29er trek bike

Join our Email List

Subscribe to our mailing list.

Oversize Charges

Some of our large and/or heavy items are subject to additional oversize charges that are separate from standard shipping costs. Most Bikes are subject to this fee. Learn More

OPEN: Mon, Sat 10-5; Tues - Fri 10-6; CLOSED: Sun

• Account Account
• Stores Stores
• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart

Availability

• In Stock Now 30
• Medium/Large 58
• Show More Sizes
• Show Fewer Sizes
• $500 to $749.99 4
• $750 to $999.99 6
• $1000 to $1999.99 10
• $2000 to $3499.99 15
• $3500 to $5999.99 26
• $6000 to $100000 20
• & up 27
• & up 40
• & up 42
• & up 43
• & up 45

Trek 29er Mountain Bikes

• Bicycling Catalog
• 29-Inch Wheel (29ers)

What is a 29er?   29er refers to a mountain bike wheel size standard that measures (with tires mounted) about 29 inches in diameter.  It's currently the largest standard wheel size available. 29ers are crazy fast because the bigger wheels cover more ground with every single pedal stroke.  Big wheels also create a shallow approach angle when riding over obstacles making it easier to keep speed through those white-knuckle techy sections.  Plus, more tire tread contacting the ground provides better-than-ever traction.

Who is it for?  29ers are by far the most popular wheel size used on Ogden trails.  They're found on the most popular bikes we sell like the Trek Fuel EX.  They make riding a bike off-road easier.  Any rider who wants a smoother, faster, more stable ride with more traction should test ride a 29er.

Feel like 29ers are a bit too much to handle? No worries, check out our inventory of Trek 27.5-inch bikes.

Want to learn more about Trek bikes?  Take a look at our Trek Bikes Buyer's Guide .

• EMPLOYEE-OWNED
• GETTING MORE PEOPLE ON BIKES

• Account Account
• Stores Stores
• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart
• Medium/Large 67
• Show More Sizes
• XX-Large 17
• Show Fewer Sizes
• $500 to $749.99 4
• $750 to $999.99 5
• $1000 to $1999.99 10
• $2000 to $3499.99 11
• $3500 to $5999.99 17
• $6000 to $100000 28
• & up 16
• & up 22
• & up 25
• & up 28

Trek 29er Mountain Bikes

• Bicycling Catalog
• Mountain Bikes
• 29-Inch Wheel (29ers)

• MAGAZINE OFFERS
• BIKE INSURANCE
• Best Products
• Maintenance
• Accessories
• Long-Term Reviews
• BikeRadar Podcast
• First Look Friday
• Bike of the Week
• Tech Features
• Routes and Rides
• Bike Galleries
• BikeRadar Bargains
• Buyer's Guides
• Fitness & Training
• Sizing & Fit
• Mountain Biking UK
• Cycling Plus

Trek Cobia 29er review

Mid-range big-wheeler

T he Trek Cobia is part of the Gary Fisher collection, a name synonymous with mountain biking innovation . In the eight years since Fisher first unleashed the 29er concept, the big wheel size has become legal on the race circuit and won over a generation of riders in the US. UK riders have been rather more reluctant to jump on board, but 2011 looks like it might just be a watershed in 29er history. The Cobia represents the new guard of 29in-wheeled bikes – subtle, light, well specced and vying for a slice of the 26in action.

Ride & handling: Great all-round trail hardtail that’s faster and smoother than the 26in competition

Although the long top tube/short stem basics of Fisher’s proprietary Genesis geometry have been much copied over the years, there’s little doubt that only a Fisher really rides like a Fisher. Much of that is down to the G2 evolution of the original Genesis concept, which reduces the fork’s trail with a custom offset crown in order to sharpen up slow speed handling.

Early 29ers didn’t always convince in the front end handling department, needing plenty of notice if you wanted to turn and making them a handful in fast, tight and twisty singletrack. The Cobia’s G2 front end all but neutralises the extra inertia of the larger front wheel and gives it a nimbleness that’s likely to shatter a few preconceptions. Stable and confidence-inspiring at speed, a last-ditch change of direction is just a dropped shoulder away.

