trek farley 9.6 hinta

Trek Farley 5 vs. 7 vs. 9.6 – 2021

As Trek fat bike riders get ready for 2021, the big debate is surrounded around which one makes the most sense. Every person has different needs, and it can be challenging to find what bike fits into a particular lifestyle.

All three Trek Farley options are great to have, but getting too much of a bike can be a quick way to spend a lot more money than anybody wants to spend.

When looking at the Trek Farley 5 , 7, and 9.6, are they all worth the investment in 2021? All bring different qualities to the table with different price points.

It is a matter of finding a quality fit for each individual, and then graduating to something better when the time comes. Some will start at the Farley 5, while seasoned riders will jump to a more sophisticated option.

Trek Farley 5

The 2021 Trek Farley 5 is expected to be a big seller once again thanks to its affordable price, brand name recognition, and overall performance.

Like previous models from Trek, this one is all about getting people into fat bike riding with a durable entry-level option. Some people will stick with this for quite a while, while others will use it as simply a bike to get started before graduating to something else.

Riders love the fact that they will be able to get quite a bit of value out of a bike like this without having to spend a ton of money. It does not have the best components ever, but it is still a lightweight aluminum frame including a dropper post that is pretty comfortable.

The carbon fork smooths out the ride, and other high-level components make this a bike that seems well worth the money. Some people have a very hard time finding anything like this under $2000, but Trek has always made the Farley 5 a pretty affordable option overall.

Who Is The Farley 5 for?

Anyone who is getting into fat biking for the first time does not need to spend an arm and a leg on the best of the best. This is affordably priced for people who want to ride all year round, as they can handle the snow or the dirt with ease.

The traction is outstanding, the geometry of the bike is great, and it just feels very comfortable no matter where a person goes.

Even advanced riders could find a lot of value in the Trek Farley 5, as it could be used as a training bike or one that does not have to be treated quite as well.

Having multiple bikes can preserve the better one’s life, and it still provides a good amount of value for riders who want something consistent. It is always worth checking out if this is something that can financially be accomplished.

Is It Worth The Price?

Having a fat bike that can truly be ridden during all four seasons certainly helps. Some fat bikes are a little more geared towards a specific type of riding, and it can be frustrating for people who are starting out. This will not necessarily replace every other need for a bike, but some people will only use this one no matter what they are doing.

The components that a person gets with this Farley 5 is certainly great as well. The Shimano Deore 1×10 drivetrain is outstanding, and the wheels that come with the bike by default work very well also.

The components will not really be that much of a difference compared to some of the higher-level options, making it a great bang for the buck overall.

Is The Farley 5 The Best Fat Bike For The Price?

If the goal is to stay on budget, the Trek Farley 5 is the way to go. It is going to be one of the best value fat bikes out there, and it still provides enough benefits that people will use it for a long time without issues.

Those looking for a more specific type of fat bike riding, or wanting better components overall, will be better off looking at the Farley 7 or the Farley 9.6.

It is not as though the Farley 5 is terrible, it is just not going to get that same level of overall feel and grip that people are hoping for.

Trek Farley 7 2021

The best way to describe the Farley 7 is that it feels a lot like a traditional mountain bike, but with a fat bike build overall. It handles very well on all different types of surfaces, but it has that ability to feel very comfortable on sand or snow.

The geometry is a little sportier compared to the Farley 5, and better components across-the-board make it a solid option as well.

It is a matter of making a few sacrifices with any mid tier range and hoping that it works out for the best. People know that they are not going to get the fastest fat bike out there. But they are still going to control the weight and get to where they want to be in an efficient manner.

Being able to climb and go downhill makes a big difference for riders as well, and the Trek Farley 7 2021 does exactly that.

Who Is The Farley 7 For?

People who really want versatility will love this mid-tier option from Trek. It can perform well in just about any situation, and it really keeps a person on the right track when going downhill. With a strong all-around build, it is something that is definitely one of the best values out there.

Another huge positive with this bike is that it has a great suspension fork that provides good overall comfort. Having a fork that can be very dependable on all different types of rides truly helps out.

