of the time and seems to have life left in it after 2hrs 20mins. The rear light, on the other hand, disappointed by going 'man down' not long after an hour's riding. But to be fair, it was on 'constant' mode, on the second or third highest setting. So it's definitely not suitable for me as a main light. I'll be using it as a secondary light from now on, on 'steady flash', to back up a Bontrager Flare3 which will run on 'constant' as before. I charged it after I got home, and so far so good, it took about 2 hours to say it was fully charged, and still functions as intended. Only time will tell how good they are long term.
Lastly, the helmet light. I strapped it on as best I could, and only fired it up about half way through the ride (after the rear lamp had died). I can't tell whether it helped, hindered, or downright irritated drivers, but I think I was using it on 'steady blink' mode, not the hugely irritating 'miniature police car' mode that comes with a third press of the switch. This one, too, looks a little cheap, and potentially flimsy, but it was still running when I got home and still functions as intended, so all good there.
All in all, a decent enough crop of products, but I'd recommend them only as "additional lighting", not depend on them as my sole means of being visible at night. And if you're buying the bibs? Consider going a size up. My 32cm jeans are baggy on me, but I'm not quite down to a size 30cm just yet. But the bibs which claim to be good for up to a 34cm waist are slightly too tight right out of the box. Far better fitting, though, than previous Aldi/Lidl bib tights I've had, which have been overly long, and loose fitting all over. Quality seems better this time, too.
I couldn't resist going back for more yesterday so to add to my premium front light and leg-warmers I picked up:-
- some toasty lobster gloves
- muc-off degreaser. Cheaper than my usual decathlon one so giving it a try.
- Basic £3.50 cycle computer (reduced from £5 in the May cycling offer), I will buy a Garmin one day but until then this should tell me how far I've been etc.
Stock in the East Grinstead store is still looking strong, some lines sold-out I imagine, the premium rear lights was the only one I noticed though.
- some toasty lobster gloves
- muc-off degreaser. Cheaper than my usual decathlon one so giving it a try.
- Basic £3.50 cycle computer (reduced from £5 in the May cycling offer), I will buy a Garmin one day but until then this should tell me how far I've been etc.
Stock in the East Grinstead store is still looking strong, some lines sold-out I imagine, the premium rear lights was the only one I noticed though.
Popped into my local Aldi today on the off chance that they might have a pair of the cheap lights left in the bargain bucket and to my surprise they had loads of them, along with a few other bits, socks, arm/leg warmers, gloves, muc-off stuff, slime, and some of the premium range clothes, although sizes were limited in that stuff, so filled my boots as it was all half the original price. 
Got some reflective Velcro ankle/arm bands the other day. 4 pack for £3.99. Each band has 4nr red led’s that you can have on flash or steady setting. Used them Tuesday night and was impressed with the brightness level.
Chap at work saw them and liked them and I said I’d get him a set when I next went to Aldi. Reduced to £2.49 now and still a few sets left.
Chap at work saw them and liked them and I said I’d get him a set when I next went to Aldi. Reduced to £2.49 now and still a few sets left.
Not strictly cycling gear, but I picked up a heart rate monitor for £20 tonight in our local Aldi to use as a training aid when I'm on the turbo trainer, happily surprised to discover it also talks to Strava on my mobile so it'll be getting used out on the road too. also picked up a long sleeve jersey this week, have yet to try that out though. Arm and leg warmers I got a couple of weeks ago are decent so far.
LordHaveMurci said:
Anybody know how the merino tops size up? Tempted but not sure if I need a M or L, can't be arsed with returning things.
Just for you, have just tried my medium top on and it fits just fine. When buying T shirts I usually go for a large size as have fairly broad shoulders (not overly 
) but went for a medium as wanted a snug fit.Having said that; there is still a tad of room left so could quite comfortably fit another layer underneath the top so, medium should be the one for you.
Laurel Green said:
LordHaveMurci said:
Anybody know how the merino tops size up? Tempted but not sure if I need a M or L, can't be arsed with returning things.
Just for you, have just tried my medium top on and it fits just fine. When buying T shirts I usually go for a large size as have fairly broad shoulders (not overly ) but went for a medium as wanted a snug fit.Having said that; there is still a tad of room left so could quite comfortably fit another layer underneath the top so, medium should be the one for you.
Managed to get a M merino mid layer, l/s merino base layer, chain oil, merino socks & neck warmer for my daughter.
Took 3 visits & 2 stores but I got there in the end!
Edited by LordHaveMurci on Thursday 29th September 15:36
Edited by LordHaveMurci on Thursday 29th September 17:27
Bought a pump £15 and one of the aluminium rear lights £13.
Rear light is pretty bright on its highest setting, will give it a run out this weekend.
Pump seems decent quality, although I've not removed it from the packaging as is a present.
My local store had a good selection of everything, although the merino base layers were limited in numbers and sizes (only two men's versions in stock)
Rear light is pretty bright on its highest setting, will give it a run out this weekend.
Pump seems decent quality, although I've not removed it from the packaging as is a present.
My local store had a good selection of everything, although the merino base layers were limited in numbers and sizes (only two men's versions in stock)
Just bought a heap of stuff from Aldi this morning. Winter gloves for me & a mate, socks ditto. plus a skullcap & a couple of jackets, one being the winter insulated one. All came to £130 so quite a bit, all still in the car with no chance to try any on. Interesting that the winter jacket is an XL & fits me & I'm 46-48" chest. Oh & to keep the wife happy got her some flowers!
Managed to get some arm and leg warmers, after spending 15 minutes looking for them, the wife actually found them miles away from the other cycling stuff!! fit seems OK, not tried on with bib shorts so not sure if they'll be a bit tight at the top or if I can pull them down a bit.
Then the usual GT85, muck-off etc and some merino socks.
Not a bad effort, spent £65 but bought her a merino top and a toy for the bambino, oh and some beer haha!
Then the usual GT85, muck-off etc and some merino socks.
Not a bad effort, spent £65 but bought her a merino top and a toy for the bambino, oh and some beer haha!
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