2009 trek fuel ex 9

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Test: Trek Fuel EX 9.9

We raved about Trek’s 2009 carbon fiber Fuel EX 9.9 trailbike (MBA, August 2009). The 4.7-inch travel machine screamed uphill like a race bike, and the top-notch Fox Shox suspension smoothed the trail on descents, making it worth every foot of elevation gained on the climb. We liked last year’s Fuel EX 9.9 so much we used it to test numerous components you saw in “Thrash Tests” throughout the year. It’s not often we test a new version of a bike that we feel we already know so well and have developed some strong opinions about. But comparing the performance between the two models was a challenge we were looking forward to.

WHO IS IT MADE FOR? With cross-country geometry, the full-suspension Fuel EX is the ideal trailbike for the cross-country rider who wants premium suspension performance in a package capable of all-day excursions.

Trek offers seven different models of the Fuel EX (plus two women’s designs) ranging in price from the Fuel EX 5 ($1590) to our EX 9.9 test bike ($6820). Trek has blessed every 2010 Fuel EX with their ABP (Active Braking Pivot) suspension platform and Full Floater shock. Kudos to Trek for sharing the technology throughout the entire line. WHAT IS IT MADE FROM? The Fuel EX 9.9 frame uses Trek’s proprietary hand-laid-in-Wisconsin OCLV Black Carbon and has a new carbon fiber rear seat stay that is lighter and claimed to be more rigid than last year’s aluminum version. Trek says the new carbon Fuel EX frame is stiffer than last year’s and is about a half-pound lighter.

WHICH COMPONENTS STAND OUT? The Fox Shox DRCV (Dual Rate Control Valve) previously used on Fisher Bikes is also on the EX 9.9. Think of it as two shocks in one to achieve active performance in the first half of the travel, yet feel plush for hard impacts. The DRCV shock requires slightly more attention than adding air to a “traditional” air shock, but it’s still fairly simple. And with the included Sagometer, you’ll know right away if you’re in the ballpark.

A tip of the hat goes to Bontrager for their redesigned carbon Race Lite XXX stem and handlebar . Not only do they look sweet, they are lighter, too.

One of our recommendations for last year’s EX 9.9 was upgrading to a thru-axle fork. Done. This year’s model sports the Fox Shox 32 F-Series RLC FIT fork with a 15QR axle. The fork’s tapered head tube is a perfect match for Trek’s E2 head tube design.

Pedaling: The Fuel EX 9.9 is a lightweight bike with fast-rolling tires, so getting it up to speed is a breeze. This bike carries so much speed on hard-packed terrain that it feels like you’re cheating?or having a superhuman pedaling day.

The rear suspension moves noticeably when hammering in the saddle with the ProPedal lever in the off position. Last year’s EX 9.9 had near hardtail-like pedaling performance with the ProPedal in the firmest setting. The 2010 version is suppler and less harsh in the firmest setting. We prefer to run the ProPedal in the third setting (firmest) for maximum pedaling efficiency during long climbs and hammering the flats. Riders preferring to set their shock once and leave it alone can choose between the first and second ProPedal settings for their desired feel.    Climbing: We already mentioned that we prefer the firmest pedaling platform for uphills, but climbing loose and rocky technical trails with the DRCV shock open provides better traction, especially for the low-profile XDX tires. The EX 9.9’s geometry makes for a comfortable climbing machine, and with each rotation of the eye-catching Truvativ Noir cranks, we were confident that our efforts were paying off.

Cornering: The addition of a 15-millimeter thru-axle to the front end of the Fuel helps it hold lines better in off-camber corners. With a 69-degree head angle, uphill switchbacks become afterthoughts. The frame’s rigidity and suspension’s impressive performance make the EX 9.9 just as much fun when negotiating wide-open corners.

Braking: The Avid Elixir CR Mag and redesigned Avid Matchmaker combination brake clamp and shifter mount are well-suited to this bike. The lever position and pad contact point are easily adjusted. The size medium Fuel’s seven-inch front rotor and six-inch rear are perfect, and the Elixir’s titanium hardware contributes to the Fuel’s overall light weight.

The ABP suspension works as advertised, remaining active under hard braking on technical descents. This is most useful on very steep, rocky descents where a rider has no choice but to slam on the brakes to maintain speed and control.

