Tag: alex moulton

Aerodynamic research using the Moulton small-wheeled bicycle

The IMechE Journal of Energy and Power, Volume 20 No 3, 2006 featured an article on Aerodynamic research using the Moulton small-wheeled bicycle.

The abstract reads as follows: "This short article describes aerodynamic research carried out using the Moulton small-wheeled bicycle. Alex Moulton's initial research, applying streamlined cowlings to his early small-wheeled bicycles, is briefly described. His later collaboration with Douglas Milliken is covered in greater detail. Milliken's many experiments with fairings included wind tunnel tests in crosswinds, an aspect of bicycle science rarely investigated hitherto. An important finding was the ability for a streamlined bicycle under certain conditions to sail. The Moulton–Milliken collaboration led to the development of fully streamlined bicycles, using the conventional riding position, which twice broke a speed record."

The record mentioned is of course the world unpaced cycling record over 200m (conventional riding position) in 1985. The speed attained was 50.21mph (80.79kph), the bicycle was an Alex Moulton AM.

Jim Glover, broke the record again in 1986, on a new improved Moulton Liner. The new record, 51.29mph (82.53kph), still stands.

Moulton record breaking Liner

More details on the bike and the record can be found on Doug Millken's site, and pictures can be seen in Tony Hadland's pictures from the Moulton Museum.

The missing link

At first glance, an F-frame moulton, and a spaceframe moulton have very little in common (apart from small wheels,  high pressure tyres and suspension, of course)... I mean in the frame of course. One could be forgiven for thinking that Alex Moulton went back to first principles with the spaceframe design.

Y-frame prototype

Well take a look at these photos from Tonly Hadland's gallery. The bicycle shown is a Y-frame, and it is a prototype from the 1970s that nearly made it into production.

One can immediately see that it is a logical progression from the F-frame concept. One can also see how the basic X-shape of the spaceframe is merely a further step away. Of course, the revolutionary step forward in the spaceframe concept is the application of the geodesic structure.

Moulton Y-frame prototype

I recall an interview with Alex Moulton where he spoke about the Y-frame. He gave a friend a Y-frame to try out and to see what he thought of it. His friend told him that it was too heavy compared with the lightweight bicycles that were becoming available at the time. This prompted Alex Moulton to search for a lighter structure for his new bicycle. Whoever that man was... we all owe you a huge debt of gratitude.

Tony's pictures of the prototypes in the Moulton museum in Bradford on Avon show the progression in Alex Moulton's design concepts from ideas stage to production.

Moulton Frame Prototypes

Alex Moulton Double Pylon on BikeRadar.com

BikeRadar.com have a feature on the Alex Moulton Double Pylon / New Series and it's highlighted on the front page today.

Alex Moulton Double Pylon

The review is glowing with no negative points and the reviewer states that "if I had the funds I would order one right now".

Wouldn't we all!

An interview with Grant Petersen

Bikescape, a podcast from San Fransisco, recently interviewed Grant Petersen from Rivendell Bicycles, and it is well worth a listen.

I don't know if Grant Petersen has ever met Alex Moulton, but I imagine that they have lots in common. Apart from producing beautiful bicycles to a niche market with a cult following, their attitudes are quite similar in many respects.

To many, both could be viewed as old fashioned and even conservative in their outlook. But both men produce well designed, well built bicycles for the lifetime enjoyment of their owners. Neither uses new materials or technology just for the sake of it, and isn't afraid to take a different tack to the mainstream bike industry.

Grant also has some interesting views on clothing for cycling in the interview.

Oh and check out his Tips for Happy Riding

Anniversary of Tom Simpson's death

Forty years ago today Tom Simpson died on Mont Ventoux, while competing in the Tour De France. Aged 29, he had been an Olympic silver medalist, World Champion, and the first British rider to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour De France.

On the cover of Tony Hadland's excellent book The Moulton Bicycle, Simpson is photographed test riding a Moulton Speed at Herne Hill.

On an external wall of the Hall, Alex Moulton's home in Bradford on Avon, there is a memorial plaque depicting the same scene.

Today, the spot where Mr Tom died on Mont Ventoux is marked by a memorial, where cyclists still leave water bottles, hats, inner tubes or whatever they have spare, as a mark of respect to the legend. The British cyclist David Millar threw his hat to the monument while competing in the Tour a few years back, showing whose wheels he was following.

Does anyone have any further details on Simpson's Moulton connections? If so I'd love to hear them.