And all this user-friendliness comes with added big wheel easy-rolling, which delivers easier technical climbs, faster descents and more comfortable cruising. Downsides? The frame lacks the springy sprightliness of the best of the 26in competition. Despite its impeccable handling, it’s still marginally less chuckable in the tight and twisty stuff than a really well sorted 26in bike. Er, and you’ll need to carry 29er inner tubes. But that’s about it.

In terms of handling, practicality and spare parts availability the 29er has come of age. Those big diameter tyres roll noticeably easier along the trail, giving the Cobia’s rider both a smoother ride and the option of putting the hammer down and dropping the 26in competition. It’s not the lightest bike for the price, and that does blunt its overall performance slightly. But the excellent fork, sorted geometry and decent kit list should put it near the top of your all-day trail bike shortlist.

Frame & equipment: Great fork for the money but frame lacks the lively feel of the best at this price

Big wheels roll faster over trail obstacles. That’s a (more or less) quantifiable fact that underpins the existence of the 29er breed. But big wheels also take up more space, so fitting them into a frame that works isn’t quite as straightforward as shoehorning them into an existing chassis. Eight years of development mean that geometry and tyre clearance wrinkles have been pretty much ironed out.

To the untrained eye, the Cobia looks like a regular bike with oddly-proportioned wheels. Subtle hydroforming and butting puts strength where it’s needed but keeps the bike’s weight down to about the same as most of its 26in rivals. Not bad for a bike that’s starting with heavier wheels and forks. Braceless stays leave enough room for the rear wheel to keep turning in the filthiest of conditions, although clearance below the fork’s brace isn’t nearly as generous.

The Cobia comes outfitted with different width Bontrager tyres – a 2.25in at the front and a 2.0in at the rear. It’s an old trick that adds comfort and cornering grip under the fork and better wet weather grip and mud clearance through the rear stays. But if you don’t like it, 29er tyre choice is much better than it used to be. A functional mix of SRAM and Shimano components take care of the transmission, while the Promax brakes work better than you might expect once they’ve bedded in.

The cheap-feeling Bontrager bar features a pronounced backward sweep that initially feels odd, but combined with the Cobia’s proprietary G2 geometry it's surprisingly comfortable. The ace up the Cobia’s sleeve is the custom 29er RockShox Recon air-sprung fork. Air is lighter than a coil spring, adjusts for a wider range of rider weights and styles and works better, most of the time.

Share this article

• Terms & Conditions
• Subscribe to our magazines
• Manage preferences

EXTENDED: Spring Sale - Save up to $1,500 on Select Bike + up to 50% OFF Gear   SHOP SALE

29" Mountain bikes

These 29er mountain bikes for men are designed specifically to boost confidence, speed, traction and stability when riding off-road. From lightweight hardtails to trail and enduro bikes, there’s a 29" MTB for every riding style and all types of terrain.

Available Near You

Frame Material

Seatpost Type

Current price: $4,500

Current price:

Current price: $7,500

Current price: $3,000 - $4,500

Current price: $2,050 - $2,850

Current price: $4,500 - $10,500

Current price: $2,000 - $2,550

Current price: $3,300

Current price: $5,200

Current price: $2,200

Current price: $3,900

Current price: $1,175

Current price: $1,500 - $1,600

Current price: $5,600

Current price: $7,000 - $8,000

Current price: $3,500

Current price: $3,700

Current price: $2,500

Current price: $630 - $950

Current price: $1,400 - $1,850

Current price: $4,150 - $5,000

Current price: $3,550

Current price: $2,400

ProductWidgets - Bike series: 4ms

ProductWidgets - Bike series - FilterCss: 0ms

ProductWidgets - Bike series - FacetsCss: 0ms

ProductWidgets - Bike series - PageCategories: 0ms

Tiles view: 30ms

NCM Moscow Plus

An e-mountain bike equipped with high-end brake and drive systems, the NCM M5 is for adventurous riders who want to hit the trails comfortable in the knowledge that their ebike can handle whatever they throw at it.

