trek 100 series alpha aluminum

Trek 1.1 review

The Trek 1.1 is Trek's bottom rung road bike, but that doesn't mean budget ride quality

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The Trek 1.1 has got plenty of great features to like. It's a comfortable alloy frame with a carbon fork and it's versatile thanks to the pannier mounts. If you can look past the weight and the iffy brakes this would be a great bike for new riders or those wanting to start commuting to the office.

Comfortable ride

Carbon fork

Tubeless ready wheels

Pannier rack/mudguard compatible

Brakes could be better

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At £625, the Trek 1.1, alongside the Trek Lexa 2, occupies the lowest level of Trek’s bike roster. But, for its diminutive status, it delivers a tidy ride that’d definitely be befitting a beginner rider.

Buy now: Trek 1.1 at Evans Cycles for £625

Despite occupying the lower rungs of Trek’s hierarchy, the 1.1 is still given that distinctively Trek sloping top tube boasting Trek’s H2 fit system, a feature that the brand believes to be the optimum on bike position.

>>> Best cheap bikes under £1000: bikes from £260 ridden and rated

According to the company, it’s a feature that travels right to the top, with Trek-Segafredo riders also using the same fit system to get their race machines right.

In real life, it’s certainly not uncomfortable, and the soft bend in the arms is comfortable enough for extended rides at least, and the size 56cm fit my 5,11 frame comfortably.

The frame itself is made from 100 series Alpha Aluminium, which happily brings a balance between comfort and weight. Meanwhile, the carbon fork helps eliminate road buzz and keep the weight down as much as possible.

Other neat touches include the mounts for pannier racks as well as mudguard compatibility, which definitely helps make this a truly versatile machine, whether you want to go far or just commute to the office.

Specification

As an entry-level bike, you’re naturally looking at some entry level components, and the Trek 1.1 doesn’t come flashing the sportiest of gear, but happily, it all functions well.

The 1.1’s drivechain is a bit of a mish mash of parts. Shimano Claris takes care of shifting, with its Claris range making up the shifters as well as both front and rear derailleurs. The crankset and cassette meanwhile are outsourced to Vuelta Corsa and Sunrace respectively. No doubt to keep costs down.

The Claris shifting performed well, as you’d expect from a low-end groupset from Shimano – a company that traditionally does budget very well. 

>>> Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo groupsets explained

However, the performance of the brakes was less inspiring. They will stop you eventually, but they’re not the most effective. Mix in a grabby, stiff action and they're not the most confident inspiring.

Elsewhere, the Bontrager AT-750 wheels felt bombproof, and they're tubeless ready. The 25mm rubber they’re shod with are also a welcome touch, adding comfort to the ride, although these aren't tubeless ready so you'll have to upgrade if you want to go down that route.

The rest of the finishing kit is made up of Bontrager’s in house parts, all of which did the job well. Up front the Bontrage Race handlebar brings some serious width to the front end, which won't be to everyones preferences, but new riders will enjoy the added comfort.

The ride quality of the Trek 1.1 is on point for its price. The aluminium frame irons out the bumps in the road, while the carbon fork evens out any jarring hand buzz, making for a very comfortable ride.

The upright position definitely helps here, and the wide bars help keep your arms in a comfortable position while holding your shoulders in a sustainable position. Its large looking frame is also  dead stable at speed. it's comforting to ride, at no point feeling jittery or nervous.

Watch: Handlebar height and reach – how to get them right

Of course, such levels of stability can often mean a diminishment in mobility, and the Trek 1.1 is not an agile bike likely to make fast turns or whip around road furniture. At this level though, it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make for the level of comfort on offer from the bike.

This size and stability does mean that the Trek 1.1 comes with a weight penalty, and at 9.33kg it is a bit of a beast to haul up and over those hills. Helpfully, the compact chainset (50/34 configuration) coupled with the 11-28, 8 speed cassette on the back makes getting up those inclines just that little bit easier.

>>> How to ride faster up short, steep hills (video)

Matching the Trek 1.1 against other major cycling retailers reveals that it’s not too far off the money in terms of its spec.

Giant’s entry level machine, the Contend 2, costs £50 less but comes with the same, Shimano Claris drivechain, and configuration of own brand finishing kit. Although on the Trek you are getting a carbon fork.

Both companies are put in the shade by B’Twin though, which offers its Triban 540 road bike for £650, equipped with a carbon fork and Shimano 105 , a higher end groupset.

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How The Trek 1.1 Became A Super Affordable Entry-Level Road Bike

Table of Contents

• Price: $769
• Weight：10.0 kg
• Fork： Carbon
• Frame： Aluminium
• Wheels: 700c
• Drivetrain: 2 × 8
• Groupset： Claris
• Brakes: Rim

What we like about it: Fast, positive, confidence-inspiring, and fun. During the ride, I noticed less vibration transmitted through the forks into the handlebars, making it more enjoyable. The brakes worked well and required little effort to slow or stop the bike.

What we don’t like about it: Uncomfortable seat. My stock saddle has been replaced with one that is a bit more comfortable.

Trek uses the geometry that has been tested on the Pro Tour on every Trek road bike.

Buying a Trek 1.1 is choosing the most cost-effective ride quality! Performance = Ride Quality! It doesn’t matter what kind of kit is on the bike, the Trek 1.1 you pay for the same price is definitely more effortless and quicker to ride than any other brand of road bike in the same price range.

The Trek 1.1 aluminum road bike has the same aerodynamic shape and detailing as a high-end bike. The Trek 1.1 is sturdy, lightweight, and designed for zipping down the road.

With so many compliments, you can’t wait to learn about it, let’s get to know Trek 1.1 with our testers.

Main Features

Frame(4.6/5).

Aluminum alloy frames and components have been used throughout most of the history of the bicycle industry, but this does not mean that there is no possibility of continuous improvement and improvement.

For the Alpha Aluminum, Trek took the most complex metallurgy and pushed it to the limit—creating a strong, lightweight frame that delivers a riding experience that rivals many carbon frames.

The Trek 1.1 builds the frame with an Alpha Aluminum 100 Series for a more compliant frame, allowing the Trek 1.1 to maintain gold-hot acceleration performance at an affordable price.

With an Alpha Aluminum frame, you don’t have to think twice about hitting gravel trails or doing multi-day trips.

The Trek 1.1 will be an excellent companion for your vacation, travel, training, and competition.

The Trek 1.1’s Alpha Aluminum 100 Series frame features front and rear fender mounts designed for riders to ride in the rain and mud.

Geometry(4.7/5)

In Trek’s frame geometry, it is divided into “H1” and “H2”.

The H1 frame has a lower head tube and longer reach; the H2 frame has a higher head tube and a deeper depth.

Simply put, the H1 is suitable for aggressive riding positions, and the H2 is suitable for relatively comfortable, or durable riding positions.

Therefore, Trek 1.1 can also see its design logic with H2 geometry.

Components and Specifications

Drivetrain(4.5/5).

Trek 1.1 shifters use Shimano Claris, 8 speed, and both front and rear derailleurs use Shimano Claris.

Trek 1.1 Shimano Claris, 8-speed shifter Feel comfortable, ergonomically shaped, and with 2×8 speed road drivetrain compatibility, Shimano Claris dual levers provide accurate shifting and confident braking.

In our testers’ eyes, the durable and low-maintenance 8-speed drivetrain gives you the best gear range on a Trek 1.1 road bike.

Simple and intuitive dual control levers provide the Trek 1.1 with a comfortable ride.

Front and rear derailleurs

Our testers found the Shimano Claris rear derailleur on the Trek 1.1 to be a highlight.

Especially when shifting along with the flywheel into a more difficult-to-adjust gear during shifting, the shifting can also be precise and relatively sensitive.

When you and your buddies are conquering a steep hill or sprinting, it works perfectly under that load.

If you take these things into consideration, you’re in awe of the fact that the Trek 1.1 has a Shimano Claris rear derailleur.

One thing our testers also mentioned, however, is that we all know that the Shimano Claris is an 8-speed system, and the chain jumps between the gears a bit.

This puts pressure on the rear derailleur, and the details of smooth shifting are also something we need to pay attention to.

Dropping the chain from the large ring of the sprocket to the small ring is easy, but the reverse is not the same thing.

The Shimano Claris front derailleur pull-arm is much shorter than Shimano’s other pricier series. Our testers felt that it took a lot of effort to keep pushing the front derailleur to make a sustained shift.

It’s not a big problem, but in case of rain or cold winter weather, your fingers may not be able to control it very flexibly.

Trek 1.1 cranks are Vuelta Corsa, 50/34 (compact). Vuelta Corsa, 50/34 (compact) cranks are cold-forged and have a durable coating.

Chainrings with 110mm BCD compact steel. Gearing of 50T/34T, designed for indexed shifting. Shimano M371 cranks have good rigidity, durability, and lubrication after testing.

This product definitely met our testers’ expectations. Vuelta Corsa, 50/34 (compact) is also cheap.

The Trek 1.1 has a sprocket range of 11-28T, and the individual sprockets are precisely positioned relative to each other, ensuring the chain moves smoothly between the gears.

