Minor British Institutions: The Moulton bicycle

He may not have re-invented the wheel, but Alex Moulton took a lot on when he decided to redesign the bicycle 50 years ago. Like them or loathe them, all the small-wheeled city bikes you see today are a bit of an homage to the original Moulton "F frame" design, though few can be as comfortable as the Moulton, which boasts its own unique suspension system. Dr Moulton's family were "in rubber", you see, and Alex also invented various suspension systems for British cars from the Mini to the Metro.

The Moulton was launched in 1962, and soon became almost as much a symbol of the Sixties as the mini-skirt and The Beatles, though it enjoys less resonance today. Anyway, the small wheels make the machine extremely manoeuvrable in traffic, and the racing version proves you can enjoy quite a turn of speed.

In testament to its enduring appeal, a Moulton bike can still be bought new, but it is priced as what it is - a fine piece of British engineering. Sadly, the ultra-simple and elegant Moulton 50 limited-edition has sold out, but many other exciting variants are just waiting for you to mount them.

via Minor British Institutions: The Moulton bicycle - This Britain, UK - The Independent.

Bike Show Moulton Special

The Bike Show will feature a Moulton special, tonight (Monday, 22nd September at 18:30 BST).

UPDATE: The show was originally scheduled for tonight, but it has been rescheduled for next Monday, 29th September 2008.

The show will feature interviews with Alex Moulton, Tony Hadland, Mike Woolf, and others.

The Bike Show is a weekly half-hour show about cycling, presented by Jack Thurston. It focuses on

the art, science, politics and transcendental pleasure of cycling, in London and beyond. From Le Tour de France to roller-racing, from Bromptons to penny farthings, from Kraftwerk to hip-hop, from urban design to cycle touring, literature, history, travel, art, music and sport come together in a weekly half-hour show.

I have been a regular listener for a number of years and I thoroughly recommend it.

You can listen to tonight's show in the following ways:

  • on the radio at 104.4 FM in London.
  • Listen to the live stream on Resonancefm.com. The link is near the top, left.
  • After the show goes out live, the Bike Show website will have links to download or stream the recording.
  • The show is available as a podcast on iTunes or RSS.

Betcher!

I found this video, from 1971, quite by accident. It's a film made for the Department of the Environment, to promote the National Cycling Proficiency Scheme. There are a few Moultons to be seen, with children from both groups riding them.

Experts will be able to identify the exact Moulton models, and spot a few Moulton suspended cars, apart from the obvious Mini Moke!

My observations:

  • Pity the Moultons weren't more central to the plot, but it was nice to see the Chopper (or at least its rider) being taught a lesson or two.
  • It was nice to see the "prize" was a sporty, but also functional bike. It had mudguards, mudflap, lights, bell, etc.
  • I was struck by how calm the streets were. The traffic was relatively light and moderate in speed, very few parked cars, and no inappropriately over-sized vehicles.

If that's got you in the mood for some nostalgia, have another look at these old CTC videos