Moulton NS Speed Bike
by on 11. 3.04
Remember the original Italian Job movie? Sporty little Minis bouncing down all those stairs? Well, the guy who designed the suspension for those Minis, later turned his attention to bicycles. He crafted the first bike with front and rear cushioning - over 40 years ago! And still the innovation continues. The NS Speed, shown here, uses a...
stainless steel 'space' frame, with kevlar/carbon fibre forks and rubber based suspension. Weird huh? But looks can deceive. A Moulton holds the world speed record (51mph/82 kph) for a bike ridden in the conventional upright position. Notice the low ‘step-through’ frame - safer for guys and convenient for those wearing skirts (or kilts). Ideal for commuting too, as many models sport fenders/mudguards and frames that split in two. One even has automatic gear shifting! Their motto: the world’s most efficient form of transport.
::Alex Moulton [by WM]
How can the Moulton NS Speed have won the "best touring" folder? The bike lacks all the necessary requirements of a passable touring cycle and barely folds. Where are the water bottle brackets, the rack lugs, fenders, or any capacity to carry anything other than the rider? How about granny gear for climbing up mountain passes while loaded, or the option of a front generator hub and light combo to help tourists make camp when the sun disappears earlier than expected?
As a long time independent, self-supported bicycle tourist who likes and rides a folding bicycle daily I would have to completely disagree with your classification of this cycle. I would find this cycle nice as a daily commuter or “connection” bike, but as a touring bike it lacks everything necessary regardless of the designers work on the suspension of the Mini.
http://www.greenbicycle.com/default.htm
If you don't think the Moulton can tour follow the link!