It is not the most agile fat bike a person can find in this price range, but its versatility with a fork and a dropper post makes it one worth testing out.

It is still user-friendly enough for beginners, but the price range might be a little too much for people to jump on right away. This is why the Trek Farley 7 caters to a slightly more sophisticated crowd, but one that does not feel like they need to go all the way to the top in the price range.

Is The Trek Farley 7 Worth The Price?

The price is very much justified because of all the different components that make up his bike. Not only does it perform well from a cruising and exploration standpoint, but the little things like the tires they come with and the crankset matter as well.

People sometimes find it very difficult to find a bike that is ready to go from the very beginning, but a person does not need to make any other upgrades to get it going as it should.

Durability also makes it a true one-time investment for a lot of people, which certainly makes the price point that much more tolerable.

It is never easy to make a huge purchase for any type of bike riding, even if a person knows they will use it almost every day. Getting quality components from the very beginning ensures that a person does not have to replace components and make some tweaks along the way constantly. That can make an already expensive bike that much tougher to maintain.

If the bike has a little bit more carbon on it, it would be the best value out there. Some companies out there do put a bit more carbon on their mid tier option, which means a slightly lighter and more comfortable ride.

With that being said, it is still one of the best options out there with the Alpha Platinum Aluminum Frame.

Is the Farley 7 The Best Fat Bike For The Price?

The Farley 7 is a little bit more expensive than some of the others in this price range, but its versatility and well-rounded performance make it one of the very best.

There might be companies out there that offer better fat bikes at a lower cost, but brand recognition does make a bit of a difference.

One thing to keep in mind is that getting the opportunity to get this fixed at a local bike shop is much easier thanks to the Trek brand. Since so many places are very familiar with the brand, it is easy to slip in and get work done correctly right away.

Trek Farley 9.6 2021

As the most expensive of the three options in 2021, the Trek Farley 9.6 better live up to expectations. The good news is that this carbon fat bike is one of the best options for its price, even if it is over $3000 retail.

It is not for everyone, as beginner riders will not get that much value out of it, but it definitely brings a lot to the table.

Is The Farley 9.6 Worth The Price?

It really comes down to how often a person rides a fat bike, and if they are looking for performance that can take things to another level.

Spending over $3000 on a fat bike might seem absolutely crazy to some people. For others, they know that this is a pretty expensive sport overall, and a person needs to pay for quality.

Considering all that it brings the table, getting some of the top technology out there right now and a fat bike is worth the extra price.

The first thing people notice when they get a chance to ride the Farley 9.6 is that it is built for speed on any surface type. It is a very light and fast ride overall, and the tires are built to handle just about anything thrown its way.

Being able to knife through different surfaces is certainly a huge advantage, but will keep things lightweight because there is all sorts of carbon on the bike.

Having a bike that is truly built for all four seasons helps tremendously. Some people will invest in two different fat bikes so that they can go riding throughout the year.

That is not necessary in the scenario, as the bike can do just about anything so the riders are having a fun time.

Little things such as the dropper post that allow for a way to lower the saddle, and horizontal sliding dropouts that can help people get the right geometry make a difference.

There are plenty of customizable options with this bike, and anyone who really wants to take their riding to the next level should make sure that they are giving every single thing a try.

Who Is The Trek Farley 9.6 For?

Performance riders in the fat bike community will love how this bike is positioned to succeed at all costs. It really feels like a totally different bike compared to some of the entry-level options, as the Farley 9.6 can make a huge difference with all the carbon. Not everyone is going to appreciate the difference truly, but people pay a premium for a reason.

Even beginners will still find it to be fairly nice to ride around since it does not have a huge learning curve. The 27.5-inch fat bike tires are very efficient, as people want to roll fast and have that level control they are looking for.

It does not overcomplicate fat bike riding in general, which is great for people who just want to go out there and tackle what is in front of them.

Price will hold up some people, but what they are paying for mostly comes down to the OCLV Mountain carbon. This is a mountain-specific carbon fiber with a few unique materials thanks to what Trek has worked on over the years.

They went through a lot of testing to make sure that this is a build that a lot of people will get plenty of use out of.

