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'The Moulton bicycle was born out
of my resolve to challenge and improve upon the classic bicycle,
with its diamond frame and large wheels, which has locked bicycle
design into that form since the pioneering work in England by Starley
and others at the end of the 19th century and is perpetuated in
the Tour de France bike and the basic Mountain Bike of today.'
Dr Alex Moulton C.B.E., M.A.(Cantab), FEng., R.D.I.
Is a Moulton bicycle as good as a
conventional bicycle?
It's not just as good as a conventional bicycle, it's better:
Owners of Moulton bicycles report that after using the Moulton for
a week, they never want to ride conventional bicycles again.
Does it fold?
No - this is a no-compromise high-performance bike, quite unlike
any folding bicycle.
The frame does separate into two parts.
This does not affect the frame rigidity - tests on a brazed-up version
of the frame against the normal separable version showed no difference
in rigidity.
When separated into the two parts, it easily fits into the boot
of a car.
When placed in the carry bag, it can be carried on a train as hand
luggage, rather than needing to be placed in the luggage van of
the train - a big advantage given the restrictions on some train
services.
Users have also transported their AMs as normal luggage on aircraft
flights.
Why the small wheels?
The small wheels are an essential feature of the Moulton concept.
They offer many advantages. With only half the rotating mass of
the wheels on a 'conventional' bicycle, it is possible to accelerate
faster. They are extremely stiff and much stronger than larger wheels
because of the short spokes. The aerodynamic drag is lower; there
is less frontal area and less spoke area causing turbulence to slow
you down. The centre of gravity is lowered, resulting in improved
stability. The small wheels free up space normally occupied by large
wheels, allowing luggage to be carried lower.
Aren't smaller wheels harder to pedal?
No, because:
The gears are chosen so that they correspond to pedalling a bicycle
with large wheels.
The smaller frontal area results in less aerodynamic drag.
The lower inertia means that you can accelerate faster.
If you are still doubtful, consider the HPVs (Human Powered Vehicles)
developed for the ultimate performance - many of these use the unique
17" Moulton wheels and tyres fitted to the AM series bicycles.
Why the space frame?
The construction makes it far stiffer and stronger than conventional
frames.
The weight is similar to that of the best conventional touring bicycles
- and the Speed model is comparable with the lightest racing frames.
In conjunction with the small wheels it results in a low centre
of gravity.
The standard frame size can be ridden by cyclists of almost any
size.
The low top tube leads to improved safety and controllability.
The low top tube allows it to be ridden equally easily by men and
women; it is also a major advantage for elderly or disabled riders,
who cannot easily ride conventional bicycles.
Why suspension?
It allows the advantages of the very rigid small wheels, high pressure
tyres and space frame to be enjoyed while giving a much more comfortable
ride than a conventional large-wheeled bicycle. The road shocks
experienced on a conventional bicycle are dramatically reduced.
It is a light, simple, maintenance free system.
Improved traction - the wheels do not bounce going through corners
or on rough surfaces. Reduced strain on the wheels - the wheels
stay true, spoke nipples stay tight and spoke breakages are extremely
rare.
More information on Moulton Bicycles
at www.alexmoulton.co.uk.
Text and photographs on this page courtesy of Alex Moulton Bicycles
and the Moulton Bicycle Club (UK).
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