This was posted 6 years 8 months 9 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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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.

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closed Comments

  • +10

    These are unbranded Polygon bikes which are sold at bicyclesonline.
    Their cheapest model which might be the same as the Aldi one is $425.00
    Very good specs considering the price.

    • +2

      haha. wow looks exactly the same. so funny how you can get the same thing with a different label for much less

      • That's if you're lucky. Some Aldi stores sell out within minutes, then others have stock for weeks.

      • +2

        I work at a sausage factory, and we re-brand sausages to supply to Aldi, and they sell them for about $3 for a 4 pack, compared to the $8 we sell them for. They are made with a different skin to lower the price a bit, but it always makes me wonder what other companies out there re-brand their stuff for Aldi to sell cheap.

        • at least you are using different (cheaper?) materials in the Aldi sausage but the bikes are identical

        • @havok44:
          But the Polygon bike is 27 speed, ALDI bike is 18.

        • +6

          I was waiting for the punchline after the first sentence

        • -4

          imo, everything in Aldi is depreciated and rebranded, that's how they do it, it snt magic and we are the twits standing in line for it…

          Last year I compared the percentage of product between the brands…Aldi was constantly below par with percentages of product with its mixes. Even the powdered milk somehow.

          You are paying more for less when you shop at aldi, there only good for ski-gear

        • @robertbruce: Powdered milk? Sure you didn't compare full cream to skim? All the powdered milks I've seen are identical at 7L/kg for full cream and 10L/kg for skim.

        • +1

          Pretty much every house branded product at Aldi and the other supermarkets will be made for them by another manufacturer. As you noticed with the sausage skins, the ingredients will not always be the same as the branded products made in the same factory. They will consist of whatever is specified in the contract.

        • @trongy: no no no, this is where you are very wrong. Sausage skin is either natural, collagen or alginate (seaweed based). Working in the food industry you would never have different sausage skins for different brands. Why? Because machine has to be calibrated for each skin. It does takes some time.

          Australia has a very small market nearly everything comes from the same manufacturer. Aldi has the buying power because they have smarter employees to challenge food manufacturer mark up on their products. Aldi knows how efficient a factory can run. If the factory is not efficient, move yo the next supplier.

        • +5

          You had me at "sausage factory".

        • @supaderp:
          I have no knowlege of commercial sausage making so I was taking mdogxxx's comment at face value. I have heard of other Aldi, Coles and Woolworths products being made in the same factory, but not necessarily with the same ingredients.

          Aldi has the buying power because they have smarter employees to challenge food manufacturer mark up on their products.

          Aldi has more buying power globally. However, when it comes to Australian made products for the domestic market they don't have more buying power than Coles or Woolworths. The retail industry in Australia is pretty small and people move between employers. Unless Aldi is bringing geniuses on 457 visas the they are competing in the same labour market as the other supermarkets. The dude who leaves Woolworths for a job at Aldi isn't suddenly 20 IQ points higher.

        • @supaderp: We use natural and collagen for our sausages, and we switch between the two throughout the day constantly. The sausage filling machine just uses different programs for each type of sausage and different skin.

      • +3

        Possibly the same bike .. but NOT the same componesnts … this site shows a MTB that has a 27 speed drivetrain with the addition of a Shimano Acera direct mount rear derailleur. The Aldi MTB has only 18 speed. When you take the spec difference into account the Aldi MTB may or may not be a "bargain"????

      • That WAS the Aldi 29er from last year.

        This years bike is a bit different.
        The stand out is that this years has less gear ratios (they have gone from 3x9 to 2x9)
        I haven't worked out what components have changed.

    • looks like the polygon is running 3x9 gearing and the aldi is 2x9 but thats nothing to worry about

      • -1

        2x9 will be lousy for the inevitable path (or even road) riding…

        • +4

          why would 2x9 be lousy?

        • @sclyde2:

          Good question - I would also be interested as to "why"?

        • @sclyde2:

          Well it depends how quick you want to ride. Lousy might be a bit extreme, but if it is only like a 36 tooth larger chain ring, it won't be that hard to feel like you're pedalling air at higher speed. For probably like 95% of path riding it will be fine, as you'd only be doing like 25-30 km/h, if that.

