All-original 1971 Moulton Minx
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
All-original 1971 Moulton Minx
I spotted this dusty and neglected bike at an auction and had to have it. I couldn't believe it was completely original and in good basic shape and knew it would clean up nicely.
Nothing has been replaced. It has the original tubes and tires (Dunlop Roadster) and John Bull brakepads. A lot of the cable guides have broken and I understand this is common. I had the headset overhauled as it was not very smooth but no other work was required.
I had never ridden one before and it is a hoot to ride. It's easy to mount and rides more like a regular bike. The dual suspension and relatively narrow tires provide a surprisingly smooth ride. The drawbacks are the contact points: the seat is not comfortable for long rides and the handgrips are hard, gloves are required. And as you can imagine those half-century old brake pads are not ideal on steel rims. Applying the brakes in wet weather merely suggests the concept of stopping. But I believe there are modern compound pads that look vintage. It's always a dilemma with bikes like this because with some updating it would be an awesome daily commuter but it looks so cute as is.
Nothing has been replaced. It has the original tubes and tires (Dunlop Roadster) and John Bull brakepads. A lot of the cable guides have broken and I understand this is common. I had the headset overhauled as it was not very smooth but no other work was required.
I had never ridden one before and it is a hoot to ride. It's easy to mount and rides more like a regular bike. The dual suspension and relatively narrow tires provide a surprisingly smooth ride. The drawbacks are the contact points: the seat is not comfortable for long rides and the handgrips are hard, gloves are required. And as you can imagine those half-century old brake pads are not ideal on steel rims. Applying the brakes in wet weather merely suggests the concept of stopping. But I believe there are modern compound pads that look vintage. It's always a dilemma with bikes like this because with some updating it would be an awesome daily commuter but it looks so cute as is.
Likes For holden west:
#2
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,847
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2298 Post(s)
Liked 2,054 Times
in
1,254 Posts
So much original awesome! They are special bikes. Try a B17 on it.
You can keep the original parts and slim the bike down with all alloy components with no real aesthetic downside. I love my 64.
You can keep the original parts and slim the bike down with all alloy components with no real aesthetic downside. I love my 64.
Likes For clubman:
#3
Senior Member
Great find! I've been a Moulton fan for decades. That's a really nice all original one.
All rubber components are subject to decay and drying out. Feel no guilt about replacing them. Yes, vintage style brake pads are available. Perhaps koolstop makes insert for the holders you have, not sure.
AFA your dilemma about updates, I'd probably rebuild the rims to alloy, put on some new rubber, and leave it at that. Store the originals in a box. That will get you 90% of any potential performance improvement, and will look bone stock from 3 feet away. I'd probably even keep the saddle, at least for a short commute. Those 70s mattress saddles were pretty bad, but you get used to them... You could put a Brooks on there but then it becomes a theft magnet. If you've got a secure storage location that wouldn't matter.
All rubber components are subject to decay and drying out. Feel no guilt about replacing them. Yes, vintage style brake pads are available. Perhaps koolstop makes insert for the holders you have, not sure.
AFA your dilemma about updates, I'd probably rebuild the rims to alloy, put on some new rubber, and leave it at that. Store the originals in a box. That will get you 90% of any potential performance improvement, and will look bone stock from 3 feet away. I'd probably even keep the saddle, at least for a short commute. Those 70s mattress saddles were pretty bad, but you get used to them... You could put a Brooks on there but then it becomes a theft magnet. If you've got a secure storage location that wouldn't matter.
Likes For Salamandrine:
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the nice comments. One dilemma I had was with the saddle. It looked very yellow and worn-looking and when the bike was polished the saddle really stuck out in a bad way. I decided to spray paint it with a paint designed for leather and vinyl. Then it looked a little too pristine. I then got some Testors metallic copper paint and carefully painted the saddle rivets. After a few weeks of normal wear and tear the saddle had a more natural look that's perfect to me. But yes, those are very good suggestions for updating the other parts.
I don't think I've ever ridden a bike that's generated so many smiles and thumb's ups. It's a real head-turner.
