Product news: Test: The Aldi bike 2018 - Prophete Alu City Urban

Test: Again, Aldi has a bike on offer just in time for the start of the season. There is a branch of the discounter practically everywhere, the price is high at first glance and this makes this cheap bike interesting for many people. On today's day of the sales start, April 12.04.2018th, XNUMX, we'll take a closer look at the Prophete Alu City Urban and tell you whether it's TOP or FLOP.

Let's start with a fact check: There is a 299kg bike for €17. The weight is absolutely fine, even more expensive bikes in this category are in a similar weight range. In most cases, however, there is not such a valuable-looking mix of components in this price range. The Prophete Alu City Urban should be suitable for drivers from 1,55 m to 1,85 m. In specialist shops, different frame sizes would probably be offered to cover this range. But that is not a must, because with the appropriate design of the frame geometry and the add-on parts, it can also work with one frame size.

In addition to being reduced to a single frame size, buying a bike from the Aldi discounter has other differences compared to buying it from a specialist retailer. The customer has to do the final assembly himself and there is no contact person who can provide competent advice or who can adjust the bike correctly to the rider. In warranty cases, Aldi advertises an on-site service.

The Prophete Alu City Urban in detail

At first glance, it's hard to believe that you're dealing with a bike in the "cheap is cool" category. The built-in components are also used on significantly more expensive models from well-known brands. The frame is unobtrusive in a positive sense and the manufacturer trusts it so much that they offer a whopping 10-year guarantee on it. The hub gears from the component giant Shimano and the hub dynamo from the same company are beyond any doubt. Even if, with only three gears, it is more at home on the flat, the circuit will always work reliably, as will the power source for the lighting.

An LED headlight is installed at the front, and a branded rear light from AXA at ​​the rear with a parking light function. The coaster brake at the rear is supplemented by a V-brake rim brake made of aluminum at the rear and at the front. Lightweight aluminum is also used for the rims and side stand. The thick balloon tires, the comfort saddle and the handlebar grips in the color "cream" are intended to ensure a chic look and at the same time a high level of comfort.

The buying process, the final assembly and the first impression

The Aldi bike is already very well pre-assembled when we take it to the branch. The handlebars have to be straightened, the pedals still on, done. This is a real advantage for those who don't like screwdrivers, but it makes transport in the car more difficult. A disassembled bike in a box fits better in the trunk, but you would have to do more work for it - difficult if you are not technically gifted.

We were amazed that the branch only had two men's and two women's bikes. Possibly, however, there were still supplies in the camp. What disappointed us was that the store was unable to give us any information on the subject of warranty services and the handling of warranty cases. The final assembly is quite simple, the instructions include the required tools. The bell was mounted incorrectly, but that's a minor thing. Straightening the stem with handlebars is child's play. Where we hit our limits was with the handlebar adjustment. A bike that, like the Prophete, is supposed to cover a wide range of rider sizes must offer individual adjustment here. The handlebars refused to be twisted, even with great effort.

The teeth of the aluminum stem and steel handlebars were firmly connected to each other even after loosening the individual clamping screw, almost as if they were welded. The serrations of the steel handlebars have probably eaten into the aluminum stem - the mix of materials at this point is unfortunate in our opinion. The majority of the other add-on parts appear to be of high quality - at least higher quality than we would have expected from a bike in this price range. Above all, the Shimano parts mentioned should be observed here. The brakes and gears were set up in an exemplary manner on our test bike.

Unfortunately, the rear wheel was crooked in the frame, which would lead to constant grinding, which we had to fix. Too bad there is no tool included for loosening the rear wheel. The frame doesn't look cheap at all and the high-gloss finish and the welded-on luggage rack underline that. The tyres, saddle and grips set a colorful accent, but could quickly get dirty.

How the Prophete Alu City Urban drives

The bike feels light. This was already noticeable during transport and this also has a positive effect on handling. The riding characteristics are unspectacular, which can be seen as positive for such a cheap bike. The seating position should satisfy the target group. You sit relaxed on the bike. Gears and brakes work perfectly, there is nothing to complain about. We can recommend the bike for the ride to work or to the bakery as well as for a trip to the beer garden. The first major incline will get you sweating and when it gets really steep most people will probably have to push themselves. The 3 gears of the hub gear are simply not enough for this.

In the following descent, the three brakes provide security, the V-brakes are even more powerful than the coaster brake. Overall, the ride is comfortable, thanks to the saddle and fat tires. We can't see a big difference in handling compared to significantly more expensive bikes. This may also be due to the fact that Prophete is not Aldi's own brand, as is sometimes the case with electrical appliances or food. Prophete bikes are also available for purchase elsewhere. A comparable model then costs almost 500 euros and the good price that Aldi can offer is apparently made possible by the amount sold.