Frequently Asked Questions about Moulton Bicycles

1. Why the small wheels?

The small wheels are an essential feature of the Moulton concept. They offer many advantages:

  • With a much smaller rotating mass of the wheels on a 'conventional' bicycle, it is possible to accelerate and brake faster.
  • They offer a lower rolling resistance to large diameter wheels, due partly to a smaller contact point with the road.
  • They are extremely stiff and much stronger than larger wheels because of the short spokes.
  • The aerodynamic drag is lower; there is less frontal area and less spoke area causing turbulence to slow you down.
  • The centre of gravity is lowered, resulting in improved stability.
  • The small wheels free up space normally occupied by large wheels, allowing luggage to be carried lower.

2. Aren't smaller wheels harder to pedal?

No, because:

  • The gears are chosen so that they correspond to pedalling a bicycle with large wheels.
  • The smaller frontal area results in less aerodynamic drag.
  • The lower inertia means that you can accelerate faster.
  • If you are still doubtful, consider the HPVs (Human Powered Vehicles) developed for the ultimate performance - many of these use the unique 17" Moulton wheels and tyres fitted to the AM series bicycles.

3. Why the space frame?

  • The construction makes it far stiffer and stronger than conventional frames.
  • The weight is similar to that of the best conventional touring bicycles - and the Speed model is comparable with the lightest racing frames.
  • In conjunction with the small wheels it results in a low centre of gravity.
  • The standard frame size can be ridden by cyclists of almost any size.
  • The low top tube leads to improved safety and controllability.
  • The low top tube allows it to be ridden equally easily by men and women; it is also a major advantage for elderly or disabled riders, who cannot easily ride conventional bicycles.

4. Why suspension?

  • It allows the advantages of the very rigid small wheels, high pressure tyres and space frame to be enjoyed while giving a much more comfortable ride than a conventional large-wheeled bicycle.
  • The road shocks experienced on a conventional bicycle are dramatically reduced.
  • It is a light, simple, maintenance free system.
  • Improved traction - the wheels do not bounce going through corners or on rough surfaces.
  • Reduced strain on the wheels - the wheels stay true, spoke nipples stay tight and spoke breakages are extremely rare.

5. Does it fold?

No - this is a no-compromise high-performance bike, quite unlike any folding bicycle.

But ...

  • On many models, the frame does separate into two parts.
  • This does not affect the frame rigidity - tests on a brazed-up version of the frame against the normal separable version showed no difference in rigidity.
  • When separated into the two parts, it easily fits into the boot of a car.
  • When placed in the carry bag, it can be carried on a train as hand luggage, rather than needing to be placed in the luggage van of the train - a big advantage given the restrictions on some train services.
  • Users have also transported their AMs as normal luggage on aircraft flights.

6. Is it as good as a conventional bicycle?

It's not just as good as a conventional bicycle, it's better:

  • Owners of Moulton bicycles report that after using the Moulton for a week, they never want to ride conventional bicycles again.
  • Just look at the specification and the performance details.
  • An AM bicycle holds the world speed record for bicycles of conventional riding position at 51mph, fully faired.
  • The AM bicycle has successfully completed the Race Across America (RAAM) - finishing the course of 3117 miles in 10 days 15 hours and 1 minute.
  • Owners of AM bicycles use them successfully for commuting, touring the world and for racing. The APB bicycles are ideal for commuting, touring and use off-road.

7. Where can I get one?

The Moulton bicycle is one of the few makes to have attracted such an enthusiastic following that it has a club for its owners. The Moulton Bicycle Club supports users of all models of Alex Moulton bicycles and original Moultons, and has over 900 members world-wide - probably the largest single-make cycle Club in the UK, and perhaps the world.