    • +7

      The BOA bikes sold at bicycles online aren't the just the same model or rebranded Aldi ones, they ARE the Aldi bikes. Bicycles online is the Australian distributor for Polygon bikes, which make the Aldi ones. The distributor bought back all the bikes that were unsold by Aldi to sell in their own store*. Naturally the price has to be higher, an ordinary bricks and mortar store cannot run on the same low margins as Aldi. However, buying from Bicycles Online at the Manly store means that the bike is fully assembled (probably with the gears tuned and brakes properly adjusted etc.) and you get their store warranty (which means that you could go back and get stuff fixed. Aldi's warranty is usually pretty good but I doubt they would be able to help you fix anything in this case, they would probably just give you a refund). I suppose it depends on how much you value this, and whether it is worth the $75 premium. Keep in mind that if you were to buy a bike boxed (like from online or from aldi/department stores), to get it assembled at a bike shop would cost around $70-$100. If you know what you are doing you could do it yourself, of course. The difference in specs you see is because they are last years model (which match the one in the Flow review).

      (* you can read more about it here. Someone from Bicycles online comments on page 4)

    • if you miss out out and Aldi you can just wait for a ebay code 10-15 code and buy there. sure this is cheaper but not the end of the world if you miss out in store.

  • +5

    Throw some semi-slicks on this to make it a great commuter/ride-to-work bike.

    • +1

      schwalbe marathon plus, for no punctures.

    • Not really; this will be a big, bulky bike. You want something light and streamlined for commutes; the difference is night and day.

      • How heavy? It looks light to me. Streamlining isabout your riding position, as the frontal area of the bike is small.
        If fitted well, you should be leaning forward, not sitting upright. Aero-bars can help further.

        • -1

          It "looks light"?

          A commuter will be under 10kg; no idea how heavy this is but I can tell you it'll be heavy tube steel (okay, so alloy, it's still a 15kg bike!)

          It's not about your position only, it's the shape of the frame and the size of the wheels.

          As a daily bike commuter, take my word on this. This is a cheap, heavy bike.

          Edit: not sure on the negs here. If you want a decent commuter bike, you need to spend double this.

        • +7

          @picklewizard:

          This bike is 15kg.

          A commuter under 10kg? Wanna give an example of one in a budget category?

        • @picklewizard: Interesting when the description and BOA link clearly states that it's an alloy frame. Hmm.

        • +9

          @picklewizard: Not arguing, just stating facts. "Keep Calm and Ride a Bike"! I also commute every single day… on a simple 2-Speed, Steel Frame Bike with a Coaster Brake… and I've been doing that for over 2 years now. Works perfectly and requires next to zero maintenance to boot.

        • -8

          @slipperypete: Nothing, you get what you pay for. As I said to the post below, argue if you want, I'm just offering advice to avoid you wasting money.

        • +8

          @picklewizard:

          Edit: not sure on the negs here

          I didn't neg you here but I did with the comment below

          Guys, I don't give a f—k if you wanna argue with me, I'm just offering some advice from someone who actually does commute daily by bike.

          You are getting angry and think you know better than everyone. Nobody is out to get you, calm down a bit

        • +4

          @picklewizard:
          My first commuter was a steel 14.9kg Repco bike that was a Subway promotional giveaway. Did several 1000kms on it and it's still used to this day as a beater bike.

          My present daily driver is an $800 alloy Merida but it still clocks in at 11.9kg.

          I can definitely tell the difference in weight when lifting them up to hang on the wall — But during the commute, I reckon it would be the rolling resistance that would be the biggest determinant. Yes, I still feel a difference riding them, but probably not a huge deal. The only time I ever complained about my steel bike was when my commute involved multiple staircases. :)

          I also have access to a 10.9kg road bike that I haven't ridden for any significant distance, but yes it does feel lighter too. I'd actually like to give a bike under 10kg a go. I know I've never ridden one, just to see if it makes a significant difference.

          I guess what I'm trying to share is that even if it is a cheap heavy bike, commuting on it should be pretty doable.

        • +2

          To chime in - you really shouldn't judge a bike's weight by how it looks. Upgrading from my old Kmart mountain bike to a proper mountain bike, the new one has chunkier bars, bigger tyres, extra suspension, all the parts are fatter and bigger… but it weighs about 1.5kg less. Go by actual weight measurements, or picking up the bike in person :)

      • +7

        You want something light and streamlined for commutes; the difference is night and day

        So is the price!!!

