• expired

Performance 29er Mountain Bike $349 from Aldi (from 9 September)

890

It was last available about this time last year, and Aldi is selling those Performance 29er Mountain Bikes again as "Special Buys" on 9 September. Fine reviews from FlowMountainBike.com from last year:

POSITIVES

  • Ticks all the boxes necessary for light mountain biking.
  • Quality Shimano gears and Tektro brakes.
  • Neat frame.

NEGATIVES

  • Sold in a box from a supermarket.
  • Not for aggressive off road use.
  • Medium and large size only.

Good beginners bike with Suntour XCM Fork with hydraulic lock-out, 18-speed drive train, internal cable routing & pannier rack mounting system. Aluminium frame, disc brakes, etc.

Update: Flow reviewed this year's model (thanks to MoneyPincher for the link). Didn't talk about the gearing difference though.

Related Stores

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closed Comments

    • +1

      Not at all, the review and description by OP makes that quite clear.

      I think you are right, ride this over any technical terrain and you'd be asking for trouble and pain.

      • +1

        Yes, just a general disclaimer on my part for all those who might think they can get into mountain biking with something like this. It is a real safety hazard and advertisers use the term "mountain bike" loosely.

        • +3

          Should be ok for light xc. I was using a bike worse than this 10 years back, haven't snap the frame yet :)

        • @djprima:

          I think arguably bikes 10 years ago where also a little bit sturdier. Sometime they try too hard to make a bike all technical and put weak parts on it that may look cool but are hazardous, especially when they fail on a nasty terrain.

          As Scotty says, I think this one isn't too bad. It's a hard tail at least and isn't compromised by ineffective rear suspension tricks. It also means that money can be spent on making a better machine.

          The problem with some of these bikes is that a failure is often catastrophic and will happen at probably the worst possible time

    • +5

      In the Flow review they did take the Aldi bike down to a technical descents and they don't seem to have problem with it.

      • -1

        You can probably ride this anywhere on any trail if it's only "once" - Any more than that and it's questionable

        • +2

          I think you could do this twice :)

        • +1

          @smashed:
          And maybe live up to your name :)

      • +1

        While we didn’t go hammering down our favourite technical descents

        I think they specifically avoided the technical descents…

  • +5

    Eh. I've taken this to Lystefield more times than I can count and it's held up pretty well. I'm no pro by any means but I don't putt my way on the downhill either…
    P.S Lysterfield is where they hosted the trails for the 2006 Commonwealth games.

    • I hear they have a few different difficulty levels on the trails there. Have you gone on difficult ones or just the easy ones with this bike?

      • +1

        I've done the whole thing. It holds up, but it will be a matter of time until you'd wanna upgrade to a dualie.

        • Yeah definitely, but it's good to know you can get by on just a front shock bike. A couple people I know insist you need dual shock, but I'm not really ready to commit multiple thousands of dollars without giving it a go on a cheaper bike first to see if I like the sport enough.

  • How hard is this bike to assemble or do you need to get it put together if you don't have much experience?

    • +3

      Bike 'assembly' is usually just to attach the pedals and the bar stem and tighten it up. The basic tools for that should be included. Best to also go over the rest of the bike while you're at it just to make sure everything's good to go then take it for a short, low-speed test ride on a flat path to ensure everything's running right before hitting the streets. Most bike adjustments can be made with a couple of Allen Keys, a Phillips & Flat Screwdriver and maybe a pair of pliers. If you get stuck or all else fails then a local bike shop should be able to get it schmicko for not a lot… but best to DIY it in my opinion as that's the only way you'll learn what does what and how to maintain it all.

    • Really depends a lot on how well the bike was built up in the first place, and whether the bike comes boxed straight from the factory or whether someone has given it a once over before being boxed up again and sent to Aldi. As an example (and I know the aldi one would be different), the last bike I bought from online to build up from the box required: headset expander installation in the steerer, headset adjustment, front and rear brake adjustment (both pad position and cable), front and rear derailleur adjustment (cable tension and high and low limit screws), and stem and handlebar installation. Pretty much everything that could be adjusted needed to be adjusted. If you're lucky you will most likely only need to install the handlebars, pedals, and put the front wheel in and you're good to go. Remember that everything on the bike is (in principle) quite simple, and googling or watching YouTube videos should help you with most problems.

