30th Anniversary of the Moulton space frame

Alex Moulton launched the spaceframe AM Series in 1983.

Whereas the classic Moulton had been a quality mass market bicycle, the AM was much more upmarket. It was aimed at those who wanted the very best, and were willing to pay for it. It was produced on a modest scale, and Alex Mouton retained full control over its design and manufacture. He did not want to repeat his previous experience with Raleigh. The AM is still in production today.

The Moulton APB, or All Purpose Bicycle was launched in 1992. The APB was the realisation of Alex’s ambition to bring a lower cost spaceframe to a more mainstream market. This was achieved through the use of lower cost materials, more basic specification, and the hairpin version of the space-frame pioneered in the ATB. Manufacture was licensed to Pashley in Stratford-upon-Avon. The APB went through several revisions, increasing in specification and reducing in weight. It remained in production until 2005, when it was replaced by the TSR.

The example on the left is an APB 'Land Rover' edition from 1997.

In 2005, the Pashley Moulton TSR was launched, as a direct replacement for the APB. The TSR featured an improved frame design, unified rear triangle and a choice of frame models – either a V-braked model allowing large tyres, or a caliper braked model allowing a more restricted choice of tyres. A variety of specifications were available, including hub geared commuting models, and a 3×10 speed Campagnolo equipped touring model.

The example on the right is a TSR27 from 2011.

The Moulton bicycle is a unique design with many features that set it apart from other bicycles. Back in the 1950s, Alex Moulton defined the key features of the Moulton bicycle - small wheels, suspension, stiff unisex frame, adaptability to suit intended use, and innovation in design, engineering and manufacture.

Small wheels with high pressure tyres have been integral to the Moulton design from the beginning. The combination of the lower rolling resistance of high pressure tyres and the lower aerodynamic drag of small wheels, allows the bicycle to go faster with less effort.

In contrast to large bicycle wheels, the smaller Moulton wheels are immensely strong. Their lower moment of inertia allows faster acceleration and more responsive steering. Smaller wheels also reduce the overall length of the bicycle, making it compact and easier to transport.

In order to accommodate the hard ride of the ultra-rigid frame, strong wheels and high pressure tyres, full suspension has been a mandatory feature of all Moulton bicycles. This coupling of advanced suspension and small wheels provides superior comfort and road holding.

As with other vehicles, bicycle frame stiffness is a key element of performance. Lateral rigidity is vital, as any of the rider's energy spent flexing a frame is lost. A stiff frame also ensures accurate wheel tracking for secure road holding and cornering stability.

The unique Moulton space frame, a highly engineered lattice of small diameter tubes, is far stiffer than a conventional diamond frame. This frame architecture fits riders of all sizes and the low step-through allows the bike to be mounted with ease by both sexes. The low weight and high stiffness of the Moulton frame produces a ride that is lively and amazingly efficient.

All Moulton bicycles are inherently more compact and most feature separable frames for storage or transport. This separability introduces no compromises other than a little extra weight; there is no loss of stiffness or ride quality. When disassembled, the two halves of a Moulton fit easily in the boot of a car or travel case.

www.moultonbicycles.co.uk/

Taken on: May 19, 2013

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Camera: Fujifilm FinePix F600EXR, f/3.5, 1/750 sec, 4.4mm, ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix F600EXR
Aperture:	f/3.5
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/750)
Focal Length:	4.4mm
ISO:	100
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Landscape
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Scene Capture Type:	Landscape
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Digital Camera FinePix F600EXR Ver1.02
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