The Trek 1.1 uses a Sun Race CSR86, 8-speed cassette, and a net weight of 235 grams, which is very light.

In the eyes of our testers, the Sun Race brand cassette looked better than Shimano’s.

The Sun Race CSR86, 11-28, 8-speed shifts quickly and smoothly.

When we tested it violently, it was found that there was no excessive wear, which was also due to the good nickel-plated protective layer on the surface.

Pedals(4.4/5)

The Trek 1.1 pedals feature nylon composite treads, and the pedals themselves are fairly large.

The whole tread feels very comfortable. Nylon pedals are better than alloy pedals in terms of durability, more wear-resistant, and are less prone to deformation.

Fork (4.3/5)

Carbon fiber not only has the inherent characteristics of carbon materials but also has the soft processing properties of textile fibers. Its specific gravity is less than 1/4 that of steel, but its strength is very high, and its corrosion resistance is excellent.

The Trek 1.1 front fork uses a Trek carbon fiber road fork, which reduces the weight of the entire vehicle and can indirectly increase the speed. Moreover, the carbon fiber front fork has good elasticity and can absorb more vibrations from the ground.

Bottom Bracket(4.5/5)

Generally, cartridge bottom brackets have two main components. The cartridge itself consists of the sealed bearings and spindle and is usually threaded into your frame’s right (drive side). The lockring is threaded into the left (or non-drive) side of the frame, and it supports the opposite end of the cartridge.

Bottom brackets should be installed and left alone. A sealed unit is what’s popular because it does not require maintenance.

Headset(4.6/5)

Trek 1.1 only a small section of the headset can be seen from the appearance, and the size of the frame pipe diameter will be larger to cover the entire set of internal parts.

In addition, the lower bearing of the hidden head bowl needs to be selected according to the angle of the front fork.

The Trek 1.1 uses a headset with 1-1/8″ integrated, semi-cartridge bearings.

This headset is made from a quality aluminum alloy material that is anti-rust, sturdy, and durable. Fine machining ensures a sleek surface, and the headset fits perfectly.

Dust and water can be kept away by the cap thus extending the life of the device. Using this bicycle headset, you can prevent the bearing from over-abrasion and allow it to rotate freely.

The Trek 1.2 and Trek X-Caliber 6 use the same headset as the Trek 1.1.

Wheels(4.3/5)

Trek 1.1 wheels feature Alloy hubs; Bontrager AT-750 double-walled alloy rims.

The Bontrager AT-750 rims used on the Trek 1.1 are dual-wall rims. Bontrager AT-750 double-walled alloy rims generally have the best strength-to-weight ratio.

You’ll find it on most intermediate to pro-level bikes.

They have a huge performance advantage over single-wall rims, which our testers recommend for any level of riding.

The Trek 1.1 front and rear hubs use Alloy. The hub can be said to be the core component of the wheelset.

When you decide to build a wheelset, basically everyone will start with the hub to choose from.

Alloy’s focus is on smooth rolling and minimal loss of power. Trek 1.1 front and rear hubs are made of aluminum alloy.

The surface of aluminum is anodized, by immersing aluminum in a special solution, and then through a series of chemical reactions such as the electrolysis of water, a dense and solid oxide layer is formed on the aluminum.

The Trek 1.1 uses Bontrager T1, 700x25c tires with a super-strong nylon shell, 700mm outer diameter, and 25mm width.

The tire has an engineered tread design for confidence in wet or dry conditions.

The Bontrager T1 tread uses a durable compound for longer life. Our tester had a Trek 1.2 in hand, and the Bontrager T1 has always been our tester’s stock tire.

In addition to a flat tire, he ran 4,000 miles when he hit a chunk of steel, puncturing the tire and tube. Our testers patched the tubes and re-used the tires and are still using Bontrager T1 tires.

This shows how well the Bontrager T1 is used by our testers!

Trek 1.1 Spece

1. On this bike, what is the largest tyre size I can fit (in mm, e.g. 700x25C)?

Bontrager’s 700 x 25c tire is the largest tire we recommend for the 1.1. 

2. Is there a way to find the serial number on my bike?

Located beneath your cranks, your serial number begins with the letters “WTU” followed by a string of numbers and letters.

3. What is the number of gears on Trek 1. 1?

4. Can you tell me how much this bike weighs?

There is no need to worry about shipping since the 56 cm Domane AL 2 weighs 9.92 kg / 21.87 lbs.

Comparison table

Schwinn vantage f2 700c vs trek 1.1.

The Schwinn Vantage F2 700c is about $170 more expensive than the Trek 1.1.

The positioning of the two road cars is also different. The Schwinn Vantage F2 700c is more suitable for healthy riding, and many people will choose to ride the Schwinn Vantage F2 700c in their spare time to relieve stress. ( Who Are The People Who Still Insist On Cycling In The Summer? -Interesting Cycling Facts ) And Trek 1.1 is better for speed racing.

The Schwinn Vantage F2 700c fork is aluminum, and the Trek 1.1 is carbon fiber( Trek 1.2 fork also uses carbon fiber.).

As a racing car, Trek 1.1 chose a carbon fiber front fork, which is light in weight and strong in shock absorption.

Compared with carbon fiber, the aluminum alloy front fork has no advantage in weight, and the shock resistance is slightly weaker.

But for the Schwinn Vantage F2 700, which is usually used for healthy riding, it doesn’t matter much.

The Schwinn Vantage F2 700c uses a mechanical disc brake, which relies on the pull of the brake cable to rub the brake pads in the caliper and clamp the disc to produce a braking effect.

The disc brakes give me a solid feel, but I prefer, or rather get used to, the feedback I get from the pads hitting the rims on the Trek 1.1 rim brakes. And this kind of feedback is not found in the disc brake type.

Moreover, the rim brakes can also bring a light feel and good feedback when combined with excellent cable tubes and routing.

Acera, Tourney shifting kits are configured on the Schwinn Vantage F2 700c, which also reflects the positioning of the road bike – leisure, entertainment.

The Claris is one of the lower-end kits in Shimano’s lineup. It’s designed for light exercise, long rides, town cruising in casual clothing, shopping, and daily commutes.

But why use the Trek 1.1, a road bike positioned for speed competition? Our testers never understood the designer’s design logic.

Learn more: Schwinn 700c Prelude Road Bike Review

Fuji Jari 2.5 vs Trek 1.1

Unlike Trek 1.1, the Fuji Jari 2.5 is a bike that does a great job on gravel road bikes today.

The Fuji Jari 2.5 is equipped with a 1400-gram lightweight A6 aluminum alloy frame, but the surface of the Jari 2.5 only has a transparent coating material.

The Trek 1.1 has a carbon fiber fork, while the Fuji Jari 2.5 has a chrome-molybdenum fork.

The chrome-molybdenum steel frame is suitable for long-distance riding, especially long-distance road riding, which makes the Fuji Jari 2.5 very good for fine vibration damping on the road surface.

The chrome-molybdenum steel material itself is relatively elastic. When making the frame, because the material itself is better and more durable, the tube wall is usually thinner, resulting in greater elasticity.

The Fuji Jari 2.5 is not easy to get tired of riding, but the frame is soft, not suitable for competition, and not suitable for power.

Fuji’s exclusive parts manufacturer, Oval, specially designed the handlebar for the Jari Jari 2.5. It is made of 6061 aluminum alloy and has a drop distance of 125 mm between the upper and lower handlebars.

The handlebar position is quicker under normal riding posture, and it is also quite suitable for relatively small arms. People who are short or have a phobia of gripping.

There is a 25° flare angle in the lower handle position, which reduces wrist flexion in the lower handle position and reduces fatigue accumulation.

The Jari Jari 2.5 head tube angle ranges from 70.5° on the smallest frame size to 72° on the larger frame. The slack head tube angle is a setting biased towards gravel bikes. The chainstay length is 435mm for all frame sizes, which is 1cm longer than a typical cyclocross bike.

Vitus Razor vs Trek 1.1

The Vitus Razor is 1.0 kg lighter than the Trek 1.1. Other than that, the two cars are roughly like twin sisters.

Featuring an all-new modern 6061-T6 Double Butted Aluminium frame and full UD T-700 carbon fork, the Razor features a tapered frame to give you lightweight, speed, handling, and The perfect balance of comfort.

The Vitus Razor is equipped with Shimano’s efficient and reliable Claris R2000 8-S drivetrain, while the Trek 1.1 is paired with a Shimano Claris drivetrain.

The Vitus Razor has Tektro R317 rim brakes and Vitus 700c road wheels with elegant-looking Vee Road Runner 700c x 28 tires for great performance and grip in all conditions.

The Trek 1.1 features Alloy dual-pivot braking, a dual-pivot design that enables a lightweight, compact, and durable braking system. Dual-pivot caliper brakes have come a long way in reducing tolerances and deflections as well as durability.

Trek 1.1 achieves firm and immediate braking response while ensuring longer life. In addition, the durability of the brake pads has been increased by 100%, helping Trek 1.1 to enjoy highly responsive braking for longer periods of time.

Cervélo Caledonia 105 vs Trek 1.1

Cervélo Caledonia 105 is more than 4 times the price of Trek 1.1.

