In a message dated 10/23/00 1:13:10 PM, Chuck_Taylor@gmo.com writes:
<< -frame - only discernible marking is "Moulton 4-speed" along the sides of the main frame member, kind of light blue color -fork, looks to have most of the suspension parts and headset, no boot, stamped dropouts w/ eyelets. -rear wheel with fa 4sp hub but missing the outer bit to which the cog attaches. Original tho a bit cracked, rubber. -front wheel with oiler clip, solid axle, similar rubber to rear -rear fender with reflector. -bottom bracket w/ left crankarm
No racks, but the guy said he'd send them, along with the rh crankarm and whatever else he can find.
What have I got? What do I need? Do you know of an online information resource?
Thanks in advance for any information.
-Chuck Taylor Boston, MA >>
Chuck,
I gleaned this from Tony Hadland's book "The Moulton Bicycle." You should get a copy as it is invaluable. I plan to have some soon.
If it was indeed chrome (not blue) it is a Moulton Safari (of the best quality of the day) or a Stowaway (easy to see take apart joint) and very rare. I saw a Moulton Chrome Safari in the Moulton Museum in England this past September at Dr. Moulton's 80th birthday celebration. It was stunning.
It is not clear if yours was a "M3"(Mark III I think) Safari or the Safari "S" made near Dr. Moulton's home in Bradford-on-Avon.
The M3 was offered in a non catalog blue and weighed 41 lbs with carriers front and rear, 2 headtube mounted bottle cages, and steel rims and 4 speed wide range hub. Payload for carriers (you want these as they are hard to find and may be unique to this machine) was 20 lbs for the front and 50 lbs for the rear. The wheels were 16x1-3/8 inches as used on some recumbents. If the blue paint is original it may be another Moulton 4 speed which I have a copy of myself and would not have bottle mounts on the headtube. Still it could be a fine machine.
An optional 2 speed rear derailluer could be combined with the 4 speed hub for eight useable gears (more usable non duplicate gear ratios than the 10 speed options usually offered at the time). That was a pretty trick setup. The 4 speed hub you have is easy to find a cog as I have 15-24 tooth ones in stock but if other parts are needed you may have a good hunt. If the driver may be the same as the AW (I'd have to check) you are in luck. I have several 4 speeds but I am not sure of the parts you need.
There was also a deluxe version called the Safari "S" model built under the supervision of 1930's cycling Olympian Jack Lauterwasser. Alloy wheels, front fork spoke lock, and vertical dropouts (maybe) were featured. Also the some cables are routed through the frame. Chrome was an optional finish with blue decals. This model weighed a respectable 30 lbs. and was introduced in 1965. I am led to believe it has 17 inch wheels like some modern Moulton's which makes tires amazingly easier to get as their are now several manufacturers. Wolber/Michelin and Bridgestone both make tires to fit.
You can help me if you want to help me build my Moulton museum with a non tax deductible donation or sale (I have yet no Safari's) or I can he help you with alloy or steel 16x1-3/8 rims and high pressure tires.
There are some large and nice performing bags developed for the Safari range which are being reproduced in the Midlands which I hope to import soon. I also sell and import the entire range of Moulton Bicycles and current parts.
If you have any real technical questions or need suspension parts or guidance the Moulton Bicycle Club has an easy to find website (Find Alex Moulton's site) with tips. Parts are exchangeable with Moulton Preservation, a non profit organization. He even wants to catalog your serial number for the future too.
Michael Wolfe at Moulton Preservation 21 Cremore Rd. World's End Chelsea London SW10 ONB Enclose SAE when writing. He has a phone somewhere also. It may be on the clubs web site. Find the club's link by going to:
http://www.alexmoulton.co.uk/
As a hint for do not damage the rear rubber suspension element as their is no replacement available.
I am forwarding this to the list so others can offer parts or info.
Gilbert "Yours in Moultoneering" Anderson
Bicycle Outfitter
519 W. North St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
voice:919/828-8999
toll free: 800/321-5511
email: cyclestore@aol.com