Descending: The Fuel’s low standover height invites aggressive descending. One of the annoying things about last year’s test bike was the flexing and twisting of the lock-on Bontrager grips . Initially, we thought we were being nit-picky, but Trek didn’t think so. The problem was addressed with a new design for 2010.

The DRCV makes a major improvement in how the rear end of the Fuel EX 9.9 tracks technical terrain at speed. When set up properly, the rear end gives off the sensation of having more travel than it really does because of the progression of the two-step air canister.

The 69-degree head angle often feels a tad on the steep side, especially when the rear end of the Fuel invites you to hammer it through whatever the cross-country trail throws at you.

Although they are often tough to get to properly seat, the tubeless-ready Bontrager Rhythm Pros can really take a beating. They survived countless wide-open descents over rocky and rutted trails with no sign of fatigue.

TRICKS, UPGRADES OR TIPS? Trek again opted for an 11-32 cassette, as opposed to an 11-34. Although the EX 9.9 is very light for a bike with nearly five inches of travel, going to the 34-tooth cog makes more sense on such a versatile machine, plus it would make us smile (and let us think we’re in better shape).

The Bontrager XDX tires grip like mad on a concrete sidewalk or on the fossilized sandstone slickrock of Moab, Utah. But outside of those examples, they’re performance handcuffs. Whether you ride on the loose-over-hardpack  terrain of the Southwest, the darker soil of the Midwest, or everything in between, a legitimate side knob is necessary. When the XDX tires wear out, replace them with tires with more cornering bite.    

If your Fuel EX 9.9 is going to be used for more aggressive, technical riding, we’d let its hair down a bit with some subtle changes that will make an outstanding bike almost untouchable. Swap the 100-millimeter stem for a 90-millimeter, slap on a wider (27 inches) low-rise carbon handlebar, use an 11-34 cassette, and rake the front end out a bit with a 130-millimeter thru-axle fork. How do we know these changes are improvements? They’re precisely what we ended up doing to last year’s Fuel EX 9.9 after we were done riding the stock setup for the review.

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2009 Trek Fuel EX 9.8

A 26″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components. Compare the full range

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Fuel EX 9.8

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Jul 2010 · MBA Action

We raved about Trek's 2009 carbon fiber Fuel EX 9.9 trailbike (MBA, August 2009). The 4.7-inch travel machine screamed uphill like a race bike, and the

Read Review

Jan 2009 · Guy Kesteven

Every bike is a compromise in some way, and what the weighty Trek loses in acceleration it gains in confidence. The slippery tyres and steady steering stem definitely need changing if you want to get the most from an excellent technical chassis though.

Jun 2007 · Matt Pacocha

If the past three weeks are any indication, Trek is going to have a very good year in 2008. Earlier this month, Trek unveiled thenew 2008 Madone. It’s an impressive bike that challenges a number of age-old approaches to frame – and component - design. Lennard Zinn saw the technology first hand, reported on it here and has a more detailed impression in the latest issue of VeloNews, issue 13, due out July 9th. Following that tough act, Trek’s mountain-bike suspension designers, engineers and product managers unveiled a completely new version of the Fuel EX, as a side note to the Madone

Last updated June 29 Not listed for 2,487 days

More carbon and new shocks for 2009 Fuel EX

Trek Bicycles unveiled the 2009 version of its Fuel EX line of trail mountain bikes in Durango,...

Tech feature: Trek 2009 MTB introduction, July 23, 2008

Trek Bicycles unveiled the 2009 version of its Fuel EX line of trail mountain bikes in Durango, Colorado, with an all-new full-carbon bike headlining a revamped range that Trek says is lighter and stiffer than its predecessors. Trek mountain bike product manager John Riley explained that the new carbon bike sprung from an effort to meld the stiffness of previous aluminum Fuel EXes with the light weight of the 2008 carbon bike - and to beat the weight of previous versions.

Aimed at general mountain biking and in particular endurance racing, the top-of-the-line 2009 Fuel EX 9.9 has a claimed weight of 10.66kg (23.5lb), on a 2.2kg (4.96lb) frame (with shock).

Several new technologies have helped get the bike under 24lb such as the 'net moulding' technique borrowed from the new Madone that directly integrates bearing seats for the suspension pivots and 95mm-wide BB95 bottom bracket shell.