Cervélo Caledonia 105 starts from the tube shape, all the way to the design of aerodynamics, high stiffness, lightweight, etc., to meet the performance requirements of a competition-level road car.

In the eyes of our testers, the Cervélo Caledonia 105 is the nobility of road bikes.

Cervélo Caledonia 105’s internal cable routing solution, split spacers, U-shaped fork steerer, and other designs have been further optimized.

Not only is the system simple and beautiful, but it is also much lighter (save 200 grams) and meets the rider’s requirements for the fit range.

This simplicity is also far more than just aesthetics—it even affects how fast it rides, as nothing interferes with the airflow in the front end.

The Cervélo Caledonia 105 seat tube is cut to better wrap the rear wheel and effectively reduce wind resistance. Di2 fully internal routing handlebar design; shared with the s-series of the broken tube design, these are for the Cervélo Caledonia 105 ride aero performance considerations. Wow, really versatile.

Cervélo Caledonia 105 chainstays are designed to move down to effectively improve compliance. With a larger stack height and a shorter reach, the geometry is more relaxed.

In addition, the Cervélo Caledonia 105 uses Vittoria Zaffiro Pro V Folding G2.0 30c tires with a maximum tire size of 34 mm. These factors all add up to take into account its comfort.

Excited, our testers completely forgot about Trek 1.1’s merits and turned all their attention to the Cervélo Caledonia 105.

Comprehensive evaluation(4.4/5)

The Trek 1.1 is affordable and of good quality overall frame and components, making it a very good starter bike. Trek 1.1 shifts smoothly and easily when you get the hang of shifting. And the range of gears allows you to handle all types of hills well, even on short, steep trails.

It’s worth mentioning that you need to notice that the Trek 1.1’s fork transmits very little vibration to the handlebars, making it a lot more enjoyable to ride.

Learn more: Top 10 Best Road Bikes Under $1000 – Great Value For Money

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The 1.2 is the middle of Trek's three 1 Series aluminium road bikes, sitting between the Shimano Claris-equipped 1.1 (£575) and the 1.5 (£750), which comes with Shimano Tiagra components.

Is it the right bike for you? We've picked out four reasons why it might be, along with a reason that might make you think twice.

1 It provides solid performance with few surprises

The 1.2 puts in a solid performance out on the road, offering a stable, predictable ride, the only real disappointment being the lack of braking power (see below).

Hitting the scales at 9.48kg (20.9lb), the 1.2 isn't as lively as many lighter bikes, but for £650 this is certainly a decent enough weight. Compared to bikes of a similar price, it accelerates well. You'll find a little more flex in the frame and fork than in higher level models in Trek's range, but this is a bike that's well capable of holding its own when you crank up the power.

You could't say that the 1.2 is the fastest climber but it's far from sluggish when things get lumpy. It's helped in its hill-climbing endeavours by a compact chainset (with 50-tooth and 34-tooth chainrings rather than 52 or 53 and 39). Most bikes of this price come with something similar these days. Matched up to an 11-28-tooth cassette, it'll allow you to get up the vast majority of gradients without your knees popping or your lungs bursting, while still providing enough big gears to keep you bowling along quickly on the flat and downhill.

Aluminium frames have a reputation for feeling harsh but that's a gross generalisation. Some are jarring – as some carbon frames are – but plenty aren't. This bike is certainly comfortable enough for racking up the big miles.

For a start, it comes in Trek's H2 fit. That requires a brief explanation. Compared to Trek's H1 fit, H2 has a taller head tube: 3cm taller in the case of our 58cm test model. Why? It puts you into a more upright riding position with less strain on your lower back and neck. You could achieve a similar position by adding a bunch of headset spacers on an H1 bike, but if you want your bars at that height, you're better off going for an H2 fit because the front end will be stiffer and the handling will be better.

The Bontrager Race VR-C alloy handlebar has a shallower drop than usual too: 124mm rather than the 145mm you get on Bontrager's Race Lite Classic, for example. That means it's that much easier to get down on the drops. A lot of people have a bar with a deep drop and rarely take their hands off the hoods.

The other reason for the comfort is that the 1.2 is inherently pretty smooth. Sure, there are plenty of bikes out there that will filter our more road vibration but this one does a decent enough job on that front. Swapping the 23mm tyres for 25s would add more comfort but this bike isn't crying out for them by any means.

The Bontrager Gel Cork bar tape provides good cushioning for your hands and the Bontrager Affinity 1 saddle has plenty of padding too. Truth be told, I found it a little too soft, verging on squidgy, but everyone has their own taste when it comes to saddles.

2 You get a neat, well-proven frame and fork

All three bikes in the 1 Series share the same 100 Series Alpha Aluminium frame. It's fairly busy looking with a squared off upper edge to the down tube that makes it resemble that of Trek's more costly Madone.

The top tube slopes towards the seat tube junction and tapers down as it does so, and slim seatstays provide compliance at the back.

You get mounts for a mudguard and a rack back there too. They'll be useful if you want to ride the bike year round and perhaps carry stuff to and from work on a daily commute.

You don't get the oversized bottom bracket or tapered head tube that are regular features designed to add stiffness to higher-end performance bikes, but this is a £650 bike and the frame is good for the money. The welds are pretty tidy throughout and the same can be said of the paint job.

The fork is Trek's own with carbon blades and an alloy steerer. Like the frame, it comes with eyelets for fitting mudguards that will save a lot of faffing.

It's worth noting that the Trek 1.2 is available in eight sizes from 47cm up to 62cm. That range will cover nearly everyone.

3 Shimano's Sora shifters and mechs are excellent for the money

Nine-speed Sora is Shimano's fifth tier road groupset (if you don't count the electronic variants) and it offers fantastic value for money.

Back in the olden days (before last year), you changed gear on Sora by pushing the brake lever to the side or by using a small thumb lever on the side of the shifter body, depending on the direction you wanted to shift.

Now, though, Sora levers are Dual Control, so instead of that thumb lever, there's a lever tucked behind the brake lever. It's the same design that Shimano use right up to top-level Dura-Ace and it's a big improvement, making it far easier to change gear from the drops.

Resting your hands on the hoods is comfortable and there's a little gear indicator on the top of each of the levers that you might find useful. I can't say I ever checked them – I just couldn't get into the habit – but they're there if you want to.

Whereas the gear cables run underneath the bar tape on Shimano's higher level groupsets, they head out from the side of the levers with Sora and loop around to the frame in the fresh air. That's certainly not a problem from a functional point of view, although visually it's a less tidy way of doing things. That's being picky, though. Sora shifting has taken a massive leap forward with this latest design. It works very much like the highest level offerings from Shimano, just adding a little weight. Even there, the difference isn't massive.

Trek don't give you a complete Sora groupset here, just the shifters and mechs. The chainset is FSA Vero, a square taper design that does its job just fine, and the brakes, as mentioned, are unbranded.

Most other big brand bikes at this price, such as the Giant Defy 3 (£649) and the Felt F95 (£649), have Shimano Sora components too. It's worth comparing the spec sheets to see exactly how they match up, but don't buy a bike solely on that basis.

4 Bontrager's wheels and other components are good, reliable kit

The wheels are made up from Bontrager's own alloy hubs, containing cup and cone (rather than cartridge) bearings, and Tubeless Ready http://www.bontrager.com/technology/why_tubeless_ready rims. That means you can run the wheels without inner tubes at some point in the future, although you'll need to upgrade to Tubeless Ready tyres first.

The tyres that come fitted as standard are Bontrager's T1s (700 x 23). They're some pretty hefty rubber, made for durability rather than all-out speed, but they're reasonably resistant to punctures and they hold the road well even in damp conditions.

I had no problems at all with the wheels during the month-long test period. They're not the lightest wheels ever, taking some coaxing up to speed, but they're still as round and as true as they were out of the box, and there's a lot to be said for trouble-free operation. Fast wheels aren't so fast when you're standing on the side of the road trying to remove a broken spoke.

Most of the rest of the kit is no-nonsense stuff from Bontrager too, the handlebar, stem and seatpost being reliable alloy options and the Affinity 1 saddle providing at least as much cushioning as most people will want.

And the compromises

There are no two ways about it, the 1.2's brakes are disappointing. Trek have put the Shimano Sora theme to one side here and specced nameless dual pivot callipers that lack bite. Don't get me wrong, they're consistent and they'll stop you, just not as quickly as you might like. You have to engage the brakes for a bit longer than normal or pull the levers a bit harder to get down to your desired speed.

You adjust to this within a ride or two and don't really think about it until you ride with people who have better brakes on their bikes, or jump back on to a bike with better brakes yourself. Then you're struck by the contrast.

Swapping the brake pads helps, but the bottom line is that these brakes are a compromise to make a price point and, for me, they're the weakest aspect of the entire bike.

Other compromises? There's nothing that really stands out. Trek offer a decent all-round package here.

The Trek 1.2 is a very good bike for the money. The frame and fork are sound, reliable options and the Sora shifters and mechs are better than anything previously available for this kind of cash. They're a great example of the benefits of trickle down technology.

