Interesting... Aldi "Crane Pro" gear, 21st November

UndercoverElephant

OK, what do you all think of this lot, then?

https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/t ... -november/

Looks like Aldi have got some pretty nice kit coming in on Thursday. I'm quite tempted by the bib-longs myself, since everyone bought up the stocks of my favourite Biemme ones last year. Soft-shell material with loads of reflectives, and under £30!

hegyestomi

You have to see that in the shop: the "merino" jumper for cycling had around 30% and 70 acrylic. Looked very bad and baggy. The Long jones was on the other side 100% mwool and looked good for the price. So next stop is aldi for inspection!

graham.

They'er also doing "Cree" lights, not bike specific, but I'mm sure Blutack and Sellotape can fix that.

rolf_f

hegyestomi wrote:

You have to see that in the shop: the "merino" jumper for cycling had around 30% and 70 acrylic. Looked very bad and baggy. The Long jones was on the other side 100% mwool and looked good for the price. So next stop is aldi for inspection!

I have one of the first merino tops they produced. It is a bit baggy and it certainly isn't 100% merino. It is also excellent at keeping me warm and not smelling. Certainly vastly better than the wierdly shaped Planet X one I have with the baggy body and ridiculously tight arms. Results count more than the spec!

bigmat

I have one of those merino tops - 30% merino 70% acrylic = "sportswool" if you get the marketing right. Its warm and doesn't smell after you've sweated into it. Not exactly a racing fit but fine for the winter commute.

natrix

A lot more expensive than their normal cycling gear, I don't think that they'll sell much of it.

Teddy Westside

From the photos and the video, it looks all a bit of style over substance. Maybe this is their answer to Rapha <ducks!> It doesn't look a lot different to what they usually offer unless they can live up to their claims (not that there are many of those really, just marketing words).

Both Aldi and Lidl's baselayers tend to "live down" to the price - good enough value for money but under-performing compared to more specialist products. And nothing wrong in that.

The jacket may be interesting though, but it might just as easily be a thick, sweat-inducing jersey at heart. Worth a look at least.

rolf_f

Teddy Westside wrote:

From the photos and the video, it looks all a bit of style over substance. Maybe this is their answer to Rapha <ducks!> It doesn't look a lot different to what they usually offer unless they can live up to their claims (not that there are many of those really, just marketing words).

What would you expect to see? All stuff pretty much looks the same in pictures (and to a lesser extent, videos). You'll only really spot the differences when you look at the item in the flesh.

Teddy Westside wrote:

Both Aldi and Lidl's baselayers tend to "live down" to the price - good enough value for money but under-performing compared to more specialist products. And nothing wrong in that.

They don't really underperform though. And they aren't any less specialist than anything else. They tend to have fewer fancy details etc but those are hardly performance issues.

Teddy Westside

Rolf F wrote:

Teddy Westside wrote:

From the photos and the video, it looks all a bit of style over substance. Maybe this is their answer to Rapha <ducks!> It doesn't look a lot different to what they usually offer unless they can live up to their claims (not that there are many of those really, just marketing words).

What would you expect to see? All stuff pretty much looks the same in pictures (and to a lesser extent, videos). You'll only really spot the differences when you look at the item in the flesh.

Which is why I qualified my statement with "From the photos and video" rather than blindly saying they were the same as previous offerings. I buy a fair number of cycling items from Aldi and Lidl so I'm not knocking their products. it's just a case of cherry-picking the better items from the ordinary.

Rolf F wrote:

Teddy Westside wrote:

Both Aldi and Lidl's baselayers tend to "live down" to the price - good enough value for money but under-performing compared to more specialist products. And nothing wrong in that.

They don't really underperform though. And they aren't any less specialist than anything else. They tend to have fewer fancy details etc but those are hardly performance issues.

I would say they under-perform compared to Under Armour for example, but they don't cost Under Armour prices, which is why I say there's nothing wrong in that. In my experience, Under Armour wicks better and maintains body temperature better. Those are performance issues in my mind. However, in lower intensity exercise the Aldi/Lidl items are fine.

All anyone can do before seeing them in the flesh is to rate what they see on the website and that's what I've done. I certainly plan on having a look - if the rabid mob that seems to get their before me most times leaves anything behind! :roll:

rolf_f

Teddy Westside wrote:

.... if the rabid mob that seems to get their before me most times leaves anything behind! :roll:

The rabid mob will probably faint at the higher prices leaving plenty of time to pick and choose. It will be interesting to see if they can actually manage a decent bib long given that the one thing I don't think they've done a good job on so far is the bibs.

Teddy Westside

Both fair points.

I would be quite amused though, if that light-coloured area at the top of the rear bib section is reflective - as though somebody expects riders to wear them without a jersey over the top. Hopefully (for purely stylish reasons) it's only denoting some temperature control panel because that would certainly be an important part of making them more desirable - nobody likes a soggy back!

UndercoverElephant

Got the bibs today, and they are very interesting indeed. Haven't been able to ride with them yet, as I had to take Mrs. Elephant's car to the garage, but having tried them on, they feel comfortable (though relatively large), the material used is thin yet warm-feeling. Also, the entire front softshell panel has reflective spots all through it and the rear has stacks of reflectives too.

I'll give them a proper try out tomorrow when I'm (thankfully) back on the bike, but so far they look good Also bought the socks, you can never have enough socks, right? They're a little thinner overall than my favourite Assos winter socks, but thicker on the toe and heel. We'll see.

Teddy Westside

Got to my local store around 8:10 and sure enough it was all but empty Only one bike outside and as it was still there when I left I assume it was either a staff member's or someone using the bike stands as a "bike 'n' hike".

I bought the bib tights and jacket as well as a pair of socks (just to have a higher ankle pair). Also spied a reflective running vest reduced to £2.99 from £499 - handy to put over black jackets when a second (reflective) jacket would be too warm.

The following thoughts are just from trying them on, not riding.

So, the jacket: It's almost a tracksuit top with a cycling cut and a thin fleecy lining. It has "waffle" mesh on the central back area which theoretically should allow some moisture wicking. I bought the medium and it offers a nice close but non-constricting fit, Normally, Aldi and Lidl jerseys and jackets in M are a poor fit on me with too much material leading to a lose fit ans short sleeves being a bit baggy. Decent reflectives and mesh side panels for stretch. It also looks like it will sit nicely when in a cycling tuck - no beer gut bulge (unless you have a real one of course!). All in all, not too bad.

The bib tights: Again, a good fit in the medium for me, but with a little bit extra material around the "front seat area". From the waist till just below the knees, the front has reflective material under the mesh. Looks unusual to say the least (and the reflective material being very slightly less supple is probably what gives the slightly loose fit I mentioned. The mesh/reflective combo does have the effect of looking like you're wearing them inside out though! Perhaps a non-cyclist wouldn't get that impression.

The pad is a reasonably thin Coolmax job ("Coolmax Invista") but with some soft gel-like padding. Seems comfortable and thin enough that you could comfortably wear padded shorts underneath. (Just discovered Invista is the company who owns the Coolmax brand).

Nice warm fleecy lining on the legs. Again, slight baggy look at the knees (not pre-shaped) and just a little tightness when flexing but that's without wearing them in of course. A short zip makes it that bit easier to put them on but is maybe more for aiding "comfort breaks". No leg zips, but comfortable stirrups. Good reflective details on the side and back of the legs, and yes, that is reflective detailing on the upper back! :shock: Bit of an odd place for it but if you like riding in the dark with only bib tights and no top, these are the ones for you!

The socks: Not as thick as I was expecting, more like the summer socks but taller. But they have 23% wool so hopefully that will add to the warmth. Being thin will at least allow for another pair of socks on top if needed. As usual, all sorts of technical claims on the packaging, but basically a decent standard pair of socks.

A quick word on the running vest: One size (Men's, 38-48" chest). Tabbard style with elastic straps at the sides. A little loose for my build so I'll snip the elastic and sew velcro on them to make them adjustable. Bright yellow with two horizontal strip across the mid-section. Mainly mesh apart from area between the strips on the front. Plain and simple.

markhewitt1978

In general I like Aldi stuff, the main issue being that a lot of it is only available one day a year - and then often only in the morning before they sell out. I'm sure that works out well for them but it would be nice to think - I need a jersey; I'll get one from Aldi.

timothyw

The bib longs could certainly be useful to me, but sizing could be a challenge - anyone know how big the XL actually is? I usually need an XXL in bibs so I'm guessing it could be a push for me - or rather a squeeze!

I'm in two minds about making the trip - I don't have a lock with me so would have to pop home before I could go there, meaning there's got to be a decent chance they've sold out (particularly of XL).

Have also just ordered some bib tights from sports direct for next to nothing. I might just hang on and hit Decathlon next time I need a cheap cycle clothing fix.

UndercoverElephant

Not sure about the XL, but I got the L (my usual size), and I'm wondering whether I should have got the M instead. The main reason I'm reluctant is that I'm pretty tall, and bib tights of smaller sizes tend to be a little on the short side.

Teddy Westside

UndercoverElephant wrote:

Not sure about the XL, but I got the L (my usual size), and I'm wondering whether I should have got the M instead. The main reason I'm reluctant is that I'm pretty tall, and bib tights of smaller sizes tend to be a little on the short side.

Just measured the Medium for you. From centre of pad to the bottom hem (minus the stirrup length) is 755mm or 29 3/4 ". That's laid out flat, unstretched and inside out, not while I'm wearing them.

littleprawn

I am 5ft8 and got the medium (bib longs)...tried in the office and would say they are for for someone who is at least 5ft 10 or more and slightly baggy...maybe I should have gone for small. Funny enough, I got a autumn/ spring jacket at Aldi for the princely cost of under £20 (with zippable arms/ converts into a gilet) and that was a steal but sizing is not great even for their new range.

Should change to small but will keep the medium.

fossyant

I ended up with the small bibs, despite checking tha packaging and label, the sticker printed on the back of the bibs says small. Good thing is they fit well, so these will do. No baggy material. Certainly worth £30 for winter weight bibs. I swear by the wind resistant panels on my other bibs, protects the knee and thigh in the cold, and in this care your crown jewels too.

