Very interesting.gazza_d wrote: ↑12 Apr 2021, 8:29amSecondly, the discussions around whether Moultons are more or less efficient than big wheelers.
In last spring's lockdown I started cycling a 12.5 mile lockdown loop with 300 ft of ascent, which is a mix of roads and surfaces. I did it a few times on the APB which is equipped with a dynamo hub and an alfine 11. I also did a couple of rides on my oldish steel Carrera Virtuoso with 14 speed Shimano. The Carrera is stripped down as far as poss with no lights, guards or racks etc, unlike the APB which is "fully loaded". The Carrera has 25mm gatorskins, whilst the APB has the 28mm Nutrak tyres.
When out for an hour so so I tend not to spare the horses.
I was surprised that the Carrera was actually slower by a handful of seconds. I have another comparison which is just a mile around the roads where I live and again the APB is quicker than the Carrera. It's not really long enough to be a useful comparison unlike the 12 miler though.
I suspect a lot of that is that the Moulton has better roadholding and handling and is quicker on the unpaved sections (2) which offsets any drag inherent from the hub gear and dynamo. I was definitely more fatigued on the Carrera as well and it was a good reminder of how plush the Moulton ride is and that is worth more to me than a few seconds an hour.
Thanks for posting.
Any more comparisons, anyone?
Jonathan