What Makes The Farley 9.6 Worth The Price?

Carbon is hard to argue with when it comes to any bike out there. Having carbon fiber built specifically for mountain bike riding makes this a fat bike worth checking out.

It is nearly indestructible and will provide a comfortable, lightweight ride, and it keeps people stable at all times. That for many is worth the price alone, as people are pushing speeds and trying tough trails to push their limits.

This is a bike with all the premium touches, and that is just about anything that a person can ask for. There are fat bikes out there that charge more, but no one will have a usable bike out there that does much better than this.

Trek has been able to fine tune the 9.6 over the years, and now they feel like it is one of the best values a person could find as long as they are willing to push the limits and see what it brings to the table.

Is The Trek Farley 9.6 The Best Fat Bike In That Price Range?

The usual competitors are once again putting up strong challenges to the Trek Farley 9.6. Whether it is Salsa, Giant , Rocky Mountain, or any other company for that matter, competition continues to get tougher and tougher.

Just like all the other Farley options, there is something to be said for buying such an expensive bike that is also well known in case anything goes wrong.

Repairs can get pretty expensive if the bike is really rare as it is much better to go with a trusted brand that has years of reputation delivering what people have come to expect.

Final Comparison

It can be confusing for some people to try to figure out what Farley bike from Trek makes the most sense for them. They all bring something different to the table, but those who can afford it should probably look at the Farley 7.

It seems to be the most versatile option overall, and it is a bit cheaper than the Farley 9.6. It is not going to be perfect for every type of rider out there, but enough people will get value out of it that makes it worthwhile.

If possible, try to get a chance to ride on any of these fat bikes first to see how they feel. There will always be opportunities to make some tweaks along the way, but a person can get a pretty good idea with an easy ride.

Most bike stores will allow this, and there is not a need to buy the bike from them in the end. The best prices are found online in most cases, but getting a chance to at least see the style up close is worthwhile. Since Trek is such a popular brand, a lot of companies carry these bikes as well.

Whatever a person goes with, they will have the opportunity to have a solid fat bike for a long time. They can hold up for very long periods of time, and that is all people can ask for in the end.

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2023 Trek Farley 9.6 Review

Are you looking for a high-performing fat bike that can provide you with a great riding experience?

Trek’s Farley 9.6 is one of the most popular fat bikes on the market. It offers an all-around great ride, thanks to its reliable frame, top-notch components, and versatile geometry.

This year’s model was updated with several new features, making it one of the best fat bikes available.

If you are looking for a comfortable and durable fat bike, the Trek Farley 9.6 is worth your consideration – but how well does it really compare to other models on the market?

In this review we will take an in-depth look at all aspects of this bike to help you decide if it is right for you.

Trek’s Farley 9.6 fat bike is designed for comfort, stability and durability on any terrain.

It features a lightweight carbon frame with internal derailleur & dropper post routing, 197x12mm adjustable horizontal sliding dropouts, double-wall rims and upgraded components.

We’ll be diving deep into the details of this bike in this review to provide you with an accurate picture of what it has to offer.

Take your fat biking and bikepacking adventures up a notch and immerse yourself in the experience aboard the 2023 Trek Farley 9.6.

With its lightweight carbon frame, wide-tire clearance, and adjustable dropouts, you can count on an unbeatable ride quality as you blaze through even the toughest terrains.

Load up your gear with ease – the frame has lots of mounts that give you loads of options for customizing how you carry your stuff.

– Lightweight OCLV Mountain Carbon frame

– 197x12mm adjustable horizontal sliding dropouts

– Farley carbon fork with crown rack mounts, lower leg cage mounts, and 150x15mm thru axle

– Sram GX Eagle 12 speed drivetrain

– Sram Level TL hydraulic disc brakes provide superior stopping power

– SUNRingle Mulefut 80 SL wheelset for lightweight performance

– Tubeless ready with Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue tires

– Multiple mounting points on frame for accessories such as racks, fenders and bottles

The Trek Farley 9.6 frame is made from lightweight, durable OCLV Mountain Carbon. With generous standover height, even taller riders can fit comfortably on the bike without worry of toe overlap issues while pedaling or cornering fast.

