Are there better solutions? (Moulton)

[rogerzilla]

Ah, as a series 1 yours would have a lighter trailing arm, which is both a blessing and a curse (the series 2 ones weigh a ton but never break!).

Currently cleaning up the rear suspension block, whose plates look to have been galvanised originally but had a bit of a rusty patina after 57 years. Nearly got them clean again with Barkeeper's Friend (oxalic acid powder). The front fork components were all in really good condition and it came apart without a fight, but the top bush needs replacing and shimming.

[Carlton green]

Alternative to a moulton?

Dawes Kingpin.

A quote from 'another place'.

"Over the years I've owned a variety of small wheeled bikes
as that little Dawes fired an enthusiasm for the small wheel concept.
I have owned a variety of Moultons and Bromptons but despite their high cost
they have not been much of an improvement on our original Dawes Kingpin."

So by any cost benefit criteria, the Dawes Kingpin
is clearly a superior machine and a viable alternative.

I wonder, please, where that other other place is?

A Kingpin temps me, but their particular variation of/on 20” wheels does create issues which are a hassle to work around.

[jimlews]

HA HA.

The 'other place' was the V-CC

Veteran - Cycle Club

September Newsletter of the Hereford Section.

Edit.
The usual workaround re: the wheels is to use Ahem! (whisper it)Moulton Wheels.

[Sid Aluminium]

I think Raleigh or its successors may still own some key F-frame patents.

Active 50~60 year-old patents? I think not, unless Brexit withdrew the UK from the World International Patent Organization and the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

[Mick F]

What I've been considering, is maybe bicycle frames aren't patented?

Just reminiscing regarding my Raleigh Chopper in 2010 and riding it over a few years as well as doing JOGLE on it ............

It stuck me on numerous occasions, and still does now, that the bike was a ton weight but actually well designed.
I enjoyed riding it despite the weight, and enjoyed the conversations and admirations from people.
Took it up on the rear rack of the car to show it off at the Custom Bike Show in Billing Aquadrome.
http://brcams.co.uk/forum/
Whilst driving up the motorways, cars would overtake with people taking photographs of it.

What I've been considering ........... but may never happen ............ to get a Chopper frame made from something lightweight rather than Raleigh gaspipe.

[rogerzilla]

I think Raleigh or its successors may still own some key F-frame patents.

Active 50~60 year-old patents? I think not, unless Brexit withdrew the UK from the World International Patent Organization and the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

Sorry, held (in the early 80s, when the AM series of spaceframes was launched).

The Bridgestone Moulton was probably only possible because of patent expiry.