Moulton weld quality

[FrankCrank]

Been watching a few videos of late about Moulton bikes, the pylon framed type in particular. High praise from all that I've seen so far, especially the ride comfort.

Today I perused a few on a well known auction site, and zoomed in on one to see how the welds looked, and was most disappointed

If this was a BSO on sale down at the local mall, I'd say it was to be expected, but for a Moulton?

Have also seen a video at the Moulton factory, and great care was being taken on the 200 or so brazed joints, so not sure about this particular example being so bad.

I believe Pashley took over production at some point, but even they have a better reputation than this.

Anyhows, maybe someone here is more knowledgeable on the subject, and can add some info that might explain such poor welding

 

[MadMalx]

The top-end ones are still made by Moulton in the original Bradford-on-Avon works (in the grounds of the late Alex Moulton's house) and are works of art, with prices to match - no idea about function.

 

[MadMalx]

Some discussion about manufacture by @rogerzilla here:

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/moulton-standard.303435/post-7440497

 

[404 Not Found Anywhere]

The earlier Pashley built APBs - and that APB14 is probably a very early model - definitely weren’t up to the build standards of the AM bikes. I have a 1990 AM14 and it is a marvel of construction. I think they were all brazed and carefully cleaned up before painting. The early APBs were made from gas pipes and TIG welded I think, and could well have been painted with Hammerite! The infill lattice which is 531 tubing on the AMs was solid rod on the APBs.

 

[rogerzilla]

Some discussion about manufacture by @rogerzilla here:

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/moulton-standard.303435/post-7440497

That's about the shonky 1960s ones rather than the current bikes, which are made by a successor company.

The APB was built to a price and has a bad reputation for rear triangles cracking. They were sometimes branded Land Rover!

 

[simongt]

As some wit once said about the Moulton Spaceframe model, if you need to ask the price, you can't afford one - !