At the end of the 1960s the 6-speed gear system was an unusual phenomenon, making the Moulton Speedsix twice as exotic. It was ahead of its time in its gear-shift technology, although in its design it was very contemporary. The Moultons from the first years of production were rather unexciting mass-market goods, but with the leap to high-end, small series production in the 1980s their street credentials went up.

The bicycle featured here is one of only 600 or so produced, and is number K65310046.

1965, GBR
Frame: Steel varnished
Bicycle gearing:
Brakes: Rim Side Pull / Rim Side Pull
Tyres: 17“ Wired Tyre / 17“ Wired Tyre
Weight: 29,32 lbs

Also in the collection, but not included in the book are a Mark 3, an AM-16, a New Series.

The book is published by Thames & Hudson and the ISBNs are 0500515581, 9780500515587.

The official launch of Cyclepedia: A Tour of Iconic Bicycle Designs is in London on Wednesday March 16th 2011 AT 18:30 at Look Mum No Hands! 49 Old Street, London ED1V9HX.

Jack Thurston, presenter of The Bike Show will be in conversation with Michael Embacher, looking and talking through their favourite bicycles in the collection. Given that Jack is a Moultoneer himself, you can expect the conversation will cover at least one of the Moultons.

From EMBACHER/COLLECTION – ALEX MOULTON Speed Six.

There will be over 50 Moultons from the very early models, rarities such as a Moulton Marathon and examples from the S-range, and the latest models including a SUPER SPEED, as well as many specially built Moultons.

A very rare occasion to see the whole history of the development of Moulton bicycles.

The Alex Moulton Bicycles Exhibition
Hillside Terrace (Hall F)
Sarugaku-cho 18-8
Shibuya-ku
Tokyo
JAPAN

Open 29 June to 4 July 11:00 to 19:00

Contact: Dynavector Systems Ltd. (+81) 3-3861-4341
info@dynavector.co.jp

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.

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.

Also, have a look at this interview by Carlton Reid with AA President, Edmund King. During his time with the RAC, King launched an RAC branded APB, introducing…

…RAC members to the concept of “mobility, not just motoring”, spearheading a ’smart travel’ campaign by selling RAC-branded bicycles. These were re-badged Moulton APBs, produced by Pashley. “We sold a few,” said King, ” but it was more to make a statement than make money.”

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.

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.

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