PHOTO: Nicholas II riding his American-made bicycle, purchased in July 1895, from the Pobeda Trading Company in St. Petersburg

One of the many physical pastimes of Russia’s last Tsar was cycling, an exercise which he enjoyed with all of his children. Even his son Alexei partook in this activity, on a specially made three wheel bicycle.

In the late 19th century members of the Russian Imperial Family showed great interest in two-wheeled vehicles and bicycles, including Russia’s last Tsar, who began to ride a bicycle while still a teenager. Vintage photographs show Nicholas II riding bicycles with his Danish and Greek relatives, and later on the grounds of the Alexander Palace at Tsarskoye Selo.

The first shop to offer bicycles in the Russian capital was the Pobeda Trading House, which was situated at 81 Morskaya Ulitsa (Street). In 1895, it received the status of a Supplier to the Imperial Court. It was here, in July 1895 that Nicholas II purchased for his own use a high-quality bicycle made by the American company Dayfon, at a cost of 253 rubles, a considerable sum at that time. The bicycle was equipped with a special seat, a lamp, a bell, and an air tube.

Surviving records of the Pobeda Trading House include invoices signed and paid by Nicholas II, which include delivery, cleaning and adjustment of his bicycle, as well as it’s upkeep and maintenance, in order to keep it in perfect order.

One invoice for 24 rubles, included: cleaning the bicycle, adjustments and delivery (10 rubles), a bicycle cover (8 rubles), a bicycle stand (5 rubles) and engine oil (1 rub.).

The following month, in August 1895, another invoice records that the Tsar paid for a new shift for changing gears for 10 rubles, a bicycle chain for 12 rubles and additional maintenance work for 5 rubles.

The shops accounts also indicate that the Tsar paid for a special weather-proof cover and storage for his bicycle stored during the winter months were also paid.

PHOTOS: view of the Pobeda Trading House at Morskaya Ulitsa (Street), 81 in St. Petersburg

PHOTOS: view of the Pobeda Trading House – Supplier to the Imperial Court

On 31st December of that year, the Tsar decided to have his bicycle fully enamelled for 15 rubles, and the “full nickel plating of the bike” for an additional 30 rubles. Additional maintenance on the bicycle including “turning the hulls, checking the wheels, cleaning and assembly” for 8 rubles, the purchase of spare “pneumatic tires” for 45 rubles, another bicycle cover for 8 rubles. and a bicycle pump for 2 rubles. 50 kopecks.

Thus, by the end of 1895, Nicholas II had spent 381 rubles on his bicycle and spare parts. All these purchases, as well as after-sales service, were carried out in the Pobeda Trading House. The storage conditions for the Tsar’s expensive toy is also noteworthy – at the “end of the season”, the Tsar’s bicycle was packed by specialists in special covers and moved to the shop for repair and storage until the new season began in the spring.

In later years, Nicholas II ordered other models of bicycles for his wife and children, complete with special enameling and nickel plating. Among them was a two-seater, which he shared with his wife – this bicycle has survived to the present day, and is now in the Collection of the Peterhof State Museum.

The last bicycle bill was signed by “Citizen Romanov” – during his house arrest at the Alexander Palace – on 10th May 1917, when he bought rubber glue and “bicycle valves” for a modest 4 rubles 80 kopecks.

PHOTO: Nicholas II riding his bicycle on the grounds of the Alexander Palace, 1914

PHOTO: Nicholas II riding his bicycle on the grounds of the Alexander Palace, 1914

PHOTO: Nicholas II and his son Alexei riding their bicycles in the Alexander Park, 1914

The Tsar’s passion for bicycles and cycling was shared by his children. Each of them had their own bicycle, all of which were serviced by specialists of the Pobeda Trading House. The grand duchesses had girls bicycles of the same model, only different sizes, based according to their age and height. The grand duchesses bicycles had a special protector on the chain, which prevented the hems of their skirts from getting caught in the bike’s chain as they peddled.

Due to his illness [haemophila], Alexei had a special three-wheel bicycle made, which afforded him protection from falling and hurting himself, as any injury could prove fatal. His doctors also maintained the cycling would be a good exercise for his sore leg.

In 2004, the Peterhof Museum-Reserve opened an Imperial Bicycle Museum, which presents 12 rare bicycles, including those which belonged to the last three emperors: Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas II.

In 2013 Nicholas II’s bicycle was presented at an exhibition marking the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi.

© Paul Gilbert. 12 July 2023