This also provides riders with a sense of security when descending steep sections of trail or navigating difficult obstacles like tree roots or rock gardens.

Fork and Drivetrain

The Farley 9.6 includes a Farley carbon fork for optimal control over rough terrain. It combines well with the 1×12 Sram Eagle drivetrain to give you plenty of gearing options whether climbing hills or flying down descents.

The 10-52t cassette paired with a 30t chainring provide a good range for both technical climbing and flat trail cruising without sacrificing chain retention reliability via Sram GX Eagle derailleur.

Wheelset & Tires

The Farley 9.6 comes standard with SUNRingle Mulefut 80 SL rims mated to 27.5×4.50″ Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tires providing an excellent balance between riding comfort, grip, traction and cushioning across any type of surface.

The tires feature large lugs throughout the tread pattern providing great all-round performance in both dry conditions as well as wet mud and snow conditions where most other heavier biking setups can often get bogged down easily. 

Bottom Line

Trek’s Farley 9.6 is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable fat bike setup that can handle anything from weekend singletrack trips up to tackling long days out in the mountains packed full off steep ascents and carrying heavy loads down rocky trails thanks to its proven performance.

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Trek Farley 9.6

Farley 9.6 is a capable and ready carbon fatbike for riders who want to charge through snow drifts and sand dunes. Its OCLV carbon frame keeps your ride light, while huge 4.5-inch tires keep you floating in the deep stuff. Its built up with a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain that you can count on for precise shifts and strong braking power, even when things get icy. - It's a bike that won't shy away from a day on the trail, even if the weather goes south - The lightweight carbon frame keeps the setup remarkably light and nimble for a fatbike - Added cage and bag mounts on the fork let you explore way, way out, and pack for adventure - The lofty tire clearance gives you all the float you need to get through the deep and mucky stuff - The dropper post gives you plenty of room to move around on the bike in rough and rowdy terrain

* Subject to change without notice.

Part Numbers

• Rider Notes

2024 Trek Farley 9.6

A 27.5″ carbon frame rigid fat bike with high-end components. Compare the full range

In Stock: SM, MD, LG, & XL

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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.

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Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes. Report your fit

Feb 2024 · Joshua Hutchens

The Trek Farley 7 is a burly, all-terrain trail bike with capabilities favoring winter. While primarily designed for snow and ice, the Gnarwhal tires...

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Trek Farley 9.6

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 15.5", 17.5", 19.5", 21.5"

Weight / 12.75

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame OCLV Mountain Carbon, E2 tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, Carbon Armor, 197mm Stranglehold adjustable thru axle dropouts
• Fork Bontrager Haru, OCLV Carbon lowers, E2 tapered steerer, 100mm suspension corrected, 15x150mm
• Hubs Bontrager alloy sealed bearing, 197x12 rear
• Wheels SUNringlé Mulefut 80 SL 32-hole cutout, tubeless strips and valves sold separately
• Wheel Size 27.5"
• Tires Bontrager Barbegazi, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 27.5x4.50˝
• Chain SRAM NX, SRAM PC-1110
• Crank Race Face , Race Face Aeffect, 28T Direct Mount Narrow-Wide
• Bottom Bracket PF121
• Rear Derailleur SRAM GX, SRAM GX, Roller Bearing Clutch
• Shifters SRAM GX, SRAM GX, 11 speed
• Brakeset SRAM Level T, SRAM Level T hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 2, chromoly rails
• Seatpost Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, zero offset
• Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree, Blendr compatible
• Grips ESI Chunky
• Headset FSA IS-2, 1-1/8˝ top, 1.5˝ bottom

Q: How much is a 2018 Trek Farley 9.6?

A 2018 Trek Farley 9.6 is typically priced around $2,799 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2018 Trek Farley 9.6?

The 2018 Trek Farley 9.6 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2018 Trek Farley 9.6 weigh?

A 2018 Trek Farley 9.6 weights 12.75.

Q: What size wheels does the 2018 Trek Farley 9.6 have?