Yes, if you pay a couple of hundred pounds more you'll get a lighter bike that leaps into life more eagerly when you up the intensity for a sprint or tough climb, but that's always the way. As it is, the Trek 1.2 is a very able road bike that'll reward your efforts with decent speed, and it's comfortable enough to ride all day long. The fact that it comes with mudguard and rack eyelets increases its versatility, so you can use it as a year-round workhorse if that's what you're after.

We'd have no hesitation recommending this bike for someone after their first proper road bike, or for anyone else looking for plenty of value.

Very good value, ideal for anyone looking for a first real road bike, with just the brakes as a low point

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Trek 1.2

Size tested: 58

About the bike

State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.

Frame 100 Series Alpha Aluminium

Fork Trek carbon road

Sizes 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62cm

Front hub Bontrager alloy

Rear hub Bontrager alloy

Rims Bontrager Tubeless Ready

Tyres Bontrager T1, 700x23c

Shifters Shimano Sora, 9 speed

Front derailleur Shimano Sora

Rear derailleur Shimano Sora

Crank FSA Vero, 50/39/30 (triple)

Cassette SRAM PG-950, 11-28, 9 speed

Pedals Nylon body w/alloy cage, toe-clip/strap

Chain KMC X9

Bontrager Affinity 1

Seatpost Bontrager Alloy, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm, 8mm offset

Handlebar Bontrager Race, VR-C, 31.8mm

Stem Bontrager Elite Blendr, w/computer & light mounts, 31.8mm, 7 degree

Headset 1-1/8" semi-cartridge bearings

Brakeset Alloy dual-pivot

Accessories

Bar tape Bontrager gel cork tape

Tell us what the bike is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Trek say: "1 Series aluminium road bikes feature the same aero shaping and race-ready detail as our top-end bikes. They're strong, light, and built to fly over the pavement," [Trek, being from the US, use "pavement" to mean the surface of a road rather than a path].

Frame and fork

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

It's a tried and tested frame built to a high quality. The same goes for the carbon leg/alloy steerer fork.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

The frame is made from aluminium: what Trek call 100 Series Alpha Aluminium.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

The 1.2 is built to Trek's H2 geometry that I've explained in the body of the review. Essentially, it's slightly more relaxed than a full-on aggressive race position, but it's still speed orientated.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

It's a little taller at the front end than a traditional low and stretched road bike.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

I found it comfortable both in terms of ride position and ride quality. It's certainly a long way from being a bone shaker.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

It's not mega-stiff but it's not too flexy either.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

I found the saddle a touch too squidgy for my taste, but I'd rather that than too firm.

In all of these marks, I'm comparing the bike to similarly priced alternatives.

The drivetrain

Wheels and tyres, your summary.

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes.

Would you consider buying the bike? It would certainly be on my shortlist if I was after a bike at about this price.

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? I'd recommend it should be on their shortlist too.

Anything further to say about the bike in conclusion?

Nearly all big brand bikes at this price have these features: aluminium frame, fork with carbon legs and alloy steerer, an incomplete Shimano Sora groupset (chainset and brakes being the most frequent omissions), in-house aluminium handlebar, stem and seatpost. If you simply compare spec lists, you'll see that the 1.2 comes out better than some and not quite as well as others.

However, we'd caution against making a decision based solely on a comparison of spec sheets. We've not reviewed all of the 1.2's chief rivals, but we can tell you that this bike will provide you with a very good all-round performance, the brakes being the only real low point.

Overall rating: 8 /10

About the tester

Age: 43   Height: 190cm   Weight: 75kg

I usually ride:    My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years   I ride: Most days   I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,

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Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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13 comments.

I'm riding this bike now for over 6 years. Inexpensive when bought for  €600. Needed maintenance about 2 years ago which was about €400 (new wheelset, cassette/chain/cabling etc). I've replaced the 700x23-tyres by 700x25-tyres a long time ago without changing anything else. Works like a charm.

Great value for the money but brakes could indeed be better. Meanwhile looking to add a new bike (and use this one solely on the Tacx) with disc-brakes.

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The current Trek 1 Series bikes have plenty of clearance for fixed mudguards, even with a 25mm tyre. The 2013 1.2 had little clearance, and this was because Trek used the 2 series frame for that particular year. I'm guessing evo_playa has one of these. Agree that SKS Raceblade Long guards are great. The lack of availability is due to a redesign - SKS are developing the new version to allow for bikes with disc brakes. I gather they won't be available until this autumn at the earliest. UK distributors sold out of the old versions months ago.

Seems like a comparable spec and set up to other value bikes. Agree that even low spec bikes are good and has recently made me question my prior choice of 105 or nothing. Anyone know if Claris is any good ? Always found the Trek styling a bit bland but this one looks ok. The latest B twin road bikes seem anazing value if your in the market for a new bike. www.tinpony.co.uk/shop

Tin Pony wrote: Seems like a comparable spec and set up to other value bikes. Agree that even low spec bikes are good and has recently made me question my prior choice of 105 or nothing. Anyone know if Claris is any good ? Always found the Trek styling a bit bland but this one looks ok. The latest B twin road bikes seem anazing value if your in the market for a new bike. www.tinpony.co.uk/shop

The 8 speed Sora front and rear Derailleurs on my Trek are long since worn out and were replaced with Claris just before the winter kicked in. It works really smooth with no problems - even on the old Sora shifters with thumb button.

I've had the 2011 1.1 with shimano 2300 (remember that?) for just over 4 years now, and it certainly scrubs up well. Even with just 2300 and a different wheelset I've raced on it for a couple of years to some success, it certainly doesn't feel like it holds me back, which is very impressive for such a cheap machine. In fact, I like it enough to complete the change to 5700 groupset in the spring.

I can't say I ever had a problem with the brake calipers, and I can't tell the difference between the alloy calipers and the Shimano long drop calipers having swapped them out- they are certainly good enough.

However, I'm not a fan of the H2 fit with the massive head tube- I hate long head tubes and was lucky to get mine before they were introduced.

Excellent winter trainer and commuter. My 2007 Trek 1.2 is still going strong - it's had a few minor changes but still has the Sora 8 speed with thumb button - oh and a pannier rack!

It's still a lovely bike to ride and recommended first road bike.

Not a racing bike. Sit up and beg.

WHY wouldn't they put sensible 25mm tyres on the bike?

Mike T. wrote: WHY wouldn't they put sensible 25mm tyres on the bike?

Quite. I can't really understand why they'd have clearances so tight, seems unecessary. It may be that 25mm tyres would work with some mudguards already mentioned, but probably not full guards that also help keep crud off the chainset especially in winter.

Word of warning though, if it is like my Trek 1.2 with the carbon fork you will be lucky to get a fixed mudguard that fits even though the bike has mudguard eyelets.

Clearance on the front is not good and i had to end up using Crud mudguards for the front wheel.

craigr wrote: Word of warning though, if it is like my Trek 1.2 with the carbon fork you will be lucky to get a fixed mudguard that fits even though the bike has mudguard eyelets. Clearance on the front is not good and i had to end up using Crud mudguards for the front wheel.

As ever, SKS Raceblade Longs. Sorted.

KiwiMike wrote: craigr wrote: Word of warning though, if it is like my Trek 1.2 with the carbon fork you will be lucky to get a fixed mudguard that fits even though the bike has mudguard eyelets. Clearance on the front is not good and i had to end up using Crud mudguards for the front wheel.

Tried quite a few including SKS chromeplastic ones.

edit: tracked them down, looks like instock here : http://www.tredz.co.uk/.SKS-Race-Blade-Long-Mudguard-Set_51833.htm

Fairly simple and inexpensive to swap out the substandard brake calipers.

I upgraded my Trek 1.1 to Shimano non series long drop brake calipers and the difference in braking was amazing.

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2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc Review

Trek has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality bikes for over 40 years. With their latest release, the Domane AL 4 Disc, they have once again raised the bar for road bikes.

In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc, examining its features, performance, and overall value.

Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, this bike has something to offer for everyone.

So, let’s get started and see what makes the 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc stand out from the competition.

If you’re in the market for a new road bike, the 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc might just be the perfect fit for you.

With its impressive features and sleek design, this bike is sure to turn heads on your next ride.

The 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc is a high-performance road bike that is designed for endurance riding and long-distance cycling.

This bike features a lightweight and durable aluminum frame with a carbon fork for enhanced stability and control.

The Domane AL 4 Disc also comes equipped with a Shimano Tiagra drivetrain that provides smooth and reliable shifting, as well as hydraulic disc brakes for powerful and consistent stopping power in any weather conditions.

– Lightweight and durable 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame with a carbon fork

– Shimano Tiagra 2×10-speed drivetrain featuring a 11-32t cassette and 50/34t chainrings for smooth and reliable shifting

– Hydraulic disc brakes for powerful and consistent stopping power

– Wide 700x32c Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite tires for added stability and comfort on rough roads

– Compatible with DuoTrap S for easy integration with your cycling computer

– Rack and fender mounts for added versatility

– Perfect for endurance riding, long-distance cycling, and commuting.

Frame and Fork

The 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc boasts an 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame with a carbon fork, making it both lightweight and durable.