BIKE COMPONENTS

Frame: Alu. 6061, 26"*17.3 inches / Alu. 6061, 27.5"*18.9 inches / Alu. 6061, 29"*20.5 inches

Suspension Fork: Suntour, XCM-HLO-26/27.5/29, with hydraulic lock system

Brake: F/R: Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes,HD-E350

Freewheel: LY, 8 Speed, 11-32T, Silver

Tire: Schwalbe, Black Jack, 26"*2.1/Smart Sam, 27.5"*2.35/29"*2.35, Black

Saddle: Selle Royal, Lookin-A200UR, Black

Crank: Das-Kit, CM48,28/38/48T

Derailleur: F: Shimano, Altus, FD-M310, R: Shimano, Acera, RD-M360

ELECTRIC COMPONENTS

Battery: Das-Kit, i5-4816, 48V 16AH, 768WH

Hub Motor Rated / Peak Power: Das-Kit, X15, 48V 500W / 900W

Controller: Das-Kit, CT-i5, 48V 18A

Charger: Das-Kit, 48V3A

Display: Das-Kit, C7 

Net Weight (with battery): 57.0 lbs

Battery Weight: 9.1 lbs

Max Load (driver+bike): 275.0 lbs

• Share Share on Facebook Opens in a new window.
• Tweet Tweet on Twitter Opens in a new window.
• Pin it Pin on Pinterest Opens in a new window.

Our on-line store is open 24/7 and we ship Monday through Friday, excluding some holidays. Orders received for products without shipping restrictions on its product page will ship the same business day when received before 12:00 p.m. PST. Orders in high demand will have an estimated production time listed on its product page and will ship according to the date listed.

Customer Reviews

Very happy with my new M7 and wife's Moscow Plus

We purchased the NCM Moscow 29 E bike from Leon Cycles earlier this month. Communication was via 'Whatsapp' which I initially thought a little odd but worked out well. Once communication established the transaction was completed quickly and easily. We were able to arrange for the team to assemble the bike for us and we picked it up from the warehouse without an issue. We love the bike and are continuing to find new places to discover using it. Competitive price and great service.

I ordered the bike 4 days ago and today it arrived. Now my first impressions: it is easy to assemble, looks great, is cleanly finished and after a first short driving test I have to say, the hammer. It's totally easy to drive. If it stays that way, I can only say thank you Leon Cycle. Now I can cycle again, despite knee problems. Price-performance top

Great bike, this is my second e bike and by far the best. Watching e bikes over the last 10 years I think the Moscow 29er is fantastic. I live in the Dandenongs outside Melbourne with big steep hills and the Moscow takes them all on with great pulling power and gear range. 48v with 16 amps means over 750 watts of power. The bike is big and serious so getting on and off can be tricky but you do get used to it. With the previous bike (36v at 8amps) I was scared of running out of battery on a big hill and having to push the bike home but not with the Moscow. Also if you take the front wheel off you can get it in a hatchback like my Mazda 3 Which is nice. At $2200 it is a great buy.

Purchased two Moscow 27.5. One for my wife, one for me. Fast delivery, well boxed and easy assembly. Absolutely FANTASTIC to ride and use. Great range, and enough power for steep hills and tough terrain. I highly recommend them. Exactly as advertised and brochure. Looked at many options from other suppliers but these are the best value for money. If anyone wants a little extra range and a few more features then a Moscow Plus may suit. 48 Volt is the way to go. Great support and assistance from the team at Leon to make the right purchase decision. Hope other people may enjoy the ride and quality product. Harry G

Highlighted Features

Das-Kit 500W Motor

Ergonomic handlebar grips

Moscow 48V disc brake

Product specifications.

Battery: Das-Kit, i5-4816, 48V 16Ah, 768Wh

Hub Motor Rated / Peak Power: Das-Kit, X15, 48V 500W / 750W

Display: Das-Kit, C7

Featured products

Sign up to get the latest updates on sales, news release, and more.

