Sammyboy

They can be had relatively cheap over here Sue, if you don't mind watching eBay closely. I've got two Moulton Minis (14" wheels, smaller frame) that I got for a total of £8 from the freeads. Of course, then there's the work to do. You can come over, and we can have a Moulton co-operative. If you put aside £60, you can find yourself a tidy example on eBay.

snafu21

"If you put aside £60, you can find yourself a tidy example on eBay."

I'm already getting death threats from the g.f for having three bikes around the house. :-(

They're sweet looking scoots, though..

what bike?

looks like a nice frame, goodluck

Sammyboy

Hey now. One of those bikes is HERS now. That means you need a third one. There are even seperable versions of this (not real folders mind)

BruceMetras

S/C, did you check with any wheel builders on running a radially laced rear wheel? I would think you should have at least the drive side with crosses (ala Dahon's lightweight wheels).. seems like it would be prone to some windup especially when under heavy torque.. but I could be all wet.... will be interested to hear if you encounter any problems with that wheel because it does look nice.

mulleady

SC I don't use superlatives for the sake of using them! Quite simply this is the work of a craftsman with taste. You can afford to be as proud as a peacock lol! I'm sure Neokohime would lust after your bike more than my raw lacquer Brompton except mine folds better for commute purposes lol. It is a truly stunning bike and with the SA8 must ride great too. I love where you put the shifter too, very innovative.

I would have to nominate this upgraded Moulton and Littlepixel's lightweight Brompton as 2 of the finest bikes of their types I've ever seen on a personal build! Wow!

SesameCrunch

*Gulp* No, I didn't check with any actual professionals on this. Where would the excitement be in riding if everything was up to snuff ?

I'm counting on the super short spoke length and the 28 spokes to keep me out of the hospital. I will frequently check the wheel in the beginning to see if it's OK. But, mostly this is a Pootling bike. And as the Master Pootler, Snafu21, will quickly tell you, there is a maximum speed limit of 12 mph for Pootles.

SesameCrunch

Aww shucks. It weren't nothin'

Actually, did you know this Moulton is genealogically linked with LittlePixel's Mercton? LP sent me the rims, hubs and brakes from his Merc. Yup, they came across the pond and now lives on in the Moulton. Isn't that fantastic?

arctos

Lovely restoration and upgrade.

A suggestion: The front wheel fender/mudguard on a 349 wheel needs to be longer and have a very wide mudflap as those wheels tend to spray water from the road in a very wide pattern. I learned this on my Stowaway and Mark 3.

sahadev

Beautiful SC! Bring it to the next FolderFest and you will be the hit of the party.

maranen

Congratulations for the Ultimate Pootling Bike! This bike is a sight for sore eyes.

mulleady

No! That's a good story considering I linked you 2 purely on your ability to transform folding bikes into eclectic or futuristic wonders lol!

Diode100

Any half way decent series 1 or 2 16'' wheeled Moulton is going to cost you at least 80-100 quid these days, and you wont find a Mk III for less than 150 +++. they are the most sort after cooking Moulton. 14'' Moulton's are a different story, note that they are framed for ''ladies, little blokes & big kids'' so if that's you, now would be a good time to buy and put away one or two nice ones, say a 4 speed and a Mini Automatic.

LittlePixel

This is so so true - I'm sure you aren't alone. Loving the conversion with the period drops - looks like the perfect bike for going out and getting ice-cream on - Sweet!

Sammyboy

In the style of BikesnobNYC, I've compiled a "Moultodex" from my recent watch list.

£73
£46
£62
£82
£41

Which means the Moultodex is right on the money at £60.80. I'm not saying those are cooking ones, but they're not Minis or Midis. Some want more work than others, but on the SesameCrunch model, you'll be refurbing anyway. I consider my point defended!

As far as Minis, I'm encouraged by the fact that the top of the seat tube is a trifle higher than that on my Downtube Mini, making me think that I can accommodate myself with the aid of modern seatposts. The fact that it's smaller makes the challenge of building a roadie killer all the greater!

Diode100

Ok, as you will, but dont fall into the trap I did, if it doesn't say the wheel size, dont assume its a 16'' model- best to always ask. Also when it comes to assessing refurbishing costs, most of these bikes were built by British Leyland, and for a very good reason, you don't see many Austin 1100's running around these days. The two most exasperating, mind numbing, vehicle maintenance tasks I've encountered, changing the brake master cyclinder on a Morris Minor, and removing a rusted in bolt on a moulton rear suspension.

Sammyboy

No, they were all 16" models, for definite. I agree that rusted items can be a problem, but hey, I have a hand built EG Bates track bike where the seatpost is locked solid, and I've give up trying to move it, afraid that I'll damage the frame. Old bikes often involve stuck things, it's just part of the fun. I am deadly serious, however, that you can find a rideable Moulton for £60 or less, provided you're willing to be patient. It might take a month of watching eBay before you find one that's what you want, and isn't too far away, but it's eminently doable. I've bought a LOT of old bikes at bargain prices (in the region of 60 of 'em) on eBay, and patience and a willingness to drive somewhere a bit odd are your friends.

SesameCrunch

Thanks for the idea! I think that'll be my Moulton Pootle this afternoon!

what bike?

anyone think i should take on this project, without buying a new dahon?

1990s moulton ABP frame:







if i take on this project i could also make quite alot of cash from it and would be able to afford a even better bike but i would be risky :s

SesameCrunch

Sweeeeet!

If you don't take the project on, sell me the frame!!!! I'd love to work on it!

what bike?

i might take it on but ive seen some newer bikes that i like but this would be fun , i like yours it looks alot less costly , i havent bought the frame yet i might not even buy it, its just another project im thinking about

Sammyboy

Take it on! Forget the Dahon! I see it on the Bay - I guess it depends what it goes for. If you could get it for the starting price....

what bike?

i might im not sure ive still got a couple of days to make up my mind yet

Diode100

Very true, anythink with a remote location that says ''Pickup only'' is ripe to be had at a bargain price.

Sammyboy

Yep, my £20 Gazelle roadie was pickup only in Essex, my £18 Raleigh Royal tourer from a village near Bedford, my £25 R20's came one from the wilds of Staffs, and the other from London, but again, pickup only. I even won a 20 for £5, but just couldn't manage to make picking it up work.