The frame is designed with Trek’s Endurance Geometry, which provides a comfortable and stable ride, even on longer rides.

Brakes and Drivetrain

Equipped with Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc brakes, this bike offers reliable stopping power in all weather conditions.

The 2×10 Shimano Tiagra drivetrain provides a wide range of gears from its 11-32t cassette and 50/34t chainrings for tackling any terrain, and the compact crankset makes climbing hills a breeze.

Wheels and Tires

The Domane AL 4 Disc comes with tubeless ready Bontrager Affinity Disc wheels and 700x32c Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite tires, which provide a smooth and stable ride on both paved and unpaved roads.

Additional Features and Conclusion

This bike also comes with a number of additional features that make it stand out from the competition.

The bike also has hidden fender and rack mounts, making it easy to add fenders for rainy day rides or racks for commuting.

Overall, the 2023 Trek Domane AL 4 Disc is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable road bike.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, this bike is sure to impress.

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

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Trek Alpha 1.1 Review

November 18, 2022

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Alpha 1.1 was an entry-level road bike built from 2011 - 17.
• Trek Bicycle Corporation is headquartered in Waterloo, Wis.
• The Trek Alpha 1.1 was one of the best values for the money.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ One of the best entry-level bikes that Trek ever made was the Alpha 1.1. Even though Trek no longer produces this gem, the bike still has plenty to offer.

Made from 2011 - 2017, the Trek Alpha 1.1 sought to attract a new generation of riders to the love of cycling. The Alpha was the least expensive of the Trek lineup, which helped it achieve a reputation for being a great value. The bike was known for being lightweight, fast, and very durable.

Battling years of negative press, Trek Bicycle Corporation found itself in full-blown damage control in early 2010. Their alleged involvement in doping plagued them (which their team leader, Lance Armstrong, admitted to using a couple of years later), coupled with a very public lawsuit over the leadership of Lemond Cycles had left a sour taste in the hearts of the public. To counter its tarnished public image, Trek introduced an entry-level bicycle to try and attract new riders. Their mission was to produce a higher quality road racer without the expensive price tag. So, to accomplish this task, Trek applied its research data and design experience to the task and worked with its far eastern counterparts to produce a lightweight, durable bike that could go very fast.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ What’s So Special about the Trek Alpha 1.1?

The Trek Alpha is now only available used, mainly on eBay or with some bike dealers who have a good consignment program.

The Alpha 1.1 was a Quality Build.

Even though the 1.1 was designed at Waterloo, Wisc (where Trek headquarters are located), the bike was not assembled inside the US. While many Americans prefer items produced in the good old US of A, the fact that Trek continued to use its factories in China and elsewhere isn’t necessarily wrong.

For years, Trek had depended on these builders to consistently produce many high-end premium road racers. Using these same workers meant that the bikes would likely show a high degree of excellence, precisely what Trek needed to combat an increasingly agitated riding community.

The frame was made from aluminum tubing with an attractive glossy finish. Even though carbon fiber was becoming all the rage for high-end performance bicycles, aluminum was a much cheaper resource. The primary benefit of an aluminum frame is that it provides excellent strength qualities while at the same time costing less, meaning that the bicycle price can be contained. Trek used its extensive racing research to push the aluminum frame to the limit, keeping the weight down while still holding onto the structural rigidity needed for most riders.

The folks at Trek must have felt pretty good about the frame because they offered a lifetime warranty with every purchase, which was virtually unheard of at the time.

The Trek Alpha 1.1 utilized the traditional H2 top-tube sloping, which is supposed to be the optimal riding position (according to Trek’s research). The steep upright angle of the tube enhances the rider's overall comfort, making it easier for cyclists to stay on task and enjoy the ride. The designers knew that the more comfortable the ride, the longer a cyclist would stay on their bike, which is precisely what the company wanted. The design shows how committed Trek folks were to fashioning a bike to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Shimano Claris shifters and derailleurs provide the effective movement of gears when needed. Most bike reviews indicate the ride is soft, with no issues moving up and down hills through the gear ratios. While the eight gears might have been less than a professional racer would use, it is more than adequate for normal cycling. (The aluminum frame adds extra weight that might create issues for riders attacking inclines).

The wheels are Bontrager AT-750 double-walled alloy rims with 700c x 25 tires. The narrow tires lend themselves to increased speed and reliable handling when navigating corners.

Interestingly enough, the Bontrager is Trek’s primary tire supplier, and the tire is manufactured in Waterloo, Wisc. The Alpha 1.1 also has room for wider tires for additional grip on wet or muddy surfaces. There is also room for a rear rack or mudguards should their installation be necessary.

The shifter and rear brake cables are run alongside the downtube and provide effective braking and shifting. Most professional bikes run the cables inside the center tube to minimize wind drag and increase aerodynamics. However, the Alpha 1.1 seems content to run the brakes alongside the tubing rather than inside. (My preference is inside the tubing, as an integrated cable system, but this requires additional attention during the manufacturing process and increases the cost). Trek went with a parallel cable system to save dollars during the manufacturing process, and this is a win for the casual rider, who isn’t worried about shaving second off a stage time.

The seat is also a Bontrager Affinity which is soft enough to add comfort without discomfort on longer rides.

The Alpha 1.1 was the Least Expensive Bike Trek Made.

When it was introduced, the Alpha 1.1 was offered as the best value in bikes. Trek saw a need to create a market for new riders. By keeping the manufacturing costs to a minimum (including cheaper labor costs overseas), the company decided to pass those savings along to potential buyers.

The bike was priced well below the $500 mark, which made it easily affordable for most families. Now, the average American who felt the urge to channel their inner Lance Armstrong could have a bike similar to the Trek-Segafredo pro team used.

The Alpa 1.1 Performed Very Well

It didn’t take long for the researcher of the Alpha to discover that those who purchased the bike and rode it loved it. The reviews recognize that the short wheelbase made for a bike that was quick enough to chew up the pavement, handle well while cornering, and stay in control on the wet or less-than-perfect pavement.

The earliest renditions of the Alpha 1.1 had an aluminum fork and frame that tended not to dampen the bumps and jolts of imperfect road surfaces. While carbon forks and frames do a better job smoothing out the pavement, this complaint was not enough to make riders consider other models or take the Alpha off their list. However, the later model year Alpha (2017) shows a Trek carbon fork, which helped with some of the complaints about the ride. (Again, my preference here is to have an adjustable fork that allows the rider to quickly switch to suspension settings to handle rougher terrain, but this was something the folks at Trek were unwilling to do on their early road racers).

There have been some complaints as to the weight of the bike, but these were primarily complaints by riders who were used to riding a carbon-fiber frame. For these riders, the bike’s ride might seem chunky, particularly on steep inclines, where the additional weight can quickly come into play. Even though the bike may be harder to move uphill than other competing road bikes, the ride is just about what you might expect for its price point.

Why Did Trek Stop Making the Alpha 1.1?

For several years, the Trek Alpha 1.1 was a trendy bike for the company. Still, unfortunately, after the initial excitement for the bike wore off, Trek realized that buyers were flocking to other competitors producing better bikes. The emergence of smaller bike companies pushed Trek to drop Alpha 1.1 in favor of other lines, such as the FX series or the Emonda lineup.

At about the same time, Trek and Segafredo partnered to sponsor an International Racing Team. In 2022, the team has over 31 riders on the men’s side and 14 riders on the women's. The teams dominate the racing circuit and are almost always on the leaderboards.

Where Can I Purchase an Alpha 1.1?

Even though Trek still carries an image of the 1.1 on its website, the bike is not available to be shipped from the company. The only way to secure an Alpha 1.1 is through eBay, or another online site selling used bikes.

• A very reasonably priced entry-level bike
• The bike is well-made, with a lot of research behind it
• The company has an incredible resume in road racing
• Aluminum frame holds up well
• Perfect looking bike.
• No longer being made
• Trek losing ground to other competitors
• Click on Ebay to find out the latest price.

What kind of Bikes is Trek Making Now?

Even though Trek no longer produces the Alpha 1.1, the company still has a wide selection of bicycles for every discipline. The company makes a Marlin series, an excellent beginner bike for mountain and trail riding. Trek suggests the Edmonda series or the FX-1 for an entry-level bike for road riding. Trek also has a large selection of electric bikes. The FX+ is priced at around $2500, while the Domaine+ SLR retails for around $8500. which are not cheap but are great rides nonetheless. Here are some of our recommendations for the best bikes for entry-level riders in the Trek lineup.

• Entry Level Road/City Bike - FX 1
• Mountain Bike - Marlin 7
• Electric Bike - FX+
• Boy’s Bike - Roscoe 20
• Girl’s Bike - Wahoo 24

For more information on Trek bicycles, see the manufacturer’s website.

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About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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About PedalChef

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Moscow concert attack: More than 60 reported dead; ISIS claims responsibility

This live blog has ended. For the most recent updates, please click here .

