'Dave Moulton' bike question
 

Good day all,

I wanted to know if this is the BF section to post a question or 2 about a Dave Moulton-made bike?

A few year ago, I was lucky enough to have bought a Dave Moulton-made bike. Two weeks ago, I found Dave's site and read up on the frames he made. I have since contacted him, but wanted to know of any other Moulton experts in BF. Since Dave built numerous frames--signature Moulton, Fuso, etc--is there a way to find out the value of the bike (or result of recent sales)? Before reading his site, I had my Moulton hanging on a rack in the garage unsecured. Now it locked down. :D

According to his site, the frame is one of 216 made; I don't I'm selling it and will pass it down to my son. If that's my plan, should I have the frame 'treated' to prevent rust, corrosion, etc?

Thanks in advance for any answers and suggestions!

I'm no Dave Moulton expert, but I have tremendous respect for him as both a framebuilder and an eloquent blogger. Personally, I've learned a great deal just from reading the articles on his blog archives.

He checks in here from time to time.

Just watch eBay; Moulton's sell there from time to time. Very nice bikes.

Bikes are meant to be ridden; get out there and ride.

There are corrosion inhibitor sprays you can apply to the inside of the frame. You can also wrap the frame in corrosion inhibiting paper(treated with some oily type stuff) then plastic if you are just dead set against riding it.

Dave would tell you to ride the bike.

Moultons are nice, most made to measure and that is where their best worth is with the original purchaser. So ride it.

If you want to keep it, as a future downpayment for a house, keep it indoors. Framesaver appears to be a good product, EXCEPT if the bike has chromed head lugs, there it is the chrome plater who will have defined the life of the frame.

Dave Moulton also made a number of frames prior to coming to the states, I do not think that 216 number includes bikes made there.

I lust for a nice Fuso. Dave has posted on BF in the past - a lot of what I've read from him is his amazement that his bikes are now selling for so much $$.

They are reputed to be excellent frames. Great rep. High resale. Good investment. Great ride.

I built up a bunch back in the day, both Moultons and Fusos. In an E-mail exchange Dave actually remembered the dealer I worked at. Top notch frames regardless of which one you have!!!

Send him a PM...I'm sure he'll give you details on your frame.

The issue is simple. Give the bike to your son. Tell him to ride the hell out of it or else you will donate it to the thrift shop so somebody can steal it and die with a smile. If the bike does not fit you or your son wait patiently to find a very deserving soul to take the bike. If the paint is well worn a powder coat would not hurt.

There's been two Fuso's in the back of my LBS recently, both appear to be late 80's-ish vintage. Both with asking prices for over a grand. Both were beautiful frames which were luckily not my size or one might have followed me home.

I know one of our members picked up a very good condition Fuso for around $600 a few months ago. My understanding is the Fuso's are made from the same materials as the Dave Moulton custom bikes, just in standard sizes. Of course, there are a lot more Fusos out there than his custom bikes.

Ahistick, your intro said "I'm a recreational rider and trying to get back into shape."

Ha!

I can't believe that not one of you has demanded photos :eek: .

So, how about ahistick? Photos, please?

East Hill

Thanks for all the input. I agree, it needs to be ridden. I love the feel and liveliness of a steel frame and the Moulton rides beautifully.

The bike was sold by the original owner so it has his name on it. According to his site, Dave made 216 'dave moulton' signature frames in Cali. If I read the charts right, its one of 154 'special Professional Road' models and there were 7 of the size I have.

East Hill--I'll try to get pictures up. For a teaser, its a pearl white frame, rear triangle, and fork with dark blue 'moulton' decals. Its Columbus SL or SLX tubing with chromed lugs and dropouts (similar to the one below)
http://www.prodigalchild.net/WteDaMo1.jpg
The component group that came with it is Campy Chorus. The etched part on the face of crankset have been inlayed with Italy's colors (red and green).

Another benefit of the bike is that its somewhat of a sleeper in terms of looks. Other than the pearl white paint job, many may consider it an 'ordinary' bike. People have been held up, jacked, push off for their fancier-looking bikes, but I think many that many see the white bike and just overlook it when I ride down certain parts of town.

Thanks again everybody.

that is one freakin gorgeous bike.

and worth over a grand easily.

marty

every tine I see such sweet bikes I feel laint! I will have one some day, oh yes, I will have one! ;)

My love for my Fuso increases every time I ride it. When I got it - an '85 - earlier this year, I was in the middle of building several steel bikes - all of them comparable in terms of geometry, tubing and era. When all 3 were finished, I started riding them and honestly, I was the least wowed by the Fuso.

Shows you what first impressions can really mean. For over the course of several months, I've ridden the Fuso once a week on average. And in that time, it just keeps getting better and better. I've gone from lust to pure love and look forward to getting on it whenever I possibly can. I'm also thinking of upgrading some of the components as well.

You can do no wrong to keep this bike...if its the right size. And as mentioned, it was made to be ridden. Do it in style.

55/Rad

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/4879/fusohero5cf9.jpg

Marty,

Thanks, I think I got lucky to have found the bike; for the total package, I think it was worth what I spent. I wanted to build a bike with a custom Retrotec frame when Bob Sills (sp?) was still making the frames, but would have spent more than what the Moulton was costing. BTW, the one pictured is not mine, but very close. Not as much chrome on mines, but a beauty nonetheless.

Funny, I bought it from the owner of a local bike shop and the top tube reads....drum roll please...."built for Marty"!

well then I have 2 pertinent comments
1)what size is it?
2)Send it to me! (its got my name on it, it's FATE )

we will expect pictures when you get the chance.

Marty

Not an expert either, but I own three custom Moulton bikes. I used to work for Dave in San Marcos back in the early 80's. He built me a track bike, mtn. bike and custom road/crit bike. I still ride my road bike all the time, though I have Dura Ace on it now instead of the Campagnolo Super Record I equipped it with back then. I'll get some pics and you can see a sweet ride!

With this level of chrome original to the build, I'd say that this particular Moulton is not readily appraised. It's rare as hen's teeth in that form and I've never seen a Moulton like it. What size would it be?

Danny

Get a good fitter to set it up for your shape and preferences, and keep it and ride it. You won't find something that nice easily for less than the better part of $2k.

The best expert on the site for Dave Moulton bikes is Dave Moulton.

Road Fan