The designer who helped create the Mini has described the demise of manufacturing in the Midlands as a “terrible tragedy” and called on the education system to do more to promote practical engineering innovation among a new generation of designers.

Dr Alex Moulton played a crucial role in the creation of the Mini for what was [...]]]>

The designer who helped create the Mini has described the demise of manufacturing in the Midlands as a “terrible tragedy” and called on the education system to do more to promote practical engineering innovation among a new generation of designers.

Dr Alex Moulton played a crucial role in the creation of the Mini for what was then the British Motor Corporation in the 1950s, along with his friend, designer Sir Alec Issigonis.

The new rubber suspension system Dr Moulton designed made it possible for the designers to make the car one of the smallest ever built, creating one of the classic icons of British engineering. Millions of Minis came off the line at Birmingham’s Longbridge plant until the brand was finally sold, and production eventually closed down.

Continue reading at Birmingham Post – Business – Business News – Manufacturing & Skills – Mini designer Alex Moulton saddened by manufacturing demise.

Dr Alex Moulton, inventor of the Moulton bicycle and designer of the suspension for the original Mini, will be 90 on April 9, while on April 15 Jem Marsh, co-founder of sports car manufacturer Marcos, will turn 80.

Bradford [...]]]>

A weekend of celebration is planned to honour two distinguished Bradford on Avon engineers on their landmark birthdays.

Dr Alex Moulton, inventor of the Moulton bicycle and designer of the suspension for the original Mini, will be 90 on April 9, while on April 15 Jem Marsh, co-founder of sports car manufacturer Marcos, will turn 80.

Bradford on Avon Town Council, the preservation trust and the town’s museum have joined forces to put on an exhibition celebrating Dr Moulton’s engineering career at the West Barn from April 25-28.

Dr Moulton said: “I am deeply honoured and delighted. I feel very privileged that they have taken the trouble to do this.

Continue reading at Town plans weekend of celebrations to honour prominent inventors (From This Is Wiltshire).

Shimano announces a 11 gear hub. The range will be 409% (Alfine 8 gear 307%). The hub runs in a oil bath like the Rohloff Speddhub. This should result a higher efficiency and longer lifetime. The price will be 300,- Euro release data is September 2010.

Details can be found here….

via 11 Speed Alfine hub [...]]]> Hubstripping.com reports

Shimano announces a 11 gear hub. The range will be 409% (Alfine 8 gear 307%). The hub runs in a oil bath like the Rohloff Speddhub. This should result a higher efficiency and longer lifetime. The price will be 300,- Euro release data is September 2010.

Details can be found here….

via 11 Speed Alfine hub from SHIMANO « Hubstripping.com.

In this new book, Dr. Alex Moulton recounts, in his own words, his lifetime in engineering. The whole story – from building steam cars as a teenager, and working under Roy Fedden at Bristol Aeroplane, through [...]]]> Alex Moulton’s Autobiography – Alex Moulton: from Bristol to Bradford-on-Avon – is now available for purchase from Alex Moulton Books.

In this new book, Dr. Alex Moulton recounts, in his own words, his lifetime in engineering. The whole story – from building steam cars as a teenager, and working under Roy Fedden at Bristol Aeroplane, through the development of rubber suspension systems that led to collaboration with BMC, Dunlop and Sir Alec Issigonis in the creation of Hydrolastic and Hydragas, to the revolutionary Moulton bicycle that, together with the Mini, became an icon of the swinging sixties – is told in Dr. Moulton’s characteristic direct style.

The book promises

Hundreds of illustrations – sketches, photographs and calculations, many in colour – accompany the text as this fascinating memoir unfolds, giving the reader an insight into the mind of one of Britain’s most innovative engineers. For those who know little of Dr. Moulton’s work, this is a comprehensive account; and for those who have prior knowledge this book contains a wealth of previously unpublished details and illustrations.

A copy can be purchased from Amazon.co.jp, for less than 5 euro. However, shipping will cost about 30 euro.

Moulton have never built a factory tandem, but several Mouton based tandems have been created as custom projects, by third-party framebuilders.

Several APB based tandems have been built by Doug Pinkerton. Here is one example of a Doug Pinkerton Moulton APB Tandem

See also an ATB based tandem in [...]]]> Check out this Moulton APB Tandem on Youtube.

Moulton have never built a factory tandem, but several Mouton based tandems have been created as custom projects, by third-party framebuilders.

Several APB based tandems have been built by Doug Pinkerton. Here is one example of a Doug Pinkerton Moulton APB Tandem

See also an ATB based tandem in Australia

As befits a special bicycle, the Moulton SPEED is equipped with Campagnolo Super Record components, and is fitted with Moulton’s own seat pillar and handlebar stem in Reynolds 953. The [...]]]> The new Moulton SPEED is the first production Moulton bicycle to weigh in at less than 20lb (9.1kg)- quite some feat for a full-suspension road bike.

As befits a special bicycle, the Moulton SPEED is equipped with Campagnolo Super Record components, and is fitted with Moulton’s own seat pillar and handlebar stem in Reynolds 953. The distinctive spaceframe design is constructed entirely from stainless steel. Every joint is silver-brazed, and the entire frameset is laboriously polished to mirror finish. With no paint to scratch, the Moulton SPEED can be returned to ‘as new’ condition with the application of metal polish.

The time-honoured combination of the low aerodynamic drag, the rapid acceleration afforded by the small wheels, the low rolling resistance and the superlative comfort of the well-proven Moulton suspension, make the Moulton SPEED a perfect choice for the performance-orientated Sportive rider as well as those who just want to go out for a blast round the lanes.

The Moulton SPEED will be available from mid-2010.

via MOULTON Bicycle Company.

Over September 12th-13th, Moultoneers from across Britain, Europe and the world gathered in Bradford on Avon for the annual Moulton Bicycle Club weekend. In the picturesque surroundings of The Hall, the Moultoneers enjoyed bright September sunshine and a procession of bicycles old and new [...]]]> TOUR SR and TSR9 SE on show at BOA 21st Sept 2009

Over September 12th-13th, Moultoneers from across Britain, Europe and the world gathered in Bradford on Avon for the annual Moulton Bicycle Club weekend. In the picturesque surroundings of The Hall, the Moultoneers enjoyed bright September sunshine and a procession of bicycles old and new including some lovingly-restored examples of Moulton history which were discussed by a panel headed by Dr. Alex Moulton.

Moulton Tour SR

Amongst the many interesting bicycles, Moultoneers were able to view the new TOUR SR and Special Edition TSR-9 Moultons, on display for the first time. The TOUR SR shares a similar specification to the TSR-30, with additional comfort provided by the Brooks Swift titanium leather saddle, Brooks leather handlebar tape and mudguards fitted as standard. There’s also a light tubular stainless steel water bottle cage.

The Special Edition TSR-9 is based on a model produced this year for Moulton’s Japanese distributor, Dynavector Systems. It features chrome plated front and rear forks, Brooks leather saddle and handlebar grips, and a quill-type handlebar stem from Nitto.

via MOULTON Bicycle Company.