Betcher!

I found this video, from 1971, quite by accident. It's a film made for the Department of the Environment, to promote the National Cycling Proficiency Scheme. There are a few Moultons to be seen, with children from both groups riding them.

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

Britain's Most Beautiful Canal Scenery

The route to Bradford-on-Avon, home of the Moulton Bicycle, from Bath, along the Kennet & Avon Canal, is featured in a new book entitled 50 Quirky Bike Rides.

The route is described as "Britain's most beautiful canal scenery and architecture".

A huge amount of detail on the route, including the photos here, is available on Paul's Cycle Route Photo Tours website


If you're making the annual Moulton Bicycle Club pilgrimage to Bradford-On-Avon in September, this route begs to be featured on your itinerary.


Other quirky rides include biking on Roman Roads, canals, aqueducts, bridges, and the London Underground. And lots, lots more.

50 Quirky Bike Rides can be bought from Eye Books' Website

Via: The Bike Show

Moulton and Pashley join forces to grow Moulton business.

Pashley have just posted this Press Release on the MoultonBicycle Yahoo Group, confirming the news previously reported by this blog. The release also appears on the Alex Moulton Bicycles Website

Moulton and Pashley join forces to grow Moulton business.

Alex Moulton Bicycles and Pashley Cycles are to combine their respective
strengths to manufacture, market and distribute the Moulton range of
small wheeled bicycles under a new Company, appropriately called...The
Moulton Bicycle Company.

Dr Moulton will be President of the new company and Shaun Moulton will
be the General Manager with responsibility for worldwide sales and
marketing.

Dr Moulton says:
" I have been seeking a route by which we can increase the manufacturing
and distribution of our bicycles and establish a solid base for the
future growth of the Moulton bicycle business.

This new initiative will allow us to increase our market penetration and
reduce our supply times whilst consolidating our model range. This will
enable us to develop new marketing programmes, strengthen the enviable
reputation of the Moulton brand and ensure our bicycles remain at the
forefront of the small wheel bicycle revolution.

The Moulton Bicycle Company will continue to manufacture and sell
bicycles from its specialist workshops in Bradford-upon-Avon and Pashley
- with whom Moulton's have worked closely for over 15 years - will
provide added manufacturing capability, ongoing operational support, and
be part of a cohesive marketing strategy which focuses totally on the
Moulton brand as a seamless and structured product range. The full range
of Moulton bicycles will be available to order from Pashley's dealers,
in addition to those currently appointed to handle the Marque.

Dr Moulton remains very active in design and innovation, so as to
maintain and foster the Moulton ethos and ensure that Moulton bicycles
remain at the forefront of the small wheel bicycle revolution.

---- * -----
Release date: 20th June 2008

Moulton and Pashley to merge under Alex Moulton name

Alex Moulton Bicycles and Pashley are expected to announce that they are to combine their capital, administration and brands into a single company for the production of Moulton Bicycles. The combined company will use the Alex Moulton name. This probably means that there will no longer be a distinction between "Pashley Moulton" and "Alex Moulton".

Production of the bicycles will initially remain unchanged, so the TSR will continue to be made in Stratford-upon-Avon, while the Esprit, New Series and Double Pylon models will continue to be made at Bradford-on-Avon.

A single website will feature the combined range.

Many questions remain, such as:

  • does this mean that one can order any Alex Moulton bicycle throughany Pashley dealer.
  • will there be any staff redundancies?
  • will there be a clean split between the company producing the traditional Pashley range, and the new combined Pashley Moulton/Alex Moulton entity?
  • will the premises in Stratford continue to be shared?
  • where will new design and development work be done?

Let's hope the official announcement comes soon and we get lots of answers!