Region/Country

• United States

INFORMATION

• Contact Information
• Shipping Policy
• Refund Policy
• Privacy Policy

© 2024, NCMBike US

Thanks for subscribing

• ALL MOUNTAIN
• ACCESSORIES
• ALL (130 Forums)
• WHEELS & TIRES

Trek HiFi Deluxe 29er Full Suspension

• USER REVIEWS

I ride in Norcal so it's not rocky like Colorado, so this bike handles all the terrain here as well. Plenty of travel and clearance (29ers get me places my friends on 26ers can't go) and I like how the bike handles. Cool graphics. Some other posters wrote about the weight, but I find it okay. Climbs well, descends well. I get compliments about the bike often.

I recommend this bike for single track riding. I added SHI XT clips so I ride clipped in, even downhill. The bike will take you down Downieville np.

X country Geometry I've done 2 Ultra endurance races on this bike, The Hampshire 100 X 2. For me, I dont think there is a better set up. I think the FS keeps you alive in 8+ hours of riding climbing. Both shocks lock out ENOUGH on big climbs and soak up the nasty stuff when open. This bike works for me.

I thought the FSA headset was a POS... and replaced it with a Chris King. I have a Chris King BB replacement on order now that they do Press Fit stuff.

If youi want to ride A LONG TIME over some varied terrain....this is great bike.

It seems like a bomb proof frame and fork combination. Great travel when going full squishy. I'm a big fan of 29ers in general, and this one doesn't disappoint. Great climber, solid on the downhills. I paid about $1800 for it as a closeout, i thought that was a pretty good deal.

Like a lot of 29ers, it really has to be ridden hard into corners to get it to go. I feel like it has to be pushed into the tight twists. The parts on this thing are crap. Either go all Shimano or all SRAM. This mix/match is a hodgepodge meant to hit a price point, but the X9 rear derailleur and X7 shifters are truly crap. And the wheels are bombproof, but pay a really expensive weight penalty.

I picked up this bike in May 2012. It has about 700-750 miles on it on really nice single tracks, some doubletracks. I'm absolutely sold on 29". I'm not sure I am sold on "this" 29er. I think the frame handle really well. No complains about the fork. The bars are very wide, but for me I think they're fine. It climbs especially well. Downhills predictably. It does suffer a bit when the trail get tight and twisty. The bike almost needs to be thrown into corners, whereas my older 26" just seems to go where I pointed it. Although it is nice when I pick a crappy line that rather than go around something it just goes over it. Its a real pig. Just plows through damn near anything. Ok, that was the good. The bad...the parts mix/match sucks. Truly is crap. The SRAM X9 Rear Der, X7 shifters, Shimano SLX Front, Shimano Craptacular Crank, and Shimano Cassette do not play well. Yeah I know they are supposed to, but they don't. I've spent many long rides baby-ing this thing into gears, having to pre-pplan my shifts, hope the chain doesn't drop, or under pressure that the thing shifts at all. I don't know if its the combination of cassette, rear derailleur, shifters, or what, but its just to dang finicky and unreliable. So, this winter I'm dumping the drivetrain and just going XT. That should help this bike reach its full potential. Sure, I'm dropping another couple hundred into it, but I got a good deal on it in the first place (that's what I'm telling the wife). The stock tires were ok, but wore out quickly. I do really like the brakes- Avid 5's I think. Way more power than I am used to. A little tough to moderate, but plenty of stopping power. I have the stock wheel on this. They are bombproof. I've had far too many drops that I thought were going to just crush these wheels. I'm no light weight at 230lbs, and these things have taken a beating. They are really heavy though. I don't know exactly how much but I compared them to my riding bud's DT's and I bet I'm every bit of 2-3 lbs heavier without the tires- for wheels, thats a lot, but they do take a beating. Still as true today and when I first rode the bike.

