Moulton Bicycle Club

The Moulton Mk III was launched by Raleigh in 1970, alongside the Raleigh Chopper, and the RSW Mk III.

The Mk III, featured a rear suspension triangle, of the type common today, and a 3 speed Sturmey Archer hub, with drum brake. Unlike the Series 1 and Series 2, there was only one model in the range, available in 3 colours – white, blue and red. A rear carrier rack was fitted as standard, but there was no provision for a front rack.

The Mk III featured a shorter wheelbase than the earlier models.

The runaway commercial success of the Chopper, despite being an inferior bicycle, eventually led to Raleigh dropping the Moulton range altogether in 1974.

Mk III models are still quite popular with Moulton enthusiasts. At least 5000 were made, and while this is only a fraction of the number of Series 1 and 2 machines that were build, they are relatively easy to find, though it can be difficult to find one in good condition at a decent price.

They do have some intricacies, such as Raleigh’s proprietary bottom bracket (wider than standard, and threaded 26tpi), and lack of a mount for a rear caliper brake.