Alex Moulton NS Speed bicycle

Not a NS Speed, but I got a fixed frame FX8 last week (11th May 2002), Richard Diver from City Bikes in Toronto delivered it to my door on what must have been the first sunny day in Montreal, this year.

It is definitely an usual bike but I was most surprised by the amount of attention it is attracting particularly in these days of a-dime-a dozen fancy mountain bikes. The riding takes a bit getting used to, with the small wheels and the suspension, but all is well.

What I like so far (26/6/02):

• very comfortable
• nice finish, the frame has all the brazed on holders and cable routes for upgrades.
• comfortable for all day riding

What I dislike so far (26/6/02):

• don't like the very upright riding position, a drop bar will suit me better, that will involve a major shifter/brake level/vbrake adapter change
• the saddle is too wide for my liking
• The gear ratio is a tad low for me, I personally prefer pushing higher gear than excessive spinning. But I possibly won't need a 62T chain ring!
• the bottle cage mounting on the braze on interfers with riding somewhat.

I managed to locate a pair of early 90's Campagnolo platform pedals with clip, possibly an Athena or a Chorus. The next change will likely be a Brooks leather saddle, and a drop-bar. I hope to beat the price of a stock R18, after all my modifications...


Wednesday, 28 April 2004
After a month of heavy research (Sheldon Brown, Moulton list at Yahoo, Moulton list on Topica), ebay scavenging and online purchases (Sheldon Brown for the Carradice, Jenson for their clearance Dura Ace, Performance Bike for their price matching policy and 20% off coupon), dedicated rebuilding... the Moulton is finally back on the road. It now has a Brooks saddle, Cinelli stem and drop bar, 18 speed drive train, a Carradice bag and even a cycle computer. I have along the process also acquired a rather complete set of bicycle tools to work on this and other bikes that come my way... Next, I am very interested in schlumpf's speed drive :)

I am posting a photo of my friend Earl Webster's FX80 which is a limited edition version of the FX8. This is one of the most beautiful bikes out there.


Links:
Alex Moulton UK
Pashley, maker of FX8
Moultoneer List at Topica (no longer active)
Moultoneer List at Yahoo
A list of folding bikes
Colin Martin's around the world on a Moulton