FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Moulton Bicycles
1. Why the small wheels?

The small wheels are an essential feature of the Moulton concept. They offer many advantages:

  • With a much smaller rotating mass of the wheels on a 'conventional' bicycle, it is possible to accelerate and brake faster.
  • They offer a lower rolling resistance to large diameter wheels, due partly to a smaller contact point with the road.
  • They are extremely stiff and much stronger than larger wheels because of the short spokes.
  • The aerodynamic drag is lower; there is less frontal area and less spoke area causing turbulence to slow you down.
  • The centre of gravity is lowered, resulting in improved stability.
  • The small wheels free up space normally occupied by large wheels, allowing luggage to be carried lower.

2. Aren't smaller wheels harder to pedal?

No, because:

  • The gears are chosen so that they correspond to pedalling a bicycle with large wheels.
  • The smaller frontal area results in less aerodynamic drag.
  • The lower inertia means that you can accelerate faster.
  • If you are still doubtful, consider the HPVs (Human Powered Vehicles) developed for the ultimate performance - many of these use the unique 17" Moulton wheels and tyres fitted to the AM series bicycles.

3. Why the space frame?

  • The construction makes it far stiffer and stronger than conventional frames.
  • The weight is similar to that of the best conventional touring bicycles - and the Speed model is comparable with the lightest racing frames.
  • In conjunction with the small wheels it results in a low centre of gravity.
  • The standard frame size can be ridden by cyclists of almost any size.
  • The low top tube leads to improved safety and controllability.
  • The low top tube allows it to be ridden equally easily by men and women; it is also a major advantage for elderly or disabled riders, who cannot easily ride conventional bicycles.

4. Why suspension?

  • It allows the advantages of the very rigid small wheels, high pressure tyres and space frame to be enjoyed while giving a much more comfortable ride than a conventional large-wheeled bicycle.
  • The road shocks experienced on a conventional bicycle are dramatically reduced.
  • It is a light, simple, maintenance free system.
  • Improved traction - the wheels do not bounce going through corners or on rough surfaces.
  • Reduced strain on the wheels - the wheels stay true, spoke nipples stay tight and spoke breakages are extremely rare.

5. Does it fold?

No - this is a no-compromise high-performance bike, quite unlike any folding bicycle.

But ...

  • On many models, the frame does separate into two parts.
  • This does not affect the frame rigidity - tests on a brazed-up version of the frame against the normal separable version showed no difference in rigidity.
  • When separated into the two parts, it easily fits into the boot of a car.
  • When placed in the carry bag, it can be carried on a train as hand luggage, rather than needing to be placed in the luggage van of the train - a big advantage given the restrictions on some train services.
  • Users have also transported their AMs as normal luggage on aircraft flights.

6. Is it as good as a conventional bicycle?

It's not just as good as a conventional bicycle, it's better:

  • Owners of Moulton bicycles report that after using the Moulton for a week, they never want to ride conventional bicycles again.
  • Just look at the specification and the performance details.
  • An AM bicycle holds the world speed record for bicycles of conventional riding position at 51mph, fully faired.
  • The AM bicycle has successfully completed the Race Across America (RAAM) - finishing the course of 3117 miles in 10 days 15 hours and 1 minute.
  • Owners of AM bicycles use them successfully for commuting, touring the world and for racing. The APB & TSR bicycles are ideal for commuting, touring and use off-road.

7. Where can I get one?

For new bikes (TSRs, AMs, Espirits, Bridgestones and New Series) try the Moulton Bicycle Company.
For older bikes (1963 to 1974 F frames and older Spaceframe bikes from 1983 onwards,), the MBC website classifieds, The Moultoneer, eBay (very much caveat emptor), local paper classifieds, the newsagents window...

The Moulton bicycle is one of the few makes to have attracted such an enthusiastic following that it has a club for its owners. The Moulton Bicycle Club supports users of all models of Alex Moulton bicycles and original Moultons. It has over 700 members world-wide - probably the largest single-make cycle club in the UK and, perhaps, the world.

Related Pages

  • Technical Topics
  • FAQ
  • Links
  • Touring

    • 4 thoughts on “FAQ”

    1. I have a TSR with a 10-speed cassette and single (62T Middleburn) chainring set-up. I have suffered occasional chain jump which is detracting from my confidence in, and enjoyment of, the bike.

      Any thoughts on a chain keeper device like the one Moulton makes for the AM? Paul Components make the ideal thing, but their largest seat tube clamp – at 35mm – is too small. I don’t want to have to resort to a front mech-minus-controls arrangement which seems daft, and I don’t have any manufacturing facilities.

      Can’t believe this isn’t a common experience on single-ring bikes or that there isn’t an obvious fix somewhere, whether it clamps to the seat tube or attaches to the front mech braze-on.

      Cheers

    2. Hi i am a chairman of a bike club based in reddish vale stockport we are a chairty group called men in sheds reddish vale we have a moulton bike what needs repaire work done on it our club repaires bikes which we sell to the public or bonate to other chairtys we would like some advise on what to on bike or were we couild sell it to Rise money for our club to help keep us going thanks paul mcgregor

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