What we know about the Moscow concert attack

• Men in camouflage broke into a Moscow concert hall and opened fire, shooting an unknown number of people, Russia’s prosecutor general said.
• The terror group ISIS has claimed responsibility but did not provide proof of the claim, which was made on ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram.
• Russia's Investigative Committee said that more than 60 people are dead after the attack at Crocus City Hall. Officials have said more than 100 others were injured.
• A fire also started inside Crocus City Hall, a large concert venue northwest of central Moscow. Firefighters have evacuated about 100 people from the basement of the building and efforts are underway to rescue people from the roof, Russian emergency officials said.
• Russia officials said they were investigating the attack as a terrorist act.
• A popular rock band was scheduled to play what appeared to be a sold-out show at the venue, which has a maximum capacity of more than 9,000 people.

Three children among those killed, state media reports

Chantal Da Silva

Three children were among the more than 60 people killed in yesterday's attack at Crocus City Hall, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported, citing the Russian Ministry of Health.

Officials have warned that the death toll connected to the deadly incident may increase as the investigation continues.

Xi sends condolences to Putin

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday after a deadly shooting at a concert hall near Moscow, saying China opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns terrorist attacks.

China firmly supports the Russian government’s efforts to maintain national security and stability, Xi said, according to CCTV state television. 

Moscow bloodshed comes two decades after some of worst attacks in Russia

Phil Helsel

The shooting attacks in Moscow are the latest in a series of deadly terror attacks in the country since the 2000s.

In 2004, militants from Chechnya and elsewhere took hostages at a school in Beslan in southern Russia.

The militants demanded a withdrawal from Chechnya. Hostages were kept in a gymnasium, and 334 died — half of them children — when gunfire and explosions erupted when it was stormed. Hostages’ families were critical of the rescue operation. Russian prosecutors later cleared authorities .

Two years prior, in 2002, Chechen separatists attacked the Dubrovka Theater in Moscow and took more than 700 people hostage. Russian forces used gas, and 129 hostages died. The attackers were killed.

More recently, in 2017 a suicide bomber from Kyrgyzstan killed 15 people as well as himself in an attack on a St. Petersburg subway. In 2013, two bombers killed a combined 34 people in attacks on a railway station and a trolleybus in Volgograd.

The group Islamic State, also known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the attacks Friday at the Crocus City Hall venue.

Putin wishes victims well, deputy prime minister says

President Vladimir Putin is thinking of those injured in today’s attack and thanked doctors, a Russian government official said according to state media.

State media TASS reported that “Putin wished all those injured in the emergency at Crocus City Hall to recover and conveyed his gratitude to the doctors, Golikova said,” referring to Tatiana Golikova deputy prime minister for social policy, labor, health and pension provision.

More than 60 dead, and death toll could grow, Russian agency says

Russia’s Investigative Committee said Saturday that more than 60 people have died in the attack, and warned the number may increase.

“The bodies of the dead are being examined. It has been previously established that more than 60 people died as a result of the terrorist attack. Unfortunately, the number of victims may increase,” according to the Investigative Committee, which is a federal state agency.

Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs and the security agency FSB are continuing to investigate, the committee said in a statement, and weapons and ammunition have been found.

U.S. warned Russia about planned terrorist attack in Moscow, NSC says

Monica Alba

The United States shared information about a potential terrorist attack in Moscow with Russia’s government earlier this month, a spokesperson for the National Security Council said.

The U.S. Embassy in Russia on March 7 warned U.S. citizens to avoid crowds and said it was monitoring reports that extremists might attack large gatherings in Moscow.

“Earlier this month, the U.S. Government had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow — potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts — which prompted the State Department to issue a public advisory to Americans in Russia,” NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

“The U.S. Government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding ‘duty to warn’ policy,” Watson said.

Putin recently dismissed ‘provocative’ warning about potential attacks

In remarks that aired three days ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of “provocative statements” about potential terror attacks in Russia, and dismissed them.

“I’ll remind you of recent, let’s say directly, provocative statements of certain official Western structures about potential terror attacks in Russia,” Putin said.

“All of this looks like obvious blackmail and an attempt to intimidate, destabilize our country,” he said before the state security agency FSB.

Putin in those remarks did not specify a country or warning. The U.S. embassy in Russia on March 7 warned U.S. citizens to avoid crowds .

“The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours,” the U.S. embassy warned.

Guards at concert hall didn't have guns, state news says

The Associated Press

Guards at the concert hall didn’t have guns, and some could have been killed at the start of the attack, Russian media reported.

Some Russian news outlets suggested the assailants fled before special forces and riot police arrived.

Reports said police patrols were looking for several vehicles the attackers could have used to escape.

U.S. had been gathering intelligence that ISIS could attack Russia

Ken Dilanian

The U.S. had been gathering intelligence for months that ISIS could mount a mass casualty attack in Russia, two U.S. officials confirmed to NBC News.

That information led to a March 7 warning issued by the U.S. embassy in Russia about possible extremist attacks, including at concerts, urging people to stay away from large gatherings, one of the officials said.

That official said the claim of responsibility today by ISIS appears to be genuine, though no final assessment had been made about who was responsible.

Some Moscow concertgoers filmed events as they unfolded Friday night, when gunmen opened fire inside a theater and people ran to take cover in fear for their lives.

Witness says gunfire was first thought to be construction noise

A witness to today’s armed attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall told a state news agency that they first mistook the gunfire for sounds of an installation being dismantled.

“First, we started hearing typical loud pops, but it was impossible to understand that they were gunshots. We thought that something was falling, as exhibitions were being dismantled at that moment, and someone seemed to be dropping something large,” Mikhail Semyonov told TASS .

“Then, the bangs were getting more and more frequent. Suddenly, there was a scream, and the bangs started to be heard as bursts. Then it became clear that it was shooting,” he said.

ISIS claims responsibility for attack but does not provide proof

The terror group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow.

The group, also known as ISIS, did not provide any proof of its claim, which came from ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram.

The group’s members have carried out a number of terror attacks, including the 2015 attacks in Paris that killed 130 people.

Children among the victims, Russia's children commissioner says

Yuliya Talmazan

Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, said children were among the victims of tonight's attack.

"Information about their condition is regularly updated," Lvova-Belova said on Telegram. "Any additional assistance will be provided immediately."

She later told Russia 24 TV channel that at least two children had been injured, including one boy with a gunshot wound.

Earlier, Russian officials released a preliminary casualty toll of at least 40 people dead and more than 100 injured.

France, U.K., Germany condemn attack

Officials from France, the U.K. and Germany were among those who expressed their condolences to the victims of the attack at the Crocus concert hall.

"The images of the terrible attack on innocent people in Crocus City Hall near #Moscow are horrific," Germany's Foreign Office said on X . "The background must be investigated quickly. Our deepest condolences with the families of the victims."

"We condemn the terrorist attack in the Crocus City Hall near Moscow," the U.K.'s embassy in Russia said . "This is a terrible tragedy."

Meanwhile, France's foreign ministry called for "full light" to be shed on "these heinous acts."

Public events across Russia called off after attack

Several regional leaders across Russia, including in the annexed Kherson region of Ukraine, have canceled public events this weekend over security considerations after the deadly concert attack in Moscow.

Shortly after the attack, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin canceled all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend. State news agency TASS also quoted Russia's cultural ministry as saying that mass and entertainment events in federal cultural institutions have been canceled in the coming days.

Zelenskyy adviser speaks out about attack

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s adviser denied that Ukraine was involved in the deadly Crocus concert hall attack.

“Ukraine certainly has nothing to do with the shooting/explosions in the Crocus City Hall (Moscow Region, Russia),” Mykhailo Podolyak wrote on X. “It makes no sense whatsoever.”

No evidence has emerged to suggest Ukraine may have been involved, but Ukrainian officials may be trying to pre-empt accusations, as some Kremlin hawks have already started pointing at Kyiv. 

Asked whether the shooting was at all tied to the war in Ukraine, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: “There is no indication at this time that Ukraine, or Ukrainians, were involved in the shooting, but again, this just broke. We’re taking a look at it, but I would disabuse you at this early hour have any connection to Ukraine.”

Videos posted to social media appear to show chaos inside Moscow's Crocus City Hall during and after a terrorist attack.

Some videos include what sound like gunshots and show men with rifles, as concertgoers frantically try to exit the venue.

State Department issues warning to Americans in Moscow

Jason Abbruzzese

The State Department said that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is aware of the terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall and that U.S. citizens should avoid the area and follow the instructions of local authorities.

"The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for U.S. embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates in Russia," the State Department said in a message posted to its website .

'What a nightmare in Crocus,' Widow of opposition leader Alexei Navalny condolences about concert attack

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who died in prison last month, expressed her condolences about the attack Friday.

"What a nightmare in Crocus," Navalnaya wrote on X. "Condolences to the families of the victims and quick recovery to the injured. Everyone involved in this crime must be found and held accountable."

320 firefighters, 3 helicopters working to put out fire

Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations said the number of rescue crews responding to the attack is growing and now includes more than 320 firefighters, 130 emergency vehicles and three helicopters dumping water on the burning concert venue.

Moscow regional governor says 40 dead, more than 100 injured

Moscow Regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov said on Telegram that at least 40 people are dead and more than 100 injured in the terrorist attack, confirming figures previously reported by Russian state news.