I don't think I've ever ridden a bike that's generated so many smiles and thumb's ups. It's a real head-turner.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 331
Bikes: '68 Masi Special road, Grail bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 108 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 70 Times
in
58 Posts
those John Bull flimsy steel calipers have to go in the trash bin!
a set of Weinmann sidepulls with Kool Stop pads will stop well
and still be vintage and look as if they were OEM
a set of Weinmann sidepulls with Kool Stop pads will stop well
and still be vintage and look as if they were OEM
Likes For steve sumner:
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 2,109
Bikes: Trek 800 x 2, Schwinn Heavy Duti, Schwinn Traveler, Schwinn Le Tour Luxe, Schwinn Continental, Cannondale M400 and Lambert, Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 809 Post(s)
Liked 1,023 Times
in
665 Posts
Don't throw away the steel brake calipers. Save them for some time when for some crazy reason, you want to sell it or something. But if you are going to ride, upgrading the calipers would make sense at some point.
I've kept an eye out for a Moulton in my price range. The problem for me is that everyone with a computer looks them up and thinks they are worth a fortune, even in unfortunate condition.
Nice find. And it looks like the new owner is the right person for this bike. Have fun with it.
I've kept an eye out for a Moulton in my price range. The problem for me is that everyone with a computer looks them up and thinks they are worth a fortune, even in unfortunate condition.
Nice find. And it looks like the new owner is the right person for this bike. Have fun with it.
Likes For Velo Mule:
#7
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,503
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,470 Times
in
1,435 Posts
What a great score. I test rode a similar Moulton a few years ago and was impressed. It does feel like a big wheel bike because of the brilliant suspension.
Those brake calipers work fine for me. I can't stand the Weinmann brakes of that type. If you don't like the steel ones, get some dual pivot calipers.
Those brake calipers work fine for me. I can't stand the Weinmann brakes of that type. If you don't like the steel ones, get some dual pivot calipers.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#8
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,513
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 124 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2422 Post(s)
Liked 4,395 Times
in
2,092 Posts
Looks fantastic - and I second noglider. Those calipers aren't the greatest, but some grippy John Bull replacement pads by Kool-Stop (they make the right size for these now, in both compounds) will do much more to improve braking than flexy Weinmann sidepulls.
I've also found Tektro 900A's to work nicely for this reach, if you wish to go modern.
-Kurt
I've also found Tektro 900A's to work nicely for this reach, if you wish to go modern.
-Kurt
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 331
Bikes: '68 Masi Special road, Grail bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 108 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 70 Times
in
58 Posts
if you think Weinmann sidepulls are flexy then you haven't felt thin steel sidepulls
especially in the wet with steel rims they only give the impression of stopping.
especially in the wet with steel rims they only give the impression of stopping.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Good advice, I will change out the brake pads, especially since they won't affect the vintage look. The original John Bulls give only slightly better performance than a pair of ice cubes. I think now they're like anti-wrinkle cream: if used immediately they may be effective eventually.
Likes For holden west:
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 2,820
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,328 Times
in
784 Posts
I spotted this dusty and neglected bike at an auction and had to have it. I couldn't believe it was completely original and in good basic shape and knew it would clean up nicely.
Nothing has been replaced. It has the original tubes and tires (Dunlop Roadster) and John Bull brakepads. A lot of the cable guides have broken and I understand this is common. I had the headset overhauled as it was not very smooth but no other work was required.
I had never ridden one before and it is a hoot to ride. It's easy to mount and rides more like a regular bike. The dual suspension and relatively narrow tires provide a surprisingly smooth ride. The drawbacks are the contact points: the seat is not comfortable for long rides and the handgrips are hard, gloves are required. And as you can imagine those half-century old brake pads are not ideal on steel rims. Applying the brakes in wet weather merely suggests the concept of stopping. But I believe there are modern compound pads that look vintage. It's always a dilemma with bikes like this because with some updating it would be an awesome daily commuter but it looks so cute as is.
Nothing has been replaced. It has the original tubes and tires (Dunlop Roadster) and John Bull brakepads. A lot of the cable guides have broken and I understand this is common. I had the headset overhauled as it was not very smooth but no other work was required.
