Esprit: Is this the new AM??

Just hours after the rumours of a new Moulton model seemed to be too frequent to ignore, it seems that this model has been publicised in Japan earlier this month. It's called the Moulton AM Esprit.

Very similar to an AM except:
- lighter
- straight bottom tube
- solid rubber rear suspension, no fluid damped hydrolastic. Presumably, no flexitor rear pivot either.
- wider, more rigid frame.
- larger diameter tubes in the chainstay
- 31.6mm diameter seat post

It also looks like there's no Unified Rear Triangle unlike the TSR. It will be cheaper than the current AM, but more expensive than the TSR.

It's not clear whether this is seen as a new model, or simply an updating of the existing AM range. Questions about whether existing racks and luggage will fit remain to be answered. In any case, it seems the strategy is to bring the AM slightly down market to make clear space between it and the New Series, and bringing it into competition with the Pashley built TSR 30.

Watch this space!!