Bright and Bold: The Fashionable Cyclists of Minsk

Have you ever strolled near bike paths and noticed how cyclists dress? They’re often clad in bright, form-fitting attire, exuding positivity. But have you ever wondered why they stand out so much in a place where blending in is the norm? Journalist Julia Volchek took a walk where the city’s active folks hang out, got drawn to the vibrant colors, and asked why they choose to stand out. Along the way, she got immersed in their stories about their relationship with cycling gear, the bicycle itself, and the cycling culture. Let’s dive in and get inspired too.

Andrey, 37, Pathologist: “Cycling is a fascinating mode of transport: it all depends on you”

Every day, Andrey cycles to work and back, covering almost the entire Minsk via bike paths: from Loshitsky Park to Lebyazhy. Andrey owns a road bike, which allows him to reach high speeds. Once on the bike path, he can’t resist challenging himself to a race.

“Being bright is a necessity”: What clothing does Andrey choose?

Andrey’s cycling attire includes cycling shoes with cleats for clipless pedals, cycling shorts or bib tights with a chamois, and a cycling jersey or t-shirt with long sleeves. Pockets at the back are a must, as are gloves for comfort. He usually wears a helmet and a stylish cap he bought on AliExpress.

Andrey’s shoes are yellow to maintain some color balance. Plus, yellow is a cool color. The yellow jersey is the leader’s jersey. Andrey simply likes the color yellow, without any frills.

Being bright is a necessity because a cyclist must be visible. If you’re cycling on roads, the brighter you are, the more visible you are from afar. So, it wouldn’t hurt to have a red light on in the dark. And a front light. And to be covered in reflectors. Because any bright color that increases the chances of being seen can save you from an unpleasant situation.

Secondly, some people like bright colors because black can get very hot in the sun. Andrey chose a white jersey to avoid the sun burning him.

“I don’t understand how people can cycle in jeans because it’s tough”

When you ride a bike for half an hour or an hour, it doesn’t matter what you wear. But when you have a road bike like Andrey’s, the saddle is very hard, and if you sit on it in regular clothes for an hour or even half an hour… First, the clothes restrict you. Like jeans. Andrey doesn’t understand how people can cycle in jeans because it’s tough. Again, if it’s ten, twenty, thirty minutes, it’s fine. But if it’s an hour or more… Well, maybe some people like it, some people don’t care, but Andrey personally finds it uncomfortable.

Secondly, you need a chamois because it’s a pad made of different materials. The thing about it is that it’s worn on bare skin.

Also, a practical point. Underwear is usually made of woven fabric, whether it’s cotton or synthetic, there are small threads, fibers, and when you sit in the saddle, the contact is tight, and this fabric can chafe your skin, causing severe abrasions.

Andrey’s first cycling clothes were regular. Then he started looking for real cycling gear. He bought something on Wildberries and a couple of jerseys from a second-hand store because cycling clothes are very expensive. In second-hand stores, you can find quality items: slightly worn but still good and beautiful. Then you realize it’s better to buy something more expensive once, but it will last you a long time. For example, Andrey’s shoes: he paid 400 rubles for them three years ago, and they’re still great. They’re quality, good, and comfortable.

When Andrey first bought this gear, he put it on and went for a ride. He doesn’t remember any embarrassing moments. He had already read a lot about it and mentally understood that it was normal sportswear.

Of course, among the accessories, you need glasses. Because, firstly, when you ride slowly, there’s a light breeze, and it’s quite comfortable without glasses on a cruiser bike. But when you’re already riding such a bike, the speed is 25 km/h and above, the wind blows in your face, and it’s uncomfortable without glasses. If you ride for an hour without glasses, Andrey thinks you can get conjunctivitis. It’s one thing when it’s summer and warm. Andrey, for example, can ride in the late autumn or early spring in the morning at five, six, seven degrees, and without glasses, it would be fatal for the eyes.