  • +3

    These are great bikes and very capable. Bargain for what you get..

  • +2

    I bought of these last year, slapped on a BBSHD electric conversion kit http://luna-mate.com/luna-mate-bafang-bbshd-1000w-kit and have a kick ass electric bike for commuting and trail biking.
    It has quality branded components, apart from the tyres which punctured on the second ride, and were quickly replaced with Conti's for about $50.
    Everything else is fine, it rides great on the road and ok for a beginner off road. I have done around 3,000 km with no significant problems, although the motor wears the chain and cassette quickly.
    My mates named it 'The Beast'!

    • I'm interested in such a conversion but from what I can tell this kit would be deemed illegal to use on the road?

      • It is illegal, current regulations are 200w max for the motor (or 250w for pedal assist and limited to 25km/h)

        (edit: reading that website, apparently it has a on-road 250w limited mode, so I'm not too sure about the legality)

        • It will be illegal.. The alternative is registering it as a motorcycle which is ridiculous. You would then also need to wear a motorcycle helmet to cycle anywhere :S Shame

          http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/safety-rules/stand…

          1. Power-assisted pedal cycle - maximum power output 200 watts
            The auxiliary motor/s must not be capable of producing a combined maximum power output
            exceeding 200 watts, whether or not the motor/s is operating.

          2. Power-assisted pedal cycle - maximum power output 250 watts (a ‘Pedalec’)
            • The maximum continuous power output of the motor cannot exceed 250 watts measured at
            the wheel
            Note: A motor that delivers 250 watts of continuous power can produce greater power for very short
            periods of time, which can be beneficial when pulling away at traffic lights or starting a hill climb.
            • The motor must cut-off once the vehicle reaches 25 km/h, or sooner if the rider stops
            pedalling

      • +1

        Hey there Smashed. I fitted a Bafang BBS02 kit to a bike a few years ago. Initially started out with big, heavy 'dumb' SLA batteries as seen here: https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/67715/40927/ebike.jpg I used it like this just to trial it and get battery use stats from it to help design a very custom Lithium pack to keep the size & weight at a minimum. I had another pic of it with the Lithium pack I built but can't seem to find it anymore sorry.

        Anyway, it worked REALLY well. Such a great kit for a decent price and very high quality… BUT… after riding the bike for a while I gradually began reducing the motors input over a few weeks until I found myself not even needing it except for the one or two very steep yet short hills. This meant I was riding a 25kg bike and easily keeping up with other riders mainly with leg power alone and it was at that moment I decided to build myself a basic non-motorised bike just to see how I'd go on that. I got the purposely minimalist, non-motorised bike on the road about 2 years ago and haven't looked back! I disassembled the electric bike and sold off the parts and have been fiddling about with custom non-motorised bike builds ever since!

        So, what I'm trying to say is that depending on a few variables you may not even need to go down the route of a motorised bike as you might surprise yourself with what you can do under your own leg power… different of course if you have a disability or injury or need to regularly carry kids/cargo or ride in an extremely hilly area or simply don't want to be all sweaty at work or whatever. I definitely don't regret building the eBike as it was an excellent experience and I learnt heaps and led me onto being able to build all sorts of other different types of bikes for myself and others but yeah the $1000+ for the motor kit & battery (plus the cost of the bike itself) could be better spent on a super sexy non-motorised bike that will actually suit your exact riding needs & style and probably have a heap of cash leftover!

        Any questions please ask. Happy to help!