Net moulding saves weight by eliminating aluminium hard points but the BB95 design also allows for a larger down tube, stiffening the frame against lateral and torsional flex. At the front end, Trek's E2 head tube with 1 1/2in lower bearing also provides more space for a big down tube. The practical upshot is a 28 percent stiffer frame on Trek's axle to axle test, Riley said.

Top-end Fuels also get an OCLV moulded carbon link instead of the previous Fuel's magnesium unit which saves 35g. The total upshot is that the 2008 carbon frame weighed 2450g; the 2009 is down to 2,238g.

New shocks tweak the ride

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But Trek hasn't just gone only for the weight-weenie vote. The company's ongoing cooperation with shock maker Fox has led to a custom-tuned version of Fox's new XV rear can to improve the suspension performance.

The special edition shock has a less progressive curve in the latter half of its travel, and a wider range of rebound damping so it works for a wider range of riders.

The recent development of Trek's suspension bikes has been driven by Jose Gonzalez and Greg Buhl in the development office Trek opened a while ago in Santa Clarita, California.

That's been a big step forward for Trek as the wide variety of trails within an hour and a half of base means Buhl, Gonzalez and their test riders can put the bikes through their paces far more thoroughly than they could in rural but rather flat Wisconsin.

On the trail

First ride impressions of the Fuel EX were a bit lukewarm. But the next day I switched from a 17.5in frame to an 18.5in and had Jared Connell of Fox Racing Shox carefully tune the set up for me, most importantly increasing the sag from 25 to 30 percent.

The result was a revelation as the bike became far better coupled to the trail and more comfortable without losing any of the accuracy that comes from the frame's impressive lateral and torsional rigidity.

Durango's Hermosa Creek Trail is mostly downhill, but it's shallow enough that you're pedaling a lot. Also, while it's not overly rocky it's twisty enough that you have to pay constant attention., The Fuel EX was a perfect partner as I barreled along, responding calmly and accurately to changes of speed and direction and getting me out of trouble more times than I can remember as I went into corners and off-cambers a bit too hot. Of course, if its handling and suspension weren't so good, I would never have been in high-speed trouble in the first place, but that's the fun factor of this bike.

The first Fuel EX I rode had a slight tendency to wag its head on climbs. Nothing you couldn't live with, but slightly annoying in a bike that otherwise surged uphill with distinct enthusiasm. Whether it was the better suspension tune allowing the fork to sit a little deeper in its range or the longer top tube of the 18.5in frame, the second bike I rode was perfectly mannered on the uphills.

It ploughed up and over obstacles and was completely unfazed when I stood and thrashed as clumsily as possible to sprint past Mountain Biking UK test editor Steve Worland on one of the last short pitches. The control and calm of the Fox-powered suspension is deeply flattering.

Trek and Fox have crafted a superb trail bike in the 2009 Fuel EX. It's well-mannered and controlled without being dull and inspires you to push as hard as possible in twisty singletrack and wide-open trails alike. Barring very steep and/or overly rocky terrain, our early indications suggest this will make an excellent one-bike-fits-all machine that will suit the endurance racer or all-day rider alike.

Next up: Trek's all-new Top Fuel cross-country racer

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First ride: 2009 Trek Fuel EX

Super-tunable five-inch travel trail bike

Geoff Waugh

John Stevenson

Trek’s 2009 Fuel EX adds yet another machine to the list of bikes you must consider if you’re after a five-inch travel trail bike.

What a difference a day makes.

After just a couple of hours riding when the bike was initially presented to the press, my first impressions of the 2009 Trek Fuel EX were a bit lukewarm . Sure, it was a light, rigid and accurate machine, but it lacked a certain spark, that inspiration factor that the greatest bikes possess, which simultaneously thrills and encourages you to push your limits.

The next day, as we prepared to ride Durango’s 30km Hermosa Creek Trail, I switched from a 17.5in to an 18.5in bike to get a bit more reach. Fox suspension wizard Jared Connell set the new bike’s suspension up for me, most importantly increasing the sag from 25 percent to 30 percent compared to the previous day’s rig.

Completely. Different. Bike.

Where the 17.5in had been precise but a bit uninspiring, properly tuned the Fuel EX was far better coupled to the trail and more comfortable. Still there in full effect was all the snap and accuracy that comes from the frame’s impressive torsional and lateral rigidity.

