In 2022, cyclists around the world are celebrating the 205th anniversary of the first cycling race, carried out by the Bavarian forester Baron Karl von Dres on the “running machine” (Laufmaschine) he invented, which is the progenitor of the modern bicycle. It is believed that the “steel horse” has other creators, but the earliest known documentary evidence is a patent for the design of von Drez.
Raymond Mednis, owner of Electra Bicycle distributor in Russia:
The venue for the exhibition was not chosen by chance - GUM is located in the historical center of Moscow - the city wh ere the first cycling race in Russia was held and the first cycling club was founded. Times and epochs change, but GUM remains the Main Department Store of a large country. Since its foundation, GUM has been a center of attraction for people looking for the best goods to decorate their lives. Electra and GUM have been friends for many years and are joining forces to promote cycling in Moscow.
Historical bicycles on display are part of the well-known collection of Andrey Myatiev, a researcher of the history of two-wheeled transport in Russia and the USSR, the creator and owner of the Bicycle Museum. Some of the exhibits were made back in the 19th century - you can see them only during the days of the exhibition in GUM.
Andrey Myatiev, collector:
The history of the bicycle machine is inextricably linked with the history of human society, the history of culture and technology. A bicycle is not only an individual vehicle that gives a person the opportunity to move freely, but also a sports equipment, as well as a factor that unites like-minded people and a reason for technical creativity. The exhibition in GUM visibly represents the evolution of the bicycle and its connection with the history of the country. Both in the old days and today, cycling is a way of life.
The first part of the exposition is represented by models from different eras - from the rarest "bone shaker" of 1869 to the space-style Sears cruiser of the second half of the 20th century. The British model Dursley Pedersen, which struck the imagination with its frame shape in the early 1900s, is adjacent to the Royal Enfield tandem for two travelers, and the high-wheeled penny-farthing of the century before last is next to the Higgins Ultralite racing tricycle of the 1940s. Different types of bicycles are shown - men's and women's, sports and tourist, military and children's. Most of them are kept in their original state or restored. The collection of cyclist costumes clearly demonstrates the fashion of the past. The second part of the exhibition is dedicated to outstanding contemporary models. Electra will present iconic bikes. Among them are cruisers from the fashion series, stylish and fast Loft bicycles, high-tech electric bicycles and the pearl of bicycle design - the retro-futuristic Briton Moulton. Visitors will be able to take part in test rides of these models - a picturesque secret route near Red Square and Zaryadye was developed especially for the exposition.
For a complete immersion in the cycling world, GUM visitors will be able to get acquainted with all the exhibits accompanied by a personal guide. Entrance to the exhibition is free.
In 2022, cyclists around the world are celebrating the 205th anniversary of the first cycling race, carried out by the Bavarian forester Baron Karl von Dres on the “running machine” (Laufmaschine) he invented, which is the progenitor of the modern bicycle. It is believed that the “steel horse” has other creators, but the earliest known documentary evidence is a patent for the design of von Drez.
Raymond Mednis, owner of Electra Bicycle distributor in Russia:
The venue for the exhibition was not chosen by chance - GUM is located in the historical center of Moscow - the city wh ere the first cycling race in Russia was held and the first cycling club was founded. Times and epochs change, but GUM remains the Main Department Store of a large country. Since its foundation, GUM has been a center of attraction for people looking for the best goods to decorate their lives. Electra and GUM have been friends for many years and are joining forces to promote cycling in Moscow.
Historical bicycles on display are part of the well-known collection of Andrey Myatiev, a researcher of the history of two-wheeled transport in Russia and the USSR, the creator and owner of the Bicycle Museum. Some of the exhibits were made back in the 19th century - you can see them only during the days of the exhibition in GUM.
Andrey Myatiev, collector:
The history of the bicycle machine is inextricably linked with the history of human society, the history of culture and technology. A bicycle is not only an individual vehicle that gives a person the opportunity to move freely, but also a sports equipment, as well as a factor that unites like-minded people and a reason for technical creativity. The exhibition in GUM visibly represents the evolution of the bicycle and its connection with the history of the country. Both in the old days and today, cycling is a way of life.
The first part of the exposition is represented by models from different eras - from the rarest "bone shaker" of 1869 to the space-style Sears cruiser of the second half of the 20th century. The British model Dursley Pedersen, which struck the imagination with its frame shape in the early 1900s, is adjacent to the Royal Enfield tandem for two travelers, and the high-wheeled penny-farthing of the century before last is next to the Higgins Ultralite racing tricycle of the 1940s. Different types of bicycles are shown - men's and women's, sports and tourist, military and children's. Most of them are kept in their original state or restored. The collection of cyclist costumes clearly demonstrates the fashion of the past. The second part of the exhibition is dedicated to outstanding contemporary models. Electra will present iconic bikes. Among them are cruisers from the fashion series, stylish and fast Loft bicycles, high-tech electric bicycles and the pearl of bicycle design - the retro-futuristic Briton Moulton. Visitors will be able to take part in test rides of these models - a picturesque secret route near Red Square and Zaryadye was developed especially for the exposition.
For a complete immersion in the cycling world, GUM visitors will be able to get acquainted with all the exhibits accompanied by a personal guide. Entrance to the exhibition is free.