The 2018 Trek Farley 9.6 has 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2018 Trek Farley 9.6 should I get?

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Trek Farley 9.6

Farley 9.6 is a carbon fat bike built for speed. The lightweight OCLV Mountain Carbon frame, rigid carbon fork, and a 1x12 SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain make it great for mountain bikers who prioritize performance in a fat bike. If you're ready to go hard through every season and love fat biking in every form- racing, adventure, fun - Farley 9.6 is the high-performance ride for you. It's right for you if... You don't just want to ride trails through the winter - you want to ride fast. You already know you love every aspect of fat biking, and are looking for a faster ride with better performance to take on bigger adventures. The tech you get A lightweight OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with Stranglehold dropouts, a Bontrager Haru rigid carbon fork, a wide-range 1x12 SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, and extra-wide SUNringle Mulefut wheels paired with 27.5x4.5 Bontrager Barbegazi TLR tires. The final word Speed in every season. Farley 9.6 is light, fast, and built to rip. It's the ideal winter shred sled for fat bike adventurers, racers looking to train outside year-round, and anyone who values the performance advantage of carbon. Why you'll love it 1 - The faster you ride a fat bike, the more fun it gets—and this bike is a lot of fun 2 - It's a four-season freedom machine that lets you ride outside all year long 3 - The 27.5x4.5 tires deliver more speed and traction than their 26-inch counterparts

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Why 27.5-inch/650B?

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Novotel Moscow City

Hotel that makes every moment matter

The Novotel Moscow City is the only hotel in the famous Moscow City business area of the capital among the highest skyscrapers in Europe, with exciting sky decks and restaurants with panoramic views. The hotel is perfect for business and holiday. Rooms with panoramic windows, a restaurant and a bar, the InBalance welness center, 8 conference rooms, and an underground parking are at guests' disposal.

Novotel Moscow City has a good location within walking distance to the one of the largest Afimall City Shopping and Entertainment Mall, Expocenter, Moscow River Embankment and Krasnaya Presnya Park. The Hotel is also easily accessible by the public transport: several subway and public transport stations, including express to Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo International Airports.

Hospitality and high standards of one of the largest hotel operators in the world Accor in a modern business district of Russia. Novotel Moscow City is perfect for relaxation, ideal for business. Welcome!

Take advantage of the opportunity to book a buffet breakfast on the website for the price of 1,700 rubles per person! The cost of the breakfast when paid at the reception and in the MC Traders restaurant is 1,950 rubles per person.

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Suite Room with king-size bed and sofa

• 54 m² / 581 sq ft

City Suite with 1 King-size bed and sofa

• 75 m² / 807 sq ft

Hotel location

Presnenskaya Naberezhnaya, 2, Presnenskaya Naberezhnaya 2, Russia 123112  Moscow Russia

GPS : 55.748069, 37.53685

Contact email [email protected]

Click to copy the email address

Access and transport

Kiev railway station

Railway station

Access: 4.9 km  /  3.04 mi     15 min drive

Tourist attraction

Access: 5.6 km  /  3.48 mi     15 min drive

Historic monument

Access: 6.3 km  /  3.91 mi     15 min drive

TRETYAKOV GALLERY

Access: 7.5 km  /  4.66 mi     20 min drive

Access: 7.5 km  /  4.66 mi     18 min drive

Shuttle on call, Shuttle scheduled

Saint Basil's Cathedral

Access: 7.5 km  /  4.66 mi     15 min drive

BOLSHOI THEATER

Opera/symphony/concert hall

Access: 8.4 km  /  5.22 mi     20 min drive

"Krasnaya Presnya" park

Access: 2.1 km  /  1.3 mi     15 min walk  /  7 min drive

"Afimall City" shopping center

Shopping district

Access: 200 m  /  0.12 mi     5 min walk

Hotel services

Check-in from 03:00 PM - Check out up to 12:00 PM

• Wheelchair accessible

Fitness center

• Air conditioning
• Meeting rooms
• 100% Non Smoking Property
• Room service

MC Traders offers a wide range of delicious international cuisine and cooking classes. The guests can enjoy Early bird breakfast from 4 am; hold a meeting during a business lunch and in the evening relax next to a real fireplace in the bar.

