Not everyone loved their first Moulton experience...
http://beastbite.blogspot.com/2007/07/its-been-all-downhill-from-here.html
Tag: History
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some very special Moultons
When I ride my 1964 Moulton Deluxe or my Mark 3s from 1970 and 1973, I can sense the stares from people who have never seen such bikes before. It makes me feel like I'm riding something quite rare.
But in reality, over 100,000 Moulton deluxes were made and over 3,000 Moulton Mk 3's. They are not that difficult to find. However, over the years, many very special Moultons have been made. While the BMC factory in Kirkby and later the Raleigh factory in Nottingham were churning out Moultons, the factory in Bradford On Avon was often producing limited edition or one off specials.
Below are a few examples from Ken Butterfields photos...
This Moulton S Safari had been overpainted black. The black paint was removed using Nitromors, exposing the original chrome finish.
This Mark 3 was built by Jack Lauterwasser for his own use. It features a unique 10 speed drivetrain with 3 levers. The Sturmey Archer hub (I presume originally a 4 speed) was converted to 5 speed, with 2 rear sprockets and a custom derailleur. It's got lots of special features - 531 forks with Campagnolo ends, narrow bottom bracket, Mafac cantilever brakes
Another black Mark 3 this time, but very different. This one has derailleur gearing, and a prototype rear triangle with pump mounts.
Ken has lots more photos which are worth checking out, such as this gorgeous Speedsix
