The painting is considered an "archetypal work" of Futurism by its current holder, the State Russian Museum.

[2][3]: 113 Goncharova was an early Russian developer of Cubo-Futurism, combining characteristics of both Futurism and Cubism in Cyclist.

[1] The dynamic effect of multiplied forms and repeated delineation is further amplified by Goncharova's use of broad brushstrokes.

[3]: 113  The presence of urban life, another concern of Futurism, is included in the work through the use of street signs in the background.

[3]: 113 In a 2019 review of Goncharova's work, the art critic Laura Cumming described Cyclist as "an exhilarating picture" demonstrative of the artist's "excitement with futurism".