MC TRADERS BAR

Located in the hotel lobby, the MC Traders lounge bar is the ideal place to relax. A wide range of drinks and snacks is available to suit all tastes.

4 options for you to chose from depending on your tastes. A snack at reception from 4AM. A buffet breakfast. For those in a hurry, hot drinks, orange juice and croissants served at the bar. Room service.

At our charming wellness and fitness center, you can enjoy our 2 saunas, 2 hammams (Turkish baths), relaxation rooms and massage treatments. Our mission is to make sure you can enjoy complete relaxation.

Meetings & Events

Our guest reviews

100% genuine reviews from our guests

ALL Rating  4.5/5  2,743 reviews

TripAdvisor Rating  4.5/5  1,821 reviews

Good loacation & Cozy Environment

Customer review rating 5.0/5

Anonymous Business - 3/16/2024 Confirmed reviews ALL

It was my first time staying in this hotel. It was beyond my expectations. In general; the hotel is clean well orginized and pay attention to their guest’s satisfaction.

Dear Burak! Thank you very much for your glowing review regarding your stay at Novotel Moscow City! We are thrilled to hear that you have a great impression about your stay, as well as our hotel team! It is a pleasure for us to bring comfort and positive emotions to our Guests providing courteous, warm and welcoming service. We are glad that you highly evaluated our work! We are looking forward to welcoming you back at our hotel! Warmest regards, Irina Naumova Quality and Attitude Manager.

Wonderful Stay as always !!

TripAdvisor rating 5.0/5

andyrocks_globe 3/5/2024 TripAdvisor review

During my recent stay at Novotel Moscow City from 9th to 22nd February, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception I received from the duty manager Marika. Her friendly demeanor and efficient handling of check-in made me feel welcome and valued as a guest as always. I also want to extend my appreciation to the night manager Maria for her attentiveness and quick response to any requests or concerns I had during my stay. Her professionalism and dedication to ensuring a comfortable experience for guests did not go unnoticed. The F&B Manager Darina and her associate Yulia deserves special recognition for their exceptional service and attention towards the incredible experience. I am extremely glad with the fact that how she is concerned with every details to make the valued guest feel exceptional during the stay. Lastly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude towards Deputy GM Marina for her overall management of the hotel. Her leadership and commitment to guest satisfaction were evident throughout my stay, and I truly felt well taken care of under her supervision.

Dear Andy! Thank you very much for your glowing review regarding your stay at Novotel Moscow City! We are thrilled to hear that you have a great impression about your stay, as well as our hotel team! It is a pleasure for us to bring comfort and positive emotions to our Guests providing courteous, warm and welcoming service. We are glad that you highly evaluated our work! We are looking forward to welcoming you back at our hotel! Warmest regards, Irina Naumova Quality and Attitude Manager.

Fantastic place

Customer review rating 4.5/5

Anonymous Friends - 1/14/2024 Confirmed reviews ALL

Good location, near to a big mall ( 4 minutes of walk ) were everything you need is available.

Dear Saud! Thank you for your kind feedback. We are glad to know that you enjoyed your stay with us. Looking forward to welcoming you back. Sincerely, Irina Naumova Quality and Attitude Manager.

Well located

Customer review rating 4.0/5

Vitaly Y. Business - 12/9/2023 Confirmed reviews ALL

1. Process of lamp light replacement should be managed more effectively. 2. It is too noisy in the inner rooms - noise from events (bad sound isolation) 3. All other aspects are on the good level.

Dear Vitaly! Thank you for your kind feedback. We are glad to know that you enjoyed your stay with us. Looking forward to welcoming you back.

well located, good stay

Davit S. Business - 12/9/2023 Confirmed reviews ALL

Thank you for everything?

Dear Davit! Thank you for your kind feedback. We are glad to know that you enjoyed your stay with us. Looking forward to welcoming you back.