Similar Products Used:

Some random old Frankenbikes. Still fun, but way outdated.

this bike kicks butt. uphill, downhill, XC this is a great all mtn bike. they keep saying its more of a xc-setup but i ride downhill singletrak with babyhead & bigger rocks the whole works and i have yet to have any problems. you can beat this bike up and it just asks for more! components are good. no problems other then minor usage adjustments. its the same frame as the rumblefish thats why they DC'd this line not for any other reason. if you cant find it anywhere just get the RF its all the same.

heavy, but the bike is bullet proof. This bike is not for the little guy. if your 5'10" or taller forget the 26" bike. 29r is for big boys. if your worried bout wt get new rims, and bars thats all.

the 29r is a great bike in general. im totally past 26" bikes! will never go back. Im seeing that newr 29rs ar coming with greatr travel. Not sure thats better but it could be a little more helpful down the steep rough stuff. @ this pt i see no need for it. time will tell. As i said before if your 5'10" or more you have 2 go 29r its the only way 26" is worthless unless your doing tricks. I have to say all bikes are good just depends what your riding style is but if your a big guy 29r is the only way!!!

Suitable for a variety of riding styles and terrain. Stiff, reliable, effective design. Good looking graphics.

Heavy, especially the wheels.

This is a fun, well-designed bike. A little bit of a tank... Trek had to warranty it's predecessors somewhat frequently and I think they cut down on that with this frame by adding material here and there. Also, the frame is shared with the Rumblefish, which probably explains why it has extra travel and a stiff axle attachment in the rear but not the front. I really dig the graphics and colors. The stock wheelset is a bit heavy, and replacing with nice wheels is a really rewarding upgrade.

Fisher Caliber

Well constructed, good spec gear, rides like a dream over bumps

slight squeak from pivot points after about 500km

Have just changed to a 29 and loving it. My riding is mostly cross country with a bit of easy downhill. This bike is so much faster than my stumpy

sworks stumpjumper, mongoose teocali

Rolls over everything and just flies. It's built like a tank. I've had no problems with, well, anything. I've ridden some of the toughest trails in Michigan and this ride handles everything I can, and the trail can, throw at it.

None so far. Okay I won't whimp out here and put nothing. I did up grade the handle bar and tires, but other than that - it's good to go.

Prior to my HiFi, I was one of the middle of pack guys in my group and when I was done I was done. Now I finish top two and am still done but not as much as before. This past year has been a blast on the trails. Even over the technical stuff where before, and yes I'll admit it, I would unclip one side and put a foot down, now I don't even hesitate at the top of the run down through the roots and rocks. The bike is strong and feels 100% solid doing - well - anything. It is on the heavy side but this is not one of those rigid frames. It's made for the abuse that 90% of the trail riders out there dish out.

My last ride was a 26" - I did some rides on a few 29ers prior to purchase but did not ride one full time before buying the HiFi

Strong frame. Good geometry. Decent equipment. Very comfortable. Powder coated frame - not sure why more manufacturers don't do it this way.

The rake on the stock handlebars seems more for a beach-cruiser than a mtb. Overall weight.

The bike is a heavyweight contender for sure. The frame I've got is an XXL and yes was shocked to find out there was a bike co. out there making frames for "normal" sized riders. I'm 6'6" and thought for sure I would have to go custom to get anything close to what I needed. I have to say the bike fits me very well. I moved up to a 29 from my be-loved XL Fisher Sugar 2. I like how the HiFi fits like a glove. The HiFi is a great training bike but because of the overall weight of this behemoth racing it is chore to say the least. It tips the scale at close to 35lbs, now add the 202lbs clyde rider and man that's one deep tread print left behind. I also don't care for the mix-match Shimano system. For the price I thought it would be easy for Trek to make it all SLX or X7. The X9 rear hangs too low. I've already busted the drop-out twice after picking up sticks in the chain. Ouch, that's not fun. If you're picking one up, just go ahead an order a new handle bar. It will save you the trip back after your first ride. Oh, and the Trek tire selection is not the best either, you'll want to upgrade those as well.

Gary Fisher (a true Fisher, pre-Trek days) Sugar 2 baby.

Get the latest mountain bike reviews, news, race results, and much more by signing up for the MTBR Newsletter

Hot Deals See All Hot Deals >>

• CLASSIFIEDS
• TERMS OF USE
• PRIVACY POLICY
• ADVERTISING

VISIT US AT

© Copyright 2024 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

The Russian cyclists bringing bike culture to Moscow

Harsh winters and the world’s worst road congestion make the Russian capital an inhospitable place for cyclists. So why does the number of riders keep on rising? Maryam Omidi reports for The Calvert Journal

It’s midnight in Moscow and hundreds of cyclists have gathered in Sokolniki Park, the starting point for a Pushkin-themed bike ride through the heart of the capital.

For the next five hours, the throng of cyclists will be joined by thousands of others and together they will take a moonlit tour of the city. With their headphones plugged into an audio recording about Pushkin’s life, they’ll pass the house where he was born, the Great Church of the Ascension where he married and several other places of significance to the Romantic poet.

The event, Velonotte , attended by roughly 5,000 cyclists, was the eighth in Moscow; previous gatherings have been devoted to equally highbrow topics from the Russian heroes who resisted Napoleon in 1812 to the avant-garde architect, Konstantin Melnikov .

Velonotte was launched in 2007 in Moscow and has since expanded to other cities in Russia and around the world, including London, Istanbul and Rome.

“It was a pioneering project for bike culture in Russia and for bringing new awareness of architecture, culture and urbanism to young people aged between 18 and 25,” says Sergey Nikitin , the founder of Velonotte. “We started with 100 people seven years ago and last year, we had 10,000 participants for the Mayakovsky bike ride.”

People still need to show that they have a lot of money with a car and an iPhone... we are trying to change that opinion

The event is one of many cycling get-togethers that have sprung up in Moscow in recent years, organised by enthusiasts looking to promote bike culture in a city hostile to those on two wheels.

“Cycling in Moscow is seen as dangerous, the roads are huge and there are a lot of cars,” says Vladimir Kumov , the founder of Let’s bike it! , an organisation that promotes cycling in Russia.

Car sales in Russia have been rocketing since the 2000s , excluding a slump in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and another more recent one caused by a weaker rouble and western sanctions over Moscow’s annexation of Crimea . The Russian automotive market grew 14% year-on-year in 2005, 36% in 2006 and 67% in 2007, according to a European Bank for Reconstruction and Development report .

By 2010, sales had returned to pre-crisis levels. The result is the worst traffic congestion in the world. According to TomTom’s fourth annual index , the average car journey in Moscow takes 74% longer than it would on a traffic-free day, a figure that rises to 141% during rush hour in the evening.

“People still need to show that they have a lot of money with a car and an iPhone,” says Kumov. “We are trying to change that opinion.”

From 9am to 10pm on weekdays, the centre of Moscow is a non-stop traffic jam

“The obvious challenge is the traffic which has grown dramatically in recent years,” says Vadim Kriger, founder of Moscow Bike Tours . “From 9am to 10pm on weekdays, the centre of Moscow is a non-stop traffic jam. Nor is it easy for cyclists to cross the streets or cycle through the cars parked illegally on the pathways.”

Although the introduction of paid parking last year has alleviated this problem, the dominance of cars continues to deter cyclists from using the streets, with many choosing to cycle on pavements instead, much to the irritation of pedestrians.

Add to this a catalogue of poor driving habits, from road rage to rear-ending, all of which have been endlessly documented on dash-cam videos and posted on YouTube , and it’s no surprise that so many in the capital prefer using other modes of transport.

Man-made impediments aside, the long and fearsome winters in Moscow make cycling impractical from November to February. It’s not only the knee-deep snow that serves as a deterrent but also the grimy slush that inevitably follows.

Moscow’s first bike lane was met with a barrage of mocking photos on social media

The Moscow city government has endeavoured to make the capital more bike-friendly but their efforts have at times been found wanting. Their most successful attempt to date is a pilot bike rental scheme, similar to London’s ‘Boris bikes’ and New York’s CitiBike programme , which launched in June 2013.

In the 12 months that followed, roughly 46,500 people rented bikes, making a total of 66,500 journeys . While paltry when compared to the million hires in the first 10 weeks of the London launch in 2010 and the 8.7 million trips in New York’s first year, the Moscow scheme started small , launching with only 220 bikes at 30 docking stations, although this has since increased to 1,200 and 150 respectively.

The scheme’s early success meant that this June, the city government announced its expansion to 4,500 rental bikes, not far off New York’s 6,000 and roughly half of London’s 8,000. It’s a coup for cyclists. Yet one concern is that the stations will all be centrally located, a somewhat futile measure given the majority of Muscovites live outside the MKAD, a ring road that separates the city centre from the suburbs.

“Moscow is a huge area and it is a challenge to commute by bike as most people live in one area and need to travel across the city to get to work or university,” says Olga Maltseva, head of cycling development at the Moscow government’s transport department.

“We’ve started to implement infrastructure that will help with bike-and-ride trips. In 2015 we’ll create covered bike parking stations at several transport hubs to allow commuters to leave their bicycles in a safe place for the whole day.” Since 2013, 1,100 cycling racks have been installed in Moscow, adds Maltseva, a figure which is expected to double by next year.

Less successful are the bicycle lanes, or lack thereof, in Moscow. The first lane, built in 2000, was met with a barrage of mocking photos on social media , depicting the multiple obstacles, such as gates, parked cars and speed bumps that blocked the path as well as open drains. Parts of one two-way cycle lane were only a metre wide.

In the past year, the city government has turned its attention to the creation of bicycle lanes in parks, which although positive, critics argue, does little to promote cycling on the roads. “I think that the authorities’ biggest mistake is to create cycle lanes for recreational use rather than travel,” says Nikolai Zalessky, researcher at the Institute for Transport Economics and Transport Policy Studies.

The authorities’ biggest mistake is to create cycle lanes for recreational use rather than travel

The decision underscores an attitude prevalent in Russia, which sees cycling as a fun activity rather than a mode of transport. According to Kumov, there are two words in Russian for cycling: ‘katatsya’ and ‘yezdit’. While the first describes cycling for enjoyment, the second refers to it as a form of transportation.

“Even when the government talks about cycling and cycling lanes, they use the word katatsya,” says Kumov. “They recently organised a car-free day including a show with dancing but this also only promotes cycling for recreation. They don’t think to lower the speed limit or have more cycle lanes. A huge amount of money is spent but not always on the right things.”

According to cycling activist and artist Anton Polsky, cyclists should not be put off by the lack of infrastructure. In 2010, Polsky created USE/LESS , a map of easy-to-cycle routes, parking places and dangerous junctions to help riders navigate the city without the help of special infrastructure . The map received widespread media coverage and is regularly cited as one of the things driving a change of attitude towards cycling in Moscow, especially among the city’s officials.

“In terms of the lack of space and the attitudes of drivers, it’s so much harder to cycle in New York than in Moscow,” says Polsky. “In Moscow, the biggest problems are the long distances and winter.” Despite the challenges, Polsky is sanguine about the future of cycling in the city given the ever-growing number of cyclists hitting the streets each year. “From my activist point of view, I think I did what I had to do,” he says. “Now we need to lobby the Moscow government to do their job.”

A version of this article first appeared on The Calvert Journal

• New East network
• Russia holidays
• Moscow holidays
• Europe holidays

More on this story

Moscow metro opens virtual library of Russian classical literature

Ten last-minute Russian halloween costumes and how to pull them off

Central Asia pays the price for Russia's tumbling ruble

Comments (…), most viewed.

Trek Bikes – The world's best bikes and cycling gear

Huge savings on bikes and gear.

Back-to-back bike of the year

Slash – 2023 Bike of the Year

Fuel ex – 2022 bike of the year.