Test: After Lidl had already offered bicycle accessories and clothing two weeks ago (to the short test), the second major German discounter, Aldi-Süd, is now following suit. This time, too, we have subjected some of the products on offer to a brief check. You can find out in the test whether the motto “buy cheap, buy twice” also applies here.
Bikemate bicycle lamp set
Basic information:
- StVZO approval
- OSRAM LED
- Batteries included
- Price: € 5,99
Our impression:
A complete lamp set including 8 AAA batteries for not even 6€ - actually you can't do too much wrong there, can you? And indeed - the Aldi lamp set makes a decent impression considering the price. The two lamps are surprisingly compact and the light output is always sufficient for city use. A special treat is the StVZO approval. The assembly is also fine: no tools required and sufficiently strong, even on bad bike paths.
Bikemate folding bike lock
Basic information:
- 1,1 kg heavy
- 97cm long
- 3 key
- Price: € 14,99
Our impression:
Unfortunately, nowadays you can't take your eyes off even a rusty city bike for a second without a lock - that's why every bike needs a lock. But these have always been a source of great debate. How much should you spend? Which type is the safest? At €15, the Bikemate lock at Aldi is currently the cheapest folding lock available. In addition to the frame bracket, three keys are also included - practical. Unfortunately, the lock doesn't make a particularly trustworthy impression on us. While the locking mechanism appears to be quite robust, the individual links of the lock have a lot of play on the connecting pieces and don't appear to be very durable. However: For the cheap city bike, the lock should definitely be sufficient, but for higher-quality sports bikes we would rather spend a few euros more.
Crane Sports cycling and sports glasses
Basic information:
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
- Polycarbonate lenses
- Price: € 1,99
Our impression:
Cycling glasses for a ridiculous €2? To put it bluntly, you could buy 50 glasses here for the price of a branded pair of glasses. How is this reflected in the quality? Well, of course, the haptics of the glasses aren't a revelation: the plastic frame feels pretty cheap and the temples don't seem too stable either. On the other hand, we liked the rubber coating on the temples and the fit is also quite okay. However, our fears were confirmed during the short walk around the block: the glasses fog up very quickly and the wind protection isn't particularly good either. The glasses could therefore be sufficient for touring riders, but probably not for amateur athletes. The frames, like the glasses, are available in different colors.
Crane cycling soft shell jacket
Basic information:
- Reflective inserts
- Extended back
- Zipper pocket on the back
- Price: € 17,99
Our impression:
We were particularly excited about the softshell jacket. But already in the packed state, the first doubts spread: The packaging was too light and too small - is there supposed to be a soft shell jacket in it? After unpacking it becomes clear: "Jacket" is perhaps a bit exaggerated - the material is very thin and can be compared more with that of a jersey. But when we put it on, we were pleasantly surprised: the fit is really good, the cut is close-fitting and sporty. Some reflective prints ensure better safety. In terms of breathability, we can't give any reliable information after such a short time, but after touching it we have our doubts: It could get quite sweaty underneath. Nice, however: the jacket is very well waterproofed and water simply rolls off.
Crane cycling shirt
Basic information:
- Reflective details
- Extended back
- 3 jersey pockets
- Price: € 7,99
Our impression:
Discount jerseys are always a thing: they often make a good impression at first glance, but fail in terms of longevity. Here, too, one really has to say that the jersey is a positive surprise given the price of €8. The fit is successful, the mesh inserts on the sides ensure a pleasant climate and there are three jersey pockets on the extended back and some reflective prints as features. On closer inspection, however, we discover some very untidy seams and loose threads - will the jersey survive a season of regular use? At least we have our doubts.
Crane cycling shorts
Basic information:
- seat cushion
- Reflective details
- Price: € 7,99
Our impression:
Immediately after unpacking, we look at the product description again - why? Because the Crane cycling shorts are more reminiscent of underpants with inserts than real shorts. This is mainly due to the large, external seams and the really extremely thin fabric. The sewn-in padding is very thick and feels very much like foam. All in all, we cannot recommend the shorts even for the low price.
Crane baggy shorts
Basic information:
- Removable inner slip
- zipper pocket
- seat cushion
- Price: € 12,99
Our impression:
After the disappointment with the cycling shorts, we were all the more excited about the baggy shorts. For a few euros more, these come with detachable underpants including a seat pad. Unfortunately, the picture is similar here too: The workmanship is below average, the inner pants in particular give the impression that they won't survive the first wash. The fit isn't really pleasing either: the pants are loose, but not really, slip and pinch at the same time. It's a pity really - optically it's quite successful.
Crane short finger gloves
Basic information:
- gel padding
- doffing
- Velcro
- Price: € 3,49
Our impression:
The short-fingered gloves make a decent impression when you put them on. Considering the price, the workmanship is okay and we've also had worse gloves for more money on our hands when it comes to the fit. Unfortunately, the Crane gloves gamble away any credit when it comes to padding: the decision was made to cover the entire inside with thick padding. This leads to a really uncomfortable spongy feeling on the handlebars. Maybe something for comfort-oriented touring cyclists, but definitely not a recommendation for sporty cyclists.
Crane cycling rain jacket
Key data
- Extended back
- Elasticated sleeves and hem
- Taped main seams
- Price: € 12,99
Our impression:
Opinions have always been divided on sports rain jackets: endless discussions about breathability, different membranes and water columns. It's simple with the Crane jacket: it's waterproof, well waterproofed, but of course it gets warm quickly and there's an acute danger of sweating. The jacket is also unlikely to be suitable for long rides in the rain, because the standard zip should open the door to the wet after a few minutes. Unfortunately, the hood does not fit over a helmet. The fit of the jacket, on the other hand, is quite successful, although it is far too wide for real sports use and flaps easily.
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