Moulton Bicycle History: A Revolutionary Innovation in Two-Wheeled Cycling
The Moulton Bicycle is considered one of the most significant engineering breakthroughs in the history of two-wheeled transportation. With its striking design, innovative suspension system and foldable frame, the Moulton Bicycle is more than just a bicycle - it's a fusion of engineering genius and incredible attention to detail. This article takes you through the story of Alex Moulton, the inventor who revolutionized the bicycle industry, and the evolution of the bicycle that changed the world.
The Beginning of the Legend: Who is Alex Moulton?
Dr. Alex Moulton was born in Bath, England in 1920. He was a mechanical engineer with a talent and boundless imagination. He grew up in a family with a history of engineering, with his ancestors co-founding the Moulton Rubber Company, a manufacturer of rubber components for the transportation industry. After graduating from Cambridge University with an engineering degree, Moulton started working for the Bristol Aeroplane Company and later worked on automobile suspension systems. His most famous work was the suspension system for the Mini Cooper, which he co-designed with Sir Alec Issigonis in the 1950s.
From Car to Bike: The Birth of the Moulton Bicycle
Moulton’s inspiration for bicycles came from the belief that “traditional bicycles were too limited.” He saw an opportunity to develop bicycles that would be more efficient in terms of speed, comfort and agility.
In 1962, the first Moulton Bicycle was officially born, with a design that broke with the rules of traditional bicycles:
- Small wheels (17-20 inches) for increased maneuverability.
- Front and rear suspension system for a smooth ride
- Open Frame and Separate Frame for easy portability and storage.
Despite initial criticism, Moulton bikes quickly became popular, especially among cyclists seeking a new experience and engineers impressed by his ideas.
Subsequent successes and innovations
Following the launch of the prototype, Moulton opened its own manufacturing plant in Bradford-on-Avon and continued to develop models such as:
- Moulton Speed – A bike with multiple gears
- Moulton Deluxe – Focuses on premium finishes and high-quality materials
- Moulton AM Series (Advanced Mobility) – Introduced in the 1980s, it featured a more modern and durable design.
One of the hallmarks of the Moulton is its design, which focuses on performance and the real user experience. This has earned the Moulton a loyal following around the world, even though it is not sold on the mass market like other bikes.
Amazing competitions and statistics
The Moulton AM SPEED bike is designed specifically for the grueling Race Across America (RAAM) race, considered one of the most challenging road races in the world.
In 1988, American cyclist Dave Bogdan rode the first AM SPEED bicycle from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States, covering a distance of 3,117 miles, or approximately 5,017 kilometers, in 10 days and 15 hours, finishing the race in 8th place out of 35 cyclists.
This achievement is a testament to the high performance of the Moulton AM SPEED bike, which not only stands out for its innovation and design, but also proves on the field that this small-wheeled British bike is as capable as any other pro racing bike.
This is proof that smaller bikes don’t mean less performance. On the contrary, they are a truly viable option.
Modern Moulton bicycles
Although Dr. Alex Moulton passed away in 2012, his legacy of innovation lives on through the Moulton Bicycle Company, which continues to produce bicycles in the traditional style, with an emphasis on hand-built construction and the use of high-end materials such as stainless steel or chromoly.