        EDIT: I just found a pic of the bike with the Lithium pack I built: https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/67715/51817/ebike.jpg Soooo much sleeker & lighter. That pack was made from 14S worth of LiPO packs normally used in Radio Control cars etc. Had to buy a crazy expensive charger to balance-charge the pack but it all worked perfectly and I even built a 24V rig to charge it from a couple of AGM batteries charge via Solar Panels. The AGMs charged during the day then I used them to charge the eBike once I got home from work. All worked really well too but it was only about month after that when I started riding the non-motorised bike anyway so although a cool project it was all money I really didn't need to spend. The crazy things we do eh ;)

        • +1

          Thanks for that wealth of input :)

          I used to ride 16kms to work each way a few years ago in the Uk.
          However, I now live about 35KMS from Sydney CBD and it is a commute that I couldn't be bothered with under my own steam all the way (would take too long).
          I currently use 2 wheels with an engine which obviously gets me there quickly but I have to arrive at around 7am to secure parking.
          Riding the bike (assisted ideally) would get my exercise up and allow me to secure my bicycle in the underground car park. It would also help me get away better to reduce risk of death :)

          I could dust off my 8kg carbon bike but I also feel a bit precarious on it when the rain comes down and the traffic is heavy.

        • @smashed: Absolutely! 35kms would be enough for me to go electric too ;) Luckily I'm within 10km so it's no biggie and luckily I don't seem to emit body odour as much as some others so even in sub-tropic heat & humidity in the peak of Summer I can still just hop off the bike, get into the office and sit at my desk without the need for a shower or change of clothes. It can be a bit disgusting some days but the AC dries everything up in no time and I know my workmates well enough to know they'd tell me if I was stinking the place up ;) Best solution ever as it's incidental exercise plus saves me around $1500-2000 per year in PT fares… money that I then blow on parts to build more bikes! Current project is a ground-up minimalist, 2-speed belt drive… just for sh*t and giggles really.

        • @SteveAndBelle:

          Also, the further the commute the greater the risk of being caught on an illegal machine.

          I don't want to go nuts like this guy in centennial park https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbiNoNmqUpg

          I just want enough power to be able to do maybe 45kph which I don't consider too dangerous.

        • +1

          @smashed: Ah yes, 'ElectricBike'… MAAAWWW POOWWAAAR! Been following him for a while now. He's a trailblazer for sure and although usually very illegal he keeps pushing the boundaries of motors, controllers & batteries which results in better gear for the rest of us through practical research. Without some of his earlier videos I don't think I would've learnt as much as I did building my eBike. 45kph should be comfortably do-able with combined leg & motor power of a fully legal rig but be careful because I was yelled at by cyclist douches flying past me even when the motor wasn't switched on! As soon as these elitist w@ankers see anyone riding anything that might be motorised they seem to think they have the right to express their very uneducated opinions to your face… even if you and your bike are completely within the law! Cyclists are their own worst enemy which is why I instead consider myself a 'bike rider'… I just don't want anything to do with them. Anyway, rant over. Let me know if you need to know anything else OK :)

        • @SteveAndBelle:

          I am very aware of bike snobs but I am fine with it as long as I am legal.

          Do you know of any good 200W kits? I have been googling but I cannot find any decent threads / forums discussing it. (Presumably because nobody else bothers with just 200W).

          Cheers

        • +1

          @smashed: I've fitted a few Dillinger Hub kits to friends bikes over the years and it looks like they have some specials on at the moment: http://dillengerelectricbikes.com.au/electric-bike-kits/stre… They were also good when one of them developed an intermittant surging/cutting problem (battery related) but it was just a bit painful as we had to get the bike to them before they could troubleshoot it themselves even though I'd given them all the info, pics & videos they needed. They also sell the Bafang BBS01 which is what I originally wanted but were really hard to find globally back when I built my eBike which is why I had to go for the BBS02 instead. They're basically the same it's just that BBS01 is available in a 'street legal' power output model. You'll need to decide on the suitability between Hub or Mid drive yourself… both have pros & cons. Gotta say though, a front wheel Hub kit is such a stupidly quick & simple way of motorising a bike, anyone could do it! Remove front wheel, install motorised front wheel, run wires and mount the battery. Some of the small kits could be done within a few minutes, literally! Just be 100% sure you get one that's disc brake capable if you're running discs as some motor Hubs don't have the mounting holes for discs.

        • @SteveAndBelle:

          Thanks, I have found a looong whirlpool thread to read tonight :)

          I just don't fancy the risk of a large fine etc, nor a poor 200W version that will cause grief.

          Will let you know how I progress.