Hermosa Creek Trail is rightly considered one of the world’s finest mountain bike rides. Mostly downhill, it's shallow enough that you're pedalling a lot and twisty enough that you have to be constantly paying attention.

As I barrelled along, absorbed in the fusion of trail and motion, the Fuel EX was a perfect partner.

It responded calmly and accurately to changes of speed and direction. It got me out of trouble more times than I can remember as I went into corners and off-cambers a bit too hot.

Of course, if its handling and suspension weren't so good, I would never have been in high-speed trouble in the first place, but that's the fun factor of this bike. It’ll entice you in over your head, then bail you out. Marvellous stuff.

The first Fuel EX I rode had a slight tendency to wag its head on climbs. It was nothing you couldn’t live with but it detracted from the bike’s enthusiasm for surging uphill.

Perhaps it was the better suspension tune allowing the fork to sit deeper in its travel and steepen the head angle; perhaps it was the longer top tube of the 18.5 in frame, but my second Fuel EX behaved perfectly on the uphills.

It was also completely unfazed by a flailing, thrashing uphill sprint as I overtook Mountain Biking UK magazine’s test editor Steve Worland on one of the day’s final short climbs. The Fox suspension was calm and controlled in the face of rider abuse, making sprints to punch short climbs or get back up to speed a doddle.

I don’t want to get deep into the components, but Avid’s juicy Ultimate brakes really stood out for the gentle initial modulation that made feathering round trail switchbacks a doddle. When you needed it though, there was power aplenty. They’re my new favourite band.

Trek has crafted a superb trail bike in the 2009 Fuel EX. It encourages you to go hard on wide open trails and singletrack alike, and its combination of calm, neutral handling and highly tunable suspension make it a great choice for all-day rides and endurance racing as well as just playing in the woods.

Trailnote: it pays to tweak your suspension

Too many riders jump on their shiny new suspension bikes and just go riding. Heck, I’ve done it lots of times myself. But my experience on the Fuel EX really slapped me round the face with a wet fish labeled ‘TUNE THE SHOCKS, YOU MUPPET’.

It wasn’t just me either. A rider from another British publication (I’ll get into trouble if I name it, but it rhymes with ‘dingletrack’ – hi, Sim) was also struggling the handling of his Fuel EX, which was almost pitching him over the bars. A few moments’ attention from Jared Connell’s magic shock pump and mad damping tweaking skillz and he was off and raging on a properly behaved bike.

The tunability and sensitivity of bikes like the Fuel EX means they really reward time spent learning to set them up well.

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| World Cup 2018 Moscow

With a population of as many as 15 million, making it among the largest cities on Earth, and a place where bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and traffic jams run 24 hours a day, Moscow is a pretty full-on experience for first-time visitors. The Russian capital is a riotous metropolis where Orthodox churches vie for attention alongside neon-drenched skyscrapers straight out of Blade Runner . Embrace the madness, load up on caffeine, and maybe pack a pair of earplugs.

The One Must-See Thing

Every Tom, Dick, and Harry is going to pitch up at Red Square this summer, to gawp at Lenin’s embalmed corpse in his mausoleum and then bag a selfie in front of the onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral. For something a little more off the beaten path, check out the Fallen Monument Park , the final resting place for hundreds of statues of stern-looking Soviet apparatchiks that were removed from public spaces following the collapse of the USSR.

The Stadium

The 81,000-seat Luzhniki national stadium, built originally for the 1980 Olympics, has been completely renovated in the lead-up to the World Cup, removing the old running track, which is great for sight lines, but does mean any flares and firecrackers thrown by fans may actually end up on the field.

Spartak Stadium, Moscow’s second venue, opened in 2014, and though around half the size of Luzhniki, it’s regarded as one of the best-equipped and most atmospheric arenas in Russia.

Where to Watch

John Donne on Nikitsky Bulvar is about as close to an English pub as you can get in Russia. Go for the faint smell of stale Newcastle Brown ale, the tattooed barmen, and the soccer-loving crowd that regularly gathers there for live matches.

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• June 26 Denmark vs. France Group C
• June 27 Serbia vs. Brazil Group E
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• July 11 Semi-Finals
• July 15 Final

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Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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