I had never ridden one before and it is a hoot to ride. It's easy to mount and rides more like a regular bike. The dual suspension and relatively narrow tires provide a surprisingly smooth ride. The drawbacks are the contact points: the seat is not comfortable for long rides and the handgrips are hard, gloves are required. And as you can imagine those half-century old brake pads are not ideal on steel rims. Applying the brakes in wet weather merely suggests the concept of stopping. But I believe there are modern compound pads that look vintage. It's always a dilemma with bikes like this because with some updating it would be an awesome daily commuter but it looks so cute as is.
I already posted this elsewhere, but have a look:
Mini with an extended & widened rear fork, sturmey front drum and nexus 8 rear with roller brake on alloy erto 305 rims, Nervar/TA crank, lots of other tweaks.
#12
Senior Member
You have a Mini variant - everything is 7/8 the size of the original F-frame.
I already posted this elsewhere, but have a look:
Mini with an extended & widened rear fork, sturmey front drum and nexus 8 rear with roller brake on alloy erto 305 rims, Nervar/TA crank, lots of other tweaks.
I already posted this elsewhere, but have a look:
Mini with an extended & widened rear fork, sturmey front drum and nexus 8 rear with roller brake on alloy erto 305 rims, Nervar/TA crank, lots of other tweaks.
Right, 7/8 model, good catch. I had to go find my Moulton book on the shelf. The Minx was one of the 14" wheel models. The orginal tire size is now pretty obscure but not extinct.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres/ra...37298/?geoc=US
I don't see why you guys are afraid of some old steel brake calipers. I spent my youth riding those down steep hills. Just plan ahead a little... New pads for sure though.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 2,820
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,328 Times
in
784 Posts
Good advice, I will change out the brake pads, especially since they won't affect the vintage look. The original John Bulls give only slightly better performance than a pair of ice cubes. I think now they're like anti-wrinkle cream: if used immediately they may be effective eventually.
Likes For oneclick:
#14
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,847
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2298 Post(s)
Liked 2,054 Times
in
1,254 Posts
That's a very nice hot rodded Moulton!
Right, 7/8 model, good catch. I had to go find my Moulton book on the shelf. The Minx was one of the 14" wheel models. The orginal tire size is now pretty obscure but not extinct.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres/ra...37298/?geoc=US
I don't see why you guys are afraid of some old steel brake calipers. I spent my youth riding those down steep hills. Just plan ahead a little... New pads for sure though.
Right, 7/8 model, good catch. I had to go find my Moulton book on the shelf. The Minx was one of the 14" wheel models. The orginal tire size is now pretty obscure but not extinct.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres/ra...37298/?geoc=US
I don't see why you guys are afraid of some old steel brake calipers. I spent my youth riding those down steep hills. Just plan ahead a little... New pads for sure though.
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Those are Dunlop Roadster tires. It's amazing they are a half-century old and only have minor sidewall hairline cracking.
The Schwalbe website says they stock 14" x 1 3/8" tires.
The Schwalbe website says they stock 14" x 1 3/8" tires.
#16
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,513
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 124 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2422 Post(s)
Liked 4,395 Times
in
2,092 Posts
More importantly, they're less likely to permanently bend from hard braking with really grabby pads, which is a real possibility with the long-reach Weinmann sidepulls.
-Kurt
#17
Senior Member
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/rim-sizing.html
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 2,820
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,328 Times
in
784 Posts
Careful there, I believe those Schwalbe are ISO 288, not ISO 298. Both are nominally 14" x 1 3/8". Since yours is a later model I suppose there some chance that could be what you have, but I suspect not. I'm certainly no expert in various European 14" sizes though. 26" is bad enough.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/rim-sizing.html
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/rim-sizing.html
Likes For oneclick:
#21
Senior Member
It's always good to measure and verify, but it's a pretty safe assumption the Dunlops are the same ISO 298 size as the tires I linked to that SJS is selling.
If you wanted to hot rod this, going to 305 like you did would be the most logical approach.
#22
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,503
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,470 Times
in
1,435 Posts
Not all steel side-pulls are crappy. The ones on my 1962 Rudge work like champs and leave me wanting nothing. The ones on this Moulton look like they might be just as good.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Likes For noglider: