Pashley Moulton TSR 27

[Jonty]

My son is thinking of buying a Pashley Moulton TSR 27 separable version. I think he's intrigued by the design and having something different.
He prefers it over the TSR 30 because of the lower gears and the straight bars, although he hasn't ridden a Moulton yet.
Could someone please advise me on 2 points? First I've read that there seem to be some issues to do with the reliability of the gears on the TSR bikes. Is this a problem and does it apply to the TSR 27?
Secondly, where is a good place to buy which could give him advice on sizing, make any adjustments for height and reach if necessary and let him try it out?
He's 6 foot 2 and should with a bit of luck be accommodated by their standard frame size which apparently can take someone with an inside leg measurement of 27 to 35 inches.
Given the price of used Pashley Moultons and his relative lack of cycling knowledge, I think that on balance he's probably right to buy new.
Thank you
Jonty

[patmac]

My son is thinking of buying a Pashley Moulton TSR 27 separable version. I think he's intrigued by the design and having something different.
He prefers it over the TSR 30 because of the lower gears and the straight bars, although he hasn't ridden a Moulton yet.
Could someone please advise me on 2 points? First I've read that there seem to be some issues to do with the reliability of the gears on the TSR bikes. Is this a problem and does it apply to the TSR 27?
Secondly, where is a good place to buy which could give him advice on sizing, make any adjustments for height and reach if necessary and let him try it out?
He's 6 foot 2 and should with a bit of luck be accommodated by their standard frame size which apparently can take someone with an inside leg measurement of 27 to 35 inches.
Given the price of used Pashley Moultons and his relative lack of cycling knowledge, I think that on balance he's probably right to buy new.
Thank you
Jonty

Hi. Put my post up before I noticed yours. You won't mind if I filch any information you get? They are an intriguing design, and the more I think about the examples at the Bike Show, the more I feel I'll have one in the stable before long.

[Gearoidmuar]

I have one, and have toured on it. I'm 6ft 2.5 inches with a 33 inside leg. Big enough for me. There are some aspects to consider.
1. They are a bit heavy.
2. The ride is great, unless you stand up, but you get used to that.
3. Unless you can get Haro tyres, they are a bit slower.
4. Very strong.
5. The splittability which takes about 2 mins is very handy at times.
6. The gearing on mine (2x7) could've been lower for touring.
7. The is more maintenance than a normal bike. You have to do a job on the rear pivot periodically and on the front suspension as well. That is the biggest disadvantage.
8. Luggage is a slightly kludgey business. I used a large Ortlieb racktop bag held on with crocodile clips.

[Jonty]

Thanks very much for that. The servicing you refer to - can that be done by a "normal" bike shop or does it require specialist attention?
Also, is there a difference between the Pashley Mounlton TSR 27 and the Moulton TSR 27 or are they the same bicycle with a slightly different name?
I've read somewhere that you can "test ride" Moulton bikes at their special "track" at the factory in Wiltshire. Do you know anything about this, for example, is this service only offered if you are considering one of the very expensive bikes?
Sorry to hear about the few issues you had with the bike and the lack of positive response from the dealer and factory. That shouldn't happen with any product and that includes premium British products.
A few more questions have occurred to me: did the dealer advise you on the reach of the bike and the positioning of the handlebars and was a jig-fitting session available in order to help establish a good set-up?
jonty

Note to patmac
I've taken over your thread! Bad mistake going to the cycle show. I can tell from reading your thread that you're hooked and you'll have a Pashley Moulten sooner rather than later. Thank goodness I didn't take up cycling until rather late in life or else the house would be stuffed with bikes.
jonty

[Cunobelin]

Depending where you live.......

There is an evil den of shiny things in Bath called "Avon Valley Cycles" , who also trade under FoldingBikes.co.uk.They do al sorts , but have also had a long relationship with the Moulton in all its shapes and forms.

I have test ridden a few bikes, and always been impressed with the honesty, knowledge and helpfulness. If you can, ring them in advance and then go and see them.

[Gearoidmuar]

Mine is not a Pashley 3x7 but a Moulton APB, practically the same thing.
The servicing is quite simple and you can do it yourself, but it's time-consuming. What I did is that I had worked out the perfect position handlebars, saddle etc and sent the dealer from whom I bought it my requirements which were
1 Saddle height xcm from centre of bottom bracket.
2. ycm from centre of saddle (where seat pin would intersect it) to centre of handlebar next to handlebar stem
3. zcm from top of handlebar to top of saddle, vertically.

I've found that these measurement translate very effectively bike to bike.
It was perfect when I got it.

[Jonty]

I admire your technical ability. If I did my own measurements it would probably come out like a penny farthing.
Received a prompt and helpful reply to my recent email to the Moulton Bicycle Company. Shaun Moulton has responded "The TSR 27 has the lowest range of gears. The Moulton TSR is made at the Pashley factory on our jig and fixtures. The TSR is leaps and bounds beyond the original APB in weight, braze and frame quality and performance. The TSR 27 comes in tungsten. iF you would like another colour there is an additional £50 charge".
Could you tell me what sort of luggage carrying arrangements you have? I think my son would be into day rides so perhaps a rack and back bag would suffice and he could probably do without mudguards. Like me I think he prefers a hot bath and a malt when it's raining.
Would you recommend any extras which you have or now wish you had had with hindsight?
Apart from the CTC Forum and the Moulton factory, I'm finding it quite difficult to find out about Moultons as I don't know anyone who has one, access to their forum is denied to non-members and Mouton Buzz doesn't seem to offer the information which I would find helpful although to be fair this may reflect more on my IT skills and the age of my computer.
Thanks
jonty

[moultoneer]

There is an active user group on yahoo which anyone can join:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/moultonbicycle/

There is a Moulton TSR rear rack and bag - the bag can be quickly unclipped and carried. There is also a front pannier if you need to carry more.

The suspension servicing is not required very often, and can be done by owners.

There's a list of dealers on the Moulton website:
http://www.moultonbicycles.co.u

[Jonty]

Thanks everyone for all his info. - much appreciated. I've noted the point about the tyres from Gearoidmuar. The TSR 27 rings all the right bells with its wide range of gearing including low gears.
I was interested in the New Series HTS but I doubt if this is a practical proposition as there is year to wait and the price is £5,500. (If you have to ask the price you can't afford it).
Benhaywood cycles in Cambridge have been helpful and I'll advise my son to order through them. They will put on the extras and set the bike up for you. They don't deliver but you can collect. They are located quite close to the train station.
jonty