Also bought the jersey, and it's a much better fit than their September soft shells, but not as warm as only the front has wind blocker material. The soft shells have wind blocker arm fronts too.

Overall pleased with my £48 spend.

benleicester

Got the bib longs this AM. In Gore Wear I'm XL, in Italian gear, XXL. The Crane XL feel a bit baggy at the front? Slightly odd, but think will be OK for winter commutes. I'm 6'3" tall with 33 waist. Maybe should have gone for Large but hoo hum. Will see how they go on ride home.

UndercoverElephant

benleicester wrote:

Got the bib longs this AM. In Gore Wear I'm XL, in Italian gear, XXL. The Crane XL feel a bit baggy at the front? Slightly odd, but think will be OK for winter commutes. I'm 6'3" tall with 33 waist. Maybe should have gone for Large but hoo hum. Will see how they go on ride home.

I'm 6' 3" tall with a 33" waist, and the L were a bit baggy at the front on me!

andy_s_t

I'm 6'3" tall and have a 36"-38" waist and the L are just about right for me. Got the XL Jacket though will always be worn over other stuff. Very pleased with them both. I got the Golf base layer instead of the cycling one though as I prefer that style. The obligatory pair of socks were also purchased.

I also got some Icicle fairy light things for outside the house, but I suppose you lot don't care about that!

bdave262000

Andy_S_T wrote:

I'm 6'3" tall and have a 36"-38" waist and the L are just about right for me. Got the XL Jacket though will always be worn over other stuff. Very pleased with them both. I got the Golf base layer instead of the cycling one though as I prefer that style. The obligatory pair of socks were also purchased.

I also got some Icicle fairy light things for outside the house, but I suppose you lot don't care about that!

Aldi Mince pies got good reviews.

Teddy Westside

littleprawn wrote:

I am 5ft8 and got the medium (bib longs)...tried in the office and would say they are for for someone who is at least 5ft 10 or more and slightly baggy

I'm 5' 10" but I object to being called baggy! :P

(Eats shoots and leaves )

Teddy Westside

Is everyone who is reporting the bibs to be baggy referring to the crotch area or the waist/stomach because for me it's definitely the former and I've never had that problem before. Honest!

timothyw

If it's the crotch area, sounds like the XL will be perfect for me

Might have to go give them a try after all.

rolf_f

I had a look at it. The jersey looked pretty much like the normal ones. The tights have far too thick a pad for me (I would wear them over shorts) but they certainly will look festive under car lights! I'll probably return at the weekend for a baselayer top if there are any left but they aren't winning me as a friend by putting the pro stuff in silly overblown packaging. I'd probably have bought a base layer there and then if I'd been able to fit it in my Audax bag but the cardboard mountain that comes with the kit scuppered that one.

I suppose it's all in the performance but I've found the normal stuff to be absolutely fine - so even if the Pro stuff is better it won't be that much better. And it doesn't really look much better either. Still probably good value but nowt to get too excited about.

BTW - I rode over on my way home from work - just wheeled the bike through the shop as I wasn't carrying a lock! Tyres are probably cleaner on the bike than they are on the shopping trolleys.

Teddy Westside

Rolf F wrote:

BTW - I rode over on my way home from work - just wheeled the bike through the shop as I wasn't carrying a lock! Tyres are probably cleaner on the bike than they are on the shopping trolleys.

Not sure I'd have got the same non-reaction - they'd just opened and the guy was still drying the floor!

chilling

Rolf F wrote:

BTW - I rode over on my way home from work - just wheeled the bike through the shop as I wasn't carrying a lock! Tyres are probably cleaner on the bike than they are on the shopping trolleys.

I had the opposite experience, thrown out of the Kilburn store last night for wheeling my bike round with me (I didn't have a lock and refused the suggestion of just leaving my bike by the door whilst I did my shopping)

"Health and safety / company policy" apparently. Even after some woman demonstrated that the shopping trolleys are more dangerous than a bike by running into me with one giving me a sore ankle.

I did query whether it made good business sense in the current economic climate to turn away potential sales but I'm not sure the security guard had enough understanding synapses in his head to get my meaning.

Didn't get to buy the long bibs that I was after either

UndercoverElephant

Wore the bib tights today for the first time... and the last time.

Pros:

Definitely pretty warm
Definitely windproof at the front
Excellent visibility

Cons:

Naff pad
Poor fit round the front
Inflexible material in soft-shell area

I could put up with the slightly baggy nature. The pad's not too bad a concern for commutes, however the inflexible material is a real deal-breaker. Bad enough when it's around the body, but the fact it extends below the knee means that it pretty much grabs your kneecap with every pedal stroke. After a few miles tonight, this meant I had a sore knee, after the whole commute I'm actually suffering with some proper knee pain.

I'm going to hobble down to Aldi tomorrow and take the damn things back. Makes you wonder if anyone actually tried riding a bike with these on during product development.

donegal1

Ya, agree with undercoverelephant, Thats what I was thinking this morning when I had to cut my cycle short because the trousers also is so uncomfortable and cold because it not that breathable. Back its going on monday morning !. You get what you pay for.