        • +1

          @smashed: That's the frustrating thing. Whenever I see the Police chatting to an eBike rider who's been fanging around bike paths it's usually just that, a chat… probably because they have no way of proving how powerful the motor is! No reason to purposely break the law however I find it all a bit of a joke really. They allow people to drive 1000HP cars on the road as long as they have all the required operational safety gear, stick to the speed limit, don't lose traction and not exceed noise limits so why can't the laws be the same for eBikes? Afterall, a 20,000W eBike is still capable of travelling at 5kph! Don't raise that issue with 'cyclists' though, most refuse to want to understand basic facts.

        • @SteveAndBelle:

          Now looking at Bosch 250W as it can be dongled to more :) So legal when you need it to be .

          Trying to find similar alternatives… I can see that this may take a while for an OZB mentality to find the best deal.

        • @SteveAndBelle:

          http://dillengerelectricbikes.com.au/electric-bikes/performa…

          Vermillion is a dual use electric bike that can be street legal when you ride on the road and can be transformed into an overpowered monster when going off-road. The Vermillion comes kitted out with high-end components rarely seen on electric bikes. Components such as fully adjustable DNM competition level suspension front and rear, Tektro Dorado 180mm hydraulic brakes and quality Maxxis tires. Along with these high-end bike related components, the Vermillion is packed full of all the absolute best in e-bike performance including the latest rear hub from Bafang (rated up to 1,500W peak power) 30A peak sinusoidal controller and high capacity, long range 530Wh Lithium-ion frame battery. To access the dual usage of the Vermillion, customers will require the Switcheroonie (sold separately) which is required to legally reduce the power of the controller to 250W.

          I feel much more comfortable about purchasing knowing that I can pull this page out as a defense of my ignorance.. And I have a motorcycle license too so I shouldn't get in too much trouble given that I will be sensible.

          This is allegedly a Bafang rear hub though so I need to read up on that too :D

        • @smashed: Whoa! OK, I wasn't aware you were keen to spend $3500 ;) That opens up loads of possibilities. Keep in mind that even though you may have a motorbike license that bike will need indicators and rego etc. to be legal so there's yet another loophole. Anyway, enjoy!

        • @SteveAndBelle:

          I don't. I will buy a bafang and then the plug in widget for 150

    • +1

      This is exactly what I want to do. What parts did you choose? Was too hard to assemble? I think we can't use anything over 200W, it's illegal

    • @two_shirts - great idea! Would lovea 1000w kit like that, especially from Bafang.
      I've a dodgy e-bike from China that's rated @ 400w but it's literally never worked, ever… !
      Had it for over a year and been in and out of a few shops and still no joy.

      Wish I'd just gone down this route from the get go!

    • Two Shirts, can you send me photos of your electric upgrade on the Aldi bike? Very interested and tempted. Anything cheaper than AUD 900 in the market that is still fun?

  • +12

    I got one of these last year. Tyres needed replacing (got a set of Big Apple Plus for $40 on clearance) and the gears needed adjusting after they had been stretched in (like any bike), but other than that it's been perfect.

    People who say you can't commute unless you have a carbon frame and ultegra running gear are just gear (profanity). Same as the guys who pretend you can only take a good photo with L glass or you can only really listen to music with Senn 800s or you can only go camping with a 120k caravan or you can….

  • +1

    BTW JV, this bike comes with pedals!