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Price from: 1 night for 1 person in the room category identified within the same price range, excluding additional services and breakfast. This refers to the lowest public price, including all taxes ( VAT and tourist tax included) for the accommodation concerned, found on https://all.accor.com/ site today, for a one-night stay in the next 20 days . Varies according to period and availability. The price is only guaranteed at the time of booking. All bookings (foreign) are payable in the local currency where the hotel is situated. Only the amount confirmed during the booking in the hotels local currency is guaranteed. An estimated conversion in your local currency may be given for reference but is not part of the contract. Your bank may charge you bank fees and/or exchange fees at the time of payment.

Mountainbike

• TFR Downhill
• TFR Cross Country
• Baloise-Trek
• TFR Triathlon
• Trek Ambassadors
• Regional teams and athletes

• Lidl-Trek Fanclub
• trekbikes.com

1,000 miles on the Iditarod Trail

Miron Golfman battled the Alaskan tundra to win one of the most spectacular races in the world on a Trek Farley 9.6

Photos by Nelson Brown (@nelson__brown)

480 miles from Nome, and what was supposed to be a 10-day trip suddenly looked like 20. A snowstorm created whiteout conditions, blanketing the trail in snow too soft to ride. At times along the ride, the windchill fell to negative-50 degrees Fahrenheit in the whipping wind. Miron Golfman is used to pushing his physical limits, but mentally, his head was “messed up.” And note, that’s a censored quote.

For 16 days, five hours and 10 minutes, he had little respite on the Iditarod trail. If any bit of skin was vulnerable to the wind, frostbite could set in immediately. “You can’t really stop,” Golfman said. “There’s nowhere to hide from the wind. And so the elements just really have you.”

Golfman won the 2024 Iditarod Trail Invitational 1000 alongside another rider, Tyson Flaharty. That’s 1,000 miles from Knik, Alaska, along the northern route of the famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, all under his own power atop a Trek Farley 9.6. Golfman knew the event would be grueling; he won the 2023 event, setting the fastest known time on the southern route, and the year before he set the course record on the 1,700-mile Baja Divide . But even a hardy outdoor expeditionist like him nearly hit his breaking point.

Miron Golfman's geared up Farley.

“I was hoping it was not going to be that big of an event. It was my second time riding my bike to Nome,” Golfman said. “But I would say that this ended up being one of the most significant events that I’ve done to date.”

Months of preparation are necessary to even attempt a ride like the ITI 1000. Golfman struck up a friendship with Bill Fleming, owner of the Trek Bike store in Anchorage , at last year’s race, and Fleming helped him source the Farley. To subsist along the long, lonely route, Golfman had to send himself food resupply packages ahead of time to village waypoints, and he found that schools worked best because he could arrange with principals to keep the doors open after hours, unlike the local post offices.

Miron Golfman and Tyson Flaharty approaching the finish line in Nome.

Celebration and relief.

“It’s a bit more of an expedition than a race,” Golfman said. “And then the prep just becomes really refining your gear, your setup, your sleep system, your cook setup. And that is always going to be slightly different from person to person because everybody has different needs.”

The Farley needed only minor modifications to take on the ultimate test of its capabilities. Golfman removed the front brake and rode with just a left hand brake lever to give his hands more room in his pogies. On a relatively flat and desolate route, Golfman said the reduced braking power was fine, except for a few hairy instances when he had to put his foot down on some “bomber” hills. He also studded his own Bontrager Barbegazi fat bike tires.

Riding through low light.

Riding through the lonely and beautiful Alaskan landscape.

Golfman’s favorite feature of the Farley came stock. The fork rack mounts allowed him to carry a lot of gear ( click here to watch Golfman run down his full setup ) all while keeping his cockpit clear. Flaharty rode the race on a local brand, but swapped in the Farley fork so that he could take advantage of the rack mounts, too. 

“I absolutely love the fork rack system. That was a game changer,” Golfman said. “The Farley itself, man, it did great.”

Here are Golfman’s full bike specs:

• Frame: Trek Farley 9.6
• Wheels: Nextei 96mm 
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX 12 speed 
• Brakes: Avid BB7 mechanical, rear only
• Tires: Bontrager Barbegazi tires with grip studs 
• Old Man Mountain rear bike rack

The Farley's fork mounting system was clutch for the event.