Putin informed about concert venue attack 'in the first minutes,' Kremlin spokesperson says

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin was informed about the shooting at the Crocus concert hall "in the first minutes" of the attack, Russian state news agency RIA reported.

The president is receiving information about what is happening and the measures being taken through all relevant services and is giving necessary instructions, Peskov said according to RIA.

Russian journalist was inside concert venue when gunmen entered

Russian news agency RIA Novosti said on Telegram that one of its reporters was inside the venue when gunmen entered and began shooting concertgoers.

The journalist said that at least three unmasked gunmen in camouflage entered the hall a few minutes before 8 p.m. Moscow time. They shot people point-blank and threw incendiary bombs, according to the journalist.

Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson calls incident 'bloody terrorist attack'

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's foreign ministry, called the Friday night incident at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow a "bloody terrorist attack" as she called for "strong condemnation" from the international community.

"Now, as the Russian authorities have stated, all efforts are being devoted to saving people," Zakharova said. "The entire world community is obliged to condemn this monstrous crime!"

U.S. national security spokesperson says embassy has told Americans to avoid large gatherings in Moscow

Kyla Guilfoil

National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby addressed the attack in Moscow at a White House press briefing Friday afternoon, calling it a “terrible, terrible shooting attack.”

“The images are just horrible and just hard to watch and our thoughts obviously are going to be with the the victims,” Kirby said.

Kirby added that the U.S. embassy has notified all Americans in Moscow to avoid large gatherings, concerts, shopping malls, etc., and “stay put where they are” for their safety.

Russian media says 40 dead, more than 100 injured at concert attack

TASS, Russia's state-owned news agency, and RIA Novosti are reporting that Russia's FSB security agency has put the preliminary casualty count at 40 dead and more than 100 injured by a terrorist attack on a Moscow-area concert venue.

NBC News has not confirmed those casualty numbers.

Roof of concert venue at risk of collapse, Russian media says

Russian news agency RIA Novosti said on Telegram that the roof of the building near the concert venue's stage has begun to collapse.

Video posted to Telegram by RIA Novosti showed fire continue to blaze inside the venue.

Moscow area governor says more than 70 ambluances at scene of attack

Andrei Vorobyov, Moscow's regional governor, said on Telegram that more than 70 ambulances have been dispatched to the scene of concert venue attack.

“Everything is being done at the scene to save people," he wrote in the Telegram message. "The Special Rapid Response Unit (SOBR) has been deployed. There are over 70 ambulance carriages near Crocus, doctors provide the necessary assistance to all victims."

Nigel Chiwaya

Russia’s prosecutor general office says number of victims still being determined

Russia's prosecutor general said on Telegram that officials are working to determine how many people have been killed or hurt in the concert attack.

“On behalf of Igor Krasnov, the prosecutor of the Moscow region has gone to the scene of the incident at Crocus City Hall to coordinate the actions of law enforcement agencies," the prosecutor general's Telegram account posted. "Tonight, before the start of the event in the concert hall in Krasnogorsk, unknown men in camouflage clothes broke into the building and started shooting."

"The number of victims is being determined, a fire started in the entertainment center building, and citizens are being evacuated."

Moscow's mayor cancels weekend events

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram that he was canceling all public events in Moscow this weekend.

"I have taken the decision to cancel all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend," he said. "I ask of you to treat this measure with understanding."

Popular rock band was to play sold-out venue that can hold 9,500

Tim Stelloh

A popular rock band was scheduled to play what appeared to be a sold-out show at the Moscow concert hall where there were reports of gunmen in combat fatigues opening fire.

Picnic, formed in 1978, was to play at Crocus City Hall, west of central Moscow.

The multilevel facility in Krasnogorsk has a maximum capacity of 9,527 people. Booking sites show the event was sold out.

Russia's aviation agency says additional security added to Moscow airports

The Russian aviation agency Rosaviatsiya said that additional security measures are being introduced in Moscow airports

"Due to increased security measures, we ask passengers to arrive at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports in advance," the agency said on the Telegram messaging app.

Moscow's emergency ministry says it is working to extinguish fire

Moscow’s emegency ministry said it was working to extinguish a fire that began at the music venue.

The ministry said about 100 people were evacuated from the building, and it was working to rescue people from the roof.

Russian media says state security taking action

Russia's news outlet RIA Novosti said that the country's security agency, the FSB, is taking measures to respond to the shooting at a concert hall near Moscow.

Videos posted by Russian media show men with rifles moving through area

Extended rounds of gunfire could be heard on multiple videos posted by Russian media and Telegram channels. One showed two men with rifles moving through a concert hall. Another one showed a man inside the auditorium, saying the assailants set it on fire, with incessant gunshots ringing out in the background.

Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of the Moscow region, said he was heading to the area and set up a task force to deal with the damage. He didn’t immediately offer any further details.

Russian media reports said that riot police units were being sent to the area as people were being evacuated.

Russian news outlets report gunman opened fire at Moscow concert hall

Several gunmen in combat fatigues burst into a big concert hall in Moscow on Friday and fired automatic weapons at the crowd, injuring an unspecified number of people, Russian media said.

Russian news reports said that the assailants also used explosives, causing a massive blaze at the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow. Video posted on social media showed huge plumes of black smoke rising over the building.

Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency reported that at least three people in combat fatigues fired weapons. The state Tass news agency also reported the shooting.

U.S. warned of imminent Moscow attack by ‘extremists,’ urges citizens to avoid crowds

Patrick Smith

U.S. citizens in  Moscow  had been warned to avoid large gatherings earlier this month because of heightened fears of a terrorist attack.

The U.S. Embassy in the Russian capital said it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours.”

U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, monitor local media for updates and “be aware of your surroundings,” it said in a brief  online update .

Read the full story here.

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

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Aluminium frames and components have been commonplace throughout the cycling industry for much of its history, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t extraordinary opportunities for advancement and perfection. With Alpha Aluminium, Trek has applied the most sophisticated concepts of metallurgy and stretched them to the absolute maximum – building frames that are strong, light and provide a ride quality that rivals that of many of their carbon counterparts.

A lighter, more compliant ride

Over the years, aluminium frames have earned a reputation as being overly stiff and providing poor ride quality compared to their carbon brethren. The engineers at Trek have made it their mission to challenge this assumption, using methods that allow the material to retain its best characteristics – its lightness and strength – while simultaneously improving ride quality. Many cyclists enjoy the responsiveness that comes with stiffer aluminium frames. Unfortunately, what starts out as a snappy, fun ride can quickly become uncomfortable and fatiguing on long or rough outings, making aluminium a poor choice for endurance and adventure-minded riders. Alpha Aluminium was developed to build more compliant frames that retain the acceleration and affordability that have always made aluminium popular. By taking a comprehensive approach to frame design and construction, Trek is able to fine-tune frames to be stiff where necessary and compliant where possible. The result is a more enjoyable ride that expands the opportunities for you to comfortably enjoy your aluminium frame. With Alpha Aluminium you won’t have to think twice about hitting the gravel or signing up for a multiple-day tour. More than ever, an aluminium bike is the only bike you’ll need for recreation, touring, training and competition.

From blueprint to reality

Metallic materials can’t be moulded like composites. Creating the unique shapes that make for great ride characteristics requires forming, or an actual manipulation of the tube material to take on a desired shape. Holding a sincere belief that materials as difficult to work with as aluminium can in fact be manipulated into something exceptional, Trek has created unique Alpha Aluminium frame designs that are so much more than tubes of aluminium welded together. We go a step further in our willingness to experiment, and the difference is noticeable in performance, comfort and aesthetics. By stretching aluminium alloy to its absolute capacity, Trek engineers are able to achieve a two-fold benefit: reduced weight and reduced stiffness in key areas that produce a harsh ride quality.

What is hydroforming?

Proven effective in the world of high-end performance cars, hydroforming is the process of injecting fluid into a cylindrical frame tube to manipulate it into a more beneficial shape. Hydroforming allows Trek engineers to bring complex aluminium frame designs, especially those with advanced aerodynamic properties, from the drawing board to the production line. Ask any engineer, and they’ll tell you that the quintessential engineering shape is a circle. Alloy frame tubes begin as cylinders because this shape allows for an equal load distribution and stiffness that is uniform throughout the tube. Because circular shapes lack in aerodynamic properties, however, Trek employs hydroforming to manipulate the aluminium alloy tubes into performance shapes that retain strength while also adding to the frame’s aerodynamic properties and ride quality.

Seamless transitions

Trek’s advanced Alpha Aluminium frames feature Invisible Weld Technology, a revolutionary welding process that decreases weight and increases structural integrity, while also delivering finely tuned welds that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are strong. Let’s be honest: Looks matter. A premium road bike requires clean, esteemed aesthetics that are not blemished by sloppy, highly visible weld material at every joint. Invisible Weld Technology produces welds that are just that – invisible. By forming pressurised tube shapes that fit together perfectly, Trek’s engineers make it easier not only to weld tubes into frames, but dramatically reduce the amount of weld material required to do so. Less weld material allows for larger continuous surface areas on the frame, which increases strength and durability. Using less weld material also allows production engineers to control every gram of material that goes into the bike, which results in frames that are lighter than many carbon fibre alternatives. Trek’s lightweight, ultra-strong Alpha Aluminium frames with Invisible Weld Technology disrupt the notion that an aluminium bike can’t compete in ride quality or weight with a carbon bike.

