Comments on: 29 September 2008: The Moulton Story (part one)

By: Jack

Jack — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:44:22 +0000

Mike – Rolling resistance is a major factor, also air resistance of spokes and the changes to the shape of the frame that small wheels permit. All of these conspire to make a small wheeled bicycle potentially faster.

The tests have shown that around 17 inches diameter is optimal. This is what you’d expect if you look at the most cutting edge HPV (human powered vehicle) designs, most of which use a wheel size very close to 17 inches.

The genius of the Moulton design is not the high pressure tyres by themselves, but the combination of high pressure, smaller tyres with suspension and a reshaping of the frame for greater stiffness – particularly the space frames (see part two of the feature). Suspension is not just about rider comfort, it also increases efficiency by reducing the momentum loss when going over bumps or dips in the road.

I suppose the ultimate proof is the fact that Moulton’s bicycles were quickly banned from use in most competitions because they give the rider too great an advantage.

By: mike

mike — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:39:06 +0000

but why small wheels? if the benefit of the moulton is the high pressure tyres, wouldn’t a bike with 26 inch wheels AND high pressure tyres, be better still?

By: David

David — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:13:24 +0000

Hi Jack, brilliant episode. I live near Bradford on Avon and one of my friends has just started working for Moulton – it’s a dream come true for him. I’m really looking forward to part two.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:08:08 +0000

Very interesting episode Jack, looking forward to part 2
I have never seen a Moulton, maybe we don’t have too many over here in NY state…

Thanks!

Dave