The S2C is Sturmey’s modern version of the Fichtel & Sachs Torpedo Duomatic, a two-speed hub with kick-back gear change and coaster brake that dates from the 1960s. These hubs have something of a cult following and are hard, though not impossible, to come by. One of my bikes has one and it’s fantastic to ride. A little back-pedal changes the gear (from high to low, or low to high) and a big back-pedal engages the powerful brake. Unlike rim brakes, a hub brake works as well in the wet as in the dry.
Sturmey have built a new version and I believe it’s going to be a hit. Two speeds allows good acceleration from a standing start and a higher cruising gear than on a single speed bike. The kick-back gear change and coaster brake mean that there are no cable runs to the rear wheel. The result is a faster ride than a fixed wheel bike, with better braking performance, but all the simplicity of the fixed aesthetic. Sturmey will bring the hub into production early next year and the retail price is expected to be in the region of £60-£80. Ninon of Bicycle Workshop, who knows a thing or two about hub gears, thinks they’re great. Dan Farrell of Moulton & Pashley (who can claim some of the credit for getting Sturmey to develop the new hub) shares her excitement. Informed sources tell me Sturmey are anticipating huge sales of this hub: around a quarter of a million a year. And no wonder.
Category: Pashley
Moulton TSR 2 with Belt Drive Sturmey Archer S2C Hub
The Moulton Stand at the Cycle Show is currently featuring another Moulton Prototype, and another new Sturmey!
A TSR 2, with a new belt drive, Sturmey Archer S2C hub, which is a prototype 2 speed, kickback hub, with coaster brake.
Thanks to The Bike Show for the pics.
Moulton / Land Rover APB
Saturday marks the 14th anniversary of the launch of the Land Rover APB in September 1995. The Land Rover APB was a Pashley Moulton APB, using the Land Rover name under licence. Thanks to Ken Butterfield for the brochure scans and original press release.
Also, have a look at this interview by Carlton Reid with AA President, Edmund King. During his time with the RAC, King launched an RAC branded APB, introducing...
...RAC members to the concept of “mobility, not just motoring”, spearheading a ’smart travel’ campaign by selling RAC-branded bicycles. These were re-badged Moulton APBs, produced by Pashley. “We sold a few,” said King, ” but it was more to make a statement than make money.”
4-Speed Moulton TSR Prototype
A prototype 4-speed TSR was shown at Bradford on Avon on saturday, as part of the annual Moulton Bicycle Club event.
The gearing combines a Schlumpf Speed Drive and Fichtel & Sachs Duomatic. This means that gear-shifting and rear braking is done without cables, allowing the bike to be separated, without the need for cable splitters.
Gear changes for both Speed-drive and Duomatic are activated by the feet. Gear change in the Duomatic is effected by pedalling backwards about 1/4 turn. Changing gears on the speed-drive is done by tapping a button on the pedal crank with the heel.
The Fichtel & Sachs Duomatic contains a coaster brake, activated by back-pedalling.
The 4-speed TSR was visually stunning. The bright white paintjob contrasted beautifully with the new Moulton Bicycle Company headbadge, and a Union Jack on the seat tube. It was very similar to Team GB's Olympic colours.
The new headbadge, which will adorn all Moultons in future, depicts a cyclist on a Moulton (probably a TSR) infront of The Hall. Colours are traditional AM Red, with the new blue, on a shiny silver background. A Union Jack silhouette appears underneath, along with the words "Made in England".
The prototype also sported Moustache-style handlebars, and a reverse-action brake lever to operate the front brake.
The Sachs Duomatic has been out of production for many years, but a large number of "New Old Stock" seems to be available from various sources.
In gear for a new challenge
In gear for a new challenge - Coventry Telegraph
ONE of the UK's oldest bicycle manufacturers has started a new venture which could boost an iconic bike brand.
Stratford-based Pashley Cycles has joined forces with Alex Moulton Bicycles to create The Moulton Bicycle Company.
It will manufacture, market and distribute the Moulton and Pashley TSR ranges of bikes.
Pashley Cycles and Alex Moulton Bicycles have collaborated for the past 12 years, with Pashley manufacturing the Pashley-Moulton TSR range.
Together, the two companies employ more than 50 people.
Pashley Cycles, set up in 1926, is England's longest-established cycle manufacturer, producing more than 150 models of handmade specialist bikes.
Moulton Bicycles, based in Bradford-upon-Avon, was set up by Dr Alex Moulton in 1958, leading the world in design and manufacture of full suspension small-wheeled, high-performance bikes.
More than half of the company's output is exported, with the brand particularly sought after in Japan and the Far East.
Adrian Williams, managing director of Pashley Cycles, said: "The Moulton Bicycle Company has a substantial order book and a waiting list of some 15 months for particular models.
"So, the task will be to increase production output and at the same time open up new markets which should not be difficult as these superbly engineered cycles are much admired worldwide."
Dr Moulton, who becomes president of the new company, said: "This new initiative will allow us to increase our market penetration and reduce our supply times.
"This will enable us to develop new marketing programmes, strengthen the enviable reputation of the Moulton brand and ensure our bicycles remain at the forefront of the small wheel bicycle revolution."
Paul Bennett, corporate partner at Black Country law firm George Green, who advised on the new venture, said: "Pashley and Moulton are two legendary brands in UK manufacturing.
"What is more, they are two of the very few remaining true bicycle manufacturers left in the country, as they genuinely hand-make the cycles here, rather than just being an assembly or import-distribution-only operation.
"Their focus on quality, design and engineering shows that, done properly, there is still a worldwide market for British hand-made goods."