A new era for aluminium

The amazing innovations of Alpha Aluminium have produced bikes that stand up against the highest performing road machines made of composite materials. Trek’s engineers have shown this material may never be obsolete, but that a willingness to experiment can lead to amazing results. Feel the difference of our most advanced aluminium ever today.

• Series Lists Index

Big City Adventure Series, Listed in Order

• June 6, 2015 December 17, 2023

The complete Big City Adventure game series. Listed in order of release. With HO games from Jolly Bear Games.

Available from Amazon including download versions for PC.

For more classic hidden object games, see my list of posts below.

February 2017 Update : Big City Adventure 13 now out. See below for details.

Big City Adventure Game Series Order

From: Jolly Bear Games. Genres: Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle.

Big City Adventure game series: 1. San Francisco | 2. Sydney, Australia | 3. New York City | 4. Vancouver | 5. London Classic | 6. London Story | 7. Paris | 8. Tokyo | 9. Rio de Janeiro | 10. Istanbul | 11. Barcelona | 12. Shanghai | 13. Rome | 14. Moscow

1. Big City Adventure: San Francisco

Released: September 2007.

Description: Join the Big City Adventure treasure hunt and search for thousands of cleverly hidden items.

Travel to all the most famous (and not so famous) locations around the cosmopolitan city of San Francisco.

For more game details, see my post: Big City Adventure 1: San Francisco for PC on Amazon .

Available from Amazon on: PC DVD (US) or PC DVD (UK) .

2. Big City Adventure: Sydney, Australia

Released: March 2008.

Description: Head down under to join the next Big City Adventure! Search for thousands of cleverly hidden items around the amazing city of Sydney.

Discover 75 fascinating and obscure facts about Sydney and its history, plus, earn 75 cool mementos from the 26 amazing locations you’ll visit.

With 74 rounds of exciting mini-games and 76 rounds of treasure hunting…

For more game details, see my post: Big City Adventure 2: Sydney, Australia for PC on Amazon .

Play Big City Adventure: Sydney, Australia Available available from Amazon on: PC DVD (US) .

3. Big City Adventure: New York City

Released: November 2009.

Description: Explore magnificent New York City on your next Big City Adventure!

The Big Apple has become home to thousands of hidden items and minigames.

Discover fascinating and obscure facts about NYC and its history.

For more game details, see my post: Big City Adventure 3: New York City for PC on Amazon .

Play Big City Adventure: New York City Available from Amazon – Big City Adventure Collection 3 and 4 on: PC DVD (US) or PC DVD (UK) . Includes BCA: New York and Vancouver.

4. Big City Adventure: Vancouver

Released: February 2010.

Description: It’s time to head north on your next Big City Adventure!

Search for thousands of cleverly hidden items around stunningly beautiful Vancouver, Canada.

Discover fascinating and obscure facts about Vancouver and its history.

Experience awesome Hidden Object scenes in Vancity!

For more game details, see my post: Big City Adventure 4: Vancouver PC Game Bundle on Amazon .

Play Big City Adventure: Vancouver Available from Amazon – Big City Adventure Collection 3 and 4 on: PC DVD (US) or PC DVD (UK) . Includes BCA: New York and Vancouver.

5. Big City Adventure: London Classic

Released: March 2012.

Description: Search for thousands of cleverly hidden items around the historic sites of jolly old London in Big City Adventure: London Classic!

Collect postcards containing fascinating and obscure facts about London and its history.

Earn cool mementos from the amazing scenes you’ll visit in this fun Hidden Object game.

Play unique minigames and explore a beautiful city in Big City Adventure: London Classic!

For more game details, see my post: Big City Adventure 5: London Classic for PC Download on Amazon .

Play Big City Adventure: London Classic Available from Amazon: PC Download (US) or PC Download (UK) .

6. Big City Adventure: London Story

Description: Fitzpatrick McGovern is long gone, but his mysterious lost legacy is still out there! Find it in Big City Adventure: London Story!

Follow the tantalizing trail of clues he left behind and visit some of the best known locations around London in this incredible Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game.

Meet an eccentric cast of characters that can help you in your quest, but only if you can help them first. Track down the legacy in Big City Adventure: London Story!

For more game details, see my post: Big City Adventure 6: London Story for PC Download on Amazon .

Play Big City Adventure: London Story Available from Amazon: PC Download (UK) .

7. Big City Adventure: Paris

Released: January 2013.

Description: Explore Paris in the classic Big City Adventure way.

Search for thousands of cleverly hidden items around the historic sites.

Play a bunch of fun mini-games along the way.

For more game details, see my post: Big City Adventure 7: Paris for PC Download on Amazon .

Play Big City Adventure: Paris Available from Amazon: PC Download (US) or PC DVD (UK) .

8. Big City Adventure: Tokyo

Released: July 2013.

Description: Explore mighty Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolis!

An amazing mix of the ancient and ultra-modern will delight your senses.

For more game details, see my post: Big City Adventure 8: Tokyo for PC Download on Amazon .

Play Big City Adventure: Tokyo Available from Amazon: PC Download (US) or PC Download (UK) .

9. Big City Adventure: Rio de Janeiro

Released: June 2014.

Description: Samba your way to the tropical paradise of Rio de Janeiro!

Relax on sun-soaked beaches, trek through lush tropical rainforests.

And party ’til dawn during colorful Carnival.

For more game details, see my post: Big City Adventure 9: Rio de Janeiro for PC Download on Amazon .

Play Big City Adventure: Rio de Janeiro Available from Amazon: PC Download (US) or PC Download (UK) .

10. Big City Adventure: Istanbul

Released: October 2014.

Description: Straddling Asia and Europe, the ancient and powerful city of Istanbul awaits you.

Man the battlements or storm the castle, Istanbul has you covered.

For more game details, see my post: Big City Adventure 10: Istanbul for PC Download on Amazon .

Play Big City Adventure: Istanbul Available from Amazon: PC Download (US) or PC Download (UK) .

11. Big City Adventure: Barcelona

Released: May 2015.

Description: Nestled between the mountains and sun-soaked beaches, the vibrant and stylish city of Barcelona awaits you.

Take in its many architectural marvels, surround yourself with art or just laze around on the beach.

Barcelona has it all!

For more game details, see my post: Big City Adventure 11: Barcelona for PC Download on Amazon .

Play Big City Adventure: Barcelona Available from Amazon: PC Download (US) or PC Download (UK) .

12. Big City Adventure: Shanghai

Released: November 2015.

Description: A fascinating mix of East and West!

Shanghai has the perfect blend of modern, traditional, western and oriental influences.

Discover this renowned international metropolis on your next Big City Adventure.

For more game details, see my post: Big City Adventure 12: Shanghai for PC Download on Amazon .

Play Big City Adventure: Shanghai Available from Amazon: PC Download (US) .

13. Big City Adventure: Rome

Released: February 2017.

Description: The latest chapter in the hit hidden object series is finally here, and all roads lead to Rome! With thousands of years of art, history, and culture to experience, Rome is the perfect place to explore. Take in its many ancient wonders and marvel at a myriad of priceless artifacts. Rome is sure to satisfy even the most seasoned travelers. Search for thousands of cleverly hidden items around historic sites, plus play a bunch of fun mini-games along the way.

For more details of this game. See my review: Big City Adventure 13: Rome – Review .

Download Big City Adventure 13: Rome for PC from US Amazon.

14. Big City Adventure: Moscow

Release date: TBA.

Though BCA: Moscow has been in the pipeline for a while now. And had been hinted at the end of the last game, BCA: Rome. Jolly Bear have not yet announced an actual release date for the Moscow game for download. However you can play an episodic version online at Pogo.com.

More Just Hidden Object Games – No Story!

For more games like Big City Adventure, which focuses mainly on just hidden object game play. And less on the adventure story elements. You might like: Clutter Games from Puzzles By Joe . Mortimer Beckett Games from Paprikari . Samantha Swift Games from MumboJumbo . PopCap’s Mystery P.I. Games List . Agatha Christie Hidden Object Games List for PC . Escape Game Series from SpinTop and PopCap . Amazing Adventures from SpinTop and PopCap for PC, Mac, DS . Vacation Adventures – Park Ranger and Cruise Director Games . Mystery Case Files Games 1 to 5 and 17 .

See also my latest Hidden Object Games News . For PC, Mac, tablet and phone. Including series lists, new releases and reviews.

Don’t forget, you can Subscribe or Follow and get updates of my latest posts. Or get the latest post alerts by following on Twitter .

3 thoughts on “Big City Adventure Series, Listed in Order”

PLEASE PLEASE MORE BIG CITY ADVENTURES PLEASE PLEASE !!!!

Are you going to make more? I use to play them on pogo but they got rid of them. At the time they had Miami, and several more. I love these and started playing on Iwin and got rid of pogo because they got rid of Big City Adventure! I guess I am a junkie for Big City lol. Please make more🙏

I love your game big city adventure! Please make more like on pogo Miami Vienna several more

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