[Steve Higgins]

I have managed to get hold of an F-framed Moulton. I think it is a standard.
Here’s my story;
Was playing football with my young son last Sunday when the ball was kicked over the fence onto the road.
We went to retrieve the ball when I came across two bikes left out in the front garden of a house one of which was an F-Framed Moulton.
To my horror the scrap man was due to do his weekly rounds and I knocked on the door to let the owner know of my interest in the bike in case they were deemed as scrap!!
There was no answer and I left a post it note on the door with my details.
I had a call 10 minutes later to say that the owner of the bikes had sadly passed away and his daughter was having a clear out and would I like to make an offer for the Moulton. I offered £20 and was told I could have both bikes for £30 to which I gladly agreed!
I am now the proud owner of a Moulton.
I am quite passionate about small wheeled bikes and have previously renovated a number of Raleigh RSW’s, to which some of you on here may shudder, considering the history between Raleigh and Moulton!?!
The Moulton is rideable and I could not believe how comfortable it is against the RSW. I am a convert overnight.
The Moulton frame is quite rusty so I intend to have it stripped and powder coated and will renew the wheel rims / spokes and these are quite pitted. Otherwise a may renew cables and seat to renovate the bike to a new riding standard.
I attach a link to the pictures of the Moulton and RSW and would like anyone’s opinions on their renovation advice and more importantly what colour to get the bike powder coated in?
I would value your thoughts.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/55422383@N05/8977690650/in

[Ian]

Great story, but have another go with a link to the picture!

[Ian]

Ah! Got it the ‘tag’ at the top!

http://flic.kr/p/eFdSVF

Looks fine doesn’t it? You can powder coat that whatever colour you prefer!

[Alexander Johnston]

Hi Steve
Lucky you! Your story is the stuff of Moultoneer dreams.
Alex

[Les Crook]

Hi Steve, I’m just about at the same point. That’s colour scheme choice. Not going to stay original as hate green! This is the joy of rebuilding bikes. My current thought is black frame, silver forks, swing arm and ancillary bits. Then top it off brown Brooks seat and bar tape. Enjoy yours.

[John Durning]

Hi Steve. I decided to keep my moulton original for now and just concentrate on getting it rideable again. Then, once it’s up and running, I’ll start upgrading.

So far I’ve completely stripped it down and I’ve started putting it back together. I was really surprised at how easily it came apart considering how rusty it looks. This was either Bradford on Avon rather than Kirby built or someone has stripped the bike down relatively recently. In fact, the only part that caused me any hassle was separating the frame. That was partly me not realising that there was a button you have to press and partly because it was fairly well seised.

I just finishing rebuilding the forks and I managed to get rid of some of the play in the top nylon bearing using a small shim. Next job is to clean up some of the corrosion on the frame and to repair the rear suspension block. The rubber has separated from the metal plate. I picked up some loctite 480 to do the repair so once that’s done it should be a permanent fix (considering how much it costs it better be!)

After that it should hopefully just be a case of repacking and adjusting the bearings on the bottom bracket and wheels and I can get back on the road. The bike came without a seatpost but I found one in the scrap pile at the local bike shop. It’s a bit small but a beer can shim seems to have worked for now. First thing on the list is a new one though.

Second thing on the list is definately the wheels and tyres which is where I come to my first dilema. I really want the 369mm rims but at £60 each from sjscycles.co.uk I’m not sure if I can really justify that when I can get 349mm rims for £20 each. If anyone knows where I can find cheaper 369 rims I’d be very interested to know.

Apart from that I think I’m going to go for the Sturmey Archer 5 speed hub. Looks like it’s got the right mix of lowish weight and gear range.

So, todays job is preping the suspension block and cleaning up the worst of the frame corrosion. Can’t wait!

[Gary Knight]

http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=195171

Our price
£44.99
Retail Price £59.99
You Save £15.00
Free UK Delivery

Hope that helps?

[Author]

Posts