Life begins at 40 for Moulton bicycles

The misconception that Britain has lost its expertise in manufacturing is debunked by countless success stories from engineering companies around the country including bicycle builders Moulton, who this year celebrate their fortieth anniversary.

The distinctive small-wheeled bikes have built a loyal following among cycling enthusiasts who value the light and stiff, but comfortable steel frame.

The production process is highly labour intensive, but no less accurate for it; the frame and forks take thirty hours to assemble but the build tolerance is no greater than 0.25mm.

While Britain each year imports around 2.5 million bikes, mainly from China and Taiwan, a renewed interest in British craftsmanship and classically-styled designs has been good news for the likes of Pashley, Brompton and Moulton.

Whilst not a folder in the same sense as a Brompton or Dahon, the Moulton frame can be disassembled and is eligible for cycle insurance discounts of up to 40% for folding bicycles