  • +3

    Great. Been waiting for this. Bought the MTB last year. Only saw it once already marked down to $244, so scored there. Been waiting to get the repair stand so will grab one of those. Only started riding the bike a few months ago - using it as a "Dad bike" - perfect for the job. Riding on the sidewalk/ grass verge/ dirt/ patches of sand / tree roots, local parks etc with my 5 and 7-year old who have just got going on 2 wheels. Bought a Yepp Maxi baby seat (with seat post mount) for the toddler and ferry him to day care about 3 km's away in the mornings. Bought the Yepp at a good price here (http://www.roofrackstore.com.au/thule-yepp-maxi-rear-seat-ye…). (It is now $20 less than I paid). Heads up re the baby seat - I tried the Topeak rack-mounted version, but that requires a special rack for 29ers and the seat grab-bar sits too close to the rear of the saddle - especially if you are tall and run a lot of seatpost like I do. I've done a little bit of city riding (Sydney East and City) and its fine for that too. Agree it would be a good "relaxed" commuter option (with slicks). Rack/ pannier fitment points useful for that too. Gears need adjusting now as not indexing smoothly - but that sounds normal. Bought some Schwalbe Marathon Plus knobblies (on special for $39.50 each from Chain Reaction Cycles) because I got punctures twice from goat head burrs in first couple of rides - although admittedly haven't fitted them yet and haven't had further punctures (but will fit them when I get the repair stand). Great thing about MTB gearing is that you can ride really slowly with stability - and make uphills very slow and easy - both great for my riding purposes. Rolling resistance is less than I expected. For those having an issue with that, check that tyres are pumped to max specified pressure - and that wheels are spinning freely and not making contact with the discs. Great bike and specs for the price. See comments last year - usual price for similarly spec'd price considered to be around $500+. Thinking of getting one for my wife this year - although 29 inch wheels are big - so she may be better off with 26 or 27.5 inch.

  • Anywhere we can see the full aldi catalogue online as I want to know what bike accessories are on sale

  • Does anyone know if they're also selling bike gear this time round? The workstands are very good value

  • I've never bought anything big from Aldi before. There's a store not too far from home but it's not particularly big. Would they have the bike? Or is it restricted to a 'super store' type Aldi?

    • All Aldi stores should have stock of catalogue specials, however smaller stores may have fewer available. Popular items can sell out in minutes, so if you are really keen, you need to be there when the store opens.

      They also have a 60 day no-question return policy (keep your receipt).

      • +1

        Additionally, some stores may display the special buys stock the night before the sale. Also, if it looks like a popular item you're after has run out, ask one of the workers if there's any stock out back in the store room, because they don't always display everything they have at the start of the day.

      • Thanks for the info :)

  • How does this compare to a Merida Matt's 10? Mine got stolen from my yard. http://www.99bikes.com.au/merida-matts-6-10-cv-14-matt-black…

  • +1

    Can anyone tell me which one is better?
    Aldi bike at $349 or this at $399 https://www.bikebug.com/m/product_info.php?products_id=47083

    • +3

      This Aldi bike has some slightly better specs and maybe some slightly worse (limited to tyres and brakes) . And is more of a entry level mountain bike.

      The shuffle is more of a hybrid bike, half road bike, half mountain bike. So it doesn't do either of those things amazingly. In fact I would call it more of a compromised road bike.

      This is not necessarily a bad thing, because it will probably make urban riding more comfortable, but less efficient (than a road bike). I would not suggest taking it down a mtb trail (like Lysterfield, mentioned elsewhere).

      If you want it to get fit and ride around the neighbourhood on, then the shuffle is perfect, but the Aldi bike would probably be very good too, if slightly more effort, which you probably won't notice without a side by side comparison.

      If you want to commute a large distance to work then a proper road bike would be more appropriate, but the shuffle would be the better of the two.

      Bottom line, if you are not commuting a long distance, then save yourself $50 and you won't really notice the difference around the neighbourhood, but at least you will have the option of taking it 'proper mountain biking', and you get mostly better components. The tyres are worse, but they are consumable and so easily upgraded.

  • +3

    Flow have posted their review here of this year bike for those interested.

    Op if you get a chance you might want to update your link from last years.

  • +1

    OP - gearing is mentioned in the article;

    ……….Tektro cable actuated disc brakes and even a decent Shimano 2×9 Acera level drivetrain.

  • Would this bike be suitable for short commute to the local train station? I'm more worried about keeping it locked up at the station bike racks. Does anyone do that? Any recommendations on security/locks?

    • +1

      Probably not a good idea leaving a shiny brand new bike locked up near a train station all day.
      I would look for a 2nd hand hybrid bike for around $200. Look for one with no shocks, as that adds weight. Disc brakes are unecessary and likely to attract more attention with potential theft.

      • +1

        Yeah, I have a soft bike. Great for downhill, but the weight really killed me going uphill. No problems going over potholes though, so that was a bonus.

