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How did the original Mini automobile get to be so mini? Historians generally credit the clever engineering and design concepts of Sir Alec Issigonis of the British Motor Corporation.

But Sir Alec had help.

It was Alex Moulton, an inventor, an engineer with the Bristol Aeroplane Company and Sir Alec’s friend, who designed the car’s innovative suspension system — a combination of conical rubber springs and small wheels — that contributed to its highly efficient packaging and lively handling.

Fifty years ago, Mr. Moulton (who died last year) transferred his expertise to bicycles, and the Moulton Bicycle Company still sells handbuilt bikes internationally. Moulton bikes are distinctive because of their automotive-based technology: front and rear suspension systems, small wheels and high-pressure tires that Mr. Moulton developed with Dunlop. A compact, proprietary frame made it easier for bicyclists to get on and off, compared with the traditional diamond design, and to transport.

Moulton bikes were ubiquitous in Britain in the 1960s, but they are rare on American roads. The company maintains a dealer network in the United States, however, and I took a spin on one at Harris Cyclery in West Newton, Mass. The bike was comfortable, thanks to its bump-absorbing rubber-cone suspension, and handled curves very well.

Prices range from just under $2,000 to nearly $14,000 with a stainless steel frame.

via Quirky Bike With an Auto Pedigree - NYTimes.com.

An inspiring exhibition, celebrating the life and achievements of bicycle pioneer Alex Moulton, has been so successful that it has been extended.

The exhibition, in the foyer of Bradford on Avon’s library, opened the day after Dr Moulton’s funeral and was supposed to finish on Monday. It will now continue until January 21.David Maude, a freelance journalist, and Mike Shearing, a graphic designer, produced panels of information that included photographs from over the years, Dr Moulton’s family history and achievements and quotes from people who were inspired by him or worked with him.

The exhibition was created using material from a previous exhibition, produced to celebrate Dr Moulton’s 90th birthday, in 2010.Mr Maude said: “We worked together, deciding how we could produce a storyboard about his life and role in the town. A lot of people do not know how influential he has been.

“He was full of ideas that he wanted to develop and we wanted to reflect that. He was pleased with the last exhibition and it was impressive to see how engaged he was.“If there is something that could be done for the town to express appreciation of his life then it ought to be done.”Bradford on Avon Museum trustee Roy Canham was behind the creation of the previous exhibition, jointly staged by the museum, Preservation Trust and Town Council.

He said: “This exhibition has been very successful, with members of the public coming up to the library counter to say how impressed they were at the speed of production and the content. Everyone knew him and respected him, but this gives people a chance to learn more about him.”Dr Moulton’s 90th birthday exhibition went on display at St Laurence School and Mr Canham said he was hopeful the updated version would follow suit.

The engineer, inventor and designer, best known for his small-wheeled Moulton bicycle and the suspension for the Mini, died on December 9, two weeks after celebrating the Moulton Bicycle Company’s 50th anniversary.

via Tribute show extended (From Wiltshire Times).