Aldi is about to release a new batch of cycling bargains across the its network of stores this weekend, and we’ve managed to get our hands on a few samples to check them out. Aldi’s cycling Special Buys have been really popular over the years, largely for the very low prices but also because, as we’ve found when we’ve reviewed some of the clothing, respectable performance.
Here are top picks from the latest cycling Special Buys, which goes live on stores around the UK on Sunday 30th September. As ever with these sales, you’ll have to act quickly because once it’s gone it’s gone.
It’s getting dark. Okay, so you don’t need me to tell you that. You’ll need some light. You can spend a fortune on lights. These don’t cost a fortune. They are the Rechargeable High Powered Bike Lights (£14.99) and they look really smart, and that’s a pair of lights for less than the cost of a takeaway.
The front light has twin Cree LED lights with four steady and four flash models, while the rear light uses 16 LED lights and has four modes to choose from, with a low battery indicator. They are claimed to last between 3 and 5 hours and the 3.7V 1050mAh Lithium Polymer battery is charged via a supplied USB cable. There are no tools to fit them to the bike, they use simple rubber bands.
It’s also going to rain more at this time of year (obviously!) so this Crane Men’s Cycling Rain Jacket looks well featured for the £19.99. It’s never going to be as packable as Gore’s posh Shakedry jacket but it is going to keep you dry with a waterproof fabric.
For commuting, there are lots of reflective details providing 360-degree visibility to other road users.
There’s a large zipped rear pocket for carrying bits and bobs and zipped side and back vents for dumping excess heat.
That’s your torso protected from the rain, and to keep your hands dry are these Cycling Pro Neoprene Cycling Gloves. They cost £9.99 and come in a choice of black and yellow colours, and as the name suggests are made from neoprene (the same stuff they make wetsuits from) with silicone palm details for extra handlebar grip. The palm is also gel padded for comfort and there are also reflective details too.
We love a bit of merino wool here at road.cc, it’s ideal for baselayers because it regulates temperature nicely, soaks up sweat well and never pongs, no matter how frequently you wear it between washes.
This Crane Merino Sports Base Layer short Sleeve Top costs just £16.99, far cheaper than most other merino tops, and is made with flatlock seams, raglan sleeves, a longer tail and a crew neck top.
Aldi is also offering these Crane Men’s Merino Long Johns for £16.99, also made from 100% merino wool for warmth and comfort on chilly commutes. Wear on their own or more likely under a pair of trousers or shorts.
Lastly, there's this smart Crane Hooded Cycling Jacket, which looks ideal for keeping you warm on the bike (and probably off it too as it's pretty stylish). It costs £24.99 and has some nice details like an integrated hood and zipped vents on the chest.
Here's a picture of Dave with the hood up just because...
That's just the top of the iceberg, there are a lot more products in the cycling Special Buys (you can see a bigger list here) so our advice is to get down to your nearest Aldi on Sunday to check them out.
You can see the full range at Aldi here www.aldi.co.uk/c/specialbuys/
David has worked on the road.cc tech team since July 2012. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds.