Aldi bike specials. What's good, what's not.

If like me then you have found yourself shopping for milk and bread at Aldi and have walked out with some random specials from the middle aisle of Aldi. I get great use of my thermal top and drill set but I'm still working my way through a 2-litre jar of pickles.

Every year the Aldi Bike specials come out friends, family and colleagues are quick to notify me. Quick to ask if they should buy a sub $1k ebike or some of the accessories. It is a yes and no, some accessories are a great deal, some are not needed and some have better alternatives.

So I thought to help the people asking and hopefully some others I would share my take on the Aldi specials. Please note - I love Aldi, it is our shop of choice any negative comments are small points. Aldi selling bikes is net positive in a big way.

Our takes on the Aldi Bike Specials

These are coming out on the 16th of April - details here: https://bit.ly/3DWtWpx

$999 ebike

If you want a cheap way to experience the feeling of an ebike this is a great option. It will feel fast, you will get the ebike smile and upfront it is a very enticing price point. The issue is that at this price point you are "buying cheap, buying twice"

The issues that are glaringly obvious.

• V-brakes - an outdated form of brakes that are not very powerful, don't work too well in the rain, need constant adjustment and with the heavy ebike will need replacing after 500kms (depending on how hilly/how fast you ride).
• The suspension fork will do almost nothing and end up seizing up and just be a heavier rigid fork.
• The tyres and wheels have a high chance of puncturing or becoming wobbly. You want bombproof tyres - ones you can go just ride over glass with.
• You have to build this yourself, they say it's easy but at The Rolling Fix, we get about 5 enquiries a week from people asking us to fix the bike they have tried to build. At this price point, the added cost of paying someone to drive to your house and build it is not factored in. Also taking it to a shop is difficult and also an added cost.

The good things.

• Shimano gears - good quality, will probably be the longest lasting part. This is an internally geared hub which means you can change gears when stopped. Tunning them is super easy too - I could walk anyone through it over the phone in about 2 minutes.
• Mudguards - Will keep you dry if it has been raining.
• Kickstand and rear rack are great - these make the bike practical. If you end up incorporating the bike into your run to the shops then you will be using the rack all the time.
• It's cheap and ebikes are great. Once you get the feeling, the freedom and the uncontrollable smiles then you can justify spending more - if your usage of the bike requires it.
• Longevity. Will this bike last 2 years of usage? Not sure - there will be plenty of rust as the metals on the wheels, and mudguards are not the best. I wouldn't put my money on it. I would plan for 12 -18 months. I might be wrong here - plenty of variables of where you store it, how close to the salty coast air you are and how you take care of it.

The motor/battery

• This is a rear hub motor. It engages when you start to pedal and provides a burst of energy, this is not instant. Generally, you need to do about half a rotation of the pedals or apply a fair amount of weight on the pedal for the motor to engage. This is tricky when you are stopped on a slight hill and go to start. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with this you just need to be aware and ride accordingly.
• It will not power you up every hill. The motor being in the wheel means it has no way of changing gears. Plenty of power for the flat but as the hill comes it can't keep pushing, it feels like you are driving up a hill in 5th gear and your car slowly can't do it. This is where your legs come in, changing down to an easier gear and you have to pick up the slack that the motor can't provide.

So who is it for?

This bike is an entry option. If you want to cruise to the shops, have an easy ride around your local park, ride it to the station and lock it up. Then this is a good option for you. If you are looking for a bike to ride to work or go touring on then I wouldn't suggest it. Reliability through the tyres and brakes will quickly become an issue and require more money spent fixing flats and getting better tyres and replacing brake pads. If you truly price sensitive then be careful - you might be able to stretch to $999 but the potential issues with building it up, wear and tear might end up being too much and deem the bike not usable.

If you are price-sensitive because you don't like spending money but could actually afford more then don't buy this bike. Spend upwards of $2500 and get a bike with hydraulic brakes, built-in lights and a mid-drive motor. The bike will be so much better, last for years and give you no issues. And if you don't want to spend $2500 out of principle but have the money in the bank then try a subscription bike like Lug and Carrie. They start at $44 a week and are top quality bikes with a good customer experience - if you then fall in love keep renting or buy your own.

The accessories

Track Floor Bike Pump $12.99 - Bargain - go for it

If you own a bike then you should own a track pump. Don't toil away trying to use a small hand pump - you will struggle to get the right air pressure and run the risk of breaking the valve. Underinflated tyres are probably the number one cause of flat tyres. Caused by pinching the tube between the tyre and the rim - this happens when you go up bumps, could be as simple as your driveway.

Rechargeable Compressor $49.99 - go for it

This is an alternative to a track pump and you can take it on the road with you. If you have an ebike then a bit of extra weight to carry this around doesn't matter. These compressors are somewhat new on the market and are getting better every year.

Sports Glasses $9.99 - Meh

If you want to look sporty then sure but if you own normal glasses then wear them.

Adults Bike Helmet $19.99 - Pretty good

This is a cool helmet, it has a rear light. Something that cost a lot more than other helmets. Check that is USB rechargeable - swapping out batteries is expensive and annoying.

I would say that helmets are not something to skimp on. Eventually, you will have a tumble on your bike, whether it is your fault or someone else's. You want to ensure a helmet fits your right and will protect you properly. You only have one head.

All helmets sold in Australia need to be certified, check for the sticker inside the helmet before buying.

Bike Floor Stand - $34.99 - Don't do it

These stands destroy spokes and if you have disc brakes they will rub up against them and bend them. Use a kickstand if you have one, lean it up against the wall or go to bunnings and buy some hooks to hang it. If those options don't work then you can buy wheel stands that sit on the frame. Something like this: https://www.bikecorp.com.au/parts-and-accessories/display-storage-stands/universal-floor-stand-5

Bike Chain Cleaning Kit - $16.99 - Don't do it

The degreaser is more valuable than the kit. These kits work well for a bit then end up breaking. You are better off with a toothbrush. If you do want a chain cleaner then buy this one, it is truly awesome and we use it daily at work. https://www.finishlineusa.com/products/cleaning-tools/grunge-brush

Bike Rechargeable LED Light Set - $24.99 - Yes do it

Rechargeable is a must these days as is being seen on the road! Great price with plenty of accessories.

Muc-Off bike cleaning products - $8.99 - Amazing buy - stock up

These are great - I have used all these products and they are great. A non-functional feature of the Muc-OFF stuff is that it all smells great.

Phone Holder - $7.99 - Meh

These are often pretty flimsy and I think I have used one very similar to this and the mount would go all floppy. The best option in this category is the Quadlock brand or a cheaper version is this: https://amzn.to/3r9a4tN

Waterbottle with bottle cage - $7.99 - Bargain

It doesn't get much cheaper than this for a bottle and a bottle cage - go for it.

Bike lock - $7.99 - Won't actually stop theft

Consider this lock a deterrent than actually a lock. Having your bike stolen is a horrible feeling. Buy a good lock that is hard to break, it will last years. I have had a kryptonite ulock that cost me $110 for 9 years and it is still going strong.

Multi-tool Set - $7.99 - If you have no other tools to your name then sure

My Pa describes working with cheap tools as working with licorice. I'm not sure if that is a known saying but now when I use cheap tools I think of it. These will most likely go blunt and deform if you use any major force with them. This also increases the chance of damaging the parts on your bike. Would suggest spending a bit more and getting a good multi-tool that will last and also not rust.

Bike Seat Memory Foam Cover $8.99 - Everyone's bum is unique

Personally, every time I have ridden/test ridden a bike with a seat cover I am blown away by how uncomfortable they are. Generally, discomfort comes from the bike not being set up correctly. That being said some people love these covers. Buy it if you have had pain from sitting on a bike and have tried adjusting your setup (seat height and angle). Don't buy if you think that every bike needs one - they don't.

In summary - pretty good!

Well that ended up being longer than expected! All in all, there are some pretty good deals and options here. It is truly great that Aldi is selling bike stuff, it helps grow bike riding and make it available to more people. If you have any questions - please feel free to ask.

The bikes will get you rolling and the accessories will support you. You could do one shop and get everything you need to get moving - as long as you line up very early on the Saturday!

Disclaimer

There will be people that disagree with some of the things I have said here. These are my feelings, they are not facts. They are feelings from spending 9 years servicing bicycles and helping more people ride bikes. These feelings are expressed in a way to help the masses not the early adopters or the laggards.

This was written without involvement or consent by Aldi