Last night, instead of watching the ball drop to bring in the New Year, I had my TV turned off and I was engrossed in these three videos you posted about The Greatest Bike Ever Made. The Moulton Double Pylon. I'm utterly stupefied. I'm back to watch these videos for a second time.
Interesting, i really enjoyed your content. The Moulton is a very cool bike, and i love it's design and history. It's not for me personally though, i have a Birdy and Brompton and i like them both for different reasons, but i am not so interested in a small wheel bike that doesn't easily fold. If i am not going portable then large wheel bikes offer a lot more in ability.
They are better than a Dahon but do not quite make the cut. The Vello cargo bike is the first one that is good enough, and it will be included in an upcoming video about cargo bikes.
The cheapest Moulton is $2500, which is less than a monocoque Birdy or a titanium Brompton. Not an entry level bike but not entirely unattainable... especially given how much people spend on their cars these days. I will have a video on budgeting for a classic bike.
I would spring for an SST model with the 2x Campy drivetrain. It is a step up from the base model, is light and compact, and rides great on mediocre streets and Rails-to-Trails routes. The cheaper models with the internal hubs are just not as quick, and the rear suspension is hampered a bit by the heavy hub. I have the XTB model that fits 50mm tires, and while good for a heavy guy or touring load, it is enough heavier that if you have to carry it in a bag on your back, is kinda chonky, and significantly pricier. Plus, IMO, the 2x allowed on the SST gives better chainline and in-the-middle gear ratios.
Absolutely. I will have another video on small wheel physics soon. David at Bfold in Manhattan always has Moultons. He can show you some, but I doubt he would let you ride any of them. He can also order new frames to your specs. David also has the best high-end repair service in NYC.
I have a Moulton, and the wheel size is not important for climbing, as the bike is designed with chainrings and cogs to give the same gear-inches as a big wheel bike. The small wheels are insanely strong and easy to keep true, and accelerate faster, though, which is nice.. There IS a downside to having suspension going uphill, as it bobs if you get out of the saddle -- only the models with the parallelogram fork suspension have a lockout to reduce that issue. If you like to sit and spin, the Moulton goes up fine, but you really can't mash on the pedals. OTOH, going down a steep road on a Moulton is astounding. I was in the Scottish highlands with a 10-15kg touring load. Going up was a sit-and-spin affair and I wished I could stand up and mash for a change of muscle groups, but I could FLY down the tarmac with absolute stability, unlike people without the suspension and without the front load attached to the frame. That last bit is super fantastic.
Last night, instead of watching the ball drop to bring in the New Year, I had my TV turned off and I was engrossed in these three videos you posted about The Greatest Bike Ever Made. The Moulton Double Pylon. I'm utterly stupefied. I'm back to watch these videos for a second time.
Interesting, i really enjoyed your content. The Moulton is a very cool bike, and i love it's design and history. It's not for me personally though, i have a Birdy and Brompton and i like them both for different reasons, but i am not so interested in a small wheel bike that doesn't easily fold. If i am not going portable then large wheel bikes offer a lot more in ability.
Small wheel bikes also have a different frontal cross section area.
Acceleration, hills and headwinds are all easier on small wheel bikes.
How would you rate the Helix or Vello folding bikes?
They are better than a Dahon but do not quite make the cut. The Vello cargo bike is the first one that is good enough, and it will be included in an upcoming video about cargo bikes.
@@SmallWheelWonder oh ok looking forward to that thanks
@@SmallWheelWonder
They aren't better than A Dahon MU EX. And definately aren't better than a Tern Verge X20 or X11.
But how attainable are Moultons to most people?
The cheapest Moulton is $2500, which is less than a monocoque Birdy or a titanium Brompton. Not an entry level bike but not entirely unattainable... especially given how much people spend on their cars these days. I will have a video on budgeting for a classic bike.
I would spring for an SST model with the 2x Campy drivetrain. It is a step up from the base model, is light and compact, and rides great on mediocre streets and Rails-to-Trails routes. The cheaper models with the internal hubs are just not as quick, and the rear suspension is hampered a bit by the heavy hub. I have the XTB model that fits 50mm tires, and while good for a heavy guy or touring load, it is enough heavier that if you have to carry it in a bag on your back, is kinda chonky, and significantly pricier. Plus, IMO, the 2x allowed on the SST gives better chainline and in-the-middle gear ratios.
Wow, some sick-o dug deep into their parts pile to gift their Moulton build a Coda Magic Motorcycle crank!
So small wheels like a Brompton are easier up hill?
Absolutely. I will have another video on small wheel physics soon. David at Bfold in Manhattan always has Moultons. He can show you some, but I doubt he would let you ride any of them. He can also order new frames to your specs. David also has the best high-end repair service in NYC.
I have a Moulton, and the wheel size is not important for climbing, as the bike is designed with chainrings and cogs to give the same gear-inches as a big wheel bike. The small wheels are insanely strong and easy to keep true, and accelerate faster, though, which is nice.. There IS a downside to having suspension going uphill, as it bobs if you get out of the saddle -- only the models with the parallelogram fork suspension have a lockout to reduce that issue. If you like to sit and spin, the Moulton goes up fine, but you really can't mash on the pedals. OTOH, going down a steep road on a Moulton is astounding. I was in the Scottish highlands with a 10-15kg touring load. Going up was a sit-and-spin affair and I wished I could stand up and mash for a change of muscle groups, but I could FLY down the tarmac with absolute stability, unlike people without the suspension and without the front load attached to the frame. That last bit is super fantastic.