FAQ: Fold or S&S?

Do Moultons fold or have S&S couplings?

Answer: No, and No.

Moulton frames do come apart quickly, cleanly and easily. Even the simple models can be separated in seconds with practice. Moultoneers understand what Kahlil Gibran meant when he wrote that "love knows not its own depth until the hour of Separation."

I was reminded of old Gibran's assertion at a small wheel folding rally in Philadelphia a few years back. There was a riding-folding-running-reassembling-riding test (take it apart, if it did not fold) performed on current model bikes and a select batch of older models going back to the 1960s. Every name you could name was there. The winner was a 1960s-1970s Ross folder, second went to an elegantly dressed Brompton rider, third place was a Moulton New Series Stainless (I was the pilot). There were over twenty entries, as I recall, and it drew an enthusiastic crowd in downtown Philly; maybe a couple of hundred people (It was a long and busy sidewalk in the Old Town). The point I am trying to make is that an S&S coupled bike would have placed dead last times three in this competition. I hear the S&S comparison a lot -- it is misleading. I sell S&S coupled bikes and like them, by the way.

The separation feature of the Moultons is fantastic, but it is the least significant feature of the bike, because the ride, handling and easy & stable carrying of luggage is superb. As for folding, to paraphrase a US congresswoman, a bike that folds may capture our attention but will not achieve its mission.

The Moulton carries the day in Philly!

Pieter Maris, the world's fastest folder—boldly starting in the Maillot Jaune
(also a noted Moultoneer)

(…or at least, carries the Silk Paratrooper)

Our hearty "congratulations" go out to Pieter Maris for mercilessly slaughtering the Brompton competition at the annual Trophy Bikes' ROUND UP USA folding contest. It comes as no surprise to us, as the "Silk Paratrooper" was manufactured in the same sophisticated country that also produces the innovative Bridgestone Moulton bicycle. Thanks to Alex Moulton for designing a bicycle capable of easily transporting the victorious "Silk" folder to the starting line.

As a side note, it is rumored that Pieter's UK-produced Moulton is powered by Dutch Milk, Belgian Beer, Irish Whiskey, French Wine and American Freedom Fries. Also, I am certain the lighting system on that Moulton is manufactured in Germany—where there is no speed-limit.

"Dr. Who" fans may recognize Pieter from the episode filmed in North Carolina

(Ref.: Jim Foreman's Touring on a Folder piece on Bicycle Touring 101.)

Yours in Cycling,
Gilbert Anderson

North Road Bicycle Imports
PO Box 840
166 Court Square
Yanceyville, NC 27379
USA
Yanceyville: 336-421-4054
Raleigh: 919-828-8999
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E-mail: cyclestore@aol.com