N=3

[pjclinch]

I could buy a CF all road bike, a ti all road bike or an SST - all would be geared bikes with a general usefulness, apparently a level of comfort bestowed by the frame (material/design) and a price tag making it an exceptional purchase.

You could...or indeed a (semi) custom steel all-road.

I have an SST from those as I like the handling of a Moulton more than typical 700c bikes and I like hub gears and flat or backswept bars so the Alfine 11 standard option suited me better than faffing about getting a hub into a sports machine designed around derailleurs and drop bars. Had I fancied joining the local chain gang I'd have been better off with carbon sports confectionery though (and could have spent less too!)

Pete.

[MGate]

I hear what you are saying about 'love for'. It's not the material per se but how it's built and what it's intended to do. Sounds to me that you enjoy a good 'subculture' I think you should dip your toe in the world of Moultons. Contact Steve at the factory for a chat. Good guy.

Not sure where you are but I'm sure there would be someone nearby who can sort a test ride.

I worked on a few and rode a couple before taking the plunge. Unlike some forum members I haven't noticed any decline in speed, mine zips along nicely, climbs well and in fact top speed on descents went up - and of course comfort levels especially for the hands and wrists is much better. Plus it 's a good conversation starter...

[deejayen]

Although I mainly ride recumbents, I've got an old F-frame Moulton and a newer TSR. The TSR is slightly unusual in that it's been converted to a fixed wheel. I'm a paid-up member of the Moulton club, and like some aspects of the bikes, but before I bought mine I once rode with someone who said, "A Moulton is a solution to a problem which doesn't exist", and now I kind of agree with them. However, I know a lot of owners love them. The TSR is probably a bike I wouldn't regret selling (the only 'bike' I've sold so far has been a Windcheetah). Yes, we're all different!

A family member has a Brompton, and I've taken this for a few rides when I've been on holiday. Perhaps it's been the fact that I've been on holiday, but these rides have been some of the most enjoyable I've had on a bike! I suppose you don't expect a Brompton to be fast, but they're quite capable and can cover the miles. I like their handling, and the front luggage carrier makes them practical. It's also handy to be able to fold them if you need to hop on a bus or train or even put them in the boot of a car. My fixed wheel TSR separates easily (no rear brake or gear cables) but the two pieces can be quite awkward to manage.

[pjclinch]

My fixed wheel TSR separates easily (no rear brake or gear cables) but the two pieces can be quite awkward to manage.

Just a note to add that a "normal" Moulton still separates easily with simple but effective cable connectors for rear brake and gear cables. But, what deejayen says about the two bits being cumbersome is entirely fair!

Pete.

[yostumpy]

If it’s portability you want, how about a grasshopper fx? Or an Airnimal Joey?