        Weight isn't as big an issue as you may think, unless racing or doing lots of hill climbing. Tyre choice will make far more difference.

        • +15

          @picklewizard:

          I race competitively off road, both gravity enduro and x-country. I have 3 MTB's. The lightest is just on 10kg's. It makes a difference for sure, however, when it comes to price of bikes under a certain bracket there are way better methods to increase efficiency. I could probably ride this bike faster on road with slicks over say a 5-10km distance than I could riding my 12kg specialized s-works enduro costing $11,000. Why? Tyre drag and this being a hard-tail rather than dual suspension.

          I understand where you are coming from, but not everyone wants to buy or can afford an expensive bike. You see $10,000 near new bikes for sale at half their value because they don't get used so why not try something cheaper. This bike WILL do the job. Not as well as a more expensive option, and I wouldn't want to recommend it but it is all relevant to budgets and priorities.

        • +2

          I agree. The difference between the original knobbies on my MTB oriented beater and the slicks I put on it after the first 300kms was like night and day.

    • +8

      I used to ride a flatbar hybrid but now just my $150 rubbish mountain bike from Aldi to/fro uni (only ~3km). Much prefer commuting on the mountain bike — short-cutting through parkland, jumping off the curb, etc. The distance is already short so might as well makes the ride fun.

  • How is it for a ride to work bike?

    Can I get a chain guard for this?

    • will be fine for 'ride to work', but cheaper components aren't as 'nice' as better stuff, wont last as long. ride to work i'd prefer hydraulic disc brakes for better stopping power and modulation.

      and doubt it. and why?

      • +2

        I would say suspension is overkill for most commuters. And I also wouldn't recommend a road bike for commuting either, unless you enjoy pushing yourself. On the days I commute on my road bike, I go faster, but end up sweatier and more exhausted than on the days I take my urban/city style commuter bike.

        • -6

          That's true; I do push it as it's free exercise (takes me just as long to drive, and is free) so I make the most of it. Go hard or go home!

          But this isn't a 'city commuter' either, it's a massive heavy mountain bike.

        • I go faster, but end up sweatier and more exhausted than on the days I take my urban/city style commuter bike.

          probably because you are more motivated to pedal harder and faster with the roadbike because it's a roadbike.

          i'd say the majority of urban/city/mtb commuters are just cruising because the level of effort to keep up with even an average roadie is significantly higher than just going roadie.

          the suitability of suspension depends on how bumpy the trails/roads are on the way to work are + any existing wrist/hand/arm injuries, or pure comfort desired.

          yes, road bike is great for commuting, but mtb is just fine as well. as is a fixie (if the commute is fairly flat). as is a unicycle (think 50% less chance of a puncture). as is a recumbent, (why sit when you can lie down?) etc.

      • +6

        "I wouldn't. Get a proper road bike for a daily commute. Anybody who recommends otherwise either isn't doing a daily commute themselves, or only has a short (~3km or less) ride."

        wow, assume much? you think if you don't commute on a roadie, you mustn't commute much, or very far?

        ride whatever you like to work. if you wanna minimise friction (rolling, frontal area), yeah ride a roadie. hey, why not go the whole hog and ride a time trial bike? i don't think i would've survived this long (now 13 years / ~25k urban km since i was last taken out) on a roadie. the number of times i've avoided wayward traffic with superior braking and maneuverability…..

        given the way out comments you are making, i think i'll make an assumption too - i'm guessing you are one of those overly serious roadies that get all flustered when i ride past on my converted hardtail, and just about have a heart attack trying to catch up. ok, i'll admit that my commuter, with all its carbon (frame/rims/bar/post etc) is hardly a heavy pig like that aldi bike..

        • wow, assume much? you think if you don't commute on a roadie, you mustn't commute much, or very far?

          Not a roady specifically, but absolutely not an off-road bike with large wheels and front suspension.

          i'm guessing you are one of those overly serious roadies that get all flustered when i ride past on my converted hardtail

          Now you're just attacking the person, I'm offering genuine, first-hand experience without attacking anyone.

          I just ride an $800 Reid that's completed about 10,000kms worth of ~9km commutes (with a couple decent hills both ways), after having briefly owned an Aldi bike that was absolutely awful to ride, because I too thought 'how much difference could there be?' Turns out, there's heaps. Climbing a slight incline on the road bike feels about the same as a flat surface on the Aldi bike. This is a mountain bike guys, not a commuter.

          No assumptions, I've got first-hand, real-world experience with both. This Aldi bike would not make a good commuter, that's why it's a mountain bike!

          Only trying to help people avoid wasting money, why the relentless negs?

        • +1

          @picklewizard:

          "Now you're just attacking the person, I'm offering genuine, first-hand experience without attacking anyone."

          "I wouldn't. Get a proper road bike for a daily commute. Anybody who recommends otherwise either isn't doing a daily commute themselves, or only has a short (~3km or less) ride."

          mate, don't you understand how you are coming across? you are explicitly discounting other peoples' opinions, and assuming that they must have no idea if their opinion differs to yours. well, guess what, a lot of people won't take that kind of attitude lying down….

          the earlier statement made by someone about the impact of appropriate tyres is spot on. on the road, smoother tyres and higher pressure make a massive difference to the speed you get out of the effort put in. if someone has a reasonably flat commute, and they put some decent slicks on, that bike might be ok for commuting. for a pure commuter though, i agree that there would be better options (with more appropriate gearing etc).

        • -1

          @sclyde2: Look, I see where you're coming from, but a -LOT- of talking out of one's arse happens on this site, I'm just trying to separate the signal from the noise.

          I'm not actively trying to discount anyone else's opinion, I'm just trying to give people an opinion that's from someone who's used both, not from someone who has a cheap bike that's been ridden twice and is now rusting away in a garage, which I strongly suspect is the case for many people who are giving their opinion here.

        • @picklewizard:

          I commute on a pinarello f10 with dura ace 9150. 60 km each day.

          Just saying.

        • +1

          @BamBam cheapsk8:

          Cool story, bro'………….

        • @jackspratt:

          No regrets!

  • +1

    Any bike stands in that same catalogue?

    • +6

      $39.99 Bike Repair stand — similar to last year's deal.

      • Appreciate it

  • Medium size apparently caters for 170-180cm height, large for 180-190. YMMV, also depends how you set the bike up.

    • Any one know if a 162cm female would struggle on the medium or would it be too big?

      • Riding on a ill fitting bike is uncomfortable. May be try to buy a small elsewhere, or better yet try sit on some bikes at a bike store.

    • I'm just over 180cm tall. Which would be better for me?

      • I'm about 182cm and the L works for me.

        • Yep. I'm 185. I have last year's large - and have the seat post almost fully extended. L should be good for you at 180 cm.

  • If the last sale was anything to go by, just wait a few months and the price will be significantly lower..

    I managed to grab one and the only complaint I have is that the brakes are a bit noisy/wonky. Not sure if the rotor is a bit out of shape, haven't had time to check. Still brakes fine though.

    • What price was yours?

      • +1

        $299, but there were people commenting on lower - one guy apparently got it for 50% off.

    • Are you talking about left over stock that has been reduced? I'd say that'd depend on what store you go to, as I'd say the stock at a lot of stores would be cleaned up pretty quick.

      • +1

        I'm saying that if history repeats itself… Assuming you can wait, the price will drop.

  • +11

    Havnt ridden a bike in years but suddenly i feel the urge to buy this and ride to work. Probably wont end up riding but i feel i need to - because it is a bargain. Ozbargain psychology - i think I have ozbargain syndrome

    • +2

      Also you will now have a reason to buy those cheap cree lights on Gearbest

      • +4

        and use up my eneloops. ahh purpose fulfilling…

        • If you want some motivation, watch Bikeblogger
          His videos make me want to go for a ride.

    • -6

      Don't. You won't use it.

      Budget at LEAST $700 for a light, reliable, easy-to-ride commuter bike.

    • +5

      Hey Havok. Lots of 'advice' being thrown around here but there are so many variables to consider for your commute that will result in finding the perfect solution for YOU… including distance, flat or hilly terrain, road or path or a combo of the two, riding attire choice, end-of-trip facilities, desire for multi-purposeness etc.

      I was in the same boat as you a couple of years ago and I surprised myself with what could be achieved on a VERY simple bike like a basic single-speed but of course so much depends on the above variables. A short distance, relatively flat commute should be fine on the $99 Anaconda 'Fixie': https://www.anacondastores.com/cycling/bikes/urban-bikes/flu… which will also double as a great little cafe racer, path rider etc. on weekends but anything more than that and you'd want to start looking at something different.

      • +3

        Thanks for saving me $350 mate!

  • Only 18 speed - that's 2x9 right?

    Without a big chainring, your top speed for commuting is going to be rather limited, maker this an off-road-only bike.
    I don't suppose they specify the gear range? At least it's a 29".

    • -1

      Only 18 speed - that's 2x9 right?

      It'll be 3x6.

      • It'll be 3x6.

        God I hope not. That's $99 k-mart territory.

        The BOA linked above is a 3 x 9.

      • +3

        its 2x9, thats what the photo shows

        • Sorry my bad, it was hard to tell in the photo, had a quick look at the similar one that Watchnerd linked to and could easily see 3 front rings and assumed the Aldi one would be the same. I've just realised the one Watchnerd linked is a 27 speed. Off to the corner I go…

      • According to the review it's 3x9

        So 27 speed

        Think Aldi misprinted it

        • +1

          The drivetrain on this years model is different last years coming from a Shimano 3x9 27 speed, this looks to have a SR Suntour 2x item, probably got a good deal with the forks.

          This years model is more focused on trail rather then commuting it seems. Having a 2x reduces the distance to the ground by a fair bit, it's a welcome change as it's something I'm constantly thinking about when things get a little rougher.

        • @Pluto88:
          Would be fun to try this bike out

        • +1

          @slipperypete:

          I say go for it, Aldi have an amazing 60 day guarantee, so if your not happy in any way return for a full refund, no questions. I would keep the box until you have decided, they will still take it back without the packaging though.

        • That review is last years model.

    • Because everyone buys a mountain bike for commuting and needs to keep up with Cadel

    • I have used mine twice as it makes a clunking noise that I haven't yet got round to resolving.
      However, I did find that it was like going through treacle compared to my standard 26 MTB. Perhaps these tyres are very knobbly.. All of a sudden the wife seemed a lot quicker.

    • Speed-wise I reckon it should be fine. Looking at the picture from the catalogue, its got a Suntour XCM crank. This means that (at a guess) it will be either 38-24 or 36-22. The rear cassette should be something like a 11-32. Plugging numbers into a gear calculator, 38-11 pedalling @100rpm is 55km/h which is probably fast enough for most people.

      Additionally, I prefer having a double crankset. You don't see triples much anymore except in low end bikes. Even a lot of the higher end XC MTBs are moving towards 1x setups.

  • +2

    I got mine for 200 last year on clearance.
    However, it makes a clunking noise on every rotation of the crank. I don't know if it is coming from the pedal or somewhere else but I haven't figured it out and even though it has 12 months warranty I can hardly walk into Aldi and ask for assistance :(

    • Make sure you don't have a stone or something caught in one of the chainrings.

      • I will take a look at the weekend now that the soccer season has finished and my legs finally get a rest :) Thanks

    • +2

      a clunking noise on every rotation of the crank.

      I'm guessing movement between the crank arms. Try tightening them.
      Are the pedal and bottom bracket bearing moving freely?

      Probably very simple to fix, whatever it is.

      • I will investigate on Saturday thanks

      • +1

        Maniac is spot on, had the same issue with mine, all good after tightening.

    • @smashed I got mine on clearance last year as well and mine also had problem with the drive chain when changing gear. The supplier offered no assistance at all only thing they suggest is to look up Google/Youtube. took me a while to work out the problem and also need to fine tune front and rear derailleur.
      Overall very good bike for the price.

  • How is it compared to this $240 (with code gets 20%)?

    • +3

      Stick with the Aldi version over this. e.g. "Steel Front Suspension Forks" vs actual branded 100M travel suspension IIRC

    • Just from reading about it, I would prefer this one. On top of being reviewed by Flow MTB and being given a thumbs up, I think the other one is lesser quality. Also the hype on their ebay description is a load of bollocks.

  • +4

    Just for your reference, this bike will probably last about 3-5 "real" mountain bike rides tops. When they advertise as mountain bike, they mean parks, footpaths, smooth gravel riding, flat dirt roads etc. not mountain biking trails where you do small jumps/berms/drops etc. I also wouldn't take something like this on an actual trail for the purposes of self preservation and safety.

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