Famed bicycle designer Dr. Alex Moulton passes away

His small-wheeled, truss-framed bicycles may never have become commonplace, but Dr. Alex Moulton contributed far more to the transportation industry than many may realize. He passed away Sunday at age 92.

A short note from the Moulton Bicycles website reads:

It is with great sorrow that Shaun Moulton and The Moulton Bicycle Company announce the news that Dr. Alexander Eric Moulton CBE, distinguished engineer and inventor, passed away peacefully in the company of his family and staff on Sunday evening, 9th December 2012, at the age of 92.

Dr. Moulton was an inspiration for generations of engineers, designers and inventors. Educated at Marlborough and Cambridge, Alex Moulton worked at Bristol Aeroplanes as assistant to Sir Roy Fedden during WW2. He joined Bradford on Avon rubber manufacturers Spencer Moulton in 1945, leading a new research team. His collaboration with Sir Alec Issigonis resulted in Moulton suspension, including ‘Hydrolastic’ and ‘Hydragas’ systems, being employed in over twelve million British cars from the original Mini to the MGF.

Dr. Moulton was also famous for his revolutionary small-wheeled, full-suspension Moulton bicycle – very popular in the 1960s and still built by hand in Bradford on Avon by a loyal team of engineers, technicians and craftsmen. 

Moulton Bicycles are known for their distinctive truss frames, small wheels, and dual suspension and were first introduced in 1962. While originally designed as city bikes, the Moulton range gradually expanded into touring and performance models. Each is entirely designed and hand-built in Briton. 

Read more about Moulton Bicycles at its website.