Aldi’s 2016 spring/summer cycle clothing range preview

Aldi has caused a bit of a storm in recent years with its low-priced cycle clothing sold through its popular, but occasional, Specialbuys discount sales. The trouble with the one-day sales is that once it's gone, it's gone.

Now, though, there'll be no need to get out early and queue, as the discount superstore is now selling a large range of cycle clothing on a regular basis through its website.

Keen to see what it is all about and how it performs, we've got some of the new clothing in for review. We've got five items, just a tiny selection of the company's cycle clothing range, so be sure to check it all out at  Aldi's website here. Before we set about reviewing it, here's a first look at what we've got.

Performance Short Sleeve Jersey £19.99

This Performance Short Sleeve jersey is available in a men and women’s version - we’re testing the former - and it's clear from a close look that it is packed with the sort of details you expect to see on a top-end jersey.

The fabric has a really nice feel to it, impressive considering the price. And it's nicely put together. The cuffs and hems are laser cut for a smoother fit, mesh inserts help with ventilation in warmer weather and again, and they’re welded, rather than stitched, for a flatter finish.

There are three large rear pockets with a central zipped pocket, an ideal place for your house keys.high-qualityity YKK full-length zipper is used and the collar is tall. Sizes available include M-XL for men and S-L for women. 

Performance Bib Shorts £24.99

Match the above jersey with these Performance bib shorts, which are also available in a men and women’s version. The most important part of bib shorts is the padded insert: Aldi uses an Italian-made Dolomiti seat pad with combines an internal 8mm foam with a perforated gel insert and a 3mm base foam. It’s described as being ideal for medium distance rides of up to 4-hours and an antibacterial treatment should keep things down there fresh.

The shorts use elasticated leg openings and a light mesh material for the bib straps and back panel, and there are some stylish reflective details. 

They're available in black/red/white and sizes M-XL for men, and sizes S-L and black/white colours for women.

Cycling Shorts £7.99

If you want some simple padded shorts for leisurely rides or cycling to the office and don’t like the idea of bib shorts, these Casual Cycling Shorts are a good alternative. They have the same Italian Dolomiti padded insert as the bib shorts above but stitched into a short with no bib straps. Instead, a drawcord provides waistband adjustment and keeps the shorts in place.

The shorts are constructed with flatlock stitching at all the seams, to boost comfort by reducing irritation, and there are reflective details. Available in blue or yellow for men (sizes M-XL) and red or yellow for women (sizes S-L). 

Softshell jacket £16.99

For unpredictable spring weather and cooler morning commutes, the Softshell Jacket is an ideal choice, with the removable sleeves, zipped to the shoulders, helps you to adapt to changing conditions. The softshell fabric is ideal for spring showers, as it’s a waterproof material, and it’s windproof too, which is handy at this time of year. 

The jacket has a high collar and full-length YKK zipper, lots of reflective details and two zipped pockets, one on the chest and another around the back. It’s available for men (blue or yellow and sizes S-XL) and women (red or yellow and sizes S-L).  

Casual Cycling Shorts £11.99

For activities like touring, commuting, cycling to the shops/pub, or just simply those times when you don’t want to step out in just lycra shorts, these Casual Cycling Shorts offer a relaxed appearance but with the comfort of a padded insert.

The outer shorts are made from a water repellant and breathable fabric, with a zipped pocket and reflective details on the back. The inner shorts are removable and feature an antibacterial Coolmax padded insert. They’re available in sizes M-XL for men and S-L for women.

Watch out for our reviews soon, and you can find out more at www.aldi.co.uk/specialbuys/about-our-specialbuys/cycling