Rumours have begun circulating that a new model in the Moulton range is due to be announced.
Details are very sketchy at this point, but it seems that this new bicycle will be of spaceframe construction and with ETRTRO 369 /
17 inch wheels. It is to be built at the Moulton factory in Bradford on Avon.
All the signs are that this new model is designed to replace the AM. The AM is the classic spaceframe Moulton. In continuous production since 1982, the AM is a high-end high-performance bicycle and over the years it has benefited from technology trickle down from the New Series. For example, the flexitor in the rear pivot, the hydrolastic, and the adjustable wishbone stem are features that first appeared in the New Series, but were later introduced to the AM.
However, since the introduction of the TSR, many have questioned the AM's right to exist. The buyer with lots of money can spend a little more and get a New Series, or spend a little less and get a similar specification and weight with the TSR. Plus the AM hasn't really been pushed (at least outside of Japan) in recent years. The framesets have been available to dealers for custom building.
Furthermore, the geometry of the AM is a little outdated. It is the only spaceframe moulton in production without a unified rear triangle. It is also the only Moulton in production with the old style "knuckle shaped" bottom tube, which looked naff on the (separable) APBs and separable New Series', but look rather charming on the AM.
I would be very sorry to see the AM go out of production, especially before I can afford to purchase one! However, I can see the wisdom in updating and evolving the AM concept. I would welcome a straight bottom tube and unified rear triangle at a more affordable price.
Finally, it has been suggested that this new model will be priced below the TSR range. Now this is intriguing, especially as the new bicycle is to be produced at BOA. One has always paid a premium for a Bradford built bicycle. One wonders if they can produce a high quality bicycle in low numbers at a mass production price, but in low quantity. Seems unlikely!
As with many previous models, the new model may be unveiled at the annual Moulton Bicycle Club event at The Hall in Bradford on Avon in September.