Lidl vs. Tchibo: Who has the best cycling gear?

Lidl is worth more

The rechargeable LED light set with headlight and rear light from Lidl was completely convincing. The set is solidly made, works just as well as the competing products from Sigma or Catlike and is particularly attractively priced. Behind it, in second place, is the Crivit mini pump including retractable pump tube and holder for frame mounting. Anyone looking for a fluffy long-sleeved jersey for cool summer evenings will find what they are looking for at Tchibo. The coffee roaster has a suitable top made from recycled PET bottles with good features and a suitable cut in its range for men and women and came third overall in our test.

1st place: CRIVIT bicycle light set

The splash-proof Bicycle light set was convincing all round and proved to be very practical. We liked the light pattern of the LED headlight, which illuminates the area in front of the front wheel well; the LED rear light also shines brightly from the side and the integrated brake light works reliably. The charging time for the headlight battery is a good four hours (on a laptop with a USB cable), the red light is fully charged in just under three hours. The burn time of the front light at the highest light level is around 3 hours, longer than the specified 2.5 hours; the remaining time can be read on a bar display. A total of three light levels can be selected, with the headlight supposedly lighting for up to eight hours in the weakest setting. At 8 hours, the rear light also burns for a good 2 hours longer than specified. Both lights can be mounted universally and without tools using a quick-release fastener, although the headlight's retaining strap is a little short and may not fit aero seatposts with a large circumference. Price: 21,99 Euro

2nd place: CRIVIT bicycle mini air pump

The well-crafted Mini bicycle air pump is suitable for Sclaverand, Schrader and Blitz valves, weighs just 132 grams including the frame holder and measures a slim 22 by 180 millimetres in transport condition. Thanks to the integrated and flexible pump hose with screw valve, the black pump can be used flexibly. There is hardly any air leakage when pumping, and in practice we managed around five bar, which is sufficient even with 23 millimetre tyres. The bracket included in the scope of delivery for mounting on the bottle cage threads is very practical. The price is unbeatably favourable at just 7.99 euros.

3rd place: Thermal cycling jersey

Tchibo advertises that the product is breathable, moisture-wicking and quick-drying. The fabric is relatively thick, but comfortable to wear. The jersey insulates slightly, but is not windproof. Despite the thick fabric, it dries normally quickly. The many reflectors on the back, sleeves and the zip on the jersey pocket are a positive feature. The elasticated hem reliably prevents it from riding up. The three-part jersey pockets are larger than usual and offer plenty of storage space. The small zip pocket for keys is also useful, although the zip runs a little awkwardly. The zips and some poorly finished seams indicate weaknesses in the quality. The jersey runs large, which is why a size smaller is recommended. Compared to other jerseys, the cut is wider and shorter, making it ideal for shorter people. The jersey is available for women (sold out) in the sizes XS-XL in pink and for men in S-XXL in blue. Price: 39,99 Euro

The midfield: fourth to eighth place

In the midfield, there are a total of five products that, with slight handicaps, can also please road bike enthusiasts. These include a floor pump, three pairs of racing goggles and a toolbox from Lidl, as well as a jersey and a puncture repair kit from Tchibo.

4th place: Floor pump with pressure gauge from the Lidl brand Crivit

With the Floor pump from Lidl, we liked the fact that the pump head closes well on the valve, the hose is nice and long with a length of 115 centimetres and the large analogue display of the pressure gauge is very easy to read thanks to the black digits on the white dial. The pump tips supplied can also be used to inflate footballs or air mattresses. We have to criticise the somewhat wobbly design, which is noticeable from a pressure of around six bar due to the twisting of the cylinder in the base. Price: 11,99 Euro