  • For $350 you can't beat it, the fork is worth $90 alone.
    MY suggestion is to pay $60 for a bike shop to build it for you. I found a few thing like the brake and gears not set up correctly and the wheel bearing way too tight and not greased.
    I paid $100 extra and he even installed hydraulic brakes. great bike for $450

    • Hey mate! Hydraulic breaks means that you had to put the break lines outside of the frame? Which ones did you install? What do you do with the inside frame running cables? Pull them out and ignore holes?

      • +1
        • brakes
        • +1

          Oops. I'd like to blame auto correct…

        • Give him a brake, WN ………….. oh wait, you did!

      • I got my local bike-shop to install it for me. but yeah he ran the hydraulic thought inside the frame. You wouldn't even see the difference from my bike to a new shop bike, But oh boy you notice it when using it
        he was the one to refer me to buy it - He told me that he only makes $200 profit per bike $800 bike and need to offer warranty and time to build it.
        so told me to buy the bike and spend $400 on other item he could sell me.
        I Got the hydraulic brakes +, isntall, Seat, cleats and shoes, helmet, riding shorts, gloves,

    • Cool find thanks!
      For those having trouble with that site this link takes you to the first page of the catalog, otherwise scroll backwards.

  • I wonder if these will sell out fast

  • Does anyone know what the weight limit is the for kids trailer?

    Thanks

    • +1

      If it's the same as last years I am pretty sure it was 45KG.

  • +1

    Very good mountain bike for the price. Having just spent the last 5 months researching mountain bikes, culminating in a purchase a week ago, I have one comment.

    The fork is fairly passable as an entry level mountain bike fork. But if you want to do some proper mountain biking, you need to consider your mass. Reviews suggest it is ideal for anyone up to 75kg, and the preload adjustment can extend this up a bit further (how much was not specified), but it was suggested that if you are a heavier rider, you will need to swap out the spring for a larger one. This is to prevent bottoming out on bigger hits.

    If your riding is not that extreme, it's not something you need to be worried about. But something to considered.

    Also, if you do progress to that level, then you can always upgrade the fork itself.

    Now, this is not written from experience, simply my own research.

    • mate, i am 100Kg before lunch and have never bottomed it out. I am not a complete beginner more intermediate, and I can't tell the difference between the XT and these XCM. I have some mates that have some bike with $400+ RockShox fork which are nicer to ride, However, they only come on $1,500 + bikes

  • For anyone interested, I just came from visiting my local store (Rowville), and asked about stock levels for tomorrow morning, they have FOUR bikes. Mentioned that stores can vary in stock allocation though.

  • Anyone know how quickly the bicycle maintenance stands usually sell out? Have 4 Aldis near me. Wondering if I need to rush to one of them at opening time tomorrow or would likely get if I went a bit later in the day.

  • Just got one from Aldi Kilsyth… they had 5 bikes and only 2 Large bikes.

    Pretty sure a family of 4 behind me was going to take the rest. Better go quick if you want one.

  • Brunswick, Vic - there was 8-10 bikes at 8:30am, M were red, L were teal. I took one, 1-2 ppl took as well.

  • 4 at Vermont South. I bought one saw someone else grab one. 2 left, both medium.

  • None left at aldi Alexandra hills.

  • Anyone been to any Adelaide stores and can comment on stock levels?

  • 2x medium left now at Camberwell, VIC

  • Belconnen ACT sold out by 10am. I purchased a Large I'm 185cm.

    Easy to put together. Only really needed Allen keys and a screw driver. Went for a quick test ride, its nothing amazing but highly functional. Very good quality for the price.

  • +1

    Don't forget tighten crank. You'll need Allen key 8mm for this.

  • +1

    Great bike, got one today. Put it together, shortened handle bar a bit (69cm is a bit much in any urban traffic). Adjusted breaks and tightened all screws. Nice bike for the money. Will consider change the tires for commuting. Fork is great. Rides very quiet, feels solid for the price. Really like it. 60 days return policy is brilliant. Please post any mods. For example, which hydraulic breaks did you put on?

    • +2

      If you are looking for a simple set of hydraulic brakes I would look at these:

      Tektro HDM285

      They are the absolute entry level of hydraulic disc brakes, but they will be night and day to the cable disc brakes that came on the bike.

      Question is, do you see it worthwhile spending $70, plus shipping, plus fitment if you aren't mechanically minded, on upgrading a $350 bike? I'm not saying it's not worth it, but I could understand if one couldn't justify it.

      Or entry level Shimanos (regarded to be better than Tektro) from AliExpress (not sure if counterfeit?) for ~AU$54 delivered:

      Shimano M315

      You may well find both those sets for even cheaper if you look harder, but that was just a quick search.

      • +1

        $60 is well worth it, different of stopping vs stopping with a cramped finger, after riding for 2 hours you will appreciate the softness and stopping the power of the Hydraulic. also, I am pretty sure they are built quickly and they spray lube on my brakes, the different from $10 brake pads and $30 is also a huge factor

  • +1

    Sold out at Edmondson Park NSW, picked up last one from Macquarie Fields. Blue Medium.
    Looks solid, will start putting together now.

    There was two Blue mediums and 5-6 reds (including Large) at Mount Annan at about 4.30pm for anyone interested.

  • +1

    8 left at Birkenhead shopping centre. 5 large ones in red and 3 small ones in blue. Sunday, 6pm.

  • 6 Left at Hillsdale, Sydney. Sunday 3pm. 4 Med. 2 Large. All red.

  • Anyone else find the seat very uncomfortable?
    Leaves me sore even for over 24 hours
    Will I get used to it?

    • Probably won't get used to it for hundreds of hours riding in short time frame. Might be better of getting a more comfortable wider softer gel type endurance riding seat.

    • Have you had experience riding with a narrow saddle ? You may need to tilt the saddle forward a bit - basically just the bones of your backside should be resting on the saddle. It can be very uncomfortable if saddle tilted upwards (or maybe even level). That's my experience anyway. You may also have the saddle too low, forward or back ? If all adjusted and fitting properly with good seated position it should not be uncomfortable - although may take a few rides to get used to if you haven't ridden for a while. That's my experience anyway.

      • thanks for the advice i will try some adjustments and if that fails I will try a gel seat
        I haven't cycled for 24 years since I was young

        • NW. I have always found bigger seats less comfortable than narrower ones - I find they just get in the way and obstruct movement and positioning. Once properly adjusted you should be able to tell the difference. If it isn't feeling comfortable after 2 or 3 outings of 15 mins or so I'd suggest going to your local bike shop and getting their opinion. They should be happy to help you even though you didn't buy from them - you're a prospect for servicing, accessories and future bike purchases.

        • @belbo:
          All comments much appreciated

          My third night out and my body seems to be adjusting
          I'm thinking most likely being off a bike for over two decades must have been the biggest factor

          I will test some adjustments to optimize the seat

        • @thelastnoob:

          Trust me……… if your arse didn't hurt, there would be something wrong. :)

  • Looks like there's mostly medium sizes left in the shops. I guess the people buying mountain bikes from aldi are mostly tall geeky males on ozbargain..

    • True in the blue. Red seemed to have some large.
      Prolly depends on your area too. Red necks large all gone, asian suburbs medium all gone.

      I'm 178cm tall and find the medium to be just fine. Large would prob be too big.

  • Has anyone seen any stocks of blue-medium around blacktown/hills nsw area? thanks

  • hasnt ridden for a very long time so pardon the questions asked …

    does the bike comes with side stand? couldnt find any in the box.

    if it doesnt come with it, any clue which side stand will suit the bike?

    • No stand. I bought one for mine (last year's model) at 99 Bikes. Around $30. There are very few that will suit this bike. You can PM me if you want more detail. I may be able to find the receipt and also send a photo. However, I suggest you take it in to a bike shop and get them to fit and make sure it is suitable.

  • Hey all, just a question for those that bolted the bike up themselves (no bike shop involved).

    Have any of you had trouble with the gear selection at all? My bike has trouble with 1st and 2nd gear - lots of gear/chain slipping etc.

    I just wanted to see if this has affected anyone else who has left the gearing 'out of the box'

    • My previous Aldi mountain bike's gear is surprisingly tuned, but almost all the other half assembled bikes I bought require some adjustments ie playing around with the screws on the derailleur.

      • Thanks scotty!
        goes and grabs the toolkit

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