Moulton Bike Tyres

[neptune]

I found an old Moulton folding bicycle in the back of my sisters garage. Although very tatty looking, I pumped the tyres up, oiled the chain, and rode it down the street. The tyres are split and perished, and will not last long. They are an odd size, 14 X 1 3/8. Such tyres are available on ebay, "Raleigh" Brand. The question is, is there a difference between 14 inch tyres made for a childs bike, and 14 inch tyres for a small wheel adult bike ? The recomended pressure for Moulton Bikes is 75 PSI.

 

[jerrysimon]

That's a Moulton Mini and those tires are not so easy to source. Moulton Minis were 7/8th size of the regular more popular 16" wheeled ones and were made for smaller women and children.

Despite that, there is suspension front and back though the rear suspension its slightly different than the larger version of the bike. Check out Brian's excellent web site on them

http://www.bicyclehub.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=123

Tires come up on ebay as you say. Note 14" or 16" tire markings are pretty useless as you need the ISO size to truly find if they fit.

Check the late great Sheldon Browns site

Tire Sizing Systems

Also check out Moultonbuzz web site for more info on Moultons.

Note Moultons have NEVER folded. Some split in the middle especially the later ones and some of the rarer earlier 16" wheeled ones which command high s/h prices. I don't think any 14" wheeled ones where ever made that split in two.

My Brompton Kojaks will take 110PSI!

Regards

Jerry

 

[shemozzle999]

There are some on ebay (search for moulton mini as advised by Jerry), various prices, they do the suspension cone and inner tubes as well:

Schwalbe 14 x 1 3/8" (37-298) tyre Moulton Mini size | eBay

Schwalbe 14 x 1 3/8" (37-298) tyre Moulton Mini size | eBay

Tyres for Moulton / Moulton Mini 14" or 16" Wheel NEW | eBay

MOULTON ORIGINAL MICHELIN UNIVERSAL MINI 14"x13/8TYRES | eBay

 

[neptune]

This bike DEFINITELY folds. That is it has a hinge and it folds rather than splits in two. If it is not a Moulton, then it is a very good copy. It has suspension front and rear. It came into our family about 15 years ago, from the local tip. It was used in some early experiments to make a DIY electric bike, using a 24 volt wheelchair motor. Part of the rear carrier has been cut away, so it is of no value for restoration. I just thought it might be fun to ride if I can get it going without spending much money on it. My plan is to obtain a cheap non electric folder that will fit into a bag that I can take on busses, to make better use of my Bus Pas.
Can it be that I am the owner of the only Moulton Folder in the world? Ok, you wore me down, I will let it go for £1,000 or swap it for a brand new Dahon folder, or an Aguttu , or some common old bike of that nature!

 

[jerrysimon]

If it folds then its NOT a Moulton. No Moulton has ever folder

Pictures would be great

Regards

Jerry

 

[neptune]

Ok, I will try to get some pictures, but due to the logistics of the job, it will take me a day or two. It is at my sisters house so I will have to find a camera, and bike over there. If it is not a Moulton, then someone has either gone to a lot of trouble to build a clone, or fitted a hinge to a non folder. If the latter, it would not be
easy , as the main frame tube is of rectangular cross section, whereas, most folders have round tubes. Interestingly, it definitely has front suspension, but I am not 100% certain about the rear.

 

[jerrysimon]

If you do get pics then post them on the folding bike forum as someone will know what it is.

As you say not having rear suspension looks more likely. Probably an 80s/90s bike/not a Moulton model.

Any 14/16" Moulton would be at least 40 years old the last of these models being made 1969/70.

Regards

Jerry

 

[neptune]

I think I have solved the problem of the Mystery Moulton. The hinge looks, on close inspection, to have been added by a previous owner. It is a neat job, but it looks like it was arc welded, whereas the other frame joints are brazed.
It had rear suspension, but this has been disabled by a welded bracket, probably to cope with the extra weight of a motor and two lead acid batteries, when it was electrified. So it looks like a modified Moulton mini.

 

[jerrysimon]

Neptune would still love to see a pic. Other Moulton fans may also be interest especially if the hinge was added.

Jerry

 

[neptune]

Sorry about the very poor quality of these pictures. It still gives an idea of what i am talking about

 

[jerrysimon]

Well it certainly looks like a Moulton Mini

Many thanks for doing that. If you don't mind I may post them on the Moulton forum ?

Regards

Jerry

 

[neptune]

Hi Jerry, yes by all means. I reckon I am overdue for a better camera!

 

[jerrysimon]

reckon I am overdue for a better camera!

Thanks. Yes a new camera is probably in order or use a mobile phone one ?

Regards

Jerry