5th place: Crivit sports glasses with interchangeable lenses

The design of the discounter glasses is reminiscent of the design language of well-known eyewear brands from around ten to twenty years ago. Their frames are less delicate and the lenses are much smaller than those of the trendy Shield glasses with their panoramic lenses. Apart from fashion aspects, our test pilots were satisfied with the fit, tinting and wind protection: The temples can be flexibly adjusted and, depending on nose size and shape, the pads fit snugly. As the frames are relatively large, the goggles fit best on heads with a circumference of around 54 centimetres or more. All lenses and glasses (tint 3) offer good contrast and sufficient tinting. If the glasses fit well, the eyes are well protected from wind and insects. The low price is reflected in the polycarbonate lenses, some of which are not cut properly, or in the fact that the coating on the wheels does not cover one hundred per cent. But for the very favourable price you get Price from 4,99 Euro two interchangeable lenses each, a pouch plus cleaning cloth.

6th place: Cycling jersey from Tchibo

The Tchibo jersey is made from recycled plastic and is slightly thicker and heavier than classic summer jerseys. The weaknesses in the cut are noticeable in the racing bike position: there are waves at the front and a lack of fabric at the back. Overall, it suits strong cyclists best, who tend to sit upright on their bikes. We liked the three rear pockets plus zip pocket and the large amount of reflective material. Price: 29,99 Euro

7th place: Crivit tool case

For our taste, the Crivit toolbox for repairs and maintenance work on modern racers is not optimally organised. There is no selection of Torx spanners (only a 25 mm spanner is on board), the crank puller is only suitable for ancient bottom brackets with a square drive shaft and the chain riveter, which can only be used to cut and rivet 10-speed chains, is only suitable for youngtimer racers. Campa fans won't even find the right sprocket fitting nut. Price: 32,99 Euro

8th place: Tchibo bicycle repair kit

At the Repair kit from Tchibo is a classic puncture repair kit for tyres. There are a total of 16 round and oval, self-adhesive patches in the palm-sized metal tin. With three tyre levers on board, you are actually on the safe side, although the narrow and strongly curved levers are somewhat weakly dimensioned for very tight-fitting tubeless tyres. Price: 5,99 Euro

Those left behind: ninth to twelfth place

After our practical test, we cannot recommend four of the dozen products from Lidl and Tchibo. These include the women's cycling shorts and a multi-tool from Tchibo, as well as another mini-tool from Lidl and the Teasi GPS bike computer including the Tahuna app, which we were unable to install and get to work on either two iPhones or two Android smartphones.

9th place: Bicycle bib shorts from Tchibo

When you first touch the trouser fabric, you notice that the material is very thin and elasticated. As a result, the Trousers The thick padding does not stay in position when pedalling, which was noticeable after just a few kilometres on the bike. The straps are also loose and don't hug the body properly. Other annoying details are the tight and narrow leg cuffs and the many seams that rub against the legs while riding. The trousers are available in sizes S - XL for a Price from 39,99 Euro and is relatively large.

10th place: Crivit bike mini tool

Our main criticism relates to the workmanship and function of the Lidl mini tool. The individual tools are difficult to move and the tool material lacks the final hardness, which quickly became visible in use on round tool edges; the durability of the mini tool is likely to be correspondingly short. A small storage pouch is included, but the complete tool does not quite fit into it. Due to its low utility value, even a low Price of just 7.99 euros still too high.

11th place: Tchibo multifunctional bicycle tool

This "Tool" needs few words for a judgement: In our opinion, it is suitable as a bottle opener and not as a practical breakdown assistant. Perhaps it is for Price from 9,99 Euro a nice gift idea for the second-best cycling friend.

12th place: Teasi bike computer including Tahuna app from Lidl

The TEASI device is in last place primarily because of its app. The Tahuna app cannot be downloaded via the QR code, the website or the app store. This app is currently not available in your country or region, it simply says. Contact support if you have a problem? Not a chance. The help website on the packaging doesn't work either. There is only a contact form on the Tahuna website. However, there was no reply to a message. The device itself seems to make a solid impression: small, handy and a splash-proof housing. However, it is not ready for use without an app, as not even a simple recording can be started. As a result, the device could not be tested while cycling. Price: 59,99 Euro