Golfman's cockpit.

Having the right gear can only take a rider so far, however. There’s still the small matter of the merciless Alaskan tundra. Persevering from Ruby required a shift in mindset. Golfman went into the event thinking he might beat the ITI 1000 record of 10 days. He had to accept that getting to the finish line — no more, no less — was the best outcome he could hope for.

If he didn’t have Flaharty by his side, the event would have been even more grueling. The two rode together in 2023 for the first 350 miles of the race to McGrath, where Flaharty finished and Golfman rode the final 650 miles solo. They didn’t intentionally set out to ride together this year, but they knew they would likely be at each other’s level. 

They ended up sticking together for every last pedal stroke. Both riders are capable of completing the ride solo, but together, the experience was much more enjoyable, and they were able to push each other and complete difficult stretches of the route more quickly than they would have on their own.

Socks off after a long day.

Golfman and Flaharty kept each other's spirits up on a grueling adventure.

“My personal philosophy, while I’ve had the privilege of winning a lot of cool events, I don’t really need that feeling of crossing the finish line by myself,” Golfman said. “And it makes a huge difference, especially in an event like this. It’s just objectively scary, especially as you get towards the end. The irony of this race is that it’s so long, the challenges and the objective danger continues to increase throughout, especially as you’re navigating the coastline out to Nome.

“And then just the feeling of loneliness. I mean, it’s such a long time to be out there by yourself. So it was great to have someone around.”

It wasn’t until the duo hit Koyuk, 123 miles from the finish, that the clouds started to part in Golfman’s mind. The trail, which had been so obfuscated and softened by snow that Golfman and Flaharty had to walk many miles of it, gradually became clearer. Golfman and Flaharty had each other to help grind away the final windy miles across the coast. Finishing the race no longer seemed in question.

Golfman rode in part to help raise awareness for a movement preserving Alaska's landscape.

The finish line.

For Golfman, finishing the race was about much more than the feat itself. He was also riding to promote the Defend the West Su movement , which is protesting a proposed industrial access road for mining companies that would cut through much of Alaska’s pristine landscape outside of Anchorage. As he rode, Golfman highlighted Alaska’s natural beauty on social media .

At his lowest, Golfman questioned whether he could push on. He kept moving forward due to a commitment to finish what he started, even if the terrain seemed determined to stymie his progress. Key to Golfman’s philosophy as an ultra-endurance athlete is a willingness to keep going even when he can’t reach his most ambitious goals. There’s more to endeavors like the Iditarod than accolades. 

“What excites me on a personal level is to challenge myself and to explore the edges of human possibility,” Golfman said. “And those extremes, I find a very attractive concept.”

Parting shots of Golfman and Flaharty after an incredible journey.

In Ruby, Golfman and Flaharty came to accept that the extreme conditions of this year’s race would delay their planned arrival in Nome. With that shift in mindset, they cleared space in their heads to appreciate the majesty of the cold, white, indifferent landscape they’d been battling against. 

Golfman rode to promote the preservation of that landscape. And for those 16 days, five hours and 10 minutes, his suffering highlighted its force and beauty. For a week afterwards, he was peeling skin off his fingertips and sleeping as much as he could to uproot the cold from his bones. It was a small price to pay for perseverance.    

A bike unlike any other

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Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

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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File Description: UUEE - Sheremetyevo International - Moscow, Russia Sheremetyevo International Airport is an international airport located in the Moscow Oblast, Russia, 29 km (18 mi) north-west of central Moscow. It is a hub for the passenger operations of the Russian international airline Aeroflot, and one of the three major airports serving Moscow along with Domodedovo International Airport and Vnukovo International Airport. It is now the 2nd largest airport in Russia after Domodedovo. In 2010, the airport handled 19,329,000 passengers and 184,488 aircraft movements. Using ADEx 1.52, aeronautical maps and Google Earth the default AFCAD has been completely reworked to reflect today's situation including gate assignments.

File Description: UUEE Sheremetyevo